Pain and nausea have both been better (though not entirely absent) this week. But fatigue has set in. Eating and drinking enough is also still a challenge, and Penny has lost about a pound a day for the last 10-12 days. To combat dehydration, we’ve gone in for IV fluids each of the last two days and we’ve scheduled fluids for Tuesday as well.
Yesterday’s bloodwork revealed elevated white blood cell counts, so some additional samples were taken to check for a possible infection. With the holiday weekend, we don’t know exactly when we’ll hear the results of those cultures, but a treatable infection would probably be a good thing. A check of thyroid levels didn’t reveal any issues that would explain the increased fatigue.
For now, we continue to do our best to encourage eating, and Penny is rationing her activity each day since the supply is very limited. Tomorrow she’s hoping to have enough energy to attend my parents’ 60th wedding anniversary dinner, so she’ll be rationing carefully during the day. To help with food intake she has a new prescription for a drug that can increase appetite. We’ll see if it works.
No news yet on a possible new treatment. So for now the focus is on nutrition. While Penny was getting her fluids today, I ran to Meijer to pick up some things that she thought would sound good and some ensure drinks to boost protein and calories.
We’ll try to enjoy a restful weekend before finding out more on Tuesday.
Comments
Alisa Tigchelaar: Joining other friends and family praying for the immediate, Penny and Randy: that the appetite meds will be effective, for nutrition-dense foods that are palatable to Penny 💕 and do their job... that tests that may even now be being analyzed will reveal something treatable such as a "good-thing" infection. And throughout the day that Penny's limited energy will be built and sustained through the anniversary dinner. Congratulations to your (Randy) parents on this wonderful milestone!
Stacey Wieland: Praying that you have energy for the anniversary dinner today, Penny.
Nick Horton: We're sorry to hear these updates but we continue to send your loving thoughts from afar for hydration and sustenance. Best wishes for what I suspect will be a wonderful gathering for the 60th anniversary.
Mike Borst: Please wish your parents a very happy anniversary for me, Randy! Hope Penny feels more hungry soon!
Pamela Plantinga: I'm praying that Penny has energy enough to enjoy the anniversary celebration, increased appetite, and less fatigue. And, of course, for a new drug trial.
Patricia Boer Fischer : Prayin 4Peaceful, Calm Weekend..!! Prayin Penny Stays Hydrated & can Make it 2Ur Parents 60th AnNiVeRsArY 🙏🎉💕!! Hugg's & Lots of Love ❤️
Marie VanderLinde : You both are in our hearts, praying for stamina for today!
Talon Rindels : Praying for energy to attend the anniversary dinner and for strength to eat/drink more to mitigate the weight loss. Love you Aunt Penny and Uncle Randy! ❤️
Susan Langeland: We’re praying for God’s mercy and blessing on you both, Friends! -Susan and Bob
Andrea Turner: Hello, Oh my, a pound a day for Penny seems like way too much!! I hope the appetite stimulant makes it possible for Penny to get a few more calories. Glad for the nausea reprieve. Hopeful for rest.