Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Rough, but he made it...

Nick was released from the hospital Monday and we were home by 4:00 - it was one full week and it wasn't even for chemo. He was given some strong prescriptions for pain, but he hasn't needed them. Monday was rough, however, and the pure exhaustion of not getting enough sleep and the constant battle with the mucus in his mouth and throat was overwhelming for him.

Yesterday was much better. He did sleep a little better being back in his own bed, he showered and we finally got 6 cans of nutrition in his body - first time! He played the "stack it" game with Kelsey (she proceeded to whoop him soundly). He took a walk outside with Lee and I (two houses down and back). He is drinking warm Sprite and had about 3 bites of tomato soup. He is enjoying the company of friends and is thoroughly addicted to "Lost" (I started renting the first season).

The thought of going back to chemo as soon as Monday is difficult. We did get a phone call yesterday from Dr. Chen's office saying that she will reduced the amount of chemo by 20% because he had such a difficult time.

One highlight from last week is a "prayer shawl" Nick received from his dad's friends, Bernie & Annabelle Kowalski from Colorado. If you are reading this posting, please take a few minutes to look at the website - www.shawlministry.com. It is a FABULOUS collaboration of women utilizing their hands, spirituality and compassion for those in need. Annabelle was given a shawl to give to someone who specifically had cancer; she knew just who to give it to. I'm going to forward this website to our church, as well, to see if our own community will embrace this practice (if not already doing so). Bernie & Annabelle - thank you! Nick will also thank you himself once he is feeling better. I have the shawl close to him.

Also, Nick has received some spontaneous and heartfelt emails and cards from both those that know Nick and those that have never met Nick. Somehow, people seemed to have known he needed a little extra support these past two weeks and I will validate the positive impact it has had on him and we thank you!

It's so easy to succumb to the weight of this illness and sometimes it's ok to go ahead and feel it all. We try to remember to let it go so that the happiness and joy that still exists in our world can come back into our hearts. Thank you all for helping us to let it go.

With love,

Lori

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Cowboy! What a difference a week makes. You look and sound so much better than the last time I saw you Nick. I'm sure its hard for you to notice the improvement as you're still feeling pretty crappy but its there. With no more radiation planned your problems with the mucus should get a little better each day. You're going to wake up one day and say "Holy Schmolly - I've got saliva back!!" In the meantime allow your mind to do some healing work for you too - when the going gets tough the tough get going. Easy to say from where I'm sitting I know but I also know you are strong and powerful. Believe. - Love You - Jennie x

Anonymous said...

Psalm 9:1 "I will thank you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done."

I enjoyed reading today's blog. So many things to thank God for - First, Lori's caring spirit which made sure your much needed nutrition, administered by a machine in the hospital, was given slowly to you by her loving hands. Two sisters, who are both champions at "Speed Stack". I observed their impressive skills last weekend at the log home and I give you praise for being willing to challenge Kelsey to a match. Your competitive spirit is just one of your many gifts. Friends, both close and far, known and unknown, who answer God's nudging by sending gifts and emails. Do you remember the Christmas Nicelle knitted neck scarfs for everyone? Willy and Lynda hosted the Raitt Christmas Eve dinner - Richard played Santa - and by the time the evening was over - everyone was wearing their personal scarf. Your Prayer Shawl is a wonderful gift. It is obviously working since Jennie comfirmed you're looking better. May God bless you "miraculously" in the coming weeks. Love, aunt Chris