A Better Day than the Day Before

Today (Sunday) was a pretty good day. The day began with a quick visit from our friends Ken and Abby on their way home. It was so wonderful having them here so I had a chance to go by my house and make sure everything was going well with my home and cat. As I mentioned before, Mark did not eat at all yesterday and I think only part of one meal on Friday. Today, I did have to push him a little so he finally ate a few bites of his lunch and a little less than half of his dinner. I consider this a success.

Mark did have an emotional moment early this afternoon. He expressed his frustration with not feeling well and that he does not want to eat because none of his food tastes good. He said all his food and drink either tastes like nothing or it tastes like his ATRA medicine. Poor thing. We had a pretty good conversation about his feelings and trying to encourage him that this whole experience will be over soon. Though it will not be easy, he will be better and we can move on from this soon.

Shortly after the emotional moments, Mark did begin to eat a little bit of food. I could tell very quickly that he felt a little better with some food in his stomach. Then the best part of the day, we got to see Brodie. Mark had to put on a surgical gown and face mask to go outside of the BMT unit, but we got to see him. He was tired because his GG had to wake him from a nap to come in the hospital. His allergies are acting up because he has spent so much time playing and having a great time outside this week, and he ran out of Flonase (I got him so more yesterday, so his allergies should get better within a few days). Though he was a little grumpy, I just don't care. I got to hold my baby boy for a few minutes and love on him. He gave his daddy and hug and kissed his mask. It was bittersweet because Mark was physically exhausted just from the slight activity of the day and could not interact with Brodie too much, but still that sweet boy was a very welcomed sight. I love him so much.

We have pictures of Brodie and our family and friends up on the walls and on the shelf in the hospital room. All the hospital staff talk about how cute he is, which is true. The pictures are comforting and it is good to see Brodie's smiling face in them. They also inspire getting well as soon as possible so we can get back to that life.

So overall the day was pretty good considering the circumstances. Hopefully Mark will continue to have good days. Good days are much easier to handle than the bad days. Round 2 of chemo will be tomorrow (Monday) morning. Other than that just the normal rounds of ATRA, nausea medicine, numerous antibiotics, antivirals, anti-fungals, and medicine to help control or prevent other side effects, as well as plasma, platelets, or blood as needed (even his nurse tonight was amazed at the number of medications he is taking - it was kind of funny).

Good night all and thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Amanda