Day Three

Chemo, day three; Brian is sleeping a great deal today but otherwise not yet feeling the effects of the chemotherapy drugs. Everyone is different as the medical staff remind us. How and when he will react will be individual.
Its mid- afternoon now and I'm sitting in his darkened room. He didn't really sleep during the night, but now the crazy combination of sleeping meds, benedryl, (for blood product reactions), and the chemo premeds are all conspiring. Good, though,to sleep. He has so little mobility right now, with his catheter, and the accompanying big saline bags which are continuously running through his bladder, and two PICC lines, one in each arm--not to mention the additional IV site in his hand because they are always running out of access for something--antibiotics, TPN..... sleeping is a relief, for both of us. He will be disappointed that he missed lunch, though. He's on a full-fluid diet now, so there is soup getting cold and vanilla ice cream getting warm on the tray beside his bed. The return to eating simply these sorts of things has been a real pleasure in the midst of so much discomfort.
Another small pleasure has been the IPod that Louise sent. And, at last, getting the laptop up and running in his room here--a feat I accomplished just today!!-will be a huge lift. Its going to feel like XMas when he wakes up this afternoon.
My week has been one of catching my breath, and catching up on meals and sleep while things are relatively stable. I've also been plowing through things governmental and technological. Seems having acute leukemia isn't at first glance convincing to EI. The powers that be decided originally that 7 weeks was enough, and it took a call to our MP (and a single hour after two months of phone calls) to straighten things out. Thank you, Gary Lunn.
Thanks also to the Salt Spring group who arranged for me to have a hotel room during these chemo days. Its a great gift.
As well,the quilt made by many hands on SSI is a constant on Brian's bed now, and much appreciated.
I bought some books to read to Brian courtesy of Dwight; today we're reading essays by David Sedaris. Smile inducing.
At last, now, Brian will be able to read your postings, and maybe begin on the emails. Sorry so many people have gone unanswered. We so appreciate you all.
love,
Joanne