Fireworks

Happy Fourth of July from the Lu’s! We were remembering last year when we able to experience a Illinois 4th of July. We were fortunate to spend a few days prior with the Lincoln Fan club for a lunch, with Daryl’s favorite, fried chicken. Then we were off to  explore the Abraham Lincoln museum with our personal tour guide Uncle Marvin and Aunt Sandy. The a nice dinner with Aaron and Mindy with a famous horseshoe sandwich. Then before we left Stuart brought out the smoker for ribs!

This year we changed things up. On Saturday we were able to have some fraternity brothers  Tony, Chris and Jeff to share some stories, watch some baseball and have a few snacks. On Monday, Marc  flew in and he and Tony came over to spend a few hours.

Monday we also went for a visit to the NP (nurse Practitioner ) Lisa, who works with Dr. Kossman. We express some concerns with Daryl’s pain and challenges with swallowing pills. She  changes is pain meds to liquids and ordered a Fentayl patch to help. Also  is referring to a Pain specialists to help manage his pain. Late Monday afternoon Lisa, called to inform us that Daryl’s calcium was at a critical level and he should go to the ER.  I pushed back, due to the fact that his immunotherapy was tomorrow and the likely hood of being admitted was very high. If he is admitted, he does not receive his immunotherapy,  as it is only outpatient. I am sure she was not expecting my  pushback and responses to prioritizing. Also, he would have to go thru the ER, because  hisdoctors cannot direct admit, which makes more fun! I expressed the understanding of the critical level, but share the experience e of the navigation of the ER.   She did assure me the ER would have visibility to his recent lab work.  Decision made- go to the ER.

We are very blessed that Marc and Tony were there to help me get Daryl down the many steps to the car. The biggest challenge can be the stairs, for hose of you that have visited Casa de Lu.

I do have to say this was the smoothest admit thru the ER. I guess the magic word this time was “Calcium level is 14.2.”  He did get admitted and was in his room with ready to be tucked into bed by 11:15pm. This has been the earliest ever! Usually we are doing this at  2:00-3:00 am. They were able to lower his Calcium, but  he still was having issues with pain.  Long story of being in the hospital  and pain management processes.  His day nurse Carmen, was incredible! The first thing Daryl wrote, when I walked in Tuesday morning was “My nurse Carmen is really good”  She was on everything and was able to get his pain under control, dressing dry and very comfortable. She even move us to a better room with a view!  We also had a visit from a very nice women from Spiritual care. She read a verse that was spot on for what we need to hear. Daryl also go a visit from Sister and communion, which always helps to give him strength.

Thankfully, we were able to come home yesterday on the Fourth of July. We did not watch any fireworks, but relaxed and got back to the routine at Casa de Lu hospital.  Now I have a To Do list of follow-ups, but I know he feels much better at home.

Thank you for all the visits, calls, text and e-mails from everyone. They truly help to lift us up and keep us soldiering forward in the Battle with Mr. C.    With Gods Will hopefully the only battle next year will be where to watch the fireworks!

Love- Daryl and Charlotte