This is Karen, posting for my parents tonight.
Dad's IV pole was busy all day long. He had two units of blood, platelets, four rounds of antibiotics, magnesium, anti-nausea drugs, lasix (diuretic to flush the kidneys), and saline. He also takes many pills: for his kidneys and liver, anti-fungal, anti-viral, painkillers, the new nerve pill, and anti-rejection. We are thankful for these medications to help Dad fight infection, provide relief from the chemo side effects, and protect his organs.
Dad's pain in his feet continues to bother him. The doctors think this is a side effect from the chemo. While he is on a new medication to help control his nerve endings, the only thing that brings relief is soaking his feet in a bucket of water. He can be found at all hours of the day and night, trying to stay awake and upright on the side of his bed with his feet soaking. He also has this in his hands to a lesser degree; he relieves this pain by having a wet cloth on his IV pole and wrapping his hands in it from time to time. We are waiting for the doctor to come examine Dad to see if this medication is working and perhaps increase the dosage.
Since his fever and blood infection, Dad continues to be very weak and exhausted. The fever has not returned and he continues on antibiotics, keeping the infection under control. He was only out of bed today once. When Andrea and I, and Dave and Bethany were visiting with him and Mom this afternoon, he kept falling asleep for a few moments and then waking up again. He feels badly about it, even when we reassure him that it's okay. He doesn't want us to leave him either, so we visit with one or two of us in small time frames and just let him sleep when he needs to. We will then go to the hospital atrium or the cafeteria to visit with Mom or each other as siblings.
Dad has a hard time sleeping for long periods of time (even during the night) due to the pain in his feet/hands/legs, the need for nurses to take vitals, changing medications on the IV pole, and trying to get up for the washroom. This truly is Dad's biggest struggle right now - his inability to sleep deeply for long periods of time. Even with being in bed and slipping in and out of sleep all day, he is exhausted.
Two positives from today were that his bilirubin numbers dropped from 300 to the 70s and that the swelling in his feet has gone down. The nurses aren't sure why the bilirubin dropped so quickly, but we are very thankful. He is a much better colour today. The swelling went down after Dad was given lasix. While this medication is no fun for Dad, it did bring needed relief for his swollen feet.
Today is Good Friday and it was good to celebrate with our church families this morning. Mom missed our own church's service connection by a few minutes due to the busyness of the morning here, so she was able to listen to Rev. Ancel Merwin's service in Thunder Bay. Dad was asleep and then the doctor visited during the service, so she got it in pieces.
Yesterday, I was able to celebrate Easter in a special way with my Grade 3/4 students as we led the Easter assembly at Covenant. How good it is to hear these young voices joyfully praise their Saviour! As I was introducing their new memory work song to the class, I was reminded anew at the Lord's providence and how He guides each moment of every day, no matter how small. The new hymn not only fit beautifully with the celebration of Easter but also gave good comfort and encouragement to rest in the Lord's care. I was able to share it with my parents yesterday and I'll end tonight's post with these words.
Hymn 68:1, 8 (from the Book of Praise)
Jesus is our sure defense.
Why should we then fear or waver?
All our hope and confidence
Rests on Him, our risen Saviour.
Even in our darkest hour,
He will shield us with His power.
To our God be thanks and praise:
He through Christ made us victorious.
Be then steadfast all your days;
See how death's defeat assures us
That in Him who comes again,
All your toil is not in vain.
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