Gary Bonjour 1951 – 2008

Nothing too exciting to report…and in the grander scheme of things “not to exciting” is fine with me.  Gary is fast asleep.  He drank three half pints of whole milk throughout the day.  Hey, it is a start!  He favored pureed peaches over my homemade chicken noodle.  Geesh!  I am trying not to be insulted.  He is managing water better each day.  No physical therapy today; maybe two therapy sessions tomorrow.         -Randy

Dialysis went well; Gary has no complaints today.  He returned shivering and not feeling as well as he did before dialysis; but he knows this is normal with dialysis.  The kitchen sent up a nice pureed meal, only to have Gary rolled away for an ultrasound before he could enjoy it.  He seems to be too busy with tests, therapy, and procedures to get a bite.  We’ll work on the yummy pureed peaches when he returns!  White blood cells are marching up.  The white count dipped during his last, breif stay in ICU.  Gary and Patty are in favor of skipping a stay at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago to the end of returning to Eagle Valley sooner.  The doctor is hashing this over; but it appears Gary will be here at Prentice until he is swallowing better, eating better, is going to the bathroom unaided, has better balance, and has more endurance in walking about.  Physical therapy is scheduled after the ultrasound.  The barium swallow test is tomorrow.  We will be practicing for it tonight!   

-Randy

The symptoms of the allergic reaction have passed.  Gary said he was doing fine and experienced a good night’s rest.  I spoke with him briefly before he was wheeled away to dialysis.  Hot, home-made chicken noodle was going to be his morning treat – smuggle in my backpack.  But there was no time.  He said it sounded good.  This was a surprise as Gary usually says food does not sound (or smell) appealing.  I’ll have to reheat this contraband, back at the apartment, for a serving later today.  

-Randy 

During rounds today the stem cell doctors confirmed the transplant went well and they expect a good result in the fight against Multiple Myeloma. Gary is swallowing better and is waiting for a “meal” to be delivered. (I believe they said pureed!) In switching antibiotics this afternoon Gary developed an allergic reaction. The antibiotic was stopped immediately and Benedryl was administered. While this was happening there was an opening in radiology for a swallow test. We had to turn it down as Gary was in too much pain from the allergic reaction. The much talked about swallow test is now scheduled for Thursday afternoon. The Benedryl is doing its thing. Gary is now resting from his latest trauma. Just another day in Paradise. -Randy

An early update today is written to make up for my derelict efforts yesterday. Gary is out of ICU and back on the stem cell floor. The tube is out. Gary says he will be more diligent in regard to drinking and eating.  He is sitting up in bed, ordering breakfast, and watching TV. Less positive is he needed blood yesterday and today. The stomach pain comes and goes. Being out of ICU is fantastic. Gary’s progress is moving forward, again. -Randy