Bedside Mannerisms

It’s funny because it’s true. Also not funny for the same reason.

I wrote a perfectly good rant to go with the cartoon above, but discretion got the better of me. 

Kathy has had a rough couple of days with a lot of stuff going on, but that’s not unusual at this stage of chemo. As her doctor once said, “if you feel bad, the leukemia feels worse.” Then again I may have hallucinated those exact words, but it’s a comforting thought so I’ll keep it anyway.

Diagnostically, there’s nothing new. Well, that’s not quite true - when I asked a physician’s assistant if Kathy’s recent spate of new symptoms was due to an infection, I was told “Yes, she has infectious diverticulitis and ulcerating diverticulosis of the colon.” Then a few minutes later I was told, “No wait, that’s another patient.” Which is why it’s so important to get a second opinion before having a heart attack. Instead, when the doctor rounded, he confirmed that Kathy has no infections right now (though is wildly susceptible) and her multitude of unpleasant symptoms are all due to chemo.

“This is expected,” he said, “the only thing that really matters is how her marrow is doing.” The marrow test is said to be happening on either February 7 or 8 with results a few days after that. Until then, we can’t know what the big picture is, but we can at least hope for Kathy to get feeling better as the chemo leaves her body.

As always, your support, good wishes, and prayers are all greatly appreciated!