Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Tough Sledding

It was a difficult holiday weekend for JoJo. She has gotten progressively sicker due to a combination of factors. There are two lung infections that have been identified and they are treating them aggressively. She runs fevers, but not extreme. Still, they do sap her strength. She is not a kid anymore. Between the infections and side effects of the drugs, she is pretty well out of it. A growth factor shot to raise her white counts creates bone pain as the marrow revs up to produce cells. Morphine to control the pain parks her in the ozone. It has been unnerving to watch, so I had a lengthy discussion with Emily, the Physician Assistant a few minutes ago. They feel as though they are on the right track and will give it another day or two before they assess the effectiveness. As sick as JoJo looks, much of it has to do with just knocking her loopy so she isn't so conscious of what is going on. Better to just sleep. We are now up to 22 out of the last 24 days in the hospital. Bummer.

Cancer Sucks 

2 comments:

  1. Long haul for sure Kevin. Tough on both of you and the kids I'm sure.
    If JoAnne can sleep through a lot of this that has to be a blessing for her.
    Hang on Kevin. It's going to be okay.

    Love to all
    Carolyn D

    ReplyDelete
  2. These last few weeks have been so trying for you all. It must be hard to see JoAnne this ill- am grateful the medical team is striving to keep her comfortable and sleepy. Please rest as you can and know that prayers and positive thoughts are being sent your way. Love and faith- Denise

    ReplyDelete