Just a quick entry to update Ed's progress. Ed's white blood cells are now plummeting and he is now quarantined. This is calle Neutropenia and he is wide open to infections. We still have to travel daily to the hospital, but he has to remain isolated. Vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, urine output, and blood counts are monitored daily. Starting Tuesday there will be a visiting nurse stopping by to check vital signs and administer a nightly dose of antibiotics.
Ed's white cell count is down to 5 thousand. Red blood cells are at 10.3/30 and his platelets have dropped from 196 to 156. This is all expected and normal. Since he is off the Decatron (steroid) his blood sugar levels have finally gone down. His only side effects right now are his extreme tiredness, funny taste in his mouth, and a slight headache. He is prone to diarrhea right now because the chemo has caused the stomach cells to shed. Special Imodium is on hand for this side effect. Next we are waiting for the hair cells to shed. Last night we purchased a special electric razor to eventually shave his head. Ed has to be extremely careful not to cause any bleeding or cuts where bacteria can enter. He has to avoid flossing and has to clean his teeth with special swabs and solutions.
Unfortunately the cats have not been cooperative to Ed's plight. For some reason they spent the morning winding around Ed's legs and trying to make him trip. They are fully taking advantage of his sedentary status, and find typical feline ways to annoy him. Read "The Black Cat" by Edgar Allen Poe and you will know what Ed is thinking.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment