Cathy (Becca and I) had her prechemo appointment at the Cross today. She had blood work done and then met with her nurse and Dr Sawyer.
The tumor has been screwing around with Cathy's calcium levels. When they are high she is constipated, has muscle aches and pains and feels really, really crappy. As well, high calcium levels cause dehydration. Cathy spent time at the Cross on three consecutive days getting IV fluids to rehydrate her. She was also given a medication that binds to calcium and gets it out of her body. Although the nurse thought the calcium would leave the body through her urine, she was wrong to Cathy's detriment. Cathy spend an awful night having explosive diarrhea that got all the calcium finally out of her body. Consequently she feels much better now that her calcium levels are back closer to normal.
Today we got Cathy set up for homecare nursing - and while the details have yet to be finalized, right now the plan is for the nurse to come in and help her shower/bath a couple of times a week. She also is going to get a handicapped placard for her car, and got a wheelchair, cane and (wahoo) raised toilet seat.
Cathy also managed to catch a cold this week and has been coughing so much she can't sleep, Dr Sawyer gave her cough medication and some other meds to help her sleep and relieve some of the anxiety she has been suffering from.
Cathy is starting her second cycle of chemo tomorrow and her Mom will be coming to spend the time with her at the Cross. While there Cathy is going to have some more blood drawn - she might need to have her synthroid levels adjusted. The home care nurse will come and talk to her about what they are putting in place and the dietician is supposed to see her as well. She has been prohibited from eating things with calcium in it so she needs some info from the dietician.
With all the love people I know are sending to Cathy through me, I could have spent 5 hours hugging her today. I would have liked that...I think she would have too.
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Cathy,I am trying to keep positive thoughts projecting out there. I'm glad that Auntie Joyce is able to get out to spend time with you. I remember her telling us how much you had helped her when she was ill. My mom has left for Arizona but will be back for Christmas. I keep her updated on your progress based on the info in this blog. She sends her best as well. Take care. Love, Dorri
ReplyDeleteCathy, I am so glad to hear that you were feeling better now that the calcium is out of your body. Sandy said you even were giggling some. Giggle on princess giggle on. Love and hugs Lynn
ReplyDeleteFrom what I know lots of people are planning to make visits with Aunt Cathy to help out around the house etcetra. I can create an online calender so that we can see who and when people want to come help. If this interests you let me know via email imunalia( a t )gmail.com I will send you a link to view and edit the calender.
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