Paul is scheduled to go home on Thursday!
The week-long hospital stay turns out to be "just what the doctor ordered." Paul got a chance to rest up.
His abdomen pain was addressed and he received pain management that was effective. Morphine works best for him and he will be going home with a form of morphine as well.
The hospital bed relieved his aching back and bedsores. The doctor wrote a scrip for a hospital bed at home too, and they are working out a delivery date for his new bed.
His fluid build-up was drained, and they have now installed another port so he can have his abdomen fluid drained at home. Steph is learning the skill of "tapping" - she's thinking pretty maple trees in Vermont. Hopefully this will not only help his discomfort but also increase his appetite.
He received much needed hydration.
He's eating good protein and lots of it.
Home health is also being pursued, which would be good for Paul and will relieve Steph's mind as well to know someone is "checking" up on him.
As Steph has reported, Paul's acerbic wit, sarcasm, and dry humor have all returned in proper, full force. So, Paul is back.
As Steph also reported, he's been getting a dose of laugher as the best medicine as well. Anyone have any dirty jokes? I'm sure Paul (and his twisted friends and siblings) would appreciate anything tacky and tasteless.
The hospital stay relieved both Paul and Steph's mind - it's good t know he was in good hands, and it also allowed Steph to get some proper sleep. Now that his pain issue has been addressed and he's built up some strength, she'll hopefully be able to keep resting.
The benefit is Friday night. All of us appreciate this. Thank you so much for all the support and help. Never underestimate the power of a good deed or a kind word.
A comment from Marlene...
ReplyDeleteFood
Hi Paul and Step and family, I'm so sorry Paul has no appetite. That makes it really tough. Usually the things that tasted best to me were spicy/salty, sometimes things I didn't usually care for otherwise. And it seemed that whatever I ate on the day I had chemo just didn't appeal to me at all later. However, this time around, I tried a big Hershey bar, thinking I'd rid myself of chocolate cravings, but guess what? That didn't work!! Does anything from the Drive Inn sound good? I'd be happy to deliver for you. I'd even make you some donuts if you could eat them (but don't tell Susie - she might want some too and I could only make so many right now!). I'm sure thinking about you and praying for you, wishing I could make this an easier road to travel for you. Enjoy the moments you can and endure what you must to get past all this - it's the only way to go. We're all pulling for you! Hugs and love, Marlene