On the way to the ICU today, we had to stop and take a picture out the window of the 10th floor. San Francisco on the left, the Golden Gate on the right. It's hard to turn one way and see such a beautiful view, then turn the other way knowing that through the doors a lot of misery lies.In the morning, RJ had his second day of chemo that had to be administered directly into his spine. It's as icky as it sounds, but they sedated him so that he didn't feel any pain from that procedure. Despite a fierce headache and nausea, the doctors felt that he was well enough to get the dreaded breathing tube taken out, so late in the afternoon they took him off the ventilator. We were all so happy for him, but unfortunately, RJ was so sick from the chemo that he wasn't able to appreciate the moment. It's so hard to realize that the medicine that they have to administer is basically poison - it kills the bad cells, but it does horrible things to the good ones too. We're all hoping that after these four days of chemo are over that he'll be able to have a few good days without a breathing tube and much less pain and nausea. As far as ups and downs go, this day was basically a draw.
that's awesome and sucky at the same time...i hope you feel better uber soon bro
ReplyDeletelove ya
-Michala <3
So glad to hear you are free of the dreaded ventilator. We are all breathing with you and praying for you.
ReplyDeleteHey RJ!
ReplyDeletei was thinking about you all day today!! i know you are going to get well cause you are so strong!! and i cant wait till i see you and your awesomeness back at the pool, saying hi to me when i am on the wall and me telling you to get back to swimming!!haha..
i miss you so very very much!!
~Ciera <3
Great news about the ventilator - yes, the chemo is poison and pissy that it has to happen but breathe in that view and take the hope of friends into the room for RJ and Jessica - best wishes are flying to Oakland today -- JT
ReplyDeleteRJ
ReplyDeleteCongrats at getting that tube out! That's a small step towards normalcy. Hope when the sedation wears off you're not feeling too sick. We're thankful for having you as a friend.
Dede, Dan, Jack and Anna
yes you finallygot that annoying ventilater out. as always best wishes!
ReplyDeleteHi Jessica, RJ, and Courtney. It is a beautiful day up here in Santa Rosa, but it doesn't quite match the view out the window of the tenth floor. Thanks for sharing that. I hope RJ will be comfortable enough to appreciate many "moments" in the near future, after the chemo does what it has to do. We are thinking of you on this beautiful day, with love...
ReplyDeleteR.J. Your name came up at the Daycare about the time I swung you around. Of course, you were much younger and smaller then. (smile) Also, remember when you drank the "Official Member of the Daycare drink? It tasted awful..... In any event, you took it like a camp! We know that you will be strong and come out on top after you are treated by the special hands and prayers that are guiding those who care for you. We love you. Aunti Flo, Blake, Payton, Austin, Jackson, Arquil, Vanessa, Alize, Briana, Hayli, Maya, Kamryn, Hao, Adrian, Aiden, and Victor. (Aunti Flo's Child Care)
ReplyDeleteRJ,
ReplyDeleteWe are thinking about you and praying for you every day. We love taking care of Sophie for you, she is our constant reminder of you. We miss you and are so glad to hear that you can breathe on your own.
Alex took Sophie to the dog park today. When he went outside the fence to pick up a few tennis balls, she jumped the fence and before he realized it, she was right next to him ready to play ball.
George, Melissa, Nate, Katrina, and Alex
Rj,
ReplyDelete"Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength." I found this quote and thought it was perfect for you. Keep hangin in there!
Sarah P.
Yay!!!! Ventilator free!!! What a huge milestone. I am so sorry you have to have the immediate bummer of chemo pukiness so soon. You are constantly in my thoughts and hopes. jessica - you truly deserve the medal of honor for strength and courage. My "mothers" heart holds you in comfort and security. One day closer to going home with your 2 children...
ReplyDeleteLove, Sue McD