Pop had a captive audience (Jan just woke up--and the "boys" were soooo happy to see their main man.
Pop had the endoscopy yesterday---several ulcers were found and biopsied in his duodenum. The feeding tube was removed following the procedure and he was placed on a soft diet as well as a IV Nexium drip. He was drowsy most of the afternoon, ate some food, and was pleased that the ulcers can treated.
Pop received some IV fluids today as planned and has been hospitalized for further evaluation/reduction of medications, lab work, etc. All of the medications have left him very sedated, wanting to sleep all the time and not taking in enough nutrition or fluids.
Off to tenth radiation session followed by PET scan today. Post chemo nausea and vomiting hit Pop yesterday so he is back on the Compazine. (There are dietary restrictions prior to a PET scan--high protein, no carbohydrates or caffeine---then throw a dose of vomiting on top of it all and you get a cranky ole sick guy.) First, it seemed they were doing nothing----now they can't order enough tests. The PET scan will give information if chemo and radiation have been beneficial.
Nothing could be finer than lounging in the recliner with the "boys." Good day yesterday, great appetite---PBJ for lunch (made his own), went to mailbox to get the mail, chicken, potatoes/gravy for supper and no additional pain medication.
Gottcha! Pop is feeling better but not well enough to do yard work yet---darn it! Pop slept well, eating better, taking no extra pain pills for the last 2 days, and getting stronger. YEA!!! Getting him in shape for the leaf raking party.
Kelli made it in this afternoon. Pop had 5 hours of chemo and tolerated it well. Planning on chilling out the rest of the evening.
Off for appointments this AM. Radiation at 9:15am, visit with Dr. Kelley (radiology oncologist), then lab work at Dr. Moore's, followed by 2 rounds of chemo.
Pop slept well last night, took a pain pill for his back this morning, ate well (Kurt ran to Leekers and picked up a caramel long john), showered, and took a nap.
Pop's first night at home went well. Pop slept well, requiring less--(much less) pain medication, good appetite, etc. He did not want to go to Mickey D's this AM---just wanted to read newspaper and hang with his pups in recliner. Pop told Kurt he would like to go to Mickey D's tomorrow morning and then show Kurt a local golf shop.
Pop arrived home this AM. His "boys" were delighted to see him. He has had a good day. (You can enlarge the photo by clicking on it) .
Kurt made it in. We went to the hospital for a short visit. Pop received radiation/chemo and planning on discharge in AM.
Pop has covered lots of mileage and been down a lot of roads since this journey began. He had another good day yesterday--lab work came back "good", eating better, less pain in back, walked around the nursing station circle, watched some TV, snoozed, and admitted he was getting bored. Plan today is to receive 4th radiation treatment, chemo, in addition to more of the above. The goal is for dismissal home on Saturday.
The MD's and the hospital staff are wonderful. They provide him with a morning paper, bring him anything he asks for to eat. His appetite is picking up. He is more alert. God is good!
PET scan completed/radiation to begin today. The PET scan will give them more info on the amount/location/"recipe" for the radiation. He is tattooed and ready to go. Requested pain medication for Pop before leaving for the PET scan. He returned to his room feeling good, wanting to eat, get back in his Pj's and told me: "Don't let the door hit you in the butt on your way out" when I told him I was going home for the night. That was a positive note--he is returning to his old ornery self.
Pop received his first chemo yesterday, saw the radiology oncologist, had a borderline CT and will have a borderline PET scan on Monday. Then should also receive his first radiation therapy treatment on Monday. The combination of the both should chemo and radiation should help reduce the tumors in his bone, also actually work on the primary, alleviate the severe pain, make it possible to begin reduction of some of the medication, and restore him back to "normal" activities. Read the 10/28/2008 bone biopsy report: Diagnosis is "Carcinoma with neuro endocrine features." The markers for lung and prostate were negative. They suspect the primary was from either pancreas or small bowel. The borderline PET scan will possibly find primary and allow the MD's to compare in the future to see progress of chemo/radiation effects on the tumors. Both chemo and radiation are lo dose and should be well tolerated. Radiation therapy will be daily/chemo once a week.
