Round 4 - Days 1&2

 After the last post, Mark's itching worsened, his joints and muscles ached more, and his energy level dropped. Resting several times a day kept him going, and he always did his best to be in good spirits. 

Yesterday we arrived at 7 am and went through the same procedures with the 3 pm infusion. Around 4 pm, he got the chills, but warm blankets were enough. By 6 pm, he felt achy with flu-like symptoms but managed to get through the night without a significant drop in blood pressure. 

This morning he was well enough for the 2nd infusion. An hour later, he needed Demerol to control the rigors. Zofran and Compazine took the edge off, but the nausea never went away. In the afternoon, he got extremely restless. He was miserable but couldn't sleep. Ativan helped him relax enough to get an hour nap. His blood pressure dropped to 84, so three boluses were given, which raised it into normal range; thus, no Neo was needed. It's hard to describe how awful he feels. Poor guy. He eats absolutely nothing and only takes small sips of water, which often make him retch. He can't do anything but toss and turn and try to sleep. This is definitely no picnic! He's getting Reglan now to see if it will help with the nausea and allow him to rest.

I wish I could do more to help him feel better. We appreciate medications, as well as competent and kind nurses and doctors. Tender mercies have come as we've witnessed how a simple prayer can calm him when nothing else can. Sometimes, we have to endure hard things, but we do not doubt the reality of a loving Savior who is always near if we seek him.