Thought he was a goner on Wednesday night.
It was first thought Stephen might have 'infective endocarditis' due to an infected Hickman Line inserted in his chest (for chemo infusions) which they removed.
Tests were done on his heart - one test involved swallowing a tube (containing a camera) down his throat - not the best thing he has ever swallowed he murmured - more like a hosepipe - and not something one would wish to repeat in a hurry!
Stephen was put on a drip of antibiotics and given paracetamol and ibuprofen in an attempt to clear the infection and bring down his temperature.
Heart tests were clear so antibiotics have been stopped and we are now in limbo land.
A mystery surrounds the fevers.
I researched 'fevers' on the internet and found numerous sites stating causes from malaria to latent syphilis, including a link to lymphomas as being a cause.
The oncologist is to see Stephen on Monday as it has been mentioned that the fevers may indeed be linked to his cancer, but which one? Bowel, liver, stomach, lymphoma, All?
Stephen has become more aggressive these past few days - whether it is due to the fevers or the fact he hates being 'messed about' as he calls it - am not sure.
He has had a dreadful time so one can hardly blame him for expressing his fears.
A close member of his family, who is a counsellor, has suggested I take an old Telephone Directory to the hospital and get Stephen to assuage his anger by ripping pages from the directory when he feels cross.
When I mentioned this to him last night he exploded and used expletives I dare not print!!
I too have a diploma in counselling - studied Eysenck and Carl Rogers - but telephone directories were not part of our curriculum.When I saw myself on closed circuit television realised I would make the worst counsellor in the world 'cos I found it hard to 'listen' and told the client in no uncertain terms exactly what they should do - which is not exactly what Carl Rogers mean't by 'Client Centred Therapy.'
Enough of medical matters.
I have checked Stephen this morning and he is OK so I can I have free day today as other family members are to visit the hospital.
This leaves me free to enjoy myself and immerse myself in music.
I shall listen to a recording of Elijah this morning whilst I finish the ironing.
Attend a rehearsal this afternoon. Return home to put on the greasepaint for tonight's performance. I am so looking forward to it. The choir are in good voice and it's going to be a real treat!
4 comments:
Thank you for the update on Sephen. This has to be the most difficult part of love. I hope you enjoy your day and into tonight.
Prayers always...
Hope tonights performance went well for you Babs.
Hee hee I did smile at Stephen's rage at the telephone book. I think I would probably have said the same!
I hope they can isolate the fevers query for both of you, but I still wish they would let him home. Jan
Not really relevant to the important things going on at the moment, but I saw the Singing Garden in person yesterday at the Garstang Show and it was lovely :-)
Dear Babs,
How difficult and such a labour of love to care for your friend, and I know it takes a lot from one to care so many hours in such close proximity to one who is so ill and can do what it feels like is so little for them. I hope you had a lovely evening with the choir and the performance. You certainly deserved it. Such a lovely lady you must be. Thinking of you...
Love,
Ruby
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