Hello again from GMC, Dad again with my second installment at blogging, BJ's getting way too much air time. I spent the night with Kevin last night. It was good since work has kept me more occupied than I would prefer. I was able to help him through the night. Not much sleep, but that is unimportant. Dr. Larry was in and said Kev is gonna go home later today. He also said things look good. He's gonna get a pint of blood for the raod (his word's. Just a little perk up. We have to work on his protein level while he is home, gonna make a couple protein shakes. We talked a bit this morning and Kev says he is confident he is getting the best of care here at GMC. He did mention it was quite boring, but the end result will be well worth the wait. He will be home all next week so PLEASE fill free to visit, the door is aways open.
Keep your comments coming, we all enjoy reading them... until next time'
Have a great day,
Dad
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Friday, November 2, 2007
just in spine!
Intrathecal today... everything went very well!!! Kev left the room this morning about 8:35 in the a.m. and returned 10 minutes before 10. They numbed the area of the skin where they were going to poke and that was it. He laid on his stomach (similar to a surfer catching a waive, but without the arm paddle) and just waited as they removed spinal fluid and replaced it with Chemo. Kev said it wasn't really bad at all and there was little discomfort afterwards. He was up walking around and peeing as usual.
There was much anxiety among the family about this treatment, but Kev made it easier on everybody. For someone who has been lying in bed all week getting pumped with chemo knowing people were about to stab his spine with a needle and he just high fives and says, "see you when I get back"... thats it. If I, or anyone, ever approaches a situation like this half as strong as Kev, they we'll be just fine.
Tonite Dad is taking overnite duty at the Hospital. He's used to bunking from sleeping in his truck (he's a truckdriver for those of you who don't know, not a hillbilly) so they should have a pretty good nite.
keep'm crossed, Kev may be coming home tomorrow.
There was much anxiety among the family about this treatment, but Kev made it easier on everybody. For someone who has been lying in bed all week getting pumped with chemo knowing people were about to stab his spine with a needle and he just high fives and says, "see you when I get back"... thats it. If I, or anyone, ever approaches a situation like this half as strong as Kev, they we'll be just fine.
Tonite Dad is taking overnite duty at the Hospital. He's used to bunking from sleeping in his truck (he's a truckdriver for those of you who don't know, not a hillbilly) so they should have a pretty good nite.
keep'm crossed, Kev may be coming home tomorrow.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
cruise control
Good day all around. Kev woke up with lots of color and some energy. Nothing changed from the doctor standpoint, just a little heads up to drink more fluids, especially when he is home (which may happen sunday-ish)
We strolled about the halls twice and spent most of the day awake watching the food channel. Ma saved the day again by bringing food.. more soup and some mac-n-cheese and performing her daily massage pampering, Bri tried to help, but she is apparently not that good at it. It was quite an uneventful day, which is very good news. No fever, no nausea, or lethargy, just a small headache that eventually went away.
There were lots of visitors today, the regulars mostly and some old friends from the bank days. Kev always perks up when people come so please don't be shy. (ice cream and pudding on me) We also took the time to watch Liar Liar in VHS form which was good for a few laughs, but Kev had taken his pre-chemo drugs and became a bit groggy. He was probably awaken from time to time via the laughter, but he's used to that since we mostly sit around and make fun of each other (and him) most of the time.
Tomorrow is Kev's first Intrathecal treatment, follow the link to learn more...
click here on this text.
We strolled about the halls twice and spent most of the day awake watching the food channel. Ma saved the day again by bringing food.. more soup and some mac-n-cheese and performing her daily massage pampering, Bri tried to help, but she is apparently not that good at it. It was quite an uneventful day, which is very good news. No fever, no nausea, or lethargy, just a small headache that eventually went away.
There were lots of visitors today, the regulars mostly and some old friends from the bank days. Kev always perks up when people come so please don't be shy. (ice cream and pudding on me) We also took the time to watch Liar Liar in VHS form which was good for a few laughs, but Kev had taken his pre-chemo drugs and became a bit groggy. He was probably awaken from time to time via the laughter, but he's used to that since we mostly sit around and make fun of each other (and him) most of the time.
Tomorrow is Kev's first Intrathecal treatment, follow the link to learn more...
click here on this text.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
it's quicker that way..
Day 3 of 5 complete! More good news today from the Doctors... Kev had a lump under his right arm when he first arrived in these United States, that lump no longer exists. The Doc (whom they refer to as 'Godfather' on the floor) said this is a very good sign,then left real quick like he smelled burning toast... always the same exit.
He received no blood today, maybe tomorrow. There was a brief stint of overwhelming nausea, which lead to on uncontrolled abdominal workout a.k.a. vomiting. Kev thinks it was more from the amount of pills he is taking combined with the throat irritation, BUT the nurses did swoop to the rescue with some anti-nausea and an adovan kicker. The adovan was slipped through the IV because it's quicker that way and was followed by some oxycodone (pain killer) to alleviate the discomfort stemming from the throat and back. These medicines combined must be what they use in horse tranquilizer, because Kev was OUT!
It may sound like Kev sleeps a lot, but he actually only catches few hour naps. This particular chemo really breaks down the tumors and when the tumors breakdown they release large amounts of uric acid into the body, which can effect the kidney's. To counteract this, Kev is taking allopurinol and a lot of saline, which makes him pee... ALOT! He can usually sleep a good hour and half or so before wizzing. This is O.K. during the day, but at night after two ambiem he sways about like he's on about, but he has real good aim!
He received no blood today, maybe tomorrow. There was a brief stint of overwhelming nausea, which lead to on uncontrolled abdominal workout a.k.a. vomiting. Kev thinks it was more from the amount of pills he is taking combined with the throat irritation, BUT the nurses did swoop to the rescue with some anti-nausea and an adovan kicker. The adovan was slipped through the IV because it's quicker that way and was followed by some oxycodone (pain killer) to alleviate the discomfort stemming from the throat and back. These medicines combined must be what they use in horse tranquilizer, because Kev was OUT!
It may sound like Kev sleeps a lot, but he actually only catches few hour naps. This particular chemo really breaks down the tumors and when the tumors breakdown they release large amounts of uric acid into the body, which can effect the kidney's. To counteract this, Kev is taking allopurinol and a lot of saline, which makes him pee... ALOT! He can usually sleep a good hour and half or so before wizzing. This is O.K. during the day, but at night after two ambiem he sways about like he's on about, but he has real good aim!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
no bones about it?
After the weekend home we started round 3 with a visit to the Knapper Clinic to see Dr. Khan. (see treatment tab on site) He gave Kev some good news. We are 25% done with the treatment and there is NO signs of the cancer in his marrow. We are uncertain of the communication malfunction, but Dr. Khan, Dr. Khan (like the song) is the big shot and he said no. He was also pleased with how well Kev's immune system bounced back after his white count was so low. More good news.
After the clinic we returned to the 8th floor (rm 838), which is great for us because the kitchen with all the ice cream, pudding, and drink is really close, but not so cool for Kev since the lady across the hall has a bit of hearing problem and keeps her TV loud enough to be heard by ears of corn!
Kev went for two walks today around the hall and has been eating quite a bit too. Ma made some soup. His white bloods are up, but the chemo now causes his reds to be down, so he's a bit lethargic. He received a pinto-o-blood today that perked him up and made for a pretty good day. We discovered that he and I are the same blood type, but when I mentioned this he said he didn't want any of my blood... he already has enough problems!
After the clinic we returned to the 8th floor (rm 838), which is great for us because the kitchen with all the ice cream, pudding, and drink is really close, but not so cool for Kev since the lady across the hall has a bit of hearing problem and keeps her TV loud enough to be heard by ears of corn!
Kev went for two walks today around the hall and has been eating quite a bit too. Ma made some soup. His white bloods are up, but the chemo now causes his reds to be down, so he's a bit lethargic. He received a pinto-o-blood today that perked him up and made for a pretty good day. We discovered that he and I are the same blood type, but when I mentioned this he said he didn't want any of my blood... he already has enough problems!
Monday, October 29, 2007
round 3
Hello, I'm the Mom, but my kids like to call me "momma", I'm the drill sergeant of the family (my kids, BJ's friends, and maybe even my husband would agree!) That's the German in me so "deal with it." Kevin has very weak legs, so my biggest job is massage his legs and feet... he enjoys this entirely too much. It makes me wonder sometimes, especially when his dad takes one leg and I'm on the other and he just smiles. Thats O.K. though, just to see him smile is good enough for me (I am keeping tabs for when I'm 80 and he has to return the favor LOL)
I'd like to thank everybody who has made my son smile and continue to do so. It's nice to see (and hear) he has such good people in his life. Visitors are always welcome!
It's a hard road to travel, but we WILL make it!
Please continue to keep Kevin in your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you,
Momma
I'd like to thank everybody who has made my son smile and continue to do so. It's nice to see (and hear) he has such good people in his life. Visitors are always welcome!
It's a hard road to travel, but we WILL make it!
Please continue to keep Kevin in your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you,
Momma
Sunday, October 28, 2007
good to "bee" home..
Kev had a pretty darn good weekend. He slowly, but surely got his color back and today he was a wonderful shade of human! Saturday he was still a little grogy from all the medication, but we did make our scheduled trip to Connygham. It was raining, but he got to get out and go some where. Dad succesfully installed the ceiling fan and top of the line $27.00 DVD player.
Lots of visitors were in and out all weekend which Kev enjoys a lot... his eyes may be closed and the occasional poke is needed to see if he is there, but he does nod and smirk from time to time. Today Kev felt well enough to get his normal restless self and wanted to do something. We dressed him up and took a stroll outside, it was a bit chilly so it didn't last long.
He gained a bit of an appetite and ate some real food. Ma made 'Pigs in the Blanket' for 7 and a half people. (the half is for our friend Anthony Russo who sure likes food and the game monopoly, but is bad at twister) Kev sat, ate, and laughed then watched a movie before bed. Today was leftover piggies and fish... not bad!
On a side note: Kev is allergic to bee's, he wears a band in the hospital that displays this fact and there is an ongoing joke with doctors and nurses when they ask if he is allergic to anything, "you don't have any bees do you?" we giggle and move on. Being 'Flu' season, our concerns are that someone would catch the bug and get sick.. instead Dad spent saturday in October chasing a bug. As we sat in the living room chatting a "YELLOW JACKET" flies into the cathedral ceiling living room looking for trouble. Now picture a 6'2" 199 lbs dad swatting atop a step ladder at a bee he cannot reach!! Crazy who would have thought!! We got the little bugger and his friends too.. pictures to follow in the near future.
Lots of visitors were in and out all weekend which Kev enjoys a lot... his eyes may be closed and the occasional poke is needed to see if he is there, but he does nod and smirk from time to time. Today Kev felt well enough to get his normal restless self and wanted to do something. We dressed him up and took a stroll outside, it was a bit chilly so it didn't last long.
He gained a bit of an appetite and ate some real food. Ma made 'Pigs in the Blanket' for 7 and a half people. (the half is for our friend Anthony Russo who sure likes food and the game monopoly, but is bad at twister) Kev sat, ate, and laughed then watched a movie before bed. Today was leftover piggies and fish... not bad!
On a side note: Kev is allergic to bee's, he wears a band in the hospital that displays this fact and there is an ongoing joke with doctors and nurses when they ask if he is allergic to anything, "you don't have any bees do you?" we giggle and move on. Being 'Flu' season, our concerns are that someone would catch the bug and get sick.. instead Dad spent saturday in October chasing a bug. As we sat in the living room chatting a "YELLOW JACKET" flies into the cathedral ceiling living room looking for trouble. Now picture a 6'2" 199 lbs dad swatting atop a step ladder at a bee he cannot reach!! Crazy who would have thought!! We got the little bugger and his friends too.. pictures to follow in the near future.
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