I'd like to say that this week has flown by, but... let's just say that things have gone about as expected. We "checked in" to a lovely room right across the hall from the room we had before. Actually this one was significantly larger, thus they were able to bring a cot in for me - which has worked out really well since one of the scheduled doses is always at 2:00AM. The nurses and staff here at Stanford have been phenomenal. We really feel like we have been under great care!
Greg is hanging in there - the side effects definitely started earlier in the week than they did the first time around. We knew this would happen- too bad that mental preparation doesn't actually stop the symptoms. However, the good news is that even though Greg has put on 17 pounds of saline weight so far, very little of it has accumulated in his lungs this time. We would like to credit that to his efforts to stand up and walk more, and sit and sleep in a more upright position, but the nurses don't seem convinced that this is what made the difference. In any case, we are grateful that he has not had the breathing problems that he had before. Of course this time, he has been more plagued with somewhat concerning high heart rates due to his 104+ high fevers, so I guess we replaced the one with another.
Mason and our niece Kasha drove down from EDH today to surprise Greg. I think that it really cheered him up (although he doesn't look too cheery in the photo). Greg's parents and the siblings that live close have checked in faithfully as have many other friends - we really appreciate you!
Greg has had 6 doses so far - we are really not sure how many more he will have. There are about 20 checklist criteria that he has to meet each time; we have had to skip a few doses due to his heart rate staying too high for too long. Dr. Srinivas was hoping for at least 4 this week (for a total of 14 between the two weeks), so at this point, every additional dose is just a bonus. Assuming all continues as expected, we should be home by Sunday.
Thanks to my sisters and friends who have taken care of, fed & driven our children around this week - many of you without any advance planning. I couldn't be here with Greg where I know I need to be if not for all of you!!
Thanks also to Tim and Ken who have repeatedly stepped in for Greg at church and just handled well...everything.
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path."
This post almost made me cry! You guys are amazing troopers! We are so glad to hear that Greg has been able to fit in more doses but seeing him in that hospital bed is heartbreaking! We are so glad you guys made it home today! We love you all and are continuing to pray for a full and complete recovery!
ReplyDeleteKaele;
ReplyDeleteIt's been a long time since we've connected, but it's Debbie Cutler-Calhoun here....cousin to Michelle Helvey and Kevin & Melissa Riches. Fellow Kappa Sister! I was actually down at my sister Julie's house when Greg was initially diagnosed, and was very saddened to hear of the news. We have had many problems with our youngest, Claire. She received a Bone Marrow Transplant in October 2007, which has not gone well.....resulting in over 800+ nights at Seattle Children's. So I read your blog and know exactly what you are going through. I know the expectation/nervousness of the daily labs, the joy of great nurses and the frustrations of those who aren't as great. I have been blessed by wonderful family and friends who have carried us these past several years. I thought you might be interested in a few resources that have really helped us. One is caringbridge which is a website that is used for individuals facing life threatening issues. You can easily set up a page (similar to your blog) and there is a great way for people to sign the guestbook. The guestbook signatures are what have sustained me in many ways over the years. Claire's is www.caringbridge.org/visit/clairecalhoun, if you want to see how it's used. Also for coordinating meals, laundry, rides for kids etc there is a great site called www.lotsahelpinghands. You don't have to do anything with it....I've never even seen ours. But you can have a family member organize it and then people can to to the site and sign up for whatever you need.
Anyway, I hope I haven't been intrusive, but I just wanted you and Greg to know that we are thinking and praying for you daily. We are incredibly blessed to have the knowledge of the Gospel, it brings such peace even in the toughest times. Melissa told me that Greg was also recently made Bishop, and I have no doubt that this is also part of the Lords plan, and that Greg will be blessed as he holds this mantel.
If you'd ever like to correspond, my cell is 425-301-7179, email: thecalhouns@comcast.net or facebook.
Please know that I think of you daily and know so many of the emotions that you must be feeling....however mine focused around my child, and your feeling about Greg I am sure are a bit different. :)
Take care and let me know if there is anything that I can do to help. I know med tricks, ways of working with large medical teams etc. Talk to Melissa, she can fill you in.
Best,
Debbie
We've been thinking a lot about your family. Mark and I are praying hard. I see the picture of the bishop and it brings back memories of my brother when he was going through treatments. It just stinks, period. So when you are going through this stinky time, I will say the cheesy, but true Stoddart stuff that will hopefully make you smile, and remind you that if there is one thing that we know, it is that Greg is a trooper, and even though there are many tough moments, he is SuperMan and will get through this. He still has much work left to do on this earth and many many more lives to bless as he already has. So keep up the happy, laughing spirits the best you can Porter family and remember that you all are the best and loved very much!
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