A Moment's Rest

I suppose if you wait long enough things do change.  In our case, Phil's blood sugars came down, he was transfused with platelets and RBCs and we both got some much needed sleep.  My migraine finally subsided and my hacking cough has settled down a bit.  I hesitate to say that we both feel more like ourselves again.  He certainly is looking more like himself than he has in about three weeks.


The first wave of the Cavalry (Tricia) left only to be reinforced by my sister Anita who drove down from Pasadena yesterday at rush hour - God bless her through and through.  I arrived at the hospital to bring him home today to find him dozing off for a quick nap after breakfast.  There's no hurry to get home other than the obvious desire to get outta here so I'm letting him catch some Zzzz's before the nurses come in and do their discharge song and dance.  Then we'll be on our way home to rest up until Monday's appointment with Dr. Kossman for the next round of chemo.


Yep.  The next round.  It will be smaller than previously thought due to the infusion reaction and the chances of having another just like it.  Phil does have the option of stopping the Campath and will have the weekend to consider this option.  He know's it's his last best option for a chance at remission.  He also knows there is the continued possibility of an infusion reaction with the next dose or two and the need for steroids should that happen. However, the literature suggests some people never have another reaction and that is what we are praying for.  There is just no way of knowing.


His endocrinologist is concerned that there may be some other underlying metabolic issues at play with his blood sugar control.  He did a cortisol suppression test to look at Phil's adrenal gland function while he was here in the hospital.  Prior to the Campath and the high blood sugars Phil was having incredibly LOW blood sugars in the morning and I was having difficulty rousing him from sleep.  His diabetes has been a very difficult disease to manage given the backdrop of lymphoma and the metabolic disturbances it creates.  I do not know the outcome of the suppression test yet but know that Phil's clinical picture continues to be confusing and very challenging to manage.  The road ahead narrows and his options lessen daily.  Nothing is easy or clear cut anymore.  I believe Monday will tell us a lot about the direction things will go from here.  


Until then we will enjoy Phil feeling better and having energy.  Olivia's 7th birthday will be celebrated with her friends at the bowling alley and we will praise God for the blessing and delight she is.  There will be joy in our home, laughter and respite from the troubles of the last few weeks.  We will enjoy this temporary peace.  We will rest.  We will be together.  Blessed be His name!