New hospital doctor for the week is Dr. Brunsbaugh. He came in to see Jeff this morning and was going to change some things for him. The biggest thing that has started is that they have Jeff on a PCA which is--patient controlled analgesia. He is receiving fentanyl. It is mostly for his mouth sores. He has a constant amount that goes in over each hour and then he has what is called a demand amount that he can push when he has either extra pain or to help him when he is eating. Maintenance iv fluids continue. He received platelets last night and other electrolyte replacements. The interesting thing the dr said was quite possibly some of the diarrhea could be due to the destruction of the cancer in the abdomen and the abdomen now trying to deal with empty spots--a new landscape. He encouraged Jeff to keep eating and keep taking as much immodium as he needs to each day to try to stop it. He can take 8 pills per day. His last diarrhea was at 0830 this morning which is great. It is about 1:15 now. He only has 4 more pills that he can take today. The other big thing today was that Jeff got to leave the floor to go down for a chest xray. Each Monday, they standardly do one. He hasn't left the floor in 12 days, so that was good for him. He had to be gowned, gloved, and have a mask on as well. We walked for 10 min this am. He is feeling weak and tired, but a good attitude the majority of the time. Our thoughts have been about Michelle today as well. --a lot. Two people in the hospital at once is a lot...
The hope is that both will have a glorious outcome. We'll keep in touch.
Oops, here are his counts today:
Platelets--4 ANC-134 red blood cells- 26.2
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things sound positive, so that's awesome :) hope that the pain medicine can help him feel better. wow....12 days without leaving the floor is a long time, congrats on your "field trip" off the floor today. i like what the dr. said about the diarrhea being from the cancer getting destroyed, that's what we want to hear...and at least it gives a positive spin on the diarrhea. love you both. will call u later after "nap time" today.
ReplyDeleteoops, the comment from clara, is brooke, i'm at addi's house today babysitting and apparently am logged into her account :)
ReplyDeleteJeff,
ReplyDeleteThanks again for the update. It sounds like all is going relatively well. Keep fighting as we know you are stronger than the bad cells. One question we have: What is the white blood cell count now? Not sure what ANC and H means but it sounds good! Take care.
Love, Ken, Karen and Kids
WOW!! It took me the whole day to read back from the beginning between interruptions here at work. I received the link from Monica this morning and just now finished the blog. What a journey! Sounds like you are progressing well though and I am very glad to hear that! Hang in there and I look forward to staying on top of the updates now. Please let me know if there is anything at all I can help with!
ReplyDeleteKristen (Monica's Neighbor)
Thanks for the updates. It's nice to know what is going on and to update my kids. They ask about you all the time and pray for you multiple times a day "because you need help". Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteWe're excited to hear about Michelle too...
Glad to hear that your abdomen may be clear, that's awesome. Not so fun the way you have to find out though. Glad you got out and about the hospital yesterday.
ReplyDeleteWondering about the new baby. Hope all is well.
Teresa