Wednesday's Events

Bobby had another rough evening & night last night. The nausea continues although (until a few hours ago) he hasn't been vomiting as much. Around 10:00 this morning, the doctor's made rounds and he told them that he was seeing something orange in his vision. Just like the course before, this is a reason to stop the IL-2. It was wonderful that he started feeling better very quickly. Bobby was soon sitting up, chatting, holding a nice conversation with the nurse. The nurse found that his Hickman catheter (IV in his upper chest) had been tugged on and had gotten pulled out of place. The amount it moved is about 1/8" but that was enough for the cuff to come out. The line can't stay that way although they are able to continue to use it until it gets removed just before we go home. I expect that we will go home tomorrow morning. I will promise Bobby that if he stays tonight, I will have him out bright and early. He'd like to go home tonight, but he doesn't realize how much he is still pretty sick. There is still some confusion, and he needs reminded that even though he thinks and feels good--that changes in a second and he is back in bed with chills, vomiting, and is ready to sleep. We need to get those kidneys functioning a little better too. Bobby got up to dose 8. They held dose 5 due to his vital signs, but to get 7 doses this time around is terrific. I think he would tell you that each dose he got was horrible and he was begging to go home after dose 2. His nurse last night told him that the IL-2 is the hardest therapy they have up here. The side effects are nasty. I'm really proud of him, he suffered through this-despite the misery he was experiencing. He is still miserable but that will improve slowly over the next few days. The Hickman will be removed before we go home. It will need to be placed again, but they agreed that he could wait until he NEEDS it again in 7-8 weeks and get the new one then. This makes him happy (a little happy) because he won't have the Hickman for the summer. He will be able to swim, get wet...it really was a pain with the dressing and wires. So, we'll be heading home soon...if not tonight then it will be in the morning. We will let everyone know if he feels up to calls or visitors as the week goes on. I will have to work some this weekend so I doubt that he'll be up to having visitors if he is home trying to rest. It is easier when I'm there to help him shower, fix meals, get things for him...We'll keep you posted as to how he is feeling. P.S. I am so thankful for everyone that has volunteered to bring meals by every day for the next 2 weeks! You guys are amazing--and a special thank you to Pam Shank for coordinating all of this! Take care...and don't forget your sunblock!