Fred's sister, Abby, has been here for the past 3 nights, but she went home to Denver this afternoon.
It wasn’t easy, but Abby and I coached the big guy into eating 1785 calories in a 24-hour period. He was practically gagging and I don’t feel good about it at all. As a matter of fact, I felt like I was torturing a duck -- force feeding it -- readying him to become pate. Horrifying! That said, Fred does NOT have a feeding tube in today and nobody threatened him with one for tomorrow. So that's a good day!
Fred’s liver and kidney functions are improving and the
team seems very pleased. His fluid
retention issues are a problem for in regard to his discomfort and high BP. "Santa Fred" (Bad Santa!) is still as big as a house from his ribs to his ankles and
huffs a bunch just settling into bed.
But the latest chest x-ray shows no change in the pulmonary effusion (fluid outside his lungs), so
he did not need to have the fluid tapped today. His hemoglobin has
risen (it has risen indeed!) -- and without transfusion -- to 7.8. We are still looking into pain management options -- especially for the back pain. Maybe once the diuretics kick in and he loses some of the fluid he can start feeling better.
Meanwhile, Fred is on strict orders to listen to The Boss (that’s me, of course!) and work on getting nourished, rested, and stronger. The prayers continue. I leave you with the candle Aunt Mary lit for Fred in Holy Trinity Church, Nevada City.
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| Fred's candle is the second row from top, fourth lit candle on the right ... the one that shines brightest! |
Way to go Boss! Proud of you and Bad Santa. Thought about ya'll all day and will continue prayers. So now you have the support of the McCourts of Burbank, the McCourts of Bonita Beach, FLA and The Foyles of Dallas including The Reiki Master amongst everyone else who is sending prayers and healing love and light. P.S. I know Fred feels like shit, but when he smiles for the pics, he looks like freakin' movie star...can't hide the Handsome. Love ya'll bunches.
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ReplyDeleteSo glad things are looking up💕💕
ReplyDeleteKate
Yippee! Way to go Fred! This was a GOOD day. Our prayers are pouring in.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work and we hope you are beginning to feel better. :0)
Ahhhhh....Love you two. Give Fred a big kiss from me! xoxo
ReplyDeleteOh this is such WONDERFUL NEWS!!!!! Doing my happy dance!! Praising God, continuing in prayer for continued wellness journey for your handsome as ever hubby! Karen, he truly looks GREAT considering what his body has been enduring. WOW! I am thrilled and love you so!!! :)
ReplyDelete"Bad Santa." You just crack me up, Karen! Having your humor intact is a very good sign. I wish continued progress and an immediate uptick in Fred's comfort. That fluid retention just sounds so painful, poor guy. And, to echo Susan, when he smiles, no one is more handsome than our rock star Fred! Love, love, love to you. Jeanette
ReplyDeleteMorning Karen and Fred! Thanks for the updates! Did you tell Fred the joke about the old timer and his new boots?! Sent it on Facebook messenger. I've been invited to a meeting today with around 12 local agencies in pueblo to talk about the new program for teaching disenfranchised women job skills! Very excited! We're looking for a building to rent to set up a wood working shop. Little by little, things are moving forward! It will be called A Fresh Start! I hope you get to meet with Mary Kay! I looked into driving to see you. It's around 10 hours. Also looking into cheap flights. I've ALWAYS wanted to see Omaha!!!
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