Nurse to the Rescue!

All of Woody's counts continue to be low...except for his creatinine (kidney function) level and that continues to rise and we are watching for that reading to go down. His platelets were low today so he received platelets (tonight's picture). His nurse pointed out to us that Woody had one of the signs of low platelets..."petetchiae." Petetchiae are small red or purple spots on the body caused by a minor hemorrhage...which we did find on Woody's legs and feet. He did have a slight reaction to receiving the platelets...I noticed a round spot on his cheek and then we found a few hives on his stomach...benedryl was given for that.

Woody had lots happen this morning...they came in and took 16 vials of blood...he thought that was a record, but we found out later that they had taken that much about 10 days ago. He got weighed and found out that he had lost 6 1/2 pounds since yesterday...so a total loss of 8 1/2 pounds in two days...although those who are trying to lose weight might think that this sounds wonderful...his weight loss has all be in fluid loss...so not so ideal in the number of trips to the bathroom! His breathing is less labored today...but he still tires very easily. He is supposed to be picking up in his drinking to get his kidneys functioning correctly...but water (any liquid) isn't very appealing to him...he hasn't drunk more than sips in the last few days...he "tried" to drink more today...rather I "tried" to get him to drink...not sure that I was very successful!

He is calling his IV pole his "dancing partner." But he will tell you that there is a major problem as he doesn't dance! He is only connected to an IV for medicine at this point. They don't want to put in any more fluid than is necessary at the moment...but he IS SUPPOSED to be DRINKING!!!!!!!!

I left a bit earlier this evening as he was getting pretty sleepy. He had me turn off the computer and he was hoping to get some sleep in between trips to the bathroom, vital sign taking, and other interruptions. They did give him some more Lasix this afternoon...but they can't give him too much since his creatinine continues to rise. I had the nurse print off this morning's reports and then I checked his creatinine levels when they were so high when he was at Vanderbilt...and they still have a long way to go to get that high...hoping that upward trend starts going down soon!

When the doctors talk to him, they continue to tell him how pleased they are with the way things have gone so far. It is just a waiting game for him to start rebounding...so far not much rebound...have no idea how long it will be and we haven't asked! We have been here for two weeks now...they told us from the get-go that we would be here a minimum of three weeks.

When I got ready to take a picture of the bag of platelets that he was receiving, I assured the nurse that I wouldn't get her in the picture...just the bag of platelets. But, she asked to be in the picture...she's hoping that some eligible man out there reading this will take note of her and be in contact with us about her!