Bob’s pain (mostly lower back pain) continues to increase, either that or his body has adjusted to the amount of pain medication he’s taking and isn’t as effective, requiring more. This makes him very sleepy and we’ve also found that it also makes him nauseous. We were blaming the chemo for the nausea, but he hasn’t had chemo for almost four weeks now, and it was only a half dose. When we reviewed the information about the hydromorphone pain medication, we found that nausea was the first side-effect listed!!
It will be so wonderful when his pain medication can be reduced. We’re hoping that the chemo and also the efforts we’re making to boost his immune system will shrink the tumour and cancer activity in his body so that there’s less pressure on the nerves in his lower back.
In spite of all of this we’ve enjoyed a week with friends who came out here to visit us from Toronto!! Flora and Paul Wesley (Flora taught at CBC way back in the 70’s) have been with us, but staying in the guest suite in our condo complex. We’ve enjoyed their time with us so much—talking, checking out the beautiful surroundings, sharing the challenges of health issues (Flora also has cancer and Paul has Parkinson’s), reading and praying together, and of course EATING!!
On Thursday Bob had a small surgical procedure done whereby a port-a-cath was inserted in his upper chest. He’ll be able to get his chemo through that port as well as other medications and procedures. This was performed at the hospital in Abbotsford where our dear friends Chris and Lyle Hopwood live. Amazingly, Bob felt well enough after the procedure to go out for lunch with Chris and Lyle.
We will see Bob’s oncologist on Tuesday and then he’ll have his second chemo in this cycle on Thursday. We’re doing all we can to boost Bob’s immune system through diet and herbal products. This allows me to be quite active in caring for Bob as I make protein drinks, veggie juices, various teas, and prepare as healthy a diet as possible. It’s quite a task being on top of the daily regime of taking medication at the right times and preparing and serving these other things. Since Bob’s pretty “foggy”, he needs his resident nurse to be on top of all of these things and there’s nothing I’d rather do!!
Our daily devotional times, listening to wonderful music, connecting with family and friends frequently, taking occasional walks, and reading together keep feeding our spirits and nurturing our relationship. We continue to be amazed by and so very grateful for the reality of God’s presence and peace.
Barbie’s flying out from Regina for ten days later this month and we are looking so forward to that!!
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