karenulijohn

It has been approximately six weeks since the last infusion, and Harvey has experienced debilitating side effects throughout this period.  No single thing has been catastrophic, but in combination, they have made a significant impact on our lives.  He has complained of a general feeling of being unwell, and has experienced some gastric issues which finally resolved after being told he could take Immodium.  His appetite diminished to the point where his total caloric intake for the day might be no more than 500 calories.  Wonder of wonders, he has even “gone off” White Zin!”  Needless to say, he has lost a total of 18 pounds over this time period.

All of this has not only affected Harvey physically, but emotionally as well.  He is not accustomed to being bedridden, and unable to stand for any length of time without feeling as though he would fall over.  This all came to a head this past Tuesday when he told me to have a look at his big toe.  It was very swollen and red, hot to the touch.  He was having difficulty walking on it.  He finally called the “on call” doctor with the Yervoy study.  She returned his call immediately and suggested that he try to move his appointment with Dr. Colbourn forward from next Monday.  Luckily, we were able to see him yesterday at 4:00PM.  Earlier yesterday, Harvey had planned to attend his weekly Rotary meeting, and I was going to walk over and meet him there.  As I was preparing to leave, he called to me from the shower saying that he didn’t think he could go, and that he felt so weak he could barely make it to the bed.  I felt his pulse, but it wasn’t racing, though he did seem to have a fever.  He slept the entire day until I roused him at 3:00PM to get ready for the appointment.

Dr. Colbourn listened to this litany of complaints that we had attributed to Yervoy, and after looking at Harvey’s toe, announced that he had an infection called cellulitis.  “Cellulitis (sel-u-LI-tis) is a common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection. Cellulitis appears as a swollen, red area of skin that feels hot and tender, and it may spread rapidly.  Left untreated, the spreading infection may rapidly turn life-threatening. That’s why it’s important to seek immediate medical attention if cellulitis symptoms occur.” (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cellulitis/DS00450)

Harvey will be receiving intravenous infusions of the antibiotic Ceftriaxone Sodium, which is a cephalosporin antibiotic, for the next seven days.  He had his first infusion at 6:00PM yesterday after leaving the Dr.’s office.  We finally got home last night at about 8:30PM and he went straight to sleep.  This morning he awoke at 8:00AM with the most cheerful “good morning” that I’ve heard in weeks.  He ate a banana, had some orange juice and a piece of toast with butter and jam.  What a difference!   The doctor is very optimistic that Harvey will be feeling much more like his old self in a matter of days.  We will see him again on Monday morning to check on Harvey’s progress.  Praise God and thanks to all of you who have kept Harvey close in your thoughts and prayers.  We are truly blessed!