Ups and Downs II

Today was a strange day. I arrived at Suzy's room around 1:30, and she had been resisting food and fluids since her mother's arrival earlier in the morning. I cajoled her for 30 minutes, but she remained obstinate. No food, no fluids. In fact, she was literally throwing ice water onto the floor when it was offered. By the time her mom got up to leave around 2:00, I told her to take the radio with her, since Suzy wouldn't be getting any stronger, and would evidently prefer to die where she lay. We were both frustrated, exhausted, and crestfallen.

I continued to explain her situation and plead with her to eat something. I begged, pleaded, and demanded; by 3:30 we had reached an accomodation: Suzy would eat or drink a little bit every fifteen minutes, if I wouldn't ask her to consume any more than she wanted. We were able to continue on that regimen fairly well until I left at 8 PM, so Suzy ate and drank better today than she has in several days.

Physical therapy arrived and took Suzy through a series of exercises, which I will repeat with her tomorrow and Christmas. Also, Suzy's G/I doc stopped by to tell us that her liver function is showing some improvement. She was also encouraged by Suzy's improved mental alertness and communication. I hope the pep talk she gave Suzy got through to her.

We did have one very poignant moment, when Suzy asked me straight out, "Am I dying?" I told her, and I believe truthfully, that she is not dying right now. We've always been totally straight with each other, so I also told her that she was sick enough that, in the event something went wrong, she could perish quickly. Hopefully, that will motivate her to build up her strength a little.