On Wednesday, December 4th, the blood draw analysis showed an elevation in liver enzymes. The immunotherapy caused inflammation in the liver, along with the digestive tract and pituitary gland, as well as his skin (but the rashes are easily controlled with cremes.) Wow, it is really doing a number on Mark!
Monday, December 9, we got to see Dr. Urba which is always a treat. He is starting the gradual decrease in Prednisone from 80 mg to 75 mg a day. As long as Mark handles it well he will go down 5 mg every 5 days. Side effects of Prednisone are not all that great, either. He hasn't been able to sleep very well and it may be causing leg weakness.
Overall, Mark is improving. The digestive tract and pituitary gland are both almost back to normal. He has no nausea, diarrhea or dizziness and only occasional mild headaches. His thyroid function seems be be improving with a moderate dose of Levoxyl. His liver enzymes are also working their way back to normal.
Mark keeps thinking that he should have more energy, but it is taking time to regain his strength. We spend most of our time either at home or going to doctor appointments, but we thoroughly enjoy our time together!
We appreciate the many blessings we have and find great joy in focusing on the real meaning of Christmas.
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Monday, December 2, 2019
Back Home and Loving It
I got to spend Thanksgiving in the Hospital. However, I had wonderful care, some delicious Thanksgiving food (the first real food in days), and a delightful wife that takes such good care of me, even when I don't look, smell, nor feel my best.
Seriously, the hospital staff at Providence Portland was outstanding! They were caring, knowledgeable, responsive, and respectful. I had a comfortable bed, and they set up one for Ane, too, even bringing in a nice foam mattress for her. Our last night there, they even let us sleep from about 10 pm to 6 am - amazing!! It took a little bit to figure out what was happening in my body and how to fix it, but they got it.
Our children have also been incredibly supportive. They provided the Thanksgiving meal, brought in our Christmas decorations from the shed (a big deal), had a fun time here, and cleaned up afterward. Our grandchildren have also been so sweet and helpful. What a wonderful family!
We got to come home last Friday and have so enjoyed being here. Ane has worked hard to get the house Christmas ready, and how delightful it is. We love this Season of Giving, Sharing, Loving, Hope, and Joy. We all have our challenges in life, and this season is not clear of those either, but it is a time to reflect on the hope that is within us and be the most caring and sharing we can be.
Love and Gratitude fill our hearts, and we hope yours, too.
Seriously, the hospital staff at Providence Portland was outstanding! They were caring, knowledgeable, responsive, and respectful. I had a comfortable bed, and they set up one for Ane, too, even bringing in a nice foam mattress for her. Our last night there, they even let us sleep from about 10 pm to 6 am - amazing!! It took a little bit to figure out what was happening in my body and how to fix it, but they got it.
Our children have also been incredibly supportive. They provided the Thanksgiving meal, brought in our Christmas decorations from the shed (a big deal), had a fun time here, and cleaned up afterward. Our grandchildren have also been so sweet and helpful. What a wonderful family!
We got to come home last Friday and have so enjoyed being here. Ane has worked hard to get the house Christmas ready, and how delightful it is. We love this Season of Giving, Sharing, Loving, Hope, and Joy. We all have our challenges in life, and this season is not clear of those either, but it is a time to reflect on the hope that is within us and be the most caring and sharing we can be.
Love and Gratitude fill our hearts, and we hope yours, too.
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