Cherry, Orange and Purple

This past week has been a great one for Daryl!  His blood work is beginning to settle down to an acceptable range.  He is off most of the IV replacements for his calcium, magnesium, potassium and has finished his two antibiotics! We are still monitoring his blood sugars and taking insulin, but that is normal.  We did have a little surprise on Thursday when the balloon from his g-tube decided to “pop out”  and a quick trip to Radiology  popped it back in! One benefit of being in the hospital is the express lane treatment.

He has been tolerating his tube feedings to his J-tube and they clamped his G- tube and he has had no issues!  We were able to talk the Dr’s into letting him have popsicles, Italian ice and water for the first time in two weeks!

The cherry, orange and purple are not colors of a sports team or a flag, they are the colors of Daryl’s favorite Popsicle! With this recent development, Daryl has been enjoying playing a trick on new people who enter his room. He has a suction machine and the tubing is predominately red. When people enter his room their expression is “Oh my goodness” and a little panic. Then Daryl enlightens them and shows the red popsicle! Their expressions quickly turns into a big smile and often a chuckle! Each time I visit,  I never know what color his teeth might be, when he gives that classic Lu smile . . . red, orange or purple!

On Friday Dr. Kossman was amazed by how his swelling in his neck has dramatically gone done!  He joked ” I gave you the good drugs!” It has been a miracle with the decreased  swelling, which means hopefully  the tumors are shrinking, with the first Chemo treatment. We are cautiously optimistic, but feel good that things are moving in the right direction! Even one of the nurses who gave him the chemo was amazed at Daryls progress! A-mazing, Amazing, Amazing!

Tonight we took a stroll around the unit and the nurses were all smiles to see Daryl out walking! The picture above is when we returned and he is having his favorite treat . . . . .  the popsicle!

We thank each of you for the continued support and prayers. We feel those prayers are being answered with all of Daryls progress this past  week! Also a special Thank you to Fr. Alex for stopping by to see Daryl! His visits give Daryl great strength! This week we are hoping he will be discharged from the hospital and be home for Easter!

Love Daryl “popsicle ” and Charlotte