It went well today, Burt was nervous but really hasn't had a reaction to the treatment. He is tired, but that seems to be the norm for him nowadays. He winced when they used the port for the first time, so we got a prescription for a cream to put on his skin an hour before the next treatment. It will numb the skin so he doesn't feel the needle going in....
Tomorrow it's one month until Anna and Jeff's wedding! Yikes! I better start looking for a dress to wear soon!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Thursday June 25th
The CT scan results came back pretty positive, there is no sign of cancer anywhere else in the chest or abdomen! He is feeling better now, bandages are off the port. We went to talk to a chemo nurse practitioner yesterday and she explained the side effects and what might happen. He probably won't lose his hair but will most likely be fatigued. First chemo treatment is Tuesday June 30th. He will take Gemzar for one hour. We are not looking forward to it but know that it's necessary. He is moving around a lot better now and doing things around the house. Here's hoping for a quiet weekend coming up.
I can't believe Michael Jackson died today! Burt met him the one time when they set the Falling Star ride up on his Neverland Ranch. Always thought he was "different", but 50 is awful young to die! I expected the news about Farrah Fawcett, after watching her cancer documentary I am surprised that she held on as long as she did. I hope both rest in peace.
I can't believe Michael Jackson died today! Burt met him the one time when they set the Falling Star ride up on his Neverland Ranch. Always thought he was "different", but 50 is awful young to die! I expected the news about Farrah Fawcett, after watching her cancer documentary I am surprised that she held on as long as she did. I hope both rest in peace.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Tuesday, June 23rd
I hope everyone had a Happy Father's Day Sunday. BJ barbecued some sausage that Anna bought from Joppa Saturday and it was delish! Burt sold his Mustang convertible so he went out and bought himself a gas grill, he says it takes too long to barbecue now with the charcoal. We had a nice weekend with family and friends.
Yesterday it was back to the hospital out patient surgery to get the chemo port put in. It's just like his pacemaker, under the skin. He has been sleeping much better lately but last night was tough cause he can't sleep on that side for two days. I had to wake him up a couple times to get him to turn over, the port is in the upper right chest and he usually sleeps on his right side. He's getting tired of all the needle pricks and IV's and the waiting, waiting, waiting that comes with hospitals and doctors visits. It's a part of our lives now, no getting around it.
They weighed him at the hospital. In his birthday suit he weighs all of 132 pounds. He's never been that thin in the 27 years we've been married. (Well, you can't blame it on my cooking skills...)
Today it was back to the MRI place to get a CT scan of the chest and abdomen to see if the cancer has spread. More IV's and yucky stuff to drink. After it was over, we went home to let the dog out and then over to the Tap Room for lunch. That was nice! Now he's beat and is sleeping on the couch with the dog....
Yesterday it was back to the hospital out patient surgery to get the chemo port put in. It's just like his pacemaker, under the skin. He has been sleeping much better lately but last night was tough cause he can't sleep on that side for two days. I had to wake him up a couple times to get him to turn over, the port is in the upper right chest and he usually sleeps on his right side. He's getting tired of all the needle pricks and IV's and the waiting, waiting, waiting that comes with hospitals and doctors visits. It's a part of our lives now, no getting around it.
They weighed him at the hospital. In his birthday suit he weighs all of 132 pounds. He's never been that thin in the 27 years we've been married. (Well, you can't blame it on my cooking skills...)
Today it was back to the MRI place to get a CT scan of the chest and abdomen to see if the cancer has spread. More IV's and yucky stuff to drink. After it was over, we went home to let the dog out and then over to the Tap Room for lunch. That was nice! Now he's beat and is sleeping on the couch with the dog....
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The oncologist visit....
Today we went to see Dr. V, he removed the feeding tube, so now he's "tube-free", nothing hooked up to the abdomen anymore. He's happy, maybe now he can sleep comfortably at nighttime (and me too). Dr. V is happy with his progress, he hasn't lost anymore weight and wants to see him again in two weeks.
Then we went downstairs to see the oncologist for the first time. It seems that the margins of the tumor were not clear, they showed signs of dysplasia. Dysplasia is pre-cancerous cells. The cancer cells in the tumor itself were very aggressive cancer cells. There is a 70-90% chance that they will come back. So we are going to treat it with chemotherapy and radiation.
Monday he is going to have a "port" put in his chest, that will allow them to do the chemotherapy without using an IV and looking for a viable vein every week. Then Tuesday he will have a CT scan of the abdomen and chest just to verify that the cancer was removed and has not migrated anywhere else. Wednesday we meet with the nurse practioner to go over his chemo protocols. He will be receiving chemo 1 day a week for three hours. He will do that for two months, three weeks with chemo and then a week off. Three weeks with chemo and then a week off. After that session is done, he will start radiation and chemo. Radiation will be every day and the chemo will be by pill. Two months of that and then we repeat the first month of chemo only.
It makes me tired just to think of it.
The oncologist told Burt he has to stay active, he has to try to eat more and gain some weight. The pain from the surgery is diminishing and hopefully if this new prescription we got today for insomnia works he will be more rested when he wakes in the morning. His sugar levels have been great, he is pretty much eating what he wants, three meals a day. I try to get him to snack and he won't, says he isn't hungry. I am hoping his appetite returns soon.
Dr. Oncologist says he has a good chance to survive this. With the grace of God he will.
Then we went downstairs to see the oncologist for the first time. It seems that the margins of the tumor were not clear, they showed signs of dysplasia. Dysplasia is pre-cancerous cells. The cancer cells in the tumor itself were very aggressive cancer cells. There is a 70-90% chance that they will come back. So we are going to treat it with chemotherapy and radiation.
Monday he is going to have a "port" put in his chest, that will allow them to do the chemotherapy without using an IV and looking for a viable vein every week. Then Tuesday he will have a CT scan of the abdomen and chest just to verify that the cancer was removed and has not migrated anywhere else. Wednesday we meet with the nurse practioner to go over his chemo protocols. He will be receiving chemo 1 day a week for three hours. He will do that for two months, three weeks with chemo and then a week off. Three weeks with chemo and then a week off. After that session is done, he will start radiation and chemo. Radiation will be every day and the chemo will be by pill. Two months of that and then we repeat the first month of chemo only.
It makes me tired just to think of it.
The oncologist told Burt he has to stay active, he has to try to eat more and gain some weight. The pain from the surgery is diminishing and hopefully if this new prescription we got today for insomnia works he will be more rested when he wakes in the morning. His sugar levels have been great, he is pretty much eating what he wants, three meals a day. I try to get him to snack and he won't, says he isn't hungry. I am hoping his appetite returns soon.
Dr. Oncologist says he has a good chance to survive this. With the grace of God he will.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Sunday, June 14th
Happy Flag Day!
Things are starting to get a little more normal around here, Burt is up and doing things (but no lifting) around the house. The only pain he's having right now is his neck, he wakes up during the night complaining his neck hurts. So I rub it with Ben Gay or get the heating pad out. He seems to be sleeping a little better, not getting a full 8 hour stretch of sleep but maybe 4 hours at a time.
We go back to Dr. V. Thursday morning, he may take the feeding tube out, we don't know. He will also check to see that his staph infection is going away. Then we go meet an oncologist, who will let us know what we have to expect next (chemotherapy, radiation, whatever). I think once we get that squared away we will feel better knowing what to expect in the upcoming weeks.
BJ and Adrian spent the weekend in Ocean City, it's the annual Volunteer Fireman's convention and Miss Fire Prevention pageant. Anna and Jeff just bought a new car! Another Ford Explorer, my favorite color, Candy Apple Red! Dani is hanging out with Brad's family this weekend as his sister just had a new baby Wednesday and his Dad flew in from Dallas for a few days. So it's just been the two of us here (and the pup) today and what a restful day it's been.
Things are starting to get a little more normal around here, Burt is up and doing things (but no lifting) around the house. The only pain he's having right now is his neck, he wakes up during the night complaining his neck hurts. So I rub it with Ben Gay or get the heating pad out. He seems to be sleeping a little better, not getting a full 8 hour stretch of sleep but maybe 4 hours at a time.
We go back to Dr. V. Thursday morning, he may take the feeding tube out, we don't know. He will also check to see that his staph infection is going away. Then we go meet an oncologist, who will let us know what we have to expect next (chemotherapy, radiation, whatever). I think once we get that squared away we will feel better knowing what to expect in the upcoming weeks.
BJ and Adrian spent the weekend in Ocean City, it's the annual Volunteer Fireman's convention and Miss Fire Prevention pageant. Anna and Jeff just bought a new car! Another Ford Explorer, my favorite color, Candy Apple Red! Dani is hanging out with Brad's family this weekend as his sister just had a new baby Wednesday and his Dad flew in from Dallas for a few days. So it's just been the two of us here (and the pup) today and what a restful day it's been.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Thursday, June 11th
Burt says he had a good night's sleep last night. I know he was up several times but he doesn't remember! So he felt rested this morning, but not me! LOL This Ambien evidently makes your mind think you're sleeping when you're actually sleepwalking around!
Back to Dr. V. today, he removed the second drain. Now he only has the feeeding tube in the abdomen. Not using it but it's there just in case. He did not say when they would remove that. His blood work came back that he has a staph (MSRA) infection. Dr. V. thinks it is in the nose from the stomach pump. So have a cream to put on that. The pharmacy is making a ton of money off us this year.....:-)
Biopsy report back from Johns Hopkins, there were cancer cells near the margin of the tumor but just a few (from what I understand). Will know more when we visit the oncologist next Thursday.
Off to the airport to pick up Mom and Dad!
Back to Dr. V. today, he removed the second drain. Now he only has the feeeding tube in the abdomen. Not using it but it's there just in case. He did not say when they would remove that. His blood work came back that he has a staph (MSRA) infection. Dr. V. thinks it is in the nose from the stomach pump. So have a cream to put on that. The pharmacy is making a ton of money off us this year.....:-)
Biopsy report back from Johns Hopkins, there were cancer cells near the margin of the tumor but just a few (from what I understand). Will know more when we visit the oncologist next Thursday.
Off to the airport to pick up Mom and Dad!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Wednesday, June 10
A good day today, Burt seemed to feel quite a bit better. He's still not sleeping at night so we went to the family doctor to see what he said. He gave us a prescription for sleeping aid, so we will try it tonite, see if we can't get a good night's sleep. I need it just as much as he does!
Anna went home today after spending three days with us. I most certainly will miss her, she helped so much with her Dad. Mom and Dad come home tomorrow, I hope they had a good time visiting my brother and his family.
Anna went home today after spending three days with us. I most certainly will miss her, she helped so much with her Dad. Mom and Dad come home tomorrow, I hope they had a good time visiting my brother and his family.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Monday, June 8th
Took Burt back to the surgeon today, over the weekend he was running a slight fever and the drainage tube sites seemed to be getting red and warm. His blood pressure was low, due to the pain meds he's taking. Dr. V. said he was doing very well, medical-wise. They removed half of the staples and one of the drainage tubes, which Burt said really hurt. Sent Burt across the hall to get a couple blood tests, he's awful pale. We go back to see Dr. V. Thursday and then meet with the oncologist to see if follow up cancer care is needed. Hopefully by Thursday we'll have the pathology report.
I really have to thank everyone for their support, their words of comfort and caring. I never realized exactly how hard it is to be a caregiver for someone you love who is ill. Just knowing you all care helps me make it through another day. I have not been getting any sleep as Burt is up almost every hour during the night. It's hard for him to get comfortable but we try. The kids have been a big help, doing whatever they can to get us through this.
Such is life.
I really have to thank everyone for their support, their words of comfort and caring. I never realized exactly how hard it is to be a caregiver for someone you love who is ill. Just knowing you all care helps me make it through another day. I have not been getting any sleep as Burt is up almost every hour during the night. It's hard for him to get comfortable but we try. The kids have been a big help, doing whatever they can to get us through this.
Such is life.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Saturday, June 6th
He's home! Very happy to be home but still weak and feeling the effects of all the meds and the incision. I am a nervous wreck, you know that I am not a nurse and really don't want to see anyone suffer. My daughter-in-law, Adrian, bless her heart, is studying to be a nurse and came over last night to stay with Burt so I could run to the pharmacy and get his prescriptions filled and get some liquid foods for him. He's on a liquid diet until Monday, then he can eat soft foods. They told us we did not need to use the navel feeding line. I have all the stuff and the pump and will not be using it unless he cannot tolerate food. So far he's been keeping everything down, soup, Glucerna, tea, coffee.....
A visiting nurse is coming this morning to check him out, that makes me feel better. You know how hard it is to get ahold of doctors on the weekends! The two drains are starting to hurt and he would like them to come out. We will see what she says. He still has all the staples in and the navel feeding tube. They took out the central line in his chest right before sending him home.
The dog has not left his side since he came home, she was all over him last night. Very touching.......the bond between them.
A visiting nurse is coming this morning to check him out, that makes me feel better. You know how hard it is to get ahold of doctors on the weekends! The two drains are starting to hurt and he would like them to come out. We will see what she says. He still has all the staples in and the navel feeding tube. They took out the central line in his chest right before sending him home.
The dog has not left his side since he came home, she was all over him last night. Very touching.......the bond between them.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Thursday
Another day in the hospital. Burt got to drink some coffee this morning and he was really happy about that! He is now on a liquid diet to see if he can keep it down. They removed one feeding tube today, he still has the one in his abdomen. His sugar was below 100 both times they tested today so he's doing well sugar-wise too. He might, emphasize "might", come home tomorrow. We just have to be patient and wait and see.....
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Wednesday June 3rd
I am sorry I haven't updated the blog for a few days, I've been so tired after long days of working and visiting Burt in the hospital. He continues to do well, they removed the stomach pump yesterday. So far he has managed to keep the stomach fluids down. Tomorrow they are going to try some food, liquid food, and see if he can handle it. He is up and walking around more and is bored, tired of watching TV......LOL. We have heavy rain and thunderstorms so I did not go back up tonight. I will visit tomorrow morning and through out the day. They are going to start taking the staples out soon, a few at a time until all 33 are out.
Monday was my birthday and my wonderful family and friends had a BBQ for me. It was nice to have an evening of catching up with everyone and relaxing. Only glitch was that Burt was not there. He knew about it and told me to go home and relax, he would see me Tuesday. The kids did all the cooking and cleaning up, what a surprise! I have a wonderful family!
Tonight my nephew Ryan graduates from high school in Wildomar, CA. Congratulations to Ryan for a job well done! Mom and Dad are out there visiting and will get to congratulate him in person.
I have to thank everyone who reads my blog for the kind comments and encouragement. We still have a ways to go with this and your continued support means a lot. With God's help we will prevail.....
Monday was my birthday and my wonderful family and friends had a BBQ for me. It was nice to have an evening of catching up with everyone and relaxing. Only glitch was that Burt was not there. He knew about it and told me to go home and relax, he would see me Tuesday. The kids did all the cooking and cleaning up, what a surprise! I have a wonderful family!
Tonight my nephew Ryan graduates from high school in Wildomar, CA. Congratulations to Ryan for a job well done! Mom and Dad are out there visiting and will get to congratulate him in person.
I have to thank everyone who reads my blog for the kind comments and encouragement. We still have a ways to go with this and your continued support means a lot. With God's help we will prevail.....
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