Day 2000000000, No seriously, Day 29

Well, today was a tough one. For me more than Kristen. I'm really reaching the end of my caregiver rope. Devin and I will trade off in the next couple of days. I'm really really ready for it this time. Kristen's day started with her bone marrow biopsy. Never fun. Her platelets were certainly high enough at 42. They ended up giving her 2 Ativan to relax her before the procedure. I think it was probably 1 too many. It may have helped her through the procedure but she remained loopy all morning. At one point she told me there were balloons and butterflies around her bed. Interesting. I wasn't able to see them. Then Dr. Cooper comes in to let her know that he wasn't going to let her come home this weekend. I know it's a good move since it is a holiday weekend, but Kristen was a bit disappointed. Her friends have decided to come visit any way. I know having them around will cheer her up. So about 2-3 hours after her biopsy I notice that it's still oozing blood. Great. We all remember the terrible hematoma she got last time. I alerted her nurse and the resident on call and they added a new bandage and applied a 10 lb bag for pressure. Seriously a ten pound bag. She was due to receive blood and they decided that they would also get her 6 units of platelets to help make sure the biopsy site stops bleeding. She was finishing the bag of red blood cells when I left. All she had done all day was sleep because of all the ativan and the benadryl pre-med for the blood. I feel bad because at one point I really fussed at her. She was being a difficult patient because she wasn't eating and drinking like she should. I ended up making her cry. I don't fuss at her because I get a kick out of it. I told her she had to do these things or we'd never get out of the hospital. I guess my frustration level has hit it's peak. At one point I went down to the chapel and cried myself. I love that chapel. It's really peaceful, and you feel God's presence. I think of all the prayers that are said there. And all of the different languages that pray there. As I sat there, most of those coming in were staff. Isn't that awesome?

Sorry for the long ramble. It's just been one of those days.

Pray that Kristen continues to improve. Pray that her biopsy site does not develop a hemotoma like before. Pray that she can do the things that she needs to so that she can leave the hospital: drink her fluids, eat, breath without the oxygen. Pray that her cough would stop. She still is coughing more than I'm comfortable with. Pray for safe travel for Devin and for Kristen's friends over the weekend. Give thanks for God's power. His reach is deep and wide. You never know where you will encounter Him. Maybe He'll walk in the door where you volunteer. Right Irasema?!

Thanks again for making this journey with us.