The day started early with extreme nausea lasting from 6-9 a.m. I was delirious, but I couldn’t sleep with her fidgeting and moaning from the discomfort. Since she had gone through all the “as needed medication” and wasn’t due for any until late morning, we just had to wait.
I was in disbelief that the previous day’s strong nausea medication given for chemotherapy patients, which is supposed to last for 3 days, didn’t work as highly anticipated. She ended up getting more anti-nausea medications on top of that, along with an behind-the-ear patch and an injection in her arm before bed.
At 9 a.m., desperation kicked in and I texted my bible study friends updating them on what was happening. They went into prayer mode, which encouraged me to pray too…I don’t even know what I was praying about but pleading for any kind of relief. Being a long time Christian, you would think that I would pray with more confidence and conviction. But nope, not me. I still sway between hope and skepticism. Deep down I know that God is almighty and above human thoughts and ways, but when the going gets tough, I wonder if God will listen to my feeble prayers.
This is wild, but after I asked my friends to pray, Ellis’ condition started to improve. The nausea was still there but she had less retching. Our day nurse recommended brushing teeth, because the mint taste can ease nausea. She, reluctantly, brushed her teeth with kinds of moaning and frowning. That helped a bit along with the effects of an enema. The vascular access person came to put in a new IV line, and when that was over, her nausea started to bother her again. At 4:30 p.m. she got her first anti-nausea medication and now she’s drifted off to sleep.
Even though we’re here on Day 3, Ellis has made considerable progress overall. She can drink sips of water without throwing up, sit up to watch TV, get mad at me, shown interest in food but has only taken 1 bite of pancake, and cried because she wants to go home. The latter is significant; when she feels too ill, she doesn’t talk about home. Missing home is a positive sign.
She’s sleeping now and I’m sitting here blogging while chugging my Starbucks. I didn’t leave the room all day yesterday until 9 p.m. to take a walk with Elliot around the hospital, but today Ellis was okay with me stepping out to get some coffee. When I asked, her reply, “Make it fast.”
We had a rough start to the day but things are turning around! I hope this is the breakthrough evening and tomorrow starts the recovery process. If she talks more when Chris and Elliot get here tonight, that would be a sign of improvement. Prayers and support from friends, blogging friends, and family have made and are making an incredible difference in our journey! It encourages me to pray and reminds me that God has a purpose in everything, even in this pain. No doubt it stinks to be here, and to be here today when it’s Chris’ birthday. We will celebrate and have cake when we get home! Happy birthday, Bubba!!
God’s timing is bizarre to grasp but His timing is perfect, always.
*Thank you again everyone for your encouraging wishes and prayers!! I am so grateful for this community and for your friendship. I hope you don’t mind that I will not be able to respond to comments for a while until we get back home.
30 responses to “Day 3 and progress”
Hugs for you, Ellis, Elliot and Chris – you are all strong in the face of adversity. Happy birthday to Chris. You’ll hopefully celebrate at home with cake and ice cream by Christmas. Take care.
Thank you, Linda! Thank you for the encouragement that we are “strong in the face of adversity.” It’s not us…it’s God who gives us the peace to go through the craziness with humor, strength, and sanity.
The saying of “what doesn’t kill you make you stronger” – well your mettle has been tested in 2023 … you all did not cave thanks to a higher being than all of you and your family ties.
I am so very sorry. Sending love and prayers to all of you.
Thank you, Cindy!!
Hugs for all of you. My dearest friend Eshter & your’s little angel are very strong & brave. I hope you have trusted in God. Many many happy returns of day for Chris . ” Happy Birthday Chris 🎉🎁!
Celebrate at home with cake. Happy Christmas to you and your, Eshter 🙋🧑🎄⛄!
I wish you & family,!
Thank you for your kind wishes and birthday greetings for Chris!!
God is so good all the time.
Continue to pray for Ellis and you, Esther! It’s hard for you to see your daughter suffer! Hang in there! God is good, all the time.
You’re right! God is good all the time. It was not easy to see Ellis in that much discomfort, but I felt grateful to be in the right place where she could get the help she needed. Thank you for your prayers! We made it home on Christmas evening.
It was good that you made it home before Christmas. Nobody wants to spend Christmas in the hospital. I hope Ellis felt good to open presents.
It was a wonderful surprise to come home on Christmas evening! God is good and so thankful that she was well enough to come home.
Happy new year, Miriam!!!
Home is better for the kids on any occasion especially Christmas. Happy New Year to you, Esther!!
Thank you, Miriam! I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas and new year.
Certainly, don’t worry about responding to any comments. Take care of yourself and your family. Happy birthday to Chris! Last year, we were driving to move to NV on my birthday and unloading the trailer of chickens + coop and cats + litter boxes. 😂 Not very celebratory at all but you can’t plan these things, only make the best of them. We will keep lifting you up in prayer 🙏
You are strong and courageous and without fear. He has called you by name, you are His.
Take care
Thank you, Devang!!
Here’s to continuing improvement!
Thank you, Liz!!
You’re welcome, Esther!
Still sending prayers for Ellis to feel better. Everything else can be put on hold until she is safe back home. Have the birthday, Christmas, and welcome home celebrations when all is well. <3
Thank you, Barbara! You’re right…all the celebrations can wait…it just prolongs the celebrations.
♥️ praying 🙏 and looking to the greatness of our God (healing prayer from Albert Milton – https://youtu.be/bLVsPqmU-l0?si=BRtllajcuI2hDGEb )
Amen!! Thank you for sending the soothing video of prayers.
Still praying for Ellis and you. May you both feel God’s comfort and joy. Happy Birthday Chris!
Thank you, Michele! Even in the midst of it all, we were able to feel God’s hand of protection over us and our family. God is so amazing with his peace. Thank you for Chris’ birthday wishes!
We are praying about Ellis and you!!! May God send relief for Ellis and strength for you!🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you, V!! We appreciate your prayers and your kind texts. So appreciative of you and your family.
So grateful that things have improved a bit. Don’t worry about responding to comments. Rest whenever you can grab a moment instead. 😊
So grateful too!! It’s been crazy while we were in the hospital. Every day had it’s own drama and just when I started to feel some relief, Ellis would get sick again, and my heart would sink from fear. Ack!
Thank you for your comment about grabbing a moment for myself instead of responding to comments. I felt the urge to reply but it was too much for me. Your comment helped me to have less guilt about replying promptly.
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!!
We did have a nice Christmas. Thank you! Just know that prayers are being lifted up for you even you do not have the strength to respond. 😉