By Gillian
I went to the hospice this afternoon to see how Chris was doing. He was asleep most of the time I was there, so it was a good job I’d taken a book with me. They’ve put him on a continuous pump of pain-killer and anti-emetic drugs, to keep a more or less constant level of drug action in his body. That seems to be beginning to work – after a really bad night last night with multiple vomiting episodes, he has only thrown up twice today so far. He tells me that he’s feeling considerably better than yesterday, although that was from an admittedly very low baseline. He’s still very tired and wobbly.
One strange symptom which is puzzling his doctors is that his speech is slurred. It sounds like he’s drunk all the time. This started happening on Thursday or Friday last week. I think they are planning on doing another brain scan to see if there is a tumour causing that, though I suppose it could also be a side-effect of some of the medication he’s on.
I buttonholed the doctor before I left this afternoon and asked what his plans were. They want to take things slowly and only make one change at a time, giving time to evaluate the effects before making the next change. As a scientist I can only approve of that approach, though it does mean Chris will be in the hospice for at least one week and quite possibly two.
{ 8 } Comments
I’m so glad Chris is getting such good care. I hope you, Gillian, are taking good care of yourself — sleep, eat, take a walk, try not to worry too much. *hugs*
You’ve been having a wretched time, Christopher. I’m so sorry, but glad that you are in the safest possible place with a strong hope that the tests will lead to medication that gives you more comfort.
Gillian rang me last Monday. I was glad to talk to her. She told me your news and reassured me that I wasn’t to worry. So I don’t. I’ll still be thinking of you, though.
Love,
Alan
Love,
Alan
Dear C&G,
It’s good to hear that C is starting to show improvements at the hospice, but we’re very sorry to hear about the difficulties over recent days. Apologies that R wasn’t able to visit today – looking forward to seeing you soon when biohazardousness has diminished.
Hopefully G will have a chance for a bit of (copiously deserved) rest.
Best wishes,
R&F
Hi Chris and Gillian. Glad to hear that the vomiting is beginning to calm down. It sounds like you’re getting great treatment from the hospice staff, and hopefully things will settle down soon.
Best wishes to you both.
Sorry to hear you’ve had such an awful time, and glad things seem to be turning around a little! Take care of yourselves, very best wishes!
Hi Chris and Gillian. We’ve been away so I’ve only just read the blog to find out how you’ve been since we met up for lunch. I’m so sorry the news isn’t better. I hope things are improving now that Chris is in the hospice and that there’s some respite from the pain and that you are both able to rest. Love to you both.
Oh Gillian my thoughts are totally with you. Please give my love to Chris and take some for yourself. Also know that even though we are not technically close I love and care for you both. Please phone if you need to – I know how hard this is for you. Chris, take care mate.
With love n hugs
Sophie
Thanks everyone. I am so much happier that Chris is in the hospice and being well looked after there.