As you know, Garry’s situation is much improved.
In spite of being told that his bone marrow was no longer able to produce white blood cells and the red blood cells were being phagocytized.(eaten) he has seen a significant improvement in those counts. Unfortunately, the white blood cell counts, WBC, have fluctuated from a high of 4.8 and have trended downwards the last few days to a WBC of 2.4 today.
We were hopeful that the bone marrow would continue, without any additional help, to produce these cells. However, it appears that they may reinstate the grastofil injections along with the corticosteroid to stimulate the bone marrow to produce the WBC’s.
Garry’s haemoglobin continues to rise and was at 79 today so a blood transfusion is no longer indicated. His platelets are also holding their own at 46 which is an acceptable level.
His blood pressure still tends to be a little on the low side, but not dangerously so, and he needs to be careful when he gets up because there is a little bit of dizziness and instability.
His temperature is normal but he continues to get the IV ceftazidime every eight hours to ensure the organism that caused the septicaemia and wound infection are dealt with. He will complete this course of treatment on July 20 and will likely be discharged shortly after that. At this point he has been in hospital for 26 days, most of that time in isolation.
His pain level is much decreased, and instead of being a seven or eight out of 10 when he would get up to walk, it is now a one or two. He is no longer taking any breakthrough Hydromorphone or Tylenol to make it through the day. As you can imagine it is a tremendous relief for Garry to be able to be almost pain-free once again.
We are so thankful for all of this good news, and ask that you continue to pray with us that his WBC counts continue to go in an upwards direction and be maintained.
The hospital is now looking at his discharge needs and it seems he might need a wound care nurse once he’s at home.
I’m really starting to miss him and can hardly wait for him to be discharged.
It has been wonderful that his sister Gail has been here twice and just left today after being here this past week. She was great company and we enjoyed a number of restaurants including Harth, Bellisimo’s, Nuburger, and Sushi N. Such nice treats!
Garry is able to have visitors as long as they mask and wash their hands before going into his room. He finds the days long and would enjoy a visit.
His appetite is back and he just finished consuming a pretty large grilled Reuben sandwich which I prepared for him at home. Do you think he might be a little bit spoiled?
Yeah, I think so too!
Well, that’s the report for today and I’m glad that it’s mostly good news. Thanks again for being on the journey with us, for your love, support, and especially your prayers.
We are blessed!
With love and thankfulness
Shirley and Garry
Authored by:
Nana to Parker, Easton, Dane & Clark
Mom to Eric & Scott
Loving wife to Garry
Great news Shirley. Glad to hear the pain level has reduced. It was evident that he was suffering when we were there. He is such a trooper and you are an inspirational support. Hope today is a good one. 😎😎
Thanks for your encouraging words.
It was so good to see you both, we appreciated your visit.