Dry Heaves -- Word for the Day -- Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Dry Heaves


Definition: repeated involuntary retching unaccompanied by vomit.

Not a pleasant entry for the Word today, but it will explain some of the challenges ChemoSabe has had this week. Although he continues to take himself to UAMS, he has had symptoms from this round that he hasn't had before. Before we had the stem cell collection, you may remember he told the doctor he felt great. No aches or pains or sickness. Then the doctor responded that wasn't a good sign. He was suppose to hurt and feel sick. He has gotten there on this trip.

He has come up rapidly the last few days. His WBC was 1.9 yesterday and today he zoomed up to 6.5. I was shocked when he called and told me the news this morning. He has gained 12 lbs. in two days. He came home with another infuser today of antibiotic and I had to flush the lines again.

He did sleep for the most part this afternoon, but went to bed at 5:30 p.m. He had just laid down when I heard his feet hit the floor. His nausea from the last two days finally was relieved by dry heaves. I don't mind being sick myself, but I just can't take him being that way. I got him back to bed and even though the RN told me last week not to give him Ativan, I needed to do something to get his body to relax. It is used for nausea, also. It would help the pressure he has had behind his eyes the last couple of days, too. He slept up to 8:00 and I convinced him he had to get something on his stomach. He has not eaten well this week. Says everything tastes sour. I made his favorite soup -- Minestrone, but he only took about 6-8 teaspoons.

I believe his illness this week is the result of the antibiotics and the growth factor shots. That, along with not eating well has just made him green. I do see a light at the end of the tunnel with his WBC coming up and his CRP going down.

Through all this tonight, he still doesn't complain. Every woman should have a husband like him. Crabby, yes... But, I know that is the meds he is on so I can deal with it. I just can't take him having the dry heaves. So, please God, let him rest tonight.

I have an update on my "Neighbor" story. I told my boss yesterday about the riding mower friend. My boss has a neighbor that lost her husband a couple of months ago and she ask him the night before if he knew of anyone needing a riding mower. As soon as I told him my story, he made arrangements for son and me to pick the mower up this weekend. Isn't God good? It may need a little work, but it will give me a the ability to do my yard and, (you know me by now) keep my pride. I just hate asking for help...I still haven't done well in that area of this illness.

The RN niece may be taking ChemoSabe in the morning if he is still ill. I have a training session at Ark. Baptist State Convention. At least I will get out before his lab appt and doctor appt. so I should be at UAMS by the time he gets there. I wish I could afford early retirement to be able to take care of him that way. But, he still would probably tell me he could take himself. He truly planned to go into the office today when he found out about the WBC. I could here the disappointment in his voice when he told me he was too sick to make it.

Dear Lord, I lift Poppy up to you this evening. Give him strength to make it through the next few days until his counts come up and his body continues through the healing process. Keep his spirits and good humor up. You have helped him so much in this area already. I need that part of him to keep myself up. Although he is sick, he still keeps me going. You have been with us so much the last few months. I know you are with us always, but your presence has been most alive in us lately. Thank you, Lord.

The bristle from new hair is starting to itch on the chrome doom. He has been shaving a couple of times the last few days. He loves his bald head so much I hate to tell him how much I miss his hair. He has changed so much. I am glad he has another doctor's appt. tomorrow.

I am going to depart now. Thank you for listening. Thank you for helping.

Good night and Love -- Pepper