update on Lee

Hi friends,
I just wanted to give a short update on Lee. He is still at the hospital, and will likely be there at least another week. They have been giving him lasiks to help rid the body of fluids, but he still seems pretty swollen. He is having such a hard time walking, the nurses have forbidden him to try getting up without help. He's fighting that one a bit, but is trying to be as safe as he can, using objects around him for balance. He is fairly comfortable there, the nurses are spectacular. We have been assigned a new doctor, and he really has gained our trust. He also will follow Lee once we get home, and be the doctor that comes out to the house as needed.

The internal bleeding continues, despite plasma transfusions, so they have moved on to the next step. Radiation. They will be starting that today, and although we are a bit worried, we are trying to be optimistic. We were given 50/50 odds that it would work, and seal off the bleeding blood vessels. The downside, is that there is a small chance that it could cause more bleeding. We discussed this for hours, with several doctors, nurses and amongst ourselves, and finally Lee decided to go for it. In this battle, every step of the way, the decisions seem to be 'damned if you do, damned if you don't'. We are really hoping to catch a break here and stop the bleeding and allow Lee some good quality time.

They have been adjusting his pain meds accordingly, and overall he is pain free, if maybe a bit dopey and very sleepy. He seems to have the enviable habit of being able to fall asleep mid conversation.

I guess that's about it for the update. My parents arrived the other day to help me out, and of course to visit with Lee, which has been wonderful. My mom has been cooking and cleaning, tasks that I have left badly neglected lately, so the house is clean and my belly is full. My dad is puttering about and I'm making him a Daddy-do list of chores as well!!

I have been reading most of your posts, and am still praying for all of you. There has been so much bad news here lately, for so many of you with hospitalizations, death of loved ones, pets and increased pain. I hope to be able to answer many of your posts, but there just does not seem to be enough hours in the day. As always, I wish you all well, and send much thanks for all the love and support you've showed Lee and I over the last 10 months, and especially this last few weeks. It truly means a lot to us.

Love,
Chantal