Thursday 6-25-09

Yes, I have been remiss. Quiet in discussion of my condition. The fact of the matter is that I'm just returning to an energy level that I can communicate comfortably again. The prayer energy that has come my way through your love is helping immensely.

My medical team greatly expanded over the past few months with all of the doctors, nurses, and technicians helping me through this. Mary has been a wonderful case manager and is the greatest love in my life.

As you well know I have been charged with stamp stock/office accountability as a postmaster for many years. To not attend to my daily work has been a different experience; I have gone from totally public to totally private. Worrying about myself instead of the many employees/supervisors/managers/customers concerns. As Doc Walsh said: "This will be a year of reflection for you." He wasn't kidding.

Brian has had a better week starting last Wednesday when he popped out of bed and cooked himself bacon and eggs. He has had no more nausea and vomiting and has gained back 4 pounds. He is able to eat most everything slowly. States he is partial to beans...yeah!

His sister Melanie is still with us. His brother James came to help us Sat. and Sun. We appreciate all they have done to make our lives easier. Brian is planning on driving himself to radiation in Scottsbluff when Melanie leaves in next day or so. Saw both doctors again today and everything is on track. Brian is planning on adding to the blog at times too.

Mary

Monday: Second Week of Radiation

Brian was feeling a little better this morning, had started to eat some soft foods over weekend. Got to RWMC for radiation this morning and took his magic potion for esophagus and mouth irritation and he started vomiting again. We saw both Dr. Hartman (chemo radiologist) and Dr. Boggling today. Brian has unfortunately lost about 15 pounds due to chemo, radiation, and not being able to eat.

Melanie, Brian's sister is coming tonight to help drive him to Scottsbluff the rest of the week to radiation appointments so I can get back to work. If he is not feeling better the next week I will have to work half days. He has decided to let me supplement feed him through his J-tube at least until he feels stronger and can eat more.

Mary

The Day After

Well the first cycle of chemo is finished and it really knocked Brian a good one! He lost 12 pounds. I imagine some was because he was dehydrated related to the nausea and vomiting. The nurse gave him 2 liters of fluid after radiation yesterday and I got trained and supplies ready in case he needs to be supplemented through tube feedings. He was feeling better last night and wouldn't let me start supplement feedings yet. He was able to take nourishment orally, yeah!

He sees his chemo doctor Monday for follow up and blood work. His low immune period should hit next week or so. He is going to try to drive himself to radiation if he can next week so I can go back to work. If unable, may set radiation times so I can work half days.

Mary

Chemo and Radiation

Its been a tough few days. Brian has had nausea and vomiting every day so far. The medicine makes him very fatigued. Its a good thing I am driving him to Scottsbluff, I know he wouldn't be able to do it himself. We worry because he has a hard time getting anything to stay down. Don't want him to loose weight. The chemo will be over Friday for this cycle, so hope he will feel better. He will continue with the radiation five days per week until finished. Thanks for all the supportive comments.

Mary

Making A Trail

Brian has started his chemo and radiation. Spent most of yesterday getting it. They gave him one chemo drug at chemotherapy and then when it was finished hooked him up to a pump that will deliver other drug over a 96 hour period at home. He has to wear a bag and carry it at all times... he doesn't appreciate the look! Also has many restrictions for dos and don'ts. Radiation doesn't take very long, only 20 minutes or so to zap him now that they have all coordinates figured out. He was pretty wipped after it was all done.

Today we go back for follow up with his surgeon and another radiation session. Will continue sessions everyday except Sat. and Sun. for total 28 sessions. Will keep you all posted.

Mary

Back Home!

Brian was much improved after IV fluids, motility drugs, and rest. Was dismissed from hospital last evening. We spent the night with Paqui, Marc and Zeyda to make sure he was truly alright. He was hot to trot in getting home this morning, so know he is feeling much better. I guess we will go to chemo/radiation session tomorrow after all.

Mary

Returned To Hospital

Friday Brian became real sick with vomiting and increased weakness. Took him to see surgeon and then was readmitted to hospital in Scottsbluff. His bowel was asleep (Ileus) and he was dehydrated. Anything that he would take orally would come back up. He is feeling better today, but they gave him some new pain med and now is groggy again. They also started him on clear liquids again today, since there is some activity starting in bowel region. Hope it gets started soon. Doctor said they would probably postpone radiation and chemo start times for Monday until he is stronger. What a roller coaster ride!!

I am staying with Paqui, Marc, and Zeyda in Scottsbluff. Jessamyn will be coming today. She came last night with the boys and had to get more slate for house floor and return to Gordon. Boys staid with us at Paqui's. Will keep all posted on progress and when we return home.

L. Mary

Post Surgery Report

Brian got dismissed yesterday afternoon from the hospital in Scottsbluff and we traveled home. He became very ill with increased pain and low grade temperature later that evening. I took him to the ER in Alliance after calling the surgeon on call in Scottsbluff. He had another Cat Scan to see if he had a twisted bowel, plus more blood work. All the tests turned out negative thankfully. They think he a had a bad reaction to the pain medication Vicodin that he was started on prior to leaving Scottsbluff. Plus, his digestive track was slowed by all Morphine and anesthetic he had in hospital after surgery. We returned home. This morning he felt very nauseated and finally vomited his lunch yesterday. I will start him back on clear liquids.

He is to start chemo and radiation on Monday. He will have cycles of radiation: 2 weeks for 5 days then 2 weeks off until 28 sessions are done. He is also going to have chemo 1 week with 3 hours one day then pump at home for 96 hours. This will cycle every 4 weeks for 4 cycles. I will know more how it will all turn out after he gets going on Monday.

Thanks everyone for your prayers and support!
Mary

Surgery Day

Have spent most of yesterday and today at the hospital waiting... Its difficult knowing Brian is going through this process. He is in recovery room as I blog and will be admitted overnight for observation and care. Had his central line and small intestinal tube put in. Radiation and Chemo starts Monday 6-8-09. He will be having 28 radiation treatments, starting for 5 days for 2 weeks then rest two weeks. Chemo schedule is pending, will know more after Monday's appointment. Paqui has been with me so I don't have to wait alone. Will keep you all posted!
Mary