Making Strides

It apparently was just taking Mike a little while to get over the initial shock of having Lucas blood run through his veins. I think that would very well shock anyone’s system. After a second helping of Lucas platelets last night, Mike is doing much better today. He was taken off the BIPAP machine this morning; his oxygen level actually went up after its removal. (Side note: the BIPAP machine is similar to the same sort of thing people with sleep apnea use while sleeping.) He is still receiving some oxygen, but it’s just the tube that sits at the base of his nose. By having that and not the mask, I was able to shave him today. I’m getting the whole electric razor thing down pat. He only got one little nick today—and that was on his neck. I’m sure it’s only because his blood count is lower than the average person’s, so he’s more susceptible to bleeding easily. It could in no way be a result in my lack of shaving skills.

Our regular oncologist said yesterday’s chest x-ray came out fine. Our oncologist wasn’t here this weekend, but in reviewing everything, he seems to think that Mike didn’t actually aspirate—he probably just got something stuck in his airway. Mike’s heart rate dropped a little yesterday (it was in the 50’s), so a cardiologist was called in, but he said it wasn’t a big deal; they don’t get concerned unless it drops to the 30’s or 40’s. Mike did have an echo-cardiogram (ultrasound on the heart) done today—I’m guessing that’s just for precautionary reasons. Mike will stay on the feeding tube for today, but he will probably be taken off it tomorrow. His hemoglobin is still a little low (around 8), so he’s going to get another unit of blood today. His platelet count is fine, so he doesn’t need anymore of those right now. Mike has been very alert today (and was awake most of the day yesterday), but he’s gone back to talking in whispers. Hopefully, as his strength builds back up, his voice will return. Mike did have his radiation today, so he only has two more treatments to go!