Coffee? Tea? Serenity?

Saturday and Sunday, Carl’s condition remained pretty much the same. If any changes were noticed, they did seem to be slightly improved, though the diarrhea continued to be persistent.

I had a follow up appt. at 9am on Monday in Lafayette. Mike took the day off to be able to attend with me. All is good for me in boobie land. In six months we begin the mammogram and ultrasound process again. Both the radiologist and doctor have said that there is nothing to be concerned about UNLESS changes take place in the fibroid-whatever thingy, then I must call for immediate appts.

When we left the appt, the first thing that I did was check my cell phone. I saw that I had a missed call. The missed call was from Hilda. I phoned her immediately. She said that Dr. R. had decided that because the diarrhea was still present, he felt it best that Carl be transferred to Lafayette. By ambulance, they rode to Lafayette. We met them there. By 4pm, all was done and they were settled.

During that settling in, Dr. B (oncologist) came by for a brief visit. He encouraged Carl by saying, “Your job is to work with physical therapy and to EAT. Gotta eat to fight the battle which is right now with the bacteria.”

Hilda said he ate well during the Monday supper.

Though the diarrhea still persists, the bowel movements seem to have decreased in frequency.

Stool specimens are telling us that the bacteria is no longer present.

Gastro doctors visited and said that they may want to check to see why Carl has the sensation of the food not wanting to go down.

Carl ate well from his breakfast tray. He is being given meds and vitamins to help with appetite and nutrients.

Dr. B said that chemo would resume tonight.

Carl’s lunch tray had gumbo. He really likes gumbo. He ate nearly the entire bowl.

Keep those prayers going. Prayers are so very powerful in all of our trials.

Tuesday

After Mike and Scott returned from work, we headed to the hospital. No lengthy report today. Much the same as yesterday.

Dr. B. (oncologist) is expected to pass by tomorrow. Chemo was halted upon his arrival at the hospital on Friday. I wonder what they’ll decide about that.

Wednesday

Due to the diarrhea becoming slightly worse, Dr. R. decided to change the meds for that. Blood pressure readings are about 160/80 and pulse about 115. Oncologist never came.

Thursday

To relieve some of the stresses on the digestive system, Dr. R. decided to remove the IV from his arm and insert a catheter type tube into the neck. This will allow him to receive nutrition while giving his belly and colon a break.

The oncologist finally came. Due to a glitch in communication somewhere, he was never told that Carl was awaiting his arrival at the hospital. He said that blood testing would be done daily. Depending on what the blood screening shows this day, chemo may begin again on Friday. He also explained that the rapid decline in health and physical strength is not due to the cancer, but caused by the bacterial infection.

After receiving the catheter to the neck and having x-rays to view that it was correctly in place, the boost of nutrients began. During the day, Carl had a whole cup of broth by mouth - more nutritional intake than in the last week.

In the evening hours on Thursday, we visited with Carl and Hilda. Though they had little sleep the night before or during this day, they both appeared to be doing rather well. Carl’s color seemed a bit improved, he was awake and even more alert, he showed no sign of the frown which we noticed in our last visit, but the diarrhea persists. He said that food had begun to have taste. Though his voice is still quite faint, he participated in more conversation and even laughed as Mike joked with he and Hilda.

When we left the hospital on this evening, we felt cautiously optimistic. Optimistic, but afraid that this would only be one good day preceding what we might face the next.

Friday

Due to low blood counts, Carl will be receiving two units of blood. As of 8pm last night, that process had not begun. The oncologist ordered that the chemo be held until the blood count was better. His bowel movements seemed to have become less frequent, but diarrhea persists. He drank all of the broth that was served to him today. It was reported that the pneumonia seems to be a little better. Hilda got a bit more sleep during Thursday night, but Carl didn’t. Ambien will be given on this night to assist with that.

During the 8pm call with Hilda, she told Mike that Carl had sat up 2x at the side of the bed and physical therapy assisted him into the chair for a short time during the day.

The nurse that tended to Carl in ICU during last Friday night and Saturday morning stopped in. She said that Carl looks a whoooole lot better than he did at that time.

One of nurses commented that since Carl’s stool has become “slimy”, that is a good indication that he may indeed be passing the bacteria and begun to beat it.

Two of the great-grandsons visited him yesterday. One of them approached Carl’s bed and said, “Read, Paw, READ!”

Your continued prayers are appreciated. It is by the grace of God that we still have Carl with us. In our prayers, we always trust that God’s will is better than our own, but hope that His will is that we have Carl for a long time coming.

I arrived at the hospital during mid afternoon to learn that the good news that we’d been hearing had now turned into not-so-good news. (More)

On Thursday, July 10, Mr. Carl was released from the hospital after receiving two units of blood and eating what he could from his breakfast tray. They returned home during mid morning. His stay at home did not last long. (More)

Carl went to see his oncologist yesterday, July 9. After one look at him, Dr. B. said, “You don’t look good!”  (More)

ATTN: Cancer Patients, Cancer Survivors, and their Families:  God has placed it upon my heart to call upon you to come to my aid.  (More)

In the days following the visit to the oncologist through Sunday, June 29, the following has taken place.  (More)

Our trip began early. Due to special instructions given by Dr. Brierre’s office, Scott and I had a few errands to run prior to joining my in-laws for the appointment. One of those instructions was to avoid using strongly scented deodorants, colognes, or perfumes. Being a teen boy, he refused to wear my “for women”, but lightly scented, deodorant. We also needed cash from the ATM. With a few minutes to spare, we headed to church to spend that time in prayer. I lit a candle while doing so. Quiet, alone time in church is so peaceful!

Then, it was off to the oncologist’s office.  (More)