Well, I promised Selena an update for you, so here goes.
On last report, I think I was needing some additional O2 to relieve the “fluid overload” (as described by the cardio team). First, fluid was prescribed to relieve the calcium excess – and then the chemo also included massive amounts of fluid – (I gained 10 lbs in one day) – so they gave me Lasik to get rid of the excess.
Let me tell you – that stuff is no joke. And the massive swing in fluid weight over the span of a few days was not awesome. I lost so much fluid so fast that the elevated calcium I was admitted for plummeted to the point that I needed it supplemented by IV. And a few other things like magnesium.
To add to the excitement, depending on which cardio doc you spoke with, I had a touch of pneumonia. And it whipped my *ss, but good. Ended up needing O2 after the nurse woke me in the middle of the night with some sort of “hey are you still alive and have brain function” quiz. Guess the O2 dropped to the low 80’s, which I’m told is not good. A day or so of extra air seemed to help, lol. Did I mention the extended fever? Seems like I did.
Honestly, I felt like I’d run a few marathons back to back and just needed to recover. (No, never ran a marathon so I’m not really sure it’s a fair comparison, but I did do multi-mile hikes with an 80lb ruck and grenade launcher).
They finally released me Saturday – but I probably should’ve stayed another day – just felt like, well, I suppose I’ve already made that clear. Bad news was – I had to return on Sunday to get a flippin’ Neupogen shot. (to boost the immune system they were intent on wrecking). So no rest for the wicked. I was really cranky and apologize to Robin and Selena. I’d like to blame it on the steroids, but it was just me being cranky.
So I’ve been TRYING to take it easy – at least physically – since getting home after the shot Sunday, but I’m still feeling only about 40%. Folks, this one really took a lot out of me, and I’m in no hurry for a repeat. I’m told Covid is much like this for some people. Yikes.
All this said – I got to spend some super-quality time with Jesus, some great TV programming from Milwaukee’s WVCY (who I want to visit and pick up a few of their books), and was able to again be super-focused on that which is most important. My Christian calling and the mission field. I’ll be putting some of those plans into action soon. After all, none of us is guaranteed another day. 🙂
Testing of Your Faith
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Is that enough for now? Hope so. Thanks for sticking with me. Plans are to get labs tomorrow and maybe an infusion. And probably twice-weekly trips until the CAR-T therapy opens up. Could I have any. more. fun? I don’t think so. lol.
Hey, take a sec to reflect on my woes and then appreciate where you are right now. I still do. And it’s probably because I have such a great support system beginning with my rock-star wife. And family. And friends. Blessings, y’all.
