I got here to find out that Kim's chemo is finally starting to catch up with her. She's been feeling great this whole time, but just yesterday started feeling tired, sick to her stomach again, and her hair- the little bits that hadn't fallen out last time and were starting to grow back- pretty much bit the dust. The worst of it all though is that between the chemo that is killing a lot of cells, and the antibiotics that they are giving her because her ANC (Immunity) is down to zero, have wiped out most of the bacteria in her digestive system. As I'm sure most of you know, some bacteria is very imporant- both for digestion and for warding off "bad" bacteria that also lives in everybody's system. Because she doesn't have much of the good anymore, some of that bad bacteria is starting to run out of control. It causes a sickness called C-Diff. They are treating her for it already (it pretty much involves a special kind of antibiotic, special precautions regarding immunity) but if you would like to learn more, here is a great website with some easy to understand information:
Because Kim's remaining, short hairs have been falling out all over her pillow and such, she was patting at her head with bits of tape to help pick it up (and wishing for a lint roller!) For fun, I stuck a piece of tape to her head waxing-style (for those of you lucky ones who have never tried it- it pretty much consists of pressing down the sticky side in the direction the hair grows, and then supporting the skin while you rip the tape off in the opposite direction of the hair. Just in case you wanted to know.) Anyway, though it was only masking tape (basically the weakest there is) I was very shocked when I ripped it away and most all of the little hairs came away with it- there was an actual really bald spot in the place it had been. I was so worried I hurt her, but she said she didn't feel anything. (Dead roots.) She wanted me to do her whole head this way- and so I did. Just for fun I took some pictures, and I'll add them here:
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Crazy, huh? Anyway, Kim is especially vulnerable right now, and really isn't feeling very well, but we're hoping that won't last long. She should be able to come home in about two more weeks. Until then, she's really glad to hear from you (you can still send emails through the PCMS link- look to the info on right of screen) and if she's feeling well, would love company. Please check with her/us first to be sure that she's up for it that day. Thanks everyone!
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