After several rough days, Larry is more alert today and seems to be in less pain. He has had two fairly restful nights and we are so thankful for them! He does sleep most of the time, but with all the meds in his system I don't think there's much of an option for him.

I have requested a different pain method for Larry and I'm hoping that all of his doctors will agree when they confer Monday to put in an intrathecal pump. This is a catheter that is inserted in the lumbar spine, most likely, and will thread up through his spinal column into the thoracic spine. There will be a disc-type of container that will be just under the skin in his abdominal area that will hold the medication. Everyone I've talked to feels that this will be a very good option for Larry. This should allow him to come off of the IVs and lessen the amount of narcotics, yet they will be more effective with a smaller dosage. Having said all that, I will insert my "disclaimer" that this is my non-clinical explanation as I understand it!

I don't remember if I mentioned this previously, but they stopped Larry's chemo due to a drop in his white cell count. As of tonight the count is just about high enough to start the treatment again, so we're hoping for the go ahead to begin again the first of the week.

As I type this, Larry is sitting in his recliner in his hospital room watching Carolina vs. Kansas with my cousin, who will spend the night with him. We joke about all the sleepovers Larry's had while he's been up here - probably more than he had even as a child!! He has had several visitors this week and even though he doesn't always stay awake, he enjoys the visits.

Please continue to pray for rest, a sufficient increase in his white cell count, and that he does not pick up any kind of infection since it's been so low.

Thanks for caring,

Terri