Another Night in ICU

Mom had a very restless night. It was her first night off the ventilator and everytime she started to fall asleep the nightmares came back. So she stayed up all night with Bert icing down her face with a cold sponge or wash cloth.

The doctors made their rounds and she was given the OK to drink water and eat ice chips -- that made her really happy. She has been given the OK from the ICU doctor to move to another floor -- basically out of ICU. Her primary doctor (Hagemeister) wanted her to stay one more night in ICU just to be safe then she will move to a regular room once one becomes available. MD Anderson is still packed -- so we may not be moving tomorrow but we are crossing our fingers.

Mom finished her 6th radiation treatment and has the next two days off. The radiation is starting to cause a bit of pain but thus far Mom has not taken any medication for it -- compared to her pain before this is nothing. She started her second 4 day round of dexamethasone -- this is the steriod treatment portion. Her platelet count is 88 which is back down and expected -- the radiation impacts her platelet count. She has 2 days off from radiation so she should be able to get her chemo treatment on Sunday (Day 8).

The dialysis catheter is not working that great anymore. This was expected as it was a temporary catheter typically for only 3 or 4 dialysis treatments. I believe today Mom had #6 (I need to re-read my notes to double check). Anyway on Monday they will put in what they call a permanent catheter which be located close to Mom's neck and easy to access, maintain and it should last for as long as she needs dialysis.

Her first meal has been ordered and should be here soon -- jello, chicken broth and Italian ice -- yummy! She is exhausted and really, really tired but she does look great! Sorry for the lack for blogs today ... but the blogger crashed and took a nap while Dad sat with Mom this afternoon.