Birthday Blessings

Today is my birthday! (I’m 29!)

Although my birthday this year looks a little different than years past, I’m thankful that we’re able to spend it all together at home as a family and not at the hospital. I requested steak for my birthday dinner, and we gave Dad a small bite along with some salmon, rice, green beans, and creamed corn.  After trying the steak, Dad said it was good and even asked for more! While we’re still trying to figure out what Dad likes and dislikes, at least we know now that he likes steak, so guess we’re going to have to have more of that soon! Mom also made a cheesecake since it is a dessert I really like, and it is one of Dad’s favorite desserts. He hasn’t tried it yet, but we are saving him a slice, and we are hoping it remains a favorite.

Over the weekend, Dad’s feet became quite swollen. The on-call oncologist doctor didn’t think it was another blood clot since both feet (instead of just one) were swollen. She said that it was mostly likely water retention, to elevate his legs, and if they were still swollen the next day, to take him to the ER. But thank God, the following day, his feet were not quite as swollen, and we did not have to go back to the ER.

We’re all still adjusting to the new norm around here, but we’re all happy and grateful to be home and together given the circumstances.  

Praises:

• Dad’s feet are not as swollen anymore, so no trip to the ER! (I, however, went back to urgent care this week due to a skin reaction to an antibiotic…Mom is exhausted from ER/urgent care visits.)
• We were able to talk to a doctor after hours since we are now an established patient.
• A dear doctor friend who now Mom calls our “Concierge Doctor” has been available to consult with and offers suggestions not only for concerns about Dad but also regarding my own health issues.

Prayers:

• Dad still has very little appetite, low energy, and a bloated abdomen; he is also experiencing lightheadedness when he stands. We have been trying to give him small meals and snacks throughout the day to make sure he does get some calories and to prevent him from becoming more malnourished, but it has been a challenge (and very frustrating at times) to get him to eat because he feels so full.
• Dad does not have much of a voice and can barely speak above a whisper due to his acid reflux messing with his vocal cords. This has been making communication harder since sometimes we cannot hear him when he asks for assistance. (We have gotten some “call buttons” to help him get our attention if we’re not in the room with him.)