Port Removal

Yesterday I went in to have my port removed since it is no longer needed for chemo, or any of the upcoming surgeries. It was fairly quick, my face was tented so I couldn't see what was going on, and got a local anestesia to numb the upper right chest area (that was the most painful part), then while talking away with the nurses an incision was made, some tugging and pulling occurred to take the port out, then dissolving stitches were made on the inside and a glue adhesive on the outside and I was up and out of the room, and home we went. Not too bad at all, although it got a little sore once the painkiller wore off. I even went out to ladies night last night and met up with some good friends. Today, off to the post office to make my newsletter delivery, but I won't be doing the heavy lifting this time.

Future procedures

Tomorrow (Thurs.) I get my port removed, as it is no longer needed for chemo, and any surgeries won't be using it. We show up at 12:30 pm for a 1:00 pm procedure. There's no prep, and it won't be that big of a deal. They'll give me something, open up the upper chest area and take it out, and sew 'er back up. Then next Monday there'll be another appointment where Dr. Brown will inspect if there really is a fistula happening in me, which is a leakage from one area to another that is not supposed to be happening. If so, the repair work will be at a later day, we're hoping with some alternative methods I'm trying, it will heal itself. It's just important to first, see if it's there, and second, not do the illiostomy reversal until it's repaired. So, we're slowing things down and not in a hurry to get it all done by a certain date.

Healing or repairing

This afternoon I visited my acupuncturist and filled him in that there is leakage from one area to another that needs to be repaired, and so he adjusted his treatment to include electro-therapy in the pelvic area which promotes blood flow which in turn will help in the healing process. If it heals on its own (a very low probability), we'd be in a much better situation. I came home to hear Doug talking to Dr. Brown on the phone, he later told me that this is very serious, and if not done properly could lead to a permanent colostomy. There are a few procedures he wants to do next week, which will allow him to see the problem up close and personal. Wish us luck and that God will put his healing hands on me. Until later....

Again...Setbacks

Hello Friends and Family,
After meeting with Dr. Brown yesterday and another doctor today, we experienced the biggest setback yet with Deb's recovery. Apparently there are some complications that were discovered over that last few days of tests. What this means is that Debbie's final ileostomy reversal will be delayed indefinitely. This also means that Deb will have to undergo another fairly major surgery to repair some things before the final reversal. Deb will go in next week to have yet another test to see to what extent the damage is. There is a slight chance that today's diagnosis is wrong but doubtful. There is also a slight chance that the damage might repair itself. I ask that you muster up all the prayers you can, and ask God that this is the case.

This is really an emotional blow to both of us. We don't seem to be getting off this roller coaster any time soon. But, we'll have to pick ourselves up, dust it off, and continue down whatever path God has chosen for us.

On the positive side, Deb does continue to get stronger each day. I see more light in her eyes and she's up to whopping 121 pounds. She still doesn't have much taste in her taste buds, but her hunger is coming back. Although her hair is very thin, we are hoping it's going to turn around soon and stop falling out and start growing back in.

We appreciate your support, thoughts, emails, phone calls, acts of kindness, and especially your prayers.

-Doug

Blood Draw results

Yesterday's appointment at the hospital was relatively brief, they accessed my port, and did a blood draw. Results were printed out fast, and Dr. Basche took a look and said the red and white blood cell counts were within normal range. We asked if my port could be taken out since it won't be used during the last surgery, and we got the green light. So that procedure will be on May 28. The rest of the results have been faxed to Dr. Brown whom we see today at 1pm for a consultation and probably an exam. He'll give us a better idea of when surgery can be.

And kudos to my cousin Glenn who was diagnosed with lung cancer this past winter, and now after radiation, chemo and surgery has just been declared cancer-free!! Big hugs and congrats to him.

The good news

Dr. Brown called today and after reviewing the results of yesterday's procedure, there was no leakage, and all looked good!

Yuck, Setbacks, and Disappointment

Hi Friends and Family,
Yuck!! Today was pretty tough on Deb on two fronts. She had her procedure today to see if there are any leaks in the plumbing. Deb described the test she had to endure today as "worse than childbirth". It would have been intense for a healthy person, let alone someone who has just finished Chemo. They thought, for a short time, about admitting Deb to the hospital because she came very close to fainting and became extremely nauseous. She is home and resting comfortably this afternoon and we should get the results tomorrow.

Which leads to Setbacks and Disappointment. We talked with Deb's surgeon Dr. Brown this morning and after his discussion with Dr. Basche (oncologist) they agreed Deb isn't even close to her final surgery the end of this month. She's just to weak and frail from Chemo, so the surgery has been delayed minimum, one month. I am grateful to Dr. Brown for his honesty and concern for Deb. Her total and complete health is the primary goal here. But as a runner who has logged many races in my time, I know how Deb feels. To see the finish line, almost get there and then see the official drag that finish line another mile down the road would be harder than the middle of the race when you are just going about the business of racing.

Next week we have tests and consultations almost everyday. Still quite a bit more to do to hit that finish line, but as always, Deb handles everything thrown at her with courage and grace.

Thanks to all of you who read this blog and support us. We are grateful to have you as friends and family!

-Doug

Check-ups

I was in about a week ago, and they had a little trouble getting my blood pressure, it was pretty low, about 78 over 50-something, and trouble getting enough blood from my finger prick - so I had to get 1000 ml of fluids (1 hour), then they decided to do another 250 ml (15 more minutes). It seemed to help, it's sometimes hard to tell whether I benefit from that, but I do what they tell me.

Today I went in (without Doug who had to work). My blood pressure was 83 over 62, but when I stood up, it improved to acceptable. I hadn't numbed my port area, so Dr. Basche said as long as I continue to drink plenty of fluids I'll be okay, which I did. Other than that, we talked and she said I'm doing well, and congratulated me on getting through everything I have, and set up a couple future appts. She also said that in a couple months I'll tell a real difference in how I feel, and even start growing back the hair that still seems to be coming out.

Tomorrow I have another hospital appointment, this time at Presbyterian St. Luke's for a check up to see how things have recovered since the surgery last November. That is the last big hurdle before my final surgery at the end of this month.

I see the light at the end of the tunnel

It's all up from here.... I still feel the effects of last week's chemo, I'm tired, winded and feel a little numb all over, and am constantly putting on moisturizer but I know with each day I'll be feeling better and better - back to normal. Tomorrow I get another infusion of fluids to hydrate me, so it's back to the hospital again, but it'll make me feel better.

I just made my follow-up appointment with my surgeon, Dr. Brown for May 20th where he'll just check me out; and they've penciled me in for surgery the day after Memorial Day. That will work in well with my work schedule, allowing time to heal before the next newsletter comes around.

All our best to everyone!!