Fr. Tony Update: Checking in to the Ruby Resort

This morning Tony woke up.... Hmmmm, let me rephrase that....

Before the sun came up, Tony was still fighting to get to sleep. Steroids will do that, you know. He's been battling pain in one ankle for a few days, but this morning it's both ankles. The pain is clearly more pronounced, and he's barely able to shuffle from one room to another. I worry that he's going to fall, and we don't want any broken bones!

The congestion seems worse, and he's having a difficult time breathing. The simple act of getting out of a recliner, shuffling 20 feet to the bathroom, and back, has him panting like he's climbed the nearest mountain.

I can deal with trying to relieve the ankle pain, but I draw the line at difficulty breathing, since we have no way to "make it better"... well.... it's a bit frightening, to be totally honest with you. So, I had to pester our dear Dr. Craig on his day off.

The staff on the 9th West floor of the Ruby Resort (Ruby Memorial Hospital) are making room for Tony, shifting some folks around, so we can get him into a private room. The fewer germs he encounters, the better, as his immune system is completely compromised at this point.

Have I mentioned lately that this cancer business is: not fun; frightening; challenging; confusing; unsettling; sleep depriving; un-nerving, and not always in that order.

Now, to figure out how to sneak Hemmingway into the Resort. Hmmmmmm... He's become quite attached to Tony, sleeping with him, keeping him company while he's at the computer and saying his office.

11:30am and Ruby Resort just called to say his room is ready. Must get lunch (avoiding at least one resort "meal"), shower and head to hospital. Will update you as we hear anything.