I was finally able to go up there yesterday and spent all afternoon with him. It was his birthday and I brought him some big balloons. At 5:30 when everyone was off work the whole family (9 of us) showed up and we had a party in his room. Just an icecream cake and funny gifts. He ate his share of the cake and seemed happy and surprised.
But he looks so bad. I was really shocked as this is the first time I have been able to go up and see him. They have been giving him shots daily to raise his blood count. That has been working so now the antibiotics are helping and the fever stays low. They have also discovered that he does have a blockage in his kidney but we dont know what they plan to do about it yet. He is still too weak to do anything at this time. They say that he will be moved to the skilled care nursing unit as soon as there is an opening. Today he had some bad coughing spells and they had to give oxy as he just couldnt breathe. But chest exrays dont show anything. They are telling us that if/when he does improve some that it is doubtful he will be able to go home as he lives alone. Its a day by day thing.
I remember when my mother had cancer . . . I had been living with my dad and going to college, so I didn't see her much the first few months, just on breaks. It was easily a month between visits, and each time it was shocking to see how much she had changed. My step-dad didn't notice it because her change on a daily basis was much more subtle. I left school to take care of her. Later in her illness I went home for a week, and when I came back there was that same disorientation.
However, it sounds like Roy is in good spirits, and that's half the battle. He may not be able to go home alone, but it sounds like the treatment is becoming effective and there is a possibility of removing the blockage. It feels like good news.
I have a vague hope that he will be able to get a day pass to spend Christmas with the family, but of course that depends on so many things. And another trip to his home, which made so much difference for my mom. But it takes energy to do those things and that is a precious commodity.
Thanks for the update on Roy. It's so nice that he has such a loving family. I bet that meant more to him than going home...just to see how much he's loved.
Good thoughts and prayers are sent to you and Roy. I hope your foot is much better, please let us know how you're doing too.
Sunlion is absolutey right, the mental is just as important as the physical. My mom held on much longer than they thought she would. She was holding on to see me graduate from high school, and she did. She did die the next day though, because her body just couldn't take it any longer. The doctors were amazed she made it that long, but she did, on nothing but determination.
I'm so glad Roy has his family rallying around him. It makes all the difference in the world to have that support.
Well I have just returned from the hospital. Have been there all day today. They are still doing tests so nothing really new to tell anyone. He is still in good spirits but of course he does not believe he is that ill. He is in a sort of denial period. He is still too weak to even sit up to eat so I dont hold much hope for him being well enough to come home for Xmas.
Catarina..... My foot is improving slowly but still far from well. And of course I have been on it too much today so it is twice the size it should be...
Have doctors app in the morning to get it checked again, uck as that means another drive into the city!!
Everyone...KF's computer is still broke. Hopefully he will be back online Monday night.
Sure sounds like you've been very busy Meme. That's so unselfish of you to be with him all day. I bet he's so grateful.
I hate to see you not taking care of that foot, but you know what's best for you. I know no one can say a word to me about things like that. Maybe your doctor will give you the verbal lashing you need to stay off of it. I'm teasing...I just hope it heals quickly so you can get out and enjoy yourself.
Meme, I only saw this thread today. I hope Roy feels a little better... I am sure all the love he is receiving from his family and friends will help him through...
I just want to take this opportunity to tell everyone how darn proud I am of Barbara. This is not the first time she has worked through personal pain to tend others. This is one classy lady. She's not real big,but her heart is 10 ft tall.
As always Kitten,you are in my heart,prayers and thoughts every day. Love you much.
Well here is the latest. A bit of good news but mostly bad...
First the good news is they finally got his blood count up some and got rid of the infection that was causing the fevers. They did this by giving him shots to raise the blood count and by giving blood along with antibiotics. So we were thinking he would maybe be with us for awhile after all.
Then the kidney problem got worse and they did tests to see what was going on. They didnt find anything in the kidneys.
Yesterday they did a cystoscope and biopsy(?)of the bladder. Well it showed that it is all full of tumors. Doctors are sure it is cancer but wont know what kind exactly until the results of the tests come back. They put a stint in and his urine is red with blood from the cancer and the surgery. He has had his limit of radiation and can not withstand major surgery so there is not much of anything else that they can do except make him comfortable.
Well thats about it for now. Thanks again for all the prayers...
Sorry to hear of this news. I pray that they keep him as comfortable as possible...it's a rough time; I don't even know what to say, but my prayers are with you and Roy.
Thanks Cat.... I spent the evening up there with him and then have been talking to Wayne since I got home... He has been there for me during all these hard times and I dont know what I would do without him!!!
meme i am so sorry to hear your bad news i have not been here for a while,what with xmas and visiting mum in the nursing home,anyway my prayers will go out for you and roy,i just wish there was more i could do,take care kerry