Oxygen

Roger has Aspergillosis, a lung infection like pneumonia caused by the Aspergillus fungus. This is, unfortunately, one of the most common and most threatening illnesses that afflicts bone marrow transplant patients. The infection is largely under control thanks to the massive doses of intravenous antibiotics he had while he was in the hospital, but the remnants remain and Roger's lungs are permanently damaged. So we have a fancy new appliance at our house - an oxygen concentrator.

This machine takes in air from the room, separates and delivers oxygen it to the patient via a nasal cannula (a little air hose under the his nose.) Roger is on 10 litres of oxygen per hour, 24 hours a day. The concentrator makes a lot of noise, so we keep it in the bathroom with the door closed. The hose runs under the bathroom door, around the edge of the bedroom, under the rug, to Roger's side of the bed. This arrangement is quieter than the oxygen delivery system he was on in the hospital. Because it's less annoying, he is willing to keep it on. And that's a good thing, because he needs all the oxygen he can get.

Aspergillosis is life threatening and Roger has had a severe case. What could be worse? Leukemia. While Roger's body tries it's best to fight the lung infection, leukemia cells are increasing. It has become unstoppable.

I usually try to end each blog post on a positive note but, gee, I just can't think of an upbeat thing to say today. I am hanging in, but I don't feel perky.