This past two weeks have been a little crazy around here. It started on Tuesday, 23 February when Bruce tested positive for the swine flu (yes, he did have the shot but to no avail). By Friday he had become so dehydrated and sick that he required IV fluids. The doctor also discovered Bruce had pneumonia, so it was off to the hospital to be admitted. I really thought he would perk up after a day or two, but it was not that easy.
At the same time all three boys came down with a significant cough, my white cell count plummeted from chemo, and I had a weekend course to maintain my occupational therapy license. Thankfully, we had great help from my parents and Sue taking care of the boys while I attempted to limited my exposure to the them, spent some time with Bruce at the hospital, and attended my course on joint replacements.
Bruce was hospitalized for a full week, during which time he has almost 2 liters drained off of his right lung. He returned home on Friday and continues to require oxygen. His energy level is limited, but improving. He is hoping to back to work part-time next week. It is going to take awhile to get back to normal, but he is faithful about doing his breathing exercises and walking on the treadmill.
Although things have been crazy, we have learned valuable things through this reversal in roles. I understand the stress of maintaining the house and single parenting, while worrying about Bruce's well-being and he understands how difficult it is to feel sick, have no energy, and wish that you could help take care of our family. If anything, we have a greater appreciation for each other. So all though this has been a challange, it has also been a blessing.
Chemotherapy continues. 3 down, who knows how many to go. I have been tolerating it pretty well. It hasn't made me too sick, but my energy is starting to go and my blood counts are very low. I've required shots to boost my counts in order to continue treatment. It is discouraging and I pray that my body will be strengthened in this fight. My hair started to fall out about 5 days ago and each day it get worse, but so far I'm the only one who can tell.
All in all, we are doing well. The boys are happy and no worse for the wear. We are happy and on the mend. We are grateful for all of your help and prayers.
Love,
Jeanel
6 comments:
OH MY GOODNESS....um, a phone call to help you would have been nice! Instead I email you to help me.:) THANKS for helping today -- you're great.
I can see how the role reversal would be appreciated..in an odd sort of way.:)
Once again -- you are always in our prayers -- you're WHOLE FAMILY is and we love you very very much!!
I was happy to see your smiling face from the pulpit last week.
Thanks for the friendship.
Do they have you get nupogen shots? That is what they give to Odette to raise her counts. I am glad that Bruce is feeling better and that you didn't get sick through all this with your low counts. I am amazed by all that you still are able to do with all you are going through! Thanks for strengthening me and showing me it can be done!
I'm sorry I kept bombarding you with calls during that crazy time! Glad Bruce is doing better. Don't worry about losing your hair - you do the bald thing amazingly, you look beautiful no matter what!
Can I bring you anything? Like maybe an umbrella? Sheesh! You're always in my prayers. (Sorry about the hair! I was thinking on Sunday how cute you looked.)
Wow, Todd ended up with swine flu and pneumonia last fall too. Luckily he escaped with only a day of IV fluid being pumped in. Proves doctors aren't immune. Hope all your family gets better soon so that it's not so risky being around them. My prayers are with you!
Jeanel
Hey...hope you guys are feeling better and done with the crazy flu. OT classes always seem to be needed at the worst times!! (I say that as I'm registering online to get hours before my renewal!!) Once this snow melts....want to meet up for lunch? Take care....talk to you later
michelle
Post a Comment