Monday, December 20, 2010

End of a Rough Visit



Today is the last day of RJ's five day chemo hospital stay, and he's glad to see it go. It was difficult to walk back into the hospital again, knowing what was ahead and with the memories of what happened last time he was here, but he faced it bravely. Although he's said that it wasn't as bad as he thought it would be (and we can only imagine how bad he thought it would be), it's been a long five days. As with all things medical with RJ, it's been difficult to get the nausea under control so he's felt sick most of the time despite all of the staff's efforts. He's been trying to eat six small meals every day, but most days we're lucky enough to get a window of feeling good to cram in just one.

If all goes well, he should be able to go home today and rest for about two and a half weeks before the next round of chemo. Because his whiteblood cell count will go down sometime in the next three to four days, he has to basically hibernate and avoid other people and our germs until the neutropenic phase passes and he can join the world again. Everyone is hoping that he'll get through this phase without getting sick and having to return to the hospital - we all want RJ home for Christmas!

Thanks again for all of the cards and packages - RJ loves opening all of the things that come and they really put a smile on his face, even when he's in the middle of a bad patch.

6 comments:

  1. Rj,
    great job on getting through the second round!That is something to be proud of. Hope you can get home for Christmas and everyone at swimming can see you:)
    <3 Sarah P.

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  2. Rj
    i told you everything was going to go fine! i hope i can se you soon hun! love ya
    hugs and kisses
    -Michala <3 <3

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  3. hey, it doesn't feel like it when you're in the middle of it, but someday relatively soon, this WILL be a memory. It sucks now, fer sure, but it will get better! Thinking of you. Love Auntie, JB & Miles

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  4. Heya RJ! Hope you are back home now, enjoying your family and your home. Before you know it, you will be back at school and your little sister will be getting into your stuff!
    JT

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  5. Jessica and RJ - remember that home is where you're loved, not just where you live. And when you get restless, there's always the computer . . . have you ever tried Big Fish games? I have some extra credits for games I can gift, if I could get a home email address for someone who's interested. (Jessica, I think you have my e-address, so you could send me RJ's???) Have a wonderful Christmas. Karen F.

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  6. I really hope that you are home today!!!Merry Christmas!

    ---Brendan

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