Day #-6 Radiation day 4

A LITTLE DISCLOSURE: We have to be very careful with visitors. Jim can get sick very easily. We normally don't allow any children but our own. We thought Jim needed a "pick me up" and John's triplets are NEVER sick and they were cleaned and dressed just prior to coming. I am being "The Gate Keeper" and any visitors need to clear it through me. I wanted to show the video though, because it was so nice to see him smile.

Came a little later today since I am spending the night. I guess Bren lasted the whole night here with his Dad and left this morning. Jim did well this morning but had a hard time with Radiation. He said he was standing there and got all hot. He said it felt like he could feel the radiation cooking him and then everything went black. No one stays in the room but the techs watch him from a camera, so they were able to get to him. They had him lay down for a while.

Jim decided today to try a little marijuana. Actually it is a pill called Marinal but it is a derivative of pot. He is not sure if it is doing anything or not. He is however flashing me the peace sign and singing sixties songs (I wish). Whatever works.

All the patients here are in negative pressure rooms. (keeps out germs, keeps germs in). You have to keep the door closed. All of a sudden while I am sitting here blogging the room has become like a sauna. So apparently there is a heating/air-conditioning problem. So, we can open the door but Jim has to put his mask on. If he goes out of the room he has to put all of his protection on. So, either way he is hot and that is not fun when you don't feel good.

In a little bit my Mom and Dad are bringing out Sarah and Nate. Spencer is going to come tomorrow. I am glad because they haven't seen him since Tuesday. I can tell they are both pretty worried and preoccupied with him. I think they will feel better once they see him and see that he is doing ok. After, they are going to go to dinner and then spend the night at my parents. I think that will be a nice diversion for them.

Jim and I are going to have a date night. I am going to climb in his bed (if he can tolerate it) and watch the "Time Travelers Wife." I doubt he will make it through the movie without falling asleep, but it will be nice for me. Maybe, we will even have a little ice cream.

Today, I AM THANKFUL for air-conditioning at the hospital (when it works).

Day # - 7 - Radiation Day 3

Today was Radiation day 3. Jim looked much better when I came in this morning. He said he slept and felt better also.

There was a little drama with a student nurse this morning and I had a melt down. A mistake was made. No one would have even known but because I'm a nurse I noticed it. I became upset and started crying. It even surprised me that I was crying over it. I try not to be dramatic. Jim was looking at me like "what's your problem." I guess it let me know that although I feel pretty together, my emotions are pretty close to the surface. All is fine though.

Jim went down to radiation. Today he nuked to the band "Rush." Yesterday it was "The Who. Although he loves Rush, he said it was too much today. He said he needs something a little mellower tomorrow. We are half way through radiation. By the 6th day I'm afraid it's going to be the "Sound of Music" or something like that.

After radiation, we came back to the room and Jim proceeded to puke his guts out. (I'm sure he will love me telling you that, but I don't think he reads my blog}. I am just shocked how fast it makes you sick. But, the good thing is, IV nausea drugs kick in really fast. The medicine knocks him out though, so I sit most of the day silent in the dark. But, he knows I'm here.

Brendan is going to spend the night tonight. We will see how long he lasts sitting silent in the dark. For those of you who know Bren, you know first of all he can't sit still and second he is not silent. What a good boy to want to be with his Dad.

Today, I AM THANKFUL for LDS Hospital staff who are kind, friendly and most of all, understanding.

Day # - 8 (Radiation Day 2)

This was Jim's second day of radiation. When I got here this morning he said that he woke in the night with nausea and a bright red face. He also told me that he gained 10 lbs overnight. A little fluid overload. They told us radiation was rough, but he tolerated Chemo so well before, we were hoping the nausea would not kick in so soon. I guess some people throw up while they are standing there getting the radiation because it affects them so fast. It is tolerable so far and there are good drugs available. He did great standing for the radiation. I hope tomorrow isn't much different.

Jim has 3 goals written on his white board.

1. Get up and walk in the hall everyday
2. Eat meals in Chair
3. Have a positive attitude.

So far, so good. Despite nausea, he walked in the hall after his shower and he also walked to the elevator before radiation. Hopefully, he can walk one more time today before bed. It is a huge effort because he has to put the gown, mask and gloves on to protect himself from infection. So, by the time he dresses up in his "costume", he is tired.

He says that his appetite is already gone, but he is still eating.

As far as attitude goes, Jim is not much of a complainer. Not so funny today, but still a good attitude. He is pretty tired. Just had a really good nap. I am going to try to get him to walk before I go home. He just said "No."

Today, Jim and I are THANKFUL FOR nausea medication.