Tue, Feb 16, 2016

Home health nurse visited around 10:00 am to checkup on Dad. His BP was 112 over 64.

Pap is doing much better this morning, compared to yesterday morning and all day Sunday. His extreme dehydration most likely contributed to his weakness and dizziness.

We will buy Gatorade today in bottles. We will check Sam's Club to see if they still sell the large cans of Gatorade powder like I used to buy back in the 1990s when I was running and bicycling.

I preferred to mix my Gatorade a little weaker than recommended. Jeff said he would bring back packets of Powerade mix when he returns later this month.

Drinking a lot of plain water can get boring, which is why I would make some weak Gatorade. Dad also drinks a bottled beverage called "Boost" or something like that. I never heard of it, but it seems somewhat popular.

Home health nurse left at 10:24 am. 30 minute visit.

Dad has worked on his laptop today, reading hospital work email. Drinking fluids. More awake today. More talkative. Watching fishing videos and MeTV shows.

Pap had a good day on Tuesday. Ma said it was his best day, since he entered the hospital on Jan 29. It was the best day for him that I've seen on my two recent visits.

On Tuesday, his voice was stronger. He spoke more. He was awake more, hardly resting. He used his laptop to clean up hospital work email. He had much less pain in his lung. I think that he only took two pain relievers.

The weakness prior to his first chemo treatment was due to extreme dehydration. On Monday, Dad spent more time than expected at the clinic because the first two hours were used to pump fluids into him.

Once he was hydrated and his kidneys were working properly, then the chemo was administered, at least part of the chemo. We closed the place on Monday.

On Tuesday, Dad consumed at least 70 ounces of fluids. I'm suggesting at least 80 ounces.

We will be at the Wheeling hospital by 2:30 pm on Wednesday to return the pump.

We assume that he will begin noticing the effects from chemo during the rest of the week. He felt a little nauseous late this evening, but he took something for it.

Tuesday was a good day.