Okay........(taking a deep breath)...........here we go again. After Burt's chemo treatment yesterday he was vomiting so we called the oncology nurse and she said to bring him to the ER. His treatment that morning consisted of an anti-nauseau agent and extra fluid to help with the low blood pressure in addition to the Gemzar (port chemo). The swelling in his foot was noted and the oncologist took him off the Tarceza (oral chemo) in hopes that that would help with the lack of appetite and queasiness.
When we arrived at the ER, they took x-rays and an ultrasound and found he has pneumonia and 2 blood clots in the right leg (causing the foot swelling). He was admitted and put on Heparin to try to dissolve the clots and an antibiotic for the viral pneumonia infection. I had no idea he had pneumonia, he hadn't been coughing but had been running a slight fever off and on for a few days. Just shows you how much I know about being a nurse!
Today he ate better for breakfast and lunch and did keep the food down. But when his dinner came he didn't want it. Dr. K came in around 8 p.m. and mentioned he's concerned about his bilirubin levels, they are elevated. The bilirubin comes from the liver and we know that the cancer has spread to his liver and lymph nodes. They are going to do a CT scan tonight to see if there's a blockage in the bile duct or if the liver itself is causing the problem. If it's a blockage of the bile duct they can put in a stent to keep it open. He didn't say what they'd do if it was the liver itself.
The swelling in his foot/leg has gone down some but if the clot doesn't dissolve they will put in a "screen" in his groin artery to block the clot from moving to the lungs, heart, or brain if it breaks loose. He may have to go back on the Coumadin, which Burt didn't like as we've had problems with that medicine in the past few months.
The antibiotic seems to be helping with the pneumonia, this afternoon they took down the warning sign on the door and we don't have to put on the gown/mask when we go in to visit. But then again, they're not sure it's pneumonia or something else on the chest xray.
I will try to keep the blog updated as best I can. We are thankful for all the prayers and good wishes for Burt. God bless us all.
1 comment:
Praying so much for Burt and you and the kids.
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