Friday, May 18, 2012

Day 12 - Friday, March 18th

No additional chemo today.  Lingering constant nausea, but the meds control it enough that Ryan can eat a few things.  Cereal & milk seems to do best.  Ryan noted that it's strange to want a cheeseburger, while at the same time feeling nauseated at the prospect of eating one. 

He gets quite lightheaded when he showers.  The heat of the shower dilates the blood vessels in the skin and blood pools in the leg veins when standing.  So blood is diverted away from his central circulation, decreasing the blood flow - hence the delivery of oxygen - to his brain and vital organs.  This often happens in "normal" people, but is much more pronounced in someone with significant anemia whose oxygen delivery is marginal even when the flow to organs is normal.  We'll need to get him a shower chair so he can safely sit and shower and avoid the risk of fainting and hitting his head (especially with his low platelet count......).

Sophia and Brian spent most of the day with their mom - a rare treat for all of them since they live so far apart (Wanda's in Mexico, Sophia in Utah and Brian in North Dakota). 

MeiLin did very well in her NYSSMA performance.  She got an excellent rating, but was beating herself up for not getting outstanding.  I think it's outstanding that a fifth grader even competes!!

Kaia is stilll searching for someone to spend the night with - she loves overnights, and it never seems to work out according to her plans.  So she's disappointed.  Maybe tomorrow.......

Tim was late getting back into town, so we're going to call it a day and try to get some rest now.

Brian flies out at  am to return to his job in ND.  We will miss him.  He has helped us out a lot in the past 10 days.  We will miss his easy manner, sense of humor, and genuine goodness.  And Darby will miss getting to sleep in the bed with his buddy!

We're very happy with Ryan's progress so far.  But we fully realize that he has just started this trek.  We look forward to the additional strength that will come from Sunday's fast. 
---Barb


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