One day at a time....

I know many are wondering how Cody is and have been waiting for an update. Not much to say except each day is a gift. Cody continues to hang on despite is organs continuing to shut down. He is loosing weight and also retaining fluid in the lower half of his body. His stomach is bloated due to the tumors. Despite all the pain Cody still keeps good spirits and when he is not sleeping will often make some sort of sarcastic remark or make a joke. His latest is to rub his stomach and ask if we think it will be a boy or girl. With his swollen feet, boated stomach, and swollen ankles there are quite a few pregnancy jokes.

He also has many "when you get to be my age" comments and jokes. He says he feels like he is 90. He enjoys doing his "old man" actives like word searches when he can. The medications keep him pretty tired and he does spend a lot of time sleeping. He is thankful for each day he gets to spend with his family.

Cody continues to be in a lot of pain and nausea. Besides Ativan, Benadryl, Phenergan (for nausea), and the pain pump that continuously gives him Dilaudid they have also added Valium pills ,Percocet pills, and Methadone IV for the pain. On top of the continuous drip of Dilaudid Cody also can push the pain pump to get a bolus of medications up to 5 times in an hour and quite often has to use it due to the pain being so great. Besides pain and nausea medication Cody also gets Rifampin twice a day since his liver is not working the helps with the itching which is given over 30 minutes. Cody gets a steroid to help with inflamation and heartburn medication IV. With this long list of medications you can imagine the constant care our parents have been giving. They do have a home health nurse they can call 24 hrs and if needed. She can and does go out to the house no matter what time of day/night to help with the things our parents are not able to do such as upping the pain pump dose, replacing the bag when it runs out, and changing the needle in his port when needed.

 Due to Cody's pain and nausea and the fact that he sleeps a lot he isn't up for visitors but he greatly appreciates all the love, support, and concern that is expressed by the community, friends, and family. Thank you for keeping Cody and our family in your thoughts and prayers. We appreciate everyone eagerness to help but as there is nothing anyone can do the family does ask for privacy for Cody's sake as he goes through this most difficult time.

Thank You and God Bless,
Cheryl Stout