Thursday, January 25, 2007

SEVERE COUGH AND SINUS INFECTION

Ever since Jerry's last appointment with Dr. Bob he hasn’t felt well. The last lab results showed his platelets as being CL-CLINICALLY LOW. I am not sure I understand exactly what that means, but I hope Dr. Bob will do whatever is necessary to fix the situation. This could possibly require a blood transfusion. In addition, I am immediately concerned about his cough (deep in his chest and has difficulty catching his breath in between coughs). It scars me to hear his cough especially during the middle of the night. I decided that he needed to see a specialist and start whatever was necessary to correct the situation. Since his condition is similar to what I had during the entire month of last October, I decided to make him an appointment with a pulmonary specialist. His appointment was Tuesday. The physician diagnosed a severe sinus infection. The doctor prescribed an antibiodic (Cipro) and a nasal spray (NasacortAQ-triamcinolone acetonide), but nothing for the cough coming from his chest, and more importantly a chest x-ray. Not only am I concerned that this condition could cause pnemonia but also concerned that this severe sinus condition can lead to a severe infection in his mouth. Jerry's body does not have the ability right now to fight off any infections, including sinus. These symptoms are serious and we need to take aggressive measures to attack them, as soon as possible. On top of having a severe cough and a severe sinus infection, Jerry's taking on working 12 hours a day and 6 hours on Saturday. I know he likes the overtime $$$, but under these circumstances I don’t feel he can afford to put work ahead of his health and well being. I don't think it’s worth the risk of getting the infection in his mouth, but he doesn't listen to me. I tried to get him to slow down over the week-end and maybe watch a DVD on Sunday afternoon to give your body an opportunity to get some badly needed rest. He relaxing for 15-20 minutes and then was back at it. Jerry is not making his health his priority. He's not being realistic about his cancer. With all the specialized medications he consumes each day to fight off this disease these medications are having a serious effect on his body. His immune system is compromised; his body can’t afford to work overtime because he doesn't want to slow down. He seems to be in complete denial.

Last summer he was so sick that we did not even get a chance to take a well deserved vacation? Not even a boating trip to Lake Mead. I took the initiative to make an opportunity for us to go on a trip to Hawaii where we can enjoy some beautiful sightseeing and spend time with my niece Katrina, her husband Jerry, great niece Harmony and great nephew Justice and a chance for his body which needs rest to heal. However, if he has a sinus infection and his body hasn’t had an opportunity to heal we will forfeit our trip and loose the money we have already spent for the tickets. You know how disappointed I will be if we cannot make this trip. Not only for me but because I wanted Jerry to have a chance to go to Hawaii (he's never been). I know that he would probably never take a trip to Hawaii if he had to pay for a car, hotel, and other various costs.

Jerry has spent the past six, now going on, seven years fighting for his health. I saw the joy, in his face, when he cuddled with Zack, this past weekend. I hear the joy in his voice when he talks to Harmony, on the telephone, and teases her about her "labradoodle" puppy. He loves talking with Ashleigh every chance he gets. Not to mention all the love and joy Jake and Zake (our neighbors 2 doors down) are sharing with us. Jake and Zack come to visit almost every weekend. Jerry stops whatever he's doing to spend time working and/or playing with them. I think about Jerry last November during Justin and Beverly's wedding reception. He had so much fun dancing with and teasing his niece, Meagan, and her best friend Summer. These are the precious and cherished moments Jerry and I are blessed with and we value them so much.

Please remember Jerry in your prayers as we fight yet another battle and another set back.

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