On January 27, 2011 Eric Merkley was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. An aggressive cancer that we hope and the doctors to this point seem confident that is contained to one spot on his leg. Prognosis is good. Treatments and recovery will be long and painful.

Monday, March 21, 2011

A new Eric

This morning started out pretty funny.  I was trying to be so quiet and disconnect his IV tube while he was sleeping, because I am a professional... :).  Well, you have to flush the tube going into his port with a saline solution when you disconnect it, but the syringe had a tiny air bubble in the end.  So I was trying to get the bubble out and shot a stream of water on the ceiling, which dripped back on Eric's sleeping face.  I was trying not to laugh, but when Eric woke up and said "What the heck?"  I started laughing, then he started to laugh as the ceiling continued to drip on his face.  He shook his head.  It will be a testament to him if he can endure my "professional" nursing skills.
But great news... We just figured this out, and I just have to share with you.  If... and I mean IF he can stay on schedule with his treatments he will be ringing the bell at PMC signaling the end of his treatment on August 26th.  I had miscalculated and thought he would be finishing up the later part of October.  So when I was sharing this with Eric, he was so relieved.  I also shared with him about what Dr Spraker said about how well he is doing by staying on schedule. 
Then to keep his spirits soaring, I gave him the news from the doctors office with his blood counts.. which are really good.  This week it will continue to drop, but so far we are keeping them at a respectable level!!    He is trying to keep to his 2000 calorie diet and feeling great! What a great day it is!

3 comments:

  1. Great news! All of it! Even the "sprinkling" from the ceiling. What sounds good? We'll bring you something to eat!!! You've got to celebrate! -The Linfords

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  2. I'm so glad he's doing better. Nick is anxious to visit again. And I would love to contribute to his caloric intake. What kind of cookies or yummy food can I send along?

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  3. glad to hear things are getting better!!!! Quick tip Kris, if you pull back on the syringe then push out the air it won't squirt saline everywhere! I used to always squirt patients until I learned this trick!!! Thanks for all the updates!!!!

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