Hiccups -- Word for the Day -- Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Hiccups

Definition: a spasmodic inhalation with closure of the glottis accompanied by a peculiar sound.

Here we are -- ready for bed. It is 10:30 p.m. and Chemo Sabe has developed the hiccups again from the chemo. He had them massively with the first round of chemo, if you recall. We got a prescription then and we still have it. He has had them about an hour and can't even talk without bellowing out a loud 'peculiar sound'. Funny? Yes. But annoying to him as they are uncontrollable.

We had a great evening with friend and co-worker from Chemo Sabe's work. She is the VP we have bragged about that is always available when he needs her. Ms. T..... Slim, beautiful woman with a great personality. Oh..... in September she will be 50... Everyone is invited to her party in New Jersey!!! We'll keep you posted! ha

Had good lab results today with a chemo bag change. Had to have a skin prick vein test for another lab function, too. That will be done once a week. Started the steroids yesterday so the energy levels have kicked into high with flushing in the face. Still working on his computer this late at night. He had his dose of about 15 pills this evening with four of them being Thalidomide. That is a chemo in pill form that will make his drowsy. He slept every well last night. So good I finally went to the couch downstairs around 4:00 a.m. because of snoring. One thing about his cancer and meds, I have not heard him snore in months until last night.

Dexamethezone (10 pills a day -- steroids) to get him up and running and Thalidomide to put him down at night.

Drove himself to work this morning and also to UAMS alone. Kept me posted during his bag change and then afterward. Got a schedule for his bag disconnect on Friday with his daily labs for the next two weeks. His growth factor shots will not begin until his WBC drops to 1.5. He is at 3.85 now so that means we have about a week to 1-1/2 weeks before he drops quickly. Below one will be when the stem cell transplant begins. Probably in two weeks.

If I am repeating myself it is so we will be reminded of the process and also be reminded that the process changes slightly, occasionally.

Hiccups -- slowing down some, but the steroids are still hanging in. I can't keep up with him. I am thinking if I just leave the 'computer' room he will not want to be in here alone and mosey on into the bedroom.

With that -- I again thank the Lord for a good day.

Please remember Chemo Sabe's mom that is still in the hospital. He was informed this afternoon she has a blood disorder related to ecoli. That is why the urinary tract infection began.

My mom received a good report on her follow-up visit regarding her cataract surgery. No pressure in the eyes and she has been released to see her regular eye doctor in three weeks.

Thank you again, Ms. T, for a wonderful evening away from stress and to you, our son, for coming by and letting the dogs out so we could get away a couple of hours, and the rest of you for your continued prayers.

Love -- Pepper