Hi All,
Anne continues doing well today. She looks very good and very tired.
Anne has not been moved out of the 'Continuous Observation Rooms' section yet however, and she asked me to let you know that she'd prefer not to have visitors at least until she has been moved out of the COR area. I guess at this point 'rest' is the most important thing for her. She expected to be moved today, but there's been no indication that that is going to happen. Nurse Carrie said that maybe the other areas are full, if so, Anne is in luck, able to stay in her private room for now.
This morning she got some exercise by walking about 100 feet, so she attained that goal.
Right now Nurse Carrie is removing Anne's catheter, so Anne will be getting up and down more often now to use the bathroom. That's not only a good sign, but one less tube. Yeah !! I believe she still has a drainage tube, a feeding tube, an oxygen tube, and a fluid tube (which occupies her 'port'). There is also an IV set up in her hand which is not being used at this time.
Today the bandage on Anne's abdomen was removed, exposing the incision there. That incision is 8 inches long running straight up and down ending 3/4 inch above the navel. I'd call it a doozy. It's loaded up with staples, perfectly placed and holding the skin together.
Carrie said the incision in Anne's neck is held together with glue. That incision has some redness but it's fine, it's just from some tape or something. Carrie checked it for us and said it felt and looked just fine.
Anne has been using chloraseptic since she complained about the sore throat yesterday. You should have seen the look on her face the first time she squirted it down her throat. It's an understatement to say that first sensation quite surprised her.
I asked Anne if she can swallow and she said 'no'. We'll learn how that's all going to work sooner than later. One thing's for sure, she'll need to adapt with the absense of the esophagus. I think that could be Anne's motto....'Adapt and move on'.
Yesterday I asked Dr. McGillvary how long Anne's esophagus was. He didn't exactly tell us but he did say that when you cut the top of it and then the bottom that it shrivels up to almost nothing. How's that for a visual?
Anne has fallen asleep again, hopefully the Nurses will be busy for a bit. Ops, well not exactly, she's up and walking again with Nurse Diane. Maybe I'll catch a power nap while they're gone.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Day One after Surgery, 4pm
Hi Friends,
I arrived to visit Anne today at around 2:30pm. Her adjustable bed was installed at home this morning. She's going to need to sleep with an incline now. There's no more flapper (check valve) in her throat, and gravity will be her ally from now on, helping her with the task of swallowing. I don't think she will actually swallow any more, I think the gravity will be the only thing that moves 'stuff' from her mouth to her stomach.
Anne has been sitting in a reclining chair since I got here. She just called the nurse to report that her throat is very sore and the nurse has gone for some numbing spray for that. Anne told her it hurts to swallow and her belly hurts to cough. Anne is dealing with congestion in her throat too. They have told her that light coughing is a very good activity for her, so she tries. She has a breathing mechanism/exercise to do which displays the strengh of her exhale. She is good about doing the exercises.
Anne said that she doesn't want any visitors until she is moved into another room off of this floor. She expects to be moved tomorrow. That's too bad because she has this nice private situation here now, with a nice view of both front doors of Maine Med just three stories down. It's shady out side her window now and I know she likes that. She had the fan blowing all morning when the hot sun was shinning brightly. Now the fan is turned off. It's in the 90's here today, hopefully a one day phenomenon.
Dr. McGillvary was in this afternoon and was happy to see Anne sitting up and looking well. I forgot to mention yesterday that he had told us that he checked Anne's liver during surgery and it looked fine. Today he repeated that Anne will have the drainage tube coming from the nostril for a week or so. At the end of this week they will do some sort of berillium test, to check Annes throat etc. for leaks.
Anne's blood pressure has come up today to where they aren't concerned now. It measured 104 over 70 last time, and they were pleased. The low bp earlier was attributed to her being dehydrated.
Anne has a feeding tube installed. Nurse Carrie just explained that it is a continuous feed going thru, so much per hour, and every four hours there is a flush of water that occurs. Anne said she heard the last flushing of water when it happened. The nurse said the amount of feed going thru is very small, designed to just give a bit of work to Annes's digestive system at this time. It looks like she's getting a coffee milk shake thru there at current, however slowly.
Anne is doing her best to keep from talking too much and to get as much rest as possible for now. She looks real good with color in her face, and she is a good patient, not trying to over do anything.
Looking back, yesterday was sort of a day of elation, with the good news out of the surgery, the relief from the news, and with Anne talking and joking some. Now reality is setting in as we realize she has alot of work and healing to do, with a long way to go. My feeling is that she's doing as well as can be expected. Learning to eat again is going to be a real adventure when that happens.
I arrived to visit Anne today at around 2:30pm. Her adjustable bed was installed at home this morning. She's going to need to sleep with an incline now. There's no more flapper (check valve) in her throat, and gravity will be her ally from now on, helping her with the task of swallowing. I don't think she will actually swallow any more, I think the gravity will be the only thing that moves 'stuff' from her mouth to her stomach.
Anne has been sitting in a reclining chair since I got here. She just called the nurse to report that her throat is very sore and the nurse has gone for some numbing spray for that. Anne told her it hurts to swallow and her belly hurts to cough. Anne is dealing with congestion in her throat too. They have told her that light coughing is a very good activity for her, so she tries. She has a breathing mechanism/exercise to do which displays the strengh of her exhale. She is good about doing the exercises.
Anne said that she doesn't want any visitors until she is moved into another room off of this floor. She expects to be moved tomorrow. That's too bad because she has this nice private situation here now, with a nice view of both front doors of Maine Med just three stories down. It's shady out side her window now and I know she likes that. She had the fan blowing all morning when the hot sun was shinning brightly. Now the fan is turned off. It's in the 90's here today, hopefully a one day phenomenon.
Dr. McGillvary was in this afternoon and was happy to see Anne sitting up and looking well. I forgot to mention yesterday that he had told us that he checked Anne's liver during surgery and it looked fine. Today he repeated that Anne will have the drainage tube coming from the nostril for a week or so. At the end of this week they will do some sort of berillium test, to check Annes throat etc. for leaks.
Anne's blood pressure has come up today to where they aren't concerned now. It measured 104 over 70 last time, and they were pleased. The low bp earlier was attributed to her being dehydrated.
Anne has a feeding tube installed. Nurse Carrie just explained that it is a continuous feed going thru, so much per hour, and every four hours there is a flush of water that occurs. Anne said she heard the last flushing of water when it happened. The nurse said the amount of feed going thru is very small, designed to just give a bit of work to Annes's digestive system at this time. It looks like she's getting a coffee milk shake thru there at current, however slowly.
Anne is doing her best to keep from talking too much and to get as much rest as possible for now. She looks real good with color in her face, and she is a good patient, not trying to over do anything.
Looking back, yesterday was sort of a day of elation, with the good news out of the surgery, the relief from the news, and with Anne talking and joking some. Now reality is setting in as we realize she has alot of work and healing to do, with a long way to go. My feeling is that she's doing as well as can be expected. Learning to eat again is going to be a real adventure when that happens.
Day One after Surgery, 8am
Mornin all !!
I was up 21 hours yesterday, starting with the early trip to Maine Med, and ending with the late overtime Celtics playoff game late last night (I admit, I fell asleep in my chair during the 3rd quarter). I slept like a rock until Anne called me at 5:30am 'to talk'. Then she called me again at 6:15 and woke me again 'to talk'. Point being,,, she is doing fantastic and she sounds great, if not just a bit tired. There’s a lot of relief in her voice too. She said the nurses come in and wake her too much, and it's been hard to get a decent block of time for any real rest. Opps, she just called again and is sounding pretty tired at this point.
The one real concern is that her blood pressure is low. They're working to find out why. She is great tho, and I’m so surprised. When I left her last night and asked what she might need she said 'a T-bone'.
She mentions that she'll have the drainage tube in her nostril for one week. Now that's got to be anoying at times. Dr. McGillvary's assiatant surgeon was already in this morning early to check on Anne.
They have changed the morphine pump over to a 'dilotted' (hydromorphone) pump. I knew she didn't care much for the morphine but I know it served a good purpose for a while. The epidural is taking care of her stomach pretty well according to Anne, but it does hurt. I hope she is squeezing in a power nap now.
Hi to everyone and thanks for your continued good wishes, thoughts and prayers.
I was up 21 hours yesterday, starting with the early trip to Maine Med, and ending with the late overtime Celtics playoff game late last night (I admit, I fell asleep in my chair during the 3rd quarter). I slept like a rock until Anne called me at 5:30am 'to talk'. Then she called me again at 6:15 and woke me again 'to talk'. Point being,,, she is doing fantastic and she sounds great, if not just a bit tired. There’s a lot of relief in her voice too. She said the nurses come in and wake her too much, and it's been hard to get a decent block of time for any real rest. Opps, she just called again and is sounding pretty tired at this point.
The one real concern is that her blood pressure is low. They're working to find out why. She is great tho, and I’m so surprised. When I left her last night and asked what she might need she said 'a T-bone'.
She mentions that she'll have the drainage tube in her nostril for one week. Now that's got to be anoying at times. Dr. McGillvary's assiatant surgeon was already in this morning early to check on Anne.
They have changed the morphine pump over to a 'dilotted' (hydromorphone) pump. I knew she didn't care much for the morphine but I know it served a good purpose for a while. The epidural is taking care of her stomach pretty well according to Anne, but it does hurt. I hope she is squeezing in a power nap now.
Hi to everyone and thanks for your continued good wishes, thoughts and prayers.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Day of Surgery, 4pm
YEAH !! The good news came at 12:30pm when Dr. McGillvary came to the waiting room looking for Anne's family. He took us aside into a private room and explained that he was extremely pleased with how the surgery went, and with how Anne was doing.
He stated the tumor was small and that he had removed it. He explained that he removed the 2 lymphnodes that previously had been detected with cancer, and all other lymphnodes in the general area anywhere near those. He said he completed the planned work of removing Anne's esophagus, some of the stomach, reconstructed and moved the stomach, and connected it to her throat. It took 5 hours to do so.
The surgeon explained that Anne may only have to eat thru a feeding tube while she is in the hospital, in other words, she may be eating somewhat normally when she get's to go home. I'm relieved with that news as I wasn't looking forward to that training class or the process. By the way, the insurance company has authorized 9 days in here, but I don't think Anne will stay 'in' that long.
Paul, the excellent facilitator of the waiting room informed us that Anne wouldn't actually be going to ICU from Recovery as we expected. Rather, she'll be going directly from the Recovery area to the Richard's wing room 326.
About an hour after talking with Dr. McGillvary in the waiting area we were allowed to go in and see Anne in the recovery area. Anne had her eyes open and felt well enough to talk and try to crack some 'funnies', as usual. Don't get me wrong, she was extremely drugged and groggy, but using her thumb and index finger she grabbed a couple short hairs on top of her head before anouncing to the nurse that she'd like her to 'pull her puppet string' to raise her head a little bit. I just tried to encourage her, and let her know how well she did, how well Dr. McGillvary had done, and let her know that she was 'all fixed'.
Anne was moved up to the Richard's wing room 326 around 4pm. This is one of a number of COR rooms here (continual observation room). She'll be closely monitored here until she is moved again.
At this point, 6pm, Anne isn't having alot to say. She is trying to rest, and the nurses are just trying to make Anne more comfortable. Anne has alot of pain in one side of her neck where there is a large incision. For this pain she can push a morphine button every 10 minutes in order to get 2mgs pumped in. There is another large incision across her stomach. Anne has an epidural form of anesthesia in place which is there to take care of her lower torso including the stomach area. I think that is pumped into here lower back, but I don't know how long she'll have that installed. She hasn't complained about her stomach yet.
All in all, we're just so pleased with how the day went, how Anne is doing, and especially with the comments made by Dr. McGillvary. He gave us the report we had hoped for. The cancer 'mind game' is over now and I can tell that Anne is very much relieved. She can now focus solely on getting better.
Thanks to all again and again for your well wishes, thoughts, cards, and prayers.
He stated the tumor was small and that he had removed it. He explained that he removed the 2 lymphnodes that previously had been detected with cancer, and all other lymphnodes in the general area anywhere near those. He said he completed the planned work of removing Anne's esophagus, some of the stomach, reconstructed and moved the stomach, and connected it to her throat. It took 5 hours to do so.
The surgeon explained that Anne may only have to eat thru a feeding tube while she is in the hospital, in other words, she may be eating somewhat normally when she get's to go home. I'm relieved with that news as I wasn't looking forward to that training class or the process. By the way, the insurance company has authorized 9 days in here, but I don't think Anne will stay 'in' that long.
Paul, the excellent facilitator of the waiting room informed us that Anne wouldn't actually be going to ICU from Recovery as we expected. Rather, she'll be going directly from the Recovery area to the Richard's wing room 326.
About an hour after talking with Dr. McGillvary in the waiting area we were allowed to go in and see Anne in the recovery area. Anne had her eyes open and felt well enough to talk and try to crack some 'funnies', as usual. Don't get me wrong, she was extremely drugged and groggy, but using her thumb and index finger she grabbed a couple short hairs on top of her head before anouncing to the nurse that she'd like her to 'pull her puppet string' to raise her head a little bit. I just tried to encourage her, and let her know how well she did, how well Dr. McGillvary had done, and let her know that she was 'all fixed'.
Anne was moved up to the Richard's wing room 326 around 4pm. This is one of a number of COR rooms here (continual observation room). She'll be closely monitored here until she is moved again.
At this point, 6pm, Anne isn't having alot to say. She is trying to rest, and the nurses are just trying to make Anne more comfortable. Anne has alot of pain in one side of her neck where there is a large incision. For this pain she can push a morphine button every 10 minutes in order to get 2mgs pumped in. There is another large incision across her stomach. Anne has an epidural form of anesthesia in place which is there to take care of her lower torso including the stomach area. I think that is pumped into here lower back, but I don't know how long she'll have that installed. She hasn't complained about her stomach yet.
All in all, we're just so pleased with how the day went, how Anne is doing, and especially with the comments made by Dr. McGillvary. He gave us the report we had hoped for. The cancer 'mind game' is over now and I can tell that Anne is very much relieved. She can now focus solely on getting better.
Thanks to all again and again for your well wishes, thoughts, cards, and prayers.
Day of Surgery, 11am
We arose today at 4:30am which enabled us to get to Maine Medical Center ASU at 6.
Anne slept well overnight and was very relaxed and ready this morning.
By 7:15am I was saying good-bye to Anne as the doctors took her into another room for anesthesia. She was ready. She is expected to be in the OR for up to 6 hours, and in recovery for up to 5-6 hours as well. I may get in to see her during recovery for 5 minutes or so, but that's it.
It will be a long day of waiting, but I am encouraged (now 11am) since 'no news is good news' at this point in time. Wouldn't want the surgeon to give up early, so I'm relieved to know Dr. McGillvary is still in there doing his job, taking care of Anne.
We look forward to some good news today around 1pm.
Thanks for reading, praying, etc. Anne is comforted to know that you are all concerned for her, and (again) knowing there's an army of folks praying for her is very good medicine. It really helps. Thank you for being there.
More to come...........
Anne slept well overnight and was very relaxed and ready this morning.
By 7:15am I was saying good-bye to Anne as the doctors took her into another room for anesthesia. She was ready. She is expected to be in the OR for up to 6 hours, and in recovery for up to 5-6 hours as well. I may get in to see her during recovery for 5 minutes or so, but that's it.
It will be a long day of waiting, but I am encouraged (now 11am) since 'no news is good news' at this point in time. Wouldn't want the surgeon to give up early, so I'm relieved to know Dr. McGillvary is still in there doing his job, taking care of Anne.
We look forward to some good news today around 1pm.
Thanks for reading, praying, etc. Anne is comforted to know that you are all concerned for her, and (again) knowing there's an army of folks praying for her is very good medicine. It really helps. Thank you for being there.
More to come...........
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Surgery Rescheduled
Hi All,
Thank you all for you continued love.
My surgery has been pushed back 1 day (yeah!). The doctor has another major surgery to do and didn't want to do 2 in one day. So now my surgery will be May 24th at 7:30am.
My oncologist has given me the name of an individual who has had the same surgery. She is willing the talk with me and answer all my questions about the surgery. I hope she likes talking because I have at least 100 questions.
For a good laugh my hair continues to grow in every direction. It reminds me of those babies with the wild hair. Mine is very thin, very grey and very wild. It makes me smile when I walk past a mirror. I got a sunburn on my scalp, that's a first for me.
God Bless you all and have a wonderful day!
Thank you all for you continued love.
My surgery has been pushed back 1 day (yeah!). The doctor has another major surgery to do and didn't want to do 2 in one day. So now my surgery will be May 24th at 7:30am.
My oncologist has given me the name of an individual who has had the same surgery. She is willing the talk with me and answer all my questions about the surgery. I hope she likes talking because I have at least 100 questions.
For a good laugh my hair continues to grow in every direction. It reminds me of those babies with the wild hair. Mine is very thin, very grey and very wild. It makes me smile when I walk past a mirror. I got a sunburn on my scalp, that's a first for me.
God Bless you all and have a wonderful day!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Surgery is Planned
Hi all,
Thank you for all your continued support, positive thoughts, prayers, calls, notes and cards.
My surgery has been planned for May 25th. The surgeon will be removing my esophagus and 1/3 of my stomach. He will then reshape the remaining stomach move it up thru my chest and attach it to my throat. I will be in the hospital for 9 days. I'm not sure on the length of time for recovery. I'll be having a feeding tube place during surgery and I don't know how long it will be there.
This waiting period is called my healing period. The doctor said the time was needed to heal my inside from the radiation. He explained to us that the radiation made my tissues like raw hamburg and the surgeon can't operate under those conditions.
I've been exercising daily to get my strength back. But I still seem to get tired easily, nothing a little rest or nap can't take care of. I find the pain in my stomach is getting better needing less pain medicine. My hair is growing, it's about 1/2 inch long now. I was hoping it would come back in curly but it is straight as a board. Just call me spike!
Thank you for all your continued support, positive thoughts, prayers, calls, notes and cards.
My surgery has been planned for May 25th. The surgeon will be removing my esophagus and 1/3 of my stomach. He will then reshape the remaining stomach move it up thru my chest and attach it to my throat. I will be in the hospital for 9 days. I'm not sure on the length of time for recovery. I'll be having a feeding tube place during surgery and I don't know how long it will be there.
This waiting period is called my healing period. The doctor said the time was needed to heal my inside from the radiation. He explained to us that the radiation made my tissues like raw hamburg and the surgeon can't operate under those conditions.
I've been exercising daily to get my strength back. But I still seem to get tired easily, nothing a little rest or nap can't take care of. I find the pain in my stomach is getting better needing less pain medicine. My hair is growing, it's about 1/2 inch long now. I was hoping it would come back in curly but it is straight as a board. Just call me spike!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
3/31/10, Endoscopy
Hi all this is Anne. I'm working on my first posting. I wanted to give you good news.
Dr. Millspaugh did a follow-up endoscope yesterday. He viewed the esophagus and stomach only. He could not view the infected nodes.
Findings: There was a smooth circumferential, superficial unceration in the distal esophasgus, extending from 29 cm to 31 cm. The gstroesophageal juntion apeared to be located at 31 cm. There was a cm hiatial hernia present extending from 31-35cm. The remainder of the stomach and duodenum were normal. Biopsies were taken within the ulcerated segment of the the distal esophagus.
Bottom line: tumor no longer appearing in the esophagus!!!
Impressions: Smooth, circumferential, ulceration in the distal 2 cm of the esphagus, Likely radiation injury. Biopsies taken to rule out neoplasm.
Dr. Millspaugh wished me luck with my upcoming surgery.
We take the these results to our visit with the surgereon Dr. McGillvary next Wednesday for more interpretation.
Praise the Lord and thank you for all of you prayers, positive thoughts.
Dr. Millspaugh did a follow-up endoscope yesterday. He viewed the esophagus and stomach only. He could not view the infected nodes.
Findings: There was a smooth circumferential, superficial unceration in the distal esophasgus, extending from 29 cm to 31 cm. The gstroesophageal juntion apeared to be located at 31 cm. There was a cm hiatial hernia present extending from 31-35cm. The remainder of the stomach and duodenum were normal. Biopsies were taken within the ulcerated segment of the the distal esophagus.
Bottom line: tumor no longer appearing in the esophagus!!!
Impressions: Smooth, circumferential, ulceration in the distal 2 cm of the esphagus, Likely radiation injury. Biopsies taken to rule out neoplasm.
Dr. Millspaugh wished me luck with my upcoming surgery.
We take the these results to our visit with the surgereon Dr. McGillvary next Wednesday for more interpretation.
Praise the Lord and thank you for all of you prayers, positive thoughts.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Sunday March 21, 2001
Last week we got good reports regarding Anne's blood counts, yeah !!!
Anne has been sleeping and resting an awful lot since she finished her treatments. It's real important, and she definately needs it because she still feels really worn out most of the time. She sleeps morning, afternoon, evening, and overnight. As of late tho I've noticed her trying to do more and more things around the house.
This morning Anne was a little worried and emotional so we decided to take a ride in the car with Dixie. We took off for the White Mountains and went over to Rumney N.H. to see if we could visit my Aunt and Uncle at Stinson Lake. We weren't sure anyone would be home today because they winter in Florida. Well, they were not home, and I'm sure we were the first ones there this Spring. We walked the property and spent time enjoying the wonder of sitting there in the sun. It's just a beautiful place, especially when no one else is around. It was 48 degrees, much cooler than home. The ice was out about 10 feet on the lake, then frozen solid all the way across. We didn't see a sole anywhere around the lake the whole time we were there. It was neat!! The only other life was 2 creatures, otter or beaver(?), in the distance showing themselves three quarters of the way across the cove, coming out onto the ice from their holes a couple of times, perhaps to see about the noise we made. I've never been there on a day like today, so quiet. It's a good size lake, however so abandoned and serene on this day. Anne and Dixie really enjoyed it. We wrote a note for our relatives, and slid it through the crack under the porch door.
Last Thursday we had to head into Brighton Medical to have an ultrasound done on Anne's right leg. She had pain, checked with Dr. Ebrahim, and he ordered this to determine whether maybe a blood clot was causing the pain. There was no clot and we just went home. Anne's leg is feeling better day by day.
This week on Wednesday the 24th Anne has an appointment in the morning for a cat scan, at Scarborough. Then on the 31st we have an appointment to have another endoscope with Dr. Milspaugh in Portland, the same Dr who did this for Anne on New Year's Eve. On April 7th we'll see the surgeon in Portland, Dr. McGillvary, for the first time since the first week of January I think. We'll review with him these tests and images. We look forward to having Dr. McGillvary schedule Anne's surgery for later in April.
On April 9th we have an appointment scheduled with Dr. Ebrahim. Anne will remain in his care even after he 'hands off' to the surgeon to do his work.
Please keep Anne in your prayers such that this plan will proceed on schedule, and pray for her strangth, peace, and courage. She still has so much work ahead of her, and it really is alot for her to wait for and to think about. Thank you so very much friends!!! We love you and appreciate you and you're prayers.
Anne has been sleeping and resting an awful lot since she finished her treatments. It's real important, and she definately needs it because she still feels really worn out most of the time. She sleeps morning, afternoon, evening, and overnight. As of late tho I've noticed her trying to do more and more things around the house.
This morning Anne was a little worried and emotional so we decided to take a ride in the car with Dixie. We took off for the White Mountains and went over to Rumney N.H. to see if we could visit my Aunt and Uncle at Stinson Lake. We weren't sure anyone would be home today because they winter in Florida. Well, they were not home, and I'm sure we were the first ones there this Spring. We walked the property and spent time enjoying the wonder of sitting there in the sun. It's just a beautiful place, especially when no one else is around. It was 48 degrees, much cooler than home. The ice was out about 10 feet on the lake, then frozen solid all the way across. We didn't see a sole anywhere around the lake the whole time we were there. It was neat!! The only other life was 2 creatures, otter or beaver(?), in the distance showing themselves three quarters of the way across the cove, coming out onto the ice from their holes a couple of times, perhaps to see about the noise we made. I've never been there on a day like today, so quiet. It's a good size lake, however so abandoned and serene on this day. Anne and Dixie really enjoyed it. We wrote a note for our relatives, and slid it through the crack under the porch door.
Last Thursday we had to head into Brighton Medical to have an ultrasound done on Anne's right leg. She had pain, checked with Dr. Ebrahim, and he ordered this to determine whether maybe a blood clot was causing the pain. There was no clot and we just went home. Anne's leg is feeling better day by day.
This week on Wednesday the 24th Anne has an appointment in the morning for a cat scan, at Scarborough. Then on the 31st we have an appointment to have another endoscope with Dr. Milspaugh in Portland, the same Dr who did this for Anne on New Year's Eve. On April 7th we'll see the surgeon in Portland, Dr. McGillvary, for the first time since the first week of January I think. We'll review with him these tests and images. We look forward to having Dr. McGillvary schedule Anne's surgery for later in April.
On April 9th we have an appointment scheduled with Dr. Ebrahim. Anne will remain in his care even after he 'hands off' to the surgeon to do his work.
Please keep Anne in your prayers such that this plan will proceed on schedule, and pray for her strangth, peace, and courage. She still has so much work ahead of her, and it really is alot for her to wait for and to think about. Thank you so very much friends!!! We love you and appreciate you and you're prayers.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Day 56, Weds., 12:30pm
We're home !
Anne was released by Dr. Ebrahim today. Her blood counts were not ideal, but Anne was dressed and ready to go, and he allowed it.
We'll check the blood counts next week on Monday in Scarborough. Anne was instructed not to get into any close contact with the public at this time. In the meantime we'll continue to check Anne's temperature, and report anything unusual to the doctor because her immune system is weak at this time. We're thinking it will be ok to do things like walking on the beach.
When we got home we made calls to Anne's PCP to check into her medical records because Anne is alergic to 90% of the known pill-form anti-biotics, and we want to know what has been used safely in her past. We found that she used Augmentin and Erythromycin in 1997 without incident. Anne is alergic to Penecillin, Tegratol, anything that ends in 'quin' i.e. Leviquin, and any sulfers/sulfates.
To all readers, your thoughts and prayers are so much appreciated. Thank you again for that and for your cards and calls too.
We'll continue to pray that the treatments were successful such that when we see the surgeon in a month or so that he will see what he wants to see, and be eager to do the rest of the work necessary to finish the job in this war on cancer.
Anne was released by Dr. Ebrahim today. Her blood counts were not ideal, but Anne was dressed and ready to go, and he allowed it.
We'll check the blood counts next week on Monday in Scarborough. Anne was instructed not to get into any close contact with the public at this time. In the meantime we'll continue to check Anne's temperature, and report anything unusual to the doctor because her immune system is weak at this time. We're thinking it will be ok to do things like walking on the beach.
When we got home we made calls to Anne's PCP to check into her medical records because Anne is alergic to 90% of the known pill-form anti-biotics, and we want to know what has been used safely in her past. We found that she used Augmentin and Erythromycin in 1997 without incident. Anne is alergic to Penecillin, Tegratol, anything that ends in 'quin' i.e. Leviquin, and any sulfers/sulfates.
To all readers, your thoughts and prayers are so much appreciated. Thank you again for that and for your cards and calls too.
We'll continue to pray that the treatments were successful such that when we see the surgeon in a month or so that he will see what he wants to see, and be eager to do the rest of the work necessary to finish the job in this war on cancer.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Day 55, Tuesday, 4:20pm
Dr. Ebrahim had decided to keep Anne here at least one more night. Her count of Neutrophils wasn't as high as he would like. He explained the white blood cells help prevent infection, and the neutrophils in the blood help prevent bacterial infection. He said now that these counts are rising, nothing will stop them. He will keep Anne on the anti-biotics, and he expects to send Anne home tomorrow. He'll be back in the morning tomorrow.
That's when we'll talk more about the 'rest' period. He said in 4-6 weeks we'll have a Catscan and a scope to check on the tumor and lymphnode where the cancer was last seen. Then he'll arrange meetings where we'll meet with the surgeon (Dr. Doug McGillvary). Anne will work to get in better shape during and after resting so she'll be better fit and able to recover from surgery.
He said they wait the 3-4 weeks to do the Catscan and scope because if done now it would actually 'look like raw meat in there'. Hence, the reason for the nausea and pain meds. He said in a couple of weeks that Anne would feel alot better than she does now.
Anne just got herself cleaned up, and she's exhausted, not from the laps we took around the floor, but from getting cleaned up. She has alot of work ahead of her to lick this disease, but there's no doubt that she is better now, and that she is going to succeed.
That's when we'll talk more about the 'rest' period. He said in 4-6 weeks we'll have a Catscan and a scope to check on the tumor and lymphnode where the cancer was last seen. Then he'll arrange meetings where we'll meet with the surgeon (Dr. Doug McGillvary). Anne will work to get in better shape during and after resting so she'll be better fit and able to recover from surgery.
He said they wait the 3-4 weeks to do the Catscan and scope because if done now it would actually 'look like raw meat in there'. Hence, the reason for the nausea and pain meds. He said in a couple of weeks that Anne would feel alot better than she does now.
Anne just got herself cleaned up, and she's exhausted, not from the laps we took around the floor, but from getting cleaned up. She has alot of work ahead of her to lick this disease, but there's no doubt that she is better now, and that she is going to succeed.
Day 55, Tuesday, 2:50pm
Celebration day !!
It's for Anne who has completed her cancer treatments !! Yes, she had R/T here at Maine Med today, and that's all there is. I hope I'm not jinxing her because we haven't actually seen Dr. Ebrahim yet today, but as far as we know there's no more C/T or R/T.
We just learned that Anne's white blood count is 1900 today. That is up from 1100. We're told a decent low number would be 4000. Regarding the immune system tho, I have learned there is at least one other factor (and probably others). It's the count of neutropils in the blood. We don't have that number for today. Depending on that as well as the white blood count, the Dr. will decide if it's ok for Anne to go home, whether she can have any company, go out in public, under what conditions, etc, etc...
I think she'll be dissappointed if she has to spend another night here. She's been feeling good since last night, considering that she has pain and nausea all the time. I've seen her ask for pain and nausea meds twice today but never complain about either one. She's a strong girl, sometimes a little strong for her own good as we've discussed. However, we definately don't want to go home to soon and risk having to be admitted again any time soon.
Dr. Ebrahim is on the floor now so we'll see him pretty soon. What happens next is up to him. Anne wants to ask him what he thinks about the disruption in her R/T schedule. I want to ask him about the impending 'rest' period, how long it might be before we'll want to see the surgeon, when we might have another scope done to check on the tumor that was found in December, etc...
I beat Anne at cribbage today and yesterday. Only one game each day tho. If we had played best of 5 she would have cleaned my clock as usual.
It's for Anne who has completed her cancer treatments !! Yes, she had R/T here at Maine Med today, and that's all there is. I hope I'm not jinxing her because we haven't actually seen Dr. Ebrahim yet today, but as far as we know there's no more C/T or R/T.
We just learned that Anne's white blood count is 1900 today. That is up from 1100. We're told a decent low number would be 4000. Regarding the immune system tho, I have learned there is at least one other factor (and probably others). It's the count of neutropils in the blood. We don't have that number for today. Depending on that as well as the white blood count, the Dr. will decide if it's ok for Anne to go home, whether she can have any company, go out in public, under what conditions, etc, etc...
I think she'll be dissappointed if she has to spend another night here. She's been feeling good since last night, considering that she has pain and nausea all the time. I've seen her ask for pain and nausea meds twice today but never complain about either one. She's a strong girl, sometimes a little strong for her own good as we've discussed. However, we definately don't want to go home to soon and risk having to be admitted again any time soon.
Dr. Ebrahim is on the floor now so we'll see him pretty soon. What happens next is up to him. Anne wants to ask him what he thinks about the disruption in her R/T schedule. I want to ask him about the impending 'rest' period, how long it might be before we'll want to see the surgeon, when we might have another scope done to check on the tumor that was found in December, etc...
I beat Anne at cribbage today and yesterday. Only one game each day tho. If we had played best of 5 she would have cleaned my clock as usual.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Day 54, Monday, 7:40pm
Anne had R/T here today at around 3:30pm. They interrupted our cribbage game for that.
She has been feeling better. Her blood pressure is up and down, and we don't know about the blood counts until tomorrow mid-morning. Today her white blood count was up slightly, but no where near where it needs to be for her immune system to be sufficient. Because of that, whenever she leaves her room she needs to wear a mask.
Anne is feeling herself tonight, and so we hope the white blood count is up tomorrow.
Anne will have her last R/T tomorrow wither here or in Scarboro. Both computers are set up for her now.
She has been feeling better. Her blood pressure is up and down, and we don't know about the blood counts until tomorrow mid-morning. Today her white blood count was up slightly, but no where near where it needs to be for her immune system to be sufficient. Because of that, whenever she leaves her room she needs to wear a mask.
Anne is feeling herself tonight, and so we hope the white blood count is up tomorrow.
Anne will have her last R/T tomorrow wither here or in Scarboro. Both computers are set up for her now.
Day 54, Monday, 10:25am
Hello friends,
I hope you enjoyed a good weekend. Anne has had a long one. She feels as though she doesn't want to be here, but her blood counts are still low, i.e. she still has neutropenia, still highly suseptible to infections, etc... this is critical because such infections can become life threatening for a cancer patient with this condition. Even with this going on, we still hope to get Anne's final 2 R/T's done, one today and one tomorrow if there is any way possible. All we can do is wait for the anti-biotics to kick in, clear up any infection, and cause the white blood count to rise. I read where this condition is chemo induced, and Neutropenia usually shows up up to 7 days after chemo is finished. In Anne's case it took longer.
I don't think I mentioned that Anne has been constipated. This started last Thursday and ran through today. Her tummy was aching when I left and went home last night around 8:30, and the poor girl was super miserable this morning when I called in here early. She is better now, and finally getting thru that, but she has had 'that' feeling mounting all weekend too. I believe they started to give her the softeners on Saturday.
Dr. Ebrahim beat me in here this morning (he was in at 7am, me at 8:30), so I don't know exactly where we stand as far as blood counts, plans for R/T, going home, or any of that. Anne doesn't know whether he will visit her again today or not. It's 'hurry up and wait' time.
Glad Anne is feeling better now since the constipation is clearing up. The nurse just told me that Anne is going to have R/T here today, and that the Dr. mentioned that she may go home today, but that he is gone now and did not leave any orders for her to be released. Think positive!!
I hope you enjoyed a good weekend. Anne has had a long one. She feels as though she doesn't want to be here, but her blood counts are still low, i.e. she still has neutropenia, still highly suseptible to infections, etc... this is critical because such infections can become life threatening for a cancer patient with this condition. Even with this going on, we still hope to get Anne's final 2 R/T's done, one today and one tomorrow if there is any way possible. All we can do is wait for the anti-biotics to kick in, clear up any infection, and cause the white blood count to rise. I read where this condition is chemo induced, and Neutropenia usually shows up up to 7 days after chemo is finished. In Anne's case it took longer.
I don't think I mentioned that Anne has been constipated. This started last Thursday and ran through today. Her tummy was aching when I left and went home last night around 8:30, and the poor girl was super miserable this morning when I called in here early. She is better now, and finally getting thru that, but she has had 'that' feeling mounting all weekend too. I believe they started to give her the softeners on Saturday.
Dr. Ebrahim beat me in here this morning (he was in at 7am, me at 8:30), so I don't know exactly where we stand as far as blood counts, plans for R/T, going home, or any of that. Anne doesn't know whether he will visit her again today or not. It's 'hurry up and wait' time.
Glad Anne is feeling better now since the constipation is clearing up. The nurse just told me that Anne is going to have R/T here today, and that the Dr. mentioned that she may go home today, but that he is gone now and did not leave any orders for her to be released. Think positive!!
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