Karen's High Dose Chemo Diary

1 more day to go

To: wellness < This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it >
Subject: 1 more day to go
From: Harry Patterson < This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it >
Date: Thu, 04 Feb 1999 21:41:45 -0500

Karen's day was up and down today. She rested well through the night and was awake enough around lunch to have the nurse help her with a shower (apparently a rarity at this point in her treatment). Every time she got up to move around the room or make sudden movements in bed she would be be sick for a short period of time. She was able to get more rest today than yesterday and will hopefully rest through the night.

I saw several people today that we had met during pheresis. I saw Linda Eagan walk past the door and stepped out to talk to her. She had finished her chemo yesterday and was waiting for the medical pouch that would automatically dispense medication for the next two weeks. I haven't seen these up close or gotten the training on them yet, so I will give a better update in two days. I also ran in to Hank again as I came off the elevator. His wife was the one that had to have her ring cut off and whom we also met during pheresis. We shared car buying stories (he is a shipping salesman) and discussed his wife's progress. She had her final day of chemo today and was doing much better by 6:00 when I was talking to Hank. Unfortunately I also talked with the husband of the women in the room next to Karen. his wife has a rare form of Leukemia and is in for a umbilical cord stem cell transplant. During her treatment last week she had a stroke and is now somewhat paralyzed on one side. Her husband appeared to be holding up well, but I'm sure in a state of shock. We wish them well.

I'd like to also take this time to thank and recognize the fine nursing staff we have had during our stay. They work long hours, are very dedicated, have some pretty nasty jobs to do and still have the time to be caring and sympathetic.

Until tomorrow,

Harry