After Lou's last chemo we were trying to remain optimistic about things turning around! But....the following week, we had record snowfall in Dallas - 12 inches! - and lost our electricity for almost 13 hours - from midnight Thursday night until almost 1p.m. on Friday! I kept the fireplace burning brightly all night long - but....it was fairly cold in the house and was starting to look pretty bleak when the lights and HEAT finally came back on! We were so very thankful! Lost most everything in the fridge and freezers - but......at least we got through! However, Lou hadn't told me that he was starting to feel sick! By Saturday evening - he had a full blown sore throat and 102.6 temp!!!! I called the Dr. and got a prescription of antibiotics for him - but..he was a VERY sick boy for several days! We did go to the Dr. on Monday the 15th - Lou's b-day! - for his bloodwork and Dr. visit for the Thursday chemo. News wasn't good! All of the liver function numbers and the CEA count were all high and troublesome! While we thought maybe the Oxaliplatin was holding the tumors back - the blood numbers are saying something else is going on! Then, last Thursday - the 18th - we went for chemo. Within 10 minutes of starting the Oxaliplatin - Lou had a huge reaction - numbness in his lips / face - trouble breathing - and full out flush to his face and neck. Teddie stopped the drugs immediately - started Lou on oxygen - and called the Dr. Needless to say - that's the last time he'll have Oxaliplatin! We waited about and hour and then Lou finished the other chemo drugs and we came home - exhausted and bewildered! Between Lou having been sick and still coping with the leftover congestion - he's been exhausted and in bed most of the last 3 days. His weight had plummeted another 6 lbs in the 10 days since he was last weighed - so...in 5 weeks - he's down 16 lbs! Between being sick and having no appetite - it's really taking a toll on him!
So....the new plan is that they'll try the one remaining drug at the next chemo on March 4 to see if it will help the out of control tumors in his liver! We're hoping and praying for the best - but...do have to say that Lou's attitude is waning and depression is beginning to get the better of him many days! We're doing everything possible to get him to eat - I really think it's like a vicious circle! The weight loss is definitely taking a toll on the way he feels - he feels bad much of the time - so, he doesn't eat - and it makes him weaker and feel worse!!! I try to work in as many calories as possible into anything that he'll eat - but....he eats so little of anything that it's really a challenge!
Please continue to pray for Lou, for his appetite, his attitude, and for this new chemo drug that we'll start on the 4th of March! Pray the new drug will work against the tumors and that the side effects will be nominal! Reading about this drug - he'll lose his hair almost guaranteed - which is something he's not happy about - but....it also has bigger side effects of nausea and diarrhea! First of all - as just discussed, he cannot afford to lose much more weight - he's down 55 lbs from his all time high - shortly before he got sick! - and if the nausea and diarrhea isn't controlled somewhat - I really think he'll opt to NOT take the drug.
Thank you for your continued prayer, support, and love! If you have time - please call Lou on his cell phone (not before noon Dallas time - please!) and chat with him! He so enjoys visiting in person or on the phone! He needs encouragement and at the same time he LOVES to reminisce about the past - all the "good old" days!!! It's a great diversion for him!!! His cell # is 972/839-8271. If he doesn't answer, please leave a message and number and he'll call you back! Sometimes he forgets to put his phone by him and/or he doesn't hear it sometimes! But...he'll LOVE to hear from you!
Appreciate all of you!
Love,
Deb
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Better / Mixed News
So....went Thursday morning - 2/4 for lab / Dr. / Chemo with apprehension - waiting to hear the news of the CT scan last Monday. Fortunately, the CT scan showed that the tumors have only grown about 5% since the last scan in December - about 2 months since that scan. 5% growth equals "stable" in the world of cancer / tumors! Meaning - it does appear the tumors are responding by not growing and they actually are slowing down growth since going back on the Oxaliplatin. So, for that, we are EXTREMELY thankful - PTL!
However, as I mentioned in the previous post - Lou has become allergic to the Oxaliplatin - or something! Will explain the "or something" in a minute! The Dr. was considering changing Lou from this drug - but...it really is the best drug regiment for this cancer - so, Lou and I were both reluctant to quit the drug as long as the Dr. agreed and if the Dr. thought that the allergy could be "controlled" with other drugs. When we told the Dr. our thoughts - he was in agreement that this is the best drug for Lou right now. He explained normally, there are 3 different regiments that are available for Lou's type of cancer, BUT...one of those regiments is ineffective if the tumors have mutations in them. Unfortunately, Lou's tumors DO have mutations - so.....Oxaliplatin and one other are the ONLY choices left for Lou in this battle. Meaning, if he cannot remain on the Oxaliplatin - we only have one other option and it may or may not contain / slow down the tumors in his liver! With all things considered and our willingness to try to stay on the Oxaliplatin and just fight the allergy with Benadryl and steroids - the Dr. thought this was the best option too.
Got to chemo lab and fortunately had our regular nurse Teddie! The Dr. prescribed a double dose of the Benadryl / steroid infusion to try to counteract the reaction to the Oxaliplatin infusion. Needless to say - Lou was quite sleepy / groggy after that infusion! The regiment is now a 5 minute infusion of antinausea medication, a 10 minute infusion of the Benadryl / steroid mixture, 30 minutes for the chemo drug Avastin, another 30 minute infusion of calcium / magnesium mixture to try to counteract the neuropathy in Lou's hands and feet caused by the Oxaliplatin, then the Dr. extended the next infusion from 2 hours to 4 hours - meaning the Leucavorin (another chemo drug) and Oxaliplatin that normally infuse together over 2 hours in the regiment - now had the Leucavorin going in over 2 hours with the Oxaliplatin infusing the same 2 hours - but...an additional 2 hours - making it infuse slower and longer to try to abate the allergic reaction. Then, after that infusion - there's another 30 minute infusion of calcium / magnesium before they disconnect all of that - give him a 5 minute "push" of Five FU - then attach the take home bag of Five FU that Lou wears for the next 48 hours. Sorry - but....thought it might be helpful to understand the time required for the chemo and wanted to also give a timeline to explain what happened this Thursday that I think is answered prayer!
Like clockwork based on the last few infusions - about 45 minutes into the Oxaliplatin infusion - Lou began to flush / get a very red rash on his face that progressed down to his neck. Over the next 45 minutes - with Teddie and I both checking him every few minutes - the rash began to be on his torso and down to about his waist. Per conversation between Teddie and the Dr. - she did call to give him updates about the progression of the rash. I prayed sitting in the darkened room - praying that the Lord would please help Lou's body tolerate the Oxaliplatin - that somehow, he wouldn't continue to have such a big reaction to the drug. And....about 2 hours into the infusion - amazingly - the rash cleared from his face - and over the next two hours cleared from his body! Teddie was amazed - saying she hadn't seen anything like this previously - that the rash without giving more Bendadryl / steroids or doing anything - had cleared! We were all so very happy and I told her and told Lou I had been praying for the rash /Lou's tolerance / reaction to get better so he could stay on this drug. Teddie was supposed to leave at 4:00 - but...she stayed until 5:00 when she was able to switch Lou's infusion from the last of the Oxaliplatin to the 30 minute calcium / magnesium infusion. Then she left and we waited for the last 30 minutes. When the nurse now in our charge came in - Lou's face had become "blood" red again! We were telling her about the way the rash had basically disappeared in the middle of the infusion of the Oxaliplatin - without any additional drugs or anything. This is the point where she began to tell us of a patient she had been taking care of previously who wasn't allergic to the Oxaliplatin - but....turned out she was actually allergic to the calcium / magnesium infusion! She told us about discussing the case with the woman's Dr. (different one than our Dr.!) - and by process of elimination - they were able to determine that yes, the allergic reaction - at least for this woman, was because of the calcium / magnesium infusions! In thinking through the timeline of the drugs and the reactions Lou had - it seems maybe there's a real possibility he's also having a reaction to the calcium/ magnesium and maybe NOT to the Oxaliplatin. If Teddie hadn't left early and we hadn't had this nurse - we wouldn't even know to look at this as a possibility! THIS WAS ANSWERED PRAYER and gives us hope that by being able to stay on this drug for at least a couple of more months - maybe there will be positive news on the liver tumors!
The other HUGE answer to prayer this week came because Lou had to go see a new neurologist to get his anti-seizure medication renewed this week. We LOVED our previous neurologist - she had taken care of both of my parents for many years! However, she left in November to go into research studies dealing in Parkinson's disease. The Dr. that replaced her at the practice is the new neurologist Lou went to see. When he reviewed Lou's medical history and saw the latest blood tests, etc. - he immediately said Lou shouldn't be on the medication he's on since it's the only anti-seizure med that metabolizes through the liver. He believes this is putting stress on Lou's liver and potentially some of the liver function numbers will improve if he switches to a different anti-seizure medication! So....Lou is weaning off of the old drug over the next 4 weeks and weaning on to the new one.
And, unfortunately, this week liver function numbers were worse again! So....am hoping / praying maybe some of the things will start turning around - big prayers!!! However, news overall was better than we had been anticipating AND how blessed we feel that the Lord provided two new sources this week with additional news that might help Lou's situation. We are so very thankful!
Lou spent almost all day Friday and Saturday in bed - this was a very difficult chemo! And, the neuropathy is very bad in his hands and feet since this infusion! I'm trying to rub and massage as much as possible - but....it's been a tough 3 days! He also had lost 6 pounds in the last 2 weeks - NOT GOOD! Nearing his all time low again! The nutritionist / dietician visited with us on Thursday and made him a protein shake, gave us recipes, and gave us some samples and the information on a new medical grade protein powder which I have now ordered to add to Lou's food. The Fellow Dr. working with our regular chemo Dr. also visited with us on Thursday and told Lou even if he doesn't feel like eating - he has to do the shakes or something with mega calories - doing it as a "medicine" regiment rather than trying to think of it as a meal since next to nothing appeals to him at this point! Lou agreed on Thursday, but....Friday he ate almost nothing - ditto Saturday! Finally today he ate some - not much - but some! I'm trying to "sneak" the protein powder and extra "calories" into everything - but...he only eats a few bites of anything / everything - so.....it's difficult! Need him to regain some appetite! Have him watching the cooking shows and have all kinds of things in the house to tempt him!
Lou's birthday is next Monday - Feb 15. He'll be 66! Last year, he was still so very sick, - we really didn't get to celebrate much for the 65th! However, this year - even though it's Valentine's day on Sunday, 14th - hope any of you living nearby might drop by for some cake / coffee / snacks on Sunday afternoon! I know Lou would be thrilled - he really loves to visit and see people! So...please drop by if you're available!
In the meantime, we so appreciate all of the love, prayers, notes, cards from you! Lou and I have the discussion often about how unfortunate it is that it takes getting a "death" sentence for most of us (or at least us!) to realize what's important in life and to appreciate the people (and each other) that have helped get us to this point in life! Remembering what brought us together and realizing the "noise" in every day life that is truly meaningless - well......better late than never - but...so much wasted time! Enjoy each day and be thankful for the people who bless you in your life!
Love to all!
Deb
However, as I mentioned in the previous post - Lou has become allergic to the Oxaliplatin - or something! Will explain the "or something" in a minute! The Dr. was considering changing Lou from this drug - but...it really is the best drug regiment for this cancer - so, Lou and I were both reluctant to quit the drug as long as the Dr. agreed and if the Dr. thought that the allergy could be "controlled" with other drugs. When we told the Dr. our thoughts - he was in agreement that this is the best drug for Lou right now. He explained normally, there are 3 different regiments that are available for Lou's type of cancer, BUT...one of those regiments is ineffective if the tumors have mutations in them. Unfortunately, Lou's tumors DO have mutations - so.....Oxaliplatin and one other are the ONLY choices left for Lou in this battle. Meaning, if he cannot remain on the Oxaliplatin - we only have one other option and it may or may not contain / slow down the tumors in his liver! With all things considered and our willingness to try to stay on the Oxaliplatin and just fight the allergy with Benadryl and steroids - the Dr. thought this was the best option too.
Got to chemo lab and fortunately had our regular nurse Teddie! The Dr. prescribed a double dose of the Benadryl / steroid infusion to try to counteract the reaction to the Oxaliplatin infusion. Needless to say - Lou was quite sleepy / groggy after that infusion! The regiment is now a 5 minute infusion of antinausea medication, a 10 minute infusion of the Benadryl / steroid mixture, 30 minutes for the chemo drug Avastin, another 30 minute infusion of calcium / magnesium mixture to try to counteract the neuropathy in Lou's hands and feet caused by the Oxaliplatin, then the Dr. extended the next infusion from 2 hours to 4 hours - meaning the Leucavorin (another chemo drug) and Oxaliplatin that normally infuse together over 2 hours in the regiment - now had the Leucavorin going in over 2 hours with the Oxaliplatin infusing the same 2 hours - but...an additional 2 hours - making it infuse slower and longer to try to abate the allergic reaction. Then, after that infusion - there's another 30 minute infusion of calcium / magnesium before they disconnect all of that - give him a 5 minute "push" of Five FU - then attach the take home bag of Five FU that Lou wears for the next 48 hours. Sorry - but....thought it might be helpful to understand the time required for the chemo and wanted to also give a timeline to explain what happened this Thursday that I think is answered prayer!
Like clockwork based on the last few infusions - about 45 minutes into the Oxaliplatin infusion - Lou began to flush / get a very red rash on his face that progressed down to his neck. Over the next 45 minutes - with Teddie and I both checking him every few minutes - the rash began to be on his torso and down to about his waist. Per conversation between Teddie and the Dr. - she did call to give him updates about the progression of the rash. I prayed sitting in the darkened room - praying that the Lord would please help Lou's body tolerate the Oxaliplatin - that somehow, he wouldn't continue to have such a big reaction to the drug. And....about 2 hours into the infusion - amazingly - the rash cleared from his face - and over the next two hours cleared from his body! Teddie was amazed - saying she hadn't seen anything like this previously - that the rash without giving more Bendadryl / steroids or doing anything - had cleared! We were all so very happy and I told her and told Lou I had been praying for the rash /Lou's tolerance / reaction to get better so he could stay on this drug. Teddie was supposed to leave at 4:00 - but...she stayed until 5:00 when she was able to switch Lou's infusion from the last of the Oxaliplatin to the 30 minute calcium / magnesium infusion. Then she left and we waited for the last 30 minutes. When the nurse now in our charge came in - Lou's face had become "blood" red again! We were telling her about the way the rash had basically disappeared in the middle of the infusion of the Oxaliplatin - without any additional drugs or anything. This is the point where she began to tell us of a patient she had been taking care of previously who wasn't allergic to the Oxaliplatin - but....turned out she was actually allergic to the calcium / magnesium infusion! She told us about discussing the case with the woman's Dr. (different one than our Dr.!) - and by process of elimination - they were able to determine that yes, the allergic reaction - at least for this woman, was because of the calcium / magnesium infusions! In thinking through the timeline of the drugs and the reactions Lou had - it seems maybe there's a real possibility he's also having a reaction to the calcium/ magnesium and maybe NOT to the Oxaliplatin. If Teddie hadn't left early and we hadn't had this nurse - we wouldn't even know to look at this as a possibility! THIS WAS ANSWERED PRAYER and gives us hope that by being able to stay on this drug for at least a couple of more months - maybe there will be positive news on the liver tumors!
The other HUGE answer to prayer this week came because Lou had to go see a new neurologist to get his anti-seizure medication renewed this week. We LOVED our previous neurologist - she had taken care of both of my parents for many years! However, she left in November to go into research studies dealing in Parkinson's disease. The Dr. that replaced her at the practice is the new neurologist Lou went to see. When he reviewed Lou's medical history and saw the latest blood tests, etc. - he immediately said Lou shouldn't be on the medication he's on since it's the only anti-seizure med that metabolizes through the liver. He believes this is putting stress on Lou's liver and potentially some of the liver function numbers will improve if he switches to a different anti-seizure medication! So....Lou is weaning off of the old drug over the next 4 weeks and weaning on to the new one.
And, unfortunately, this week liver function numbers were worse again! So....am hoping / praying maybe some of the things will start turning around - big prayers!!! However, news overall was better than we had been anticipating AND how blessed we feel that the Lord provided two new sources this week with additional news that might help Lou's situation. We are so very thankful!
Lou spent almost all day Friday and Saturday in bed - this was a very difficult chemo! And, the neuropathy is very bad in his hands and feet since this infusion! I'm trying to rub and massage as much as possible - but....it's been a tough 3 days! He also had lost 6 pounds in the last 2 weeks - NOT GOOD! Nearing his all time low again! The nutritionist / dietician visited with us on Thursday and made him a protein shake, gave us recipes, and gave us some samples and the information on a new medical grade protein powder which I have now ordered to add to Lou's food. The Fellow Dr. working with our regular chemo Dr. also visited with us on Thursday and told Lou even if he doesn't feel like eating - he has to do the shakes or something with mega calories - doing it as a "medicine" regiment rather than trying to think of it as a meal since next to nothing appeals to him at this point! Lou agreed on Thursday, but....Friday he ate almost nothing - ditto Saturday! Finally today he ate some - not much - but some! I'm trying to "sneak" the protein powder and extra "calories" into everything - but...he only eats a few bites of anything / everything - so.....it's difficult! Need him to regain some appetite! Have him watching the cooking shows and have all kinds of things in the house to tempt him!
Lou's birthday is next Monday - Feb 15. He'll be 66! Last year, he was still so very sick, - we really didn't get to celebrate much for the 65th! However, this year - even though it's Valentine's day on Sunday, 14th - hope any of you living nearby might drop by for some cake / coffee / snacks on Sunday afternoon! I know Lou would be thrilled - he really loves to visit and see people! So...please drop by if you're available!
In the meantime, we so appreciate all of the love, prayers, notes, cards from you! Lou and I have the discussion often about how unfortunate it is that it takes getting a "death" sentence for most of us (or at least us!) to realize what's important in life and to appreciate the people (and each other) that have helped get us to this point in life! Remembering what brought us together and realizing the "noise" in every day life that is truly meaningless - well......better late than never - but...so much wasted time! Enjoy each day and be thankful for the people who bless you in your life!
Love to all!
Deb
Monday, February 1, 2010
Praying for God's Healing Power
This morning Lou and I were at Baylor a few minutes before 8 for the latest CT scan. Unfortunately, the CEA # and also the liver function numbers in Lou's blood indicate that things are not going well. So, the Dr. wanted to see what's going on to try to figure out what we need to do to try to get things under control again. In the last chemo on January 21, even with the Benadryl and steroid infusions and a slower infusion time for the Oxaliplatin - he still had hives from the Oxaliplatin. He has become quite allergic to this drug. So, they didn't complete the bag of Oxaliplatin - but, he did get all of the others. And, since he's now allergic to the Oxaliplatin and it appears that it's not able to control the tumors as it did last spring - maybe it's meant to be for him to be on a different chemo drug. However, I'm nervous about the other drug that had been mentioned because there are some fairly severe side effects. Lou is very unhappy because it will make him lose his hair - I'm unhappy because most people who are on this drug have severe nausea and diarrhea! He had gained a little weight when we were at the Dr.'s office on 1/21 - but....since he's down almost 20 lbs and I'm having a difficult time finding enough things to get him to eat - being sick from the chemo drugs makes me very nervous! He really cannot afford to lose much more! We need prayers for his appetite to be better and prayers to protect him from some of the nausea / stomach side effects of the drugs! AND, biggest prayer of course, is to find something that will slow the tumors down! What a blessing if his own immune system could kick in and help fight off some of the bad! I've got him on several supplements and vitamin replacements to try to help his body keep some of the immunity! But...the chemo kills off his own immunity fighting abilities and it's hard to replenish enough for his body to REALLY fight! This is just all so very frustrating - we're still fighting and trying - just need extra prayers for extra strength this week! We'll get information from the CT scans that were done today on Thursday when we see the Dr. right before chemo. I feel sure the cocktail mix of chemo drugs will be different this week - so, don't know exactly what to expect - other than really hoping and praying the side effects won't be as bad as I've been told and what I've read AND praying whatever it is that it will KILL / SHRINK the tumors!! Will update further after chemo on Thursday! Thank you for so much for the notes, calls, thoughts, and prayers! WE appreciate everything so very much!
Love,
Deb
Love,
Deb
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Another Roller Coaster of Emotions
Just returned home from Lou's latest chemo today. Another very long day - left at 9:30 and got home at 7:30 - exhausted as usual! New events today that were rather discouraging! The CEA number - the cancer marker in the blood - instead of going down again went up OVER 200 points - going higher than it was previously! The chemo Dr. was a little perplexed by the numbers because the liver function markers were all better - however, this very important cancer marker went up!!! He said this was a little unusual and something that he really couldn't explain. Plan of action will be to see what the number is in two weeks for the next chemo - if it's down - GREAT - if it's up further - he'll do new scans right away to try to figure out what's going on and try to determine if there's another chemo alternative to try to help. Of course, we're hoping and praying that this was a kind of fluke and that the number will be better in two weeks! But, mentally - the roller coaster is NOT good and Lou in particular is thinking the worst!
As we were winding down on the last bag of chemo and just as the nurse was getting ready to change the chemo port line over to the take home chemo bag - she noticed that Lou had a massive rash all over his chest and abdominal area. The Dr. had mentioned today that sometimes when Oxaliplatin is used, then stopped, then started again - the patient can exhibit an allergic reaction. Well....Lou had a BIG allergic reaction - so, they pumped him full of Benadryl and steroids to get the whelps down and stop the allergy reaction. Fortunately, he did not experience any respiratory distress but, his blood pressure elevated quite a bit and of course, the whole thing was a little nerve wrecking - especially after also knowing about the new blood numbers!
Please continue to pray! We really appreciate all of the prayers and support - emotionally right now, we're both pretty fragile! BUT.....we'll keep the faith and pray for the best too!
Blessings to all!
Deb
As we were winding down on the last bag of chemo and just as the nurse was getting ready to change the chemo port line over to the take home chemo bag - she noticed that Lou had a massive rash all over his chest and abdominal area. The Dr. had mentioned today that sometimes when Oxaliplatin is used, then stopped, then started again - the patient can exhibit an allergic reaction. Well....Lou had a BIG allergic reaction - so, they pumped him full of Benadryl and steroids to get the whelps down and stop the allergy reaction. Fortunately, he did not experience any respiratory distress but, his blood pressure elevated quite a bit and of course, the whole thing was a little nerve wrecking - especially after also knowing about the new blood numbers!
Please continue to pray! We really appreciate all of the prayers and support - emotionally right now, we're both pretty fragile! BUT.....we'll keep the faith and pray for the best too!
Blessings to all!
Deb
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Christmas Good News Update
Chemo was exhausting yesterday - leaving the house at 8:30 and getting back home at 6:30!! HOWEVER, we were also both lifted and relieved because the cancer marker in the blood had dropped by almost 200 points in 2 weeks! We still have almost 800 points to go to be where that marker needs to be - BUT...this is the first time since September that the number has gone down! So, the oxaliplatin is doing it's work again! The Dr. also indicated that Lou shouldn't be as sick this time after the infusion yesterday - and thus far, he's correct! Still need to work on Lou's eating! He lost another 4 lbs in the last 2 weeks! But, am hoping if he's feeling better, maybe he'll also eat better!!! We are so very thankful and looking forward to a merrier Christmas and New Year celebration!
Just wanted to share the good news and once again thank all of you for your prayers, love, and support! We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas in this season of holiness and hope!
Blessings!
Deb
Just wanted to share the good news and once again thank all of you for your prayers, love, and support! We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas in this season of holiness and hope!
Blessings!
Deb
Monday, December 21, 2009
Christmas Chemo
So, the last chemo on 12/10 was the first one with the reintroduction of the Oxaliplatin in Lou's chemo regiment to try to fight the growing liver tumors. Unfortunately, Lou was VERY ill for 3 days or so after the chemo - with fever, pain in the liver region, and overall malaise. It was a really difficult return to the drug! He's just now starting to feel a little better and of course, it's time to go again tomorrow morning fo another round of chemo! I was able to read additional information about adding more vitamins to try to lessen some of the negative side effects - so.....he's going to try taking some higher doses of these vitamins for the next 2 or 3 days to see if it will help some of the problems! Supposedly other patients and CAM programs have tried these vitamins with some success - so, prayerfully and hopefully - they'll also help Lou!
Feeling ill has also taken a toll on Lou's outlook! He's been struggling since the last chemo with what I would consider to be a real depression. We will see his chemo Dr. in the morning before his chemo infusion, so, I'm hoping that MAYBE Lou would consider and the Dr. will possibly prescribe an anti-depressant. Also am praying to find a way for Lou to have some other outlets for interaction with other patients or other people! With his immune system so depressed, it's not good for him to be out in crowds - so, we limit his exposure to smaller enviroments and places! But, even when we're at the Dr.'s office - he seeks out and starts conversations with people there! For those of you who've known Lou for any length of time - it's a new side of him - Mr. Outgoing! But, I think he really needs this outlet - he enjoys having company and seeing people - but....he can't go out much - so....it's difficult! For any of you living nearby or visiting Dallas, hope you'll consider coming by to see him!
In the meantime, we appreciate the continued love, support, and prayers from so many of you!!! We both wish all of you Love, Blessings, and Happiness during this Blessed Season!
Merry Christmas!
Love,
Deb and Lou
Feeling ill has also taken a toll on Lou's outlook! He's been struggling since the last chemo with what I would consider to be a real depression. We will see his chemo Dr. in the morning before his chemo infusion, so, I'm hoping that MAYBE Lou would consider and the Dr. will possibly prescribe an anti-depressant. Also am praying to find a way for Lou to have some other outlets for interaction with other patients or other people! With his immune system so depressed, it's not good for him to be out in crowds - so, we limit his exposure to smaller enviroments and places! But, even when we're at the Dr.'s office - he seeks out and starts conversations with people there! For those of you who've known Lou for any length of time - it's a new side of him - Mr. Outgoing! But, I think he really needs this outlet - he enjoys having company and seeing people - but....he can't go out much - so....it's difficult! For any of you living nearby or visiting Dallas, hope you'll consider coming by to see him!
In the meantime, we appreciate the continued love, support, and prayers from so many of you!!! We both wish all of you Love, Blessings, and Happiness during this Blessed Season!
Merry Christmas!
Love,
Deb and Lou
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Update 12/10
Lou completed the chemo today - with the added Oxaliplatin - without any complications! The Dr. also added an additional mixture of calcium and magnesium - a 30 minute drip - both before and after Lou receives the infusion of the Oxaliplatin. This adds another hour to the already LONG chemo lab time - but, it is hoped that by him receiving the calcium / magnesium combo - it will help to lessen some of the negative side effects of the Oxaliplatin! So....if it works - that would be a real blessing! Lou did say that he already is feeling the "tingling" in his fingertips and toes - but...am hoping with added supplements and the Reiki and reflexology massages - we can keep this from becoming too big of an issue!
We also visited with the radiation oncologist after the chemo. He explained a little more about some of the complications of doing anything else for the liver right now - especially in respect to radiation! I think Lou and I both felt a little better or at least a little more assured that what's being done right now is probably the best we can hope for! And, he also confirmed again that both tumors in Lou's brain look really good - Not active! - and nothing new showing up! So....this is a good thing! After the MRIs on Lou's spine on Monday 12/14 - he'll call us probably the 16th or 17th to let us know the results. However, we all seem to think that these will be clear with no additional problems!
Right now, it's really all about the liver! The blood numbers had increased another 50 % just in the last 2 weeks! And, as they told us yesterday - the tumors had grown "significantly" since the last CT scan a month ago - and now instead of only 2 of the tumors growing - MANY were growing and in both lobes of the liver! The hopes and prayers now have to be that the Oxaliplatin will be able to bring them back down again!
Lou has lost more weight - so, I'm having to redouble the efforts to get him to eat! It's a day by day meal by meal ordeal!!! Wish I could share the weight I've found since the cancer was diagnosed last November!
Thanks again for continued prayers! We are so very thankful for all of you!
Love,
Deb
We also visited with the radiation oncologist after the chemo. He explained a little more about some of the complications of doing anything else for the liver right now - especially in respect to radiation! I think Lou and I both felt a little better or at least a little more assured that what's being done right now is probably the best we can hope for! And, he also confirmed again that both tumors in Lou's brain look really good - Not active! - and nothing new showing up! So....this is a good thing! After the MRIs on Lou's spine on Monday 12/14 - he'll call us probably the 16th or 17th to let us know the results. However, we all seem to think that these will be clear with no additional problems!
Right now, it's really all about the liver! The blood numbers had increased another 50 % just in the last 2 weeks! And, as they told us yesterday - the tumors had grown "significantly" since the last CT scan a month ago - and now instead of only 2 of the tumors growing - MANY were growing and in both lobes of the liver! The hopes and prayers now have to be that the Oxaliplatin will be able to bring them back down again!
Lou has lost more weight - so, I'm having to redouble the efforts to get him to eat! It's a day by day meal by meal ordeal!!! Wish I could share the weight I've found since the cancer was diagnosed last November!
Thanks again for continued prayers! We are so very thankful for all of you!
Love,
Deb
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