Well, Dad is passin' time in the hospital again. He will likely be there until at least Tuesday. It has become evident that Dad needs IVs on a regular basis or he will going to the ER every day or two. So, Dad's staff physician is working with Dad's other doctors to coordinate home health care which will allow Dad to get IV infusions at home as needed. Otherwise, he just dehydrates so fast. Dad will have to remain in the hospital until the home health care is all lined up.
The GI doctor on call is a little concerned about Dad's frequent drops in hemoglobin levels. He will be discussing with Dad's regular GI doctor the possibility of some additional testing to see if they can find a cause for this. We should know more about this in the next day or two.
Dad is scheduled to start another round of chemo on Thursday. As of right now, it looks like that may be postponed until next week.
Dad's vitals have all stabilized and he looks good. He is eating well and has regained some of his strength. Hopefully, being able to have IVs at home will help him stay hydrated and eliminate some of the hospital time. Dad has only been home for about 10 days out of the last two months. He is really tired of hospitals!
Thanks for all your prayers!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
It's Been A Long Day
We've had a couple of long days. Let me back up to Wednesday and get you all caught up. Tuesday evening the doctor told Dad that he would be released from the hospital on Wednesday. We expected that he would have PT in the morning and then be able to go home after that. Wednesday morning a lot of routine tests and bloodwork were done. The bloodwork showed that Dad's potassium and magnesium levels were low. So the doctor ordered potassium and magnesium infusions via Dad's IV port. What we didn't know was that he ordered several bags that had to be given one at a time. When Dad was finally released, it was 11pm Wednesday night. Dad was glad to be home, but it was a little bit of a tough night. Dad needs a lot of care during the night.
Thursday, Thanksgiving, was a good day for Dad. His goal was to have Thanksgiving dinner at Andi's house. He was able to do that and really enjoyed getting out and seeing people that weren't wearing white coats. A long, but good day.
Dad did not have a good night Thursday night. He began losing a lot of fluid through his bag. His blood pressure began dropping and he slept most of the day on Friday which meant he was not taking in the fluids his body needs. Due to the loss of his colon, he needs to take in extra fluids. By Friday evening, his color did not look good and his blood pressure continued to be low. A call to the doctor was made and we were given the direction we expected, but did not want. Back to the hospital.
Dad went in through the ER and they immediately started IVs since he was becoming quite dehydrated. The decision was also made to do a blood transfusion since his hemoglobin had dropped 2 points since Monday. Dad was admitted last night. Our favorite staff physician, Dr. Dave, saw Dad come in and let the ER staff know that he was very familiar with Dad's situation and he wanted Dad assigned to him once he got up on the floor.
Needless to say, Mom is getting pretty worn out. Dad only sleeps 45 min to an hour at a time and needs help all throughout the night. Mom is a trooper, but everything is wearing on her. Please pray that the doctors will be able to get his output controlled so he won't be losing as much fluid and his vitals can stabilize.
Mom and Dad are so grateful for all your prayers. They have been overwhelmed with your offers of help. We are all thankful for all of you! Thanks for being there for Mom and Dad. They do need a lot of help right now and we couldn't get through this without all of you.
Thursday, Thanksgiving, was a good day for Dad. His goal was to have Thanksgiving dinner at Andi's house. He was able to do that and really enjoyed getting out and seeing people that weren't wearing white coats. A long, but good day.
Dad did not have a good night Thursday night. He began losing a lot of fluid through his bag. His blood pressure began dropping and he slept most of the day on Friday which meant he was not taking in the fluids his body needs. Due to the loss of his colon, he needs to take in extra fluids. By Friday evening, his color did not look good and his blood pressure continued to be low. A call to the doctor was made and we were given the direction we expected, but did not want. Back to the hospital.
Dad went in through the ER and they immediately started IVs since he was becoming quite dehydrated. The decision was also made to do a blood transfusion since his hemoglobin had dropped 2 points since Monday. Dad was admitted last night. Our favorite staff physician, Dr. Dave, saw Dad come in and let the ER staff know that he was very familiar with Dad's situation and he wanted Dad assigned to him once he got up on the floor.
Needless to say, Mom is getting pretty worn out. Dad only sleeps 45 min to an hour at a time and needs help all throughout the night. Mom is a trooper, but everything is wearing on her. Please pray that the doctors will be able to get his output controlled so he won't be losing as much fluid and his vitals can stabilize.
Mom and Dad are so grateful for all your prayers. They have been overwhelmed with your offers of help. We are all thankful for all of you! Thanks for being there for Mom and Dad. They do need a lot of help right now and we couldn't get through this without all of you.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
"One More Day"
We have come to understand that "one more day" is a medical term that really means "we don't have any idea when you are going to be able to go home". For the past week, the doctors keep telling dad that he will be able to go home in "one more day". And "one more day" turns into "one more day". Dad is beginning to feel like a hamster - expelling a whole lot of energy to get nowhere.
Dad's vitals are all good. He is able to eat whatever he wants. But, his hemoglobin continues to be a little too low. He did get a blood transfusion last night. The doctors want to see the hemoglobin sustained at a healthy level before he is able to go home. What we don't know is what is a healthy level for an individual with amyloidosis. Dad has a very rare disease and he will probably not be able to attain the textbook perfect levels the doctors are looking for. So, at what point is good enough good enough? At what point can we get back to treating his amyloidosis? These are all questions we will be asking the doctors. Please pray that we will ask the right questions and the doctors will have wisdom.
Dad is getting a little stir crazy and does enjoy company. Thanks for all your prayers and all you do for us!
Dad's vitals are all good. He is able to eat whatever he wants. But, his hemoglobin continues to be a little too low. He did get a blood transfusion last night. The doctors want to see the hemoglobin sustained at a healthy level before he is able to go home. What we don't know is what is a healthy level for an individual with amyloidosis. Dad has a very rare disease and he will probably not be able to attain the textbook perfect levels the doctors are looking for. So, at what point is good enough good enough? At what point can we get back to treating his amyloidosis? These are all questions we will be asking the doctors. Please pray that we will ask the right questions and the doctors will have wisdom.
Dad is getting a little stir crazy and does enjoy company. Thanks for all your prayers and all you do for us!
Friday, November 21, 2008
One Day at a Time
Dad continues to slowly improve. He has been moved to a standard hospital room on the 4th floor. He can now eat anything he wants. For his first "real" meal - a Whopper with french fries. When the nurse reminded him that he still needed to eat healthy food, he decided to add a salad to that. His body seems to be processing the food well.
One complication of amyloidosis is that the body does not completely absorb the nutrients from food and fluids. So, Dad will have to be monitored for this and may need some supplemental nutrition along the way.
Dad is getting a little discouraged in that he feels like he is now in a holding pattern waiting for the doctors to agree on when he can go home. And, of course, they all have differing opionions. I think Dad is willing to pay off the first one that will sign the papers to let him go home. He is tired of hospitals and ready to be in his own environment. As a family, we want him to be physically strong enough to go home. But, at a certain point, we need to be aware of the negative physical consequences of becoming emotionally discouraged.
Please pray that the doctors will use good discernment in balancing Dad's physical needs along with his emotional needs. We want him strong and healthy physically and emotionally.
One complication of amyloidosis is that the body does not completely absorb the nutrients from food and fluids. So, Dad will have to be monitored for this and may need some supplemental nutrition along the way.
Dad is getting a little discouraged in that he feels like he is now in a holding pattern waiting for the doctors to agree on when he can go home. And, of course, they all have differing opionions. I think Dad is willing to pay off the first one that will sign the papers to let him go home. He is tired of hospitals and ready to be in his own environment. As a family, we want him to be physically strong enough to go home. But, at a certain point, we need to be aware of the negative physical consequences of becoming emotionally discouraged.
Please pray that the doctors will use good discernment in balancing Dad's physical needs along with his emotional needs. We want him strong and healthy physically and emotionally.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Slow but Steady
Dad continues to make slow but steady improvements. He has been moved to progessive care and continues to get daily physical therapy. His diet is slowly being progressed to included more foods. Yesterday he said he really wanted Good N Plenties. So, Mom and Elana (youngest granddaughter) went shopping. They couldn't find Good N Plenties, but did find Chuckles. The Dr. said if that sounded good to let him have it. Dad enjoyed every bite of it!
We continue to be encouraged by Dad's progress. He is beginning to get a little stir crazy though. He is starting to feel good enough that he doesn't want to be sitting around in a hospital room all the time. However, he still needs to be monitored closely until all his numbers stabilize and he is able to maintain healthy vitals without IVs, TPN feedings, etc. So, it will be interesting! He keeps trying to come up with an exit strategy. But, he still isn't walking too good, so he won't get too far! Please pray that he will have patience to let his body heal and that we will have patience with him!
We continue to be encouraged by Dad's progress. He is beginning to get a little stir crazy though. He is starting to feel good enough that he doesn't want to be sitting around in a hospital room all the time. However, he still needs to be monitored closely until all his numbers stabilize and he is able to maintain healthy vitals without IVs, TPN feedings, etc. So, it will be interesting! He keeps trying to come up with an exit strategy. But, he still isn't walking too good, so he won't get too far! Please pray that he will have patience to let his body heal and that we will have patience with him!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Ups and Downs
Dad will remain in CCU for now. His hemoglobin and blood pressure have both dropped again. He is receiving blood and may undergo some testing later today to see if they can find out why this continues to be a problem.
Dad needs a lot of rest right now. He is always tired during and after blood transfusions and the staff is also working with him quite a bit to teach him the necessary things he will need to do to be able to care for himself at home.
The CCU staff has implemented a no visitor policy for Dad. Between frequent visitors and the staff needing to work with Dad, he simply is not getting rest. Mom still loves company and would enjoy visiting in the CCU waiting room or going for a cup of coffee, but please do not go down to Dad's room. When he is able to receive visitors in the future, please be respectful of the CCU rules. When the staff pulls the curtain, they are working with a patient and do not permit anyone else in the room. This is out of respect for the patient's privacy as well as giving the staff the space they need to do their job. We are so very grateful for the wonderful CCU staff, but do want to stay on their good side by being respectful of the hospital protocol.
Please pray with us that the Doctors will be able to find the cause of Dad's frequent drop in hemoglobin and blood pressure.
Dad needs a lot of rest right now. He is always tired during and after blood transfusions and the staff is also working with him quite a bit to teach him the necessary things he will need to do to be able to care for himself at home.
The CCU staff has implemented a no visitor policy for Dad. Between frequent visitors and the staff needing to work with Dad, he simply is not getting rest. Mom still loves company and would enjoy visiting in the CCU waiting room or going for a cup of coffee, but please do not go down to Dad's room. When he is able to receive visitors in the future, please be respectful of the CCU rules. When the staff pulls the curtain, they are working with a patient and do not permit anyone else in the room. This is out of respect for the patient's privacy as well as giving the staff the space they need to do their job. We are so very grateful for the wonderful CCU staff, but do want to stay on their good side by being respectful of the hospital protocol.
Please pray with us that the Doctors will be able to find the cause of Dad's frequent drop in hemoglobin and blood pressure.
Day of Rest
Dad continues to improve. Yesterday, the CCU Dr. decided to keep Dad in CCU one more day so he could have a day to rest. He was pretty tired from a busy Saturday. The surgeon is very pleased with how Dad is healing and his digestive system appears to be functioning properly. Dad was moved to a full liquid diet which means he can have soups, ice cream, yogurt, etc. I expect that Dad will be moved to a standard hospital room today.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
One Step Back, Two Steps Forward
Dad is keeping everyone on their toes. This morning, he had some bleeding and it was enough that the surgeon on call was concerned. Dad's blood pressure and hemoglobin dropped. So, an endoscopy was ordered to be sure nothing further up the GI tract was causing the bleeding. The scope went well. A few ulcers were found that are probably a recent development. They will be treated with medication, but the Dr. indicated that they are not a major concern at this time. No bleeding was evident during the scope so the Dr. is unsure of the source of the bleeding. It could have been from the ulcers, leftover blood from the surgery, etc. The Dr. was pleased with the condition of the GI tract overall. In fact, he said he felt better about Dad's case after doing the scope than he did reading the chart before the procedure.
Because of the bleeding, low blood pressure and hemoglobin, Dad continues to be monitored in CCU. He received two units of blood and that has brought his blood pressure back up to a healthy level. When I left this evening, he had not yet had a blood draw, so I'm not sure what the hemoglobin levels are. The surgeon was pleased with the scope results and has allowed Dad to start a clear liquid diet. Dad was one happy camper. His first request - chicken broth. Mmmmm. Dad is looking like himself again and sounding like himself. His voice is getting stronger and he is getting bossy! I was walking down the hallway after lunch or dinner (not sure what you call the meal you eat at 3pm) with my mom and I could see Dad in his room at the end of the hallway. He was sitting up in bed watching a football game just looking like Dad.
Thanks for your prayers! Please continue to pray that Dad will get stronger, continue to heal and not have any further complications.
Because of the bleeding, low blood pressure and hemoglobin, Dad continues to be monitored in CCU. He received two units of blood and that has brought his blood pressure back up to a healthy level. When I left this evening, he had not yet had a blood draw, so I'm not sure what the hemoglobin levels are. The surgeon was pleased with the scope results and has allowed Dad to start a clear liquid diet. Dad was one happy camper. His first request - chicken broth. Mmmmm. Dad is looking like himself again and sounding like himself. His voice is getting stronger and he is getting bossy! I was walking down the hallway after lunch or dinner (not sure what you call the meal you eat at 3pm) with my mom and I could see Dad in his room at the end of the hallway. He was sitting up in bed watching a football game just looking like Dad.
Thanks for your prayers! Please continue to pray that Dad will get stronger, continue to heal and not have any further complications.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Baby Steps
Overall, Dad had a pretty good day today. He was quite busy. He had physical therapy, occupational therapy, numerous Dr. visits and Mom nagging (lovingly, of course) him to remember to do his exercises. He even walked with a walker to the door and back. That was a pretty big accomplishment. Due to the neuropathy and weeks of immobility, Dad is basically having to learn to walk again. One step at a time. His voice is getting stronger and he is beginning to sound like himself again. Which, of course, means that he has no trouble expressing his opinions. Sometimes, we just pretend we can't hear him.
The Doctors are all encouraged by Dad's progress. This time last week, I could have never imagined Dad could progess to where he is today. We continue to be very grateful for the caring group of doctors we have. This past Monday, Dad had a scheduled apt. with his GI Dr. As soon as the Dr. saw Dad, he knew something was not right and he put him back in the hospital. At the hospital, a routine X-ray used to check the placement of the pick line showed the first hint that something may not be right in Dad's bowel. A CT scan verified that there was a perforation and that led to the emergency surgery on Tuesday. Tonight, when Dr. Dave came in to see Dad, he thought his skin color looked a little too red. So, he consulted with other doctors and they decided to take Dad off his antibiotics in case he was beginning to have an allergic reaction. We are blessed to have doctors that know Dad well enough that they can tell if something isn't right just by looking at him and address it before it becomes a bigger issue. Dad has remained in the CCU unit not because his case is still considered critical, but because there are no other beds in the hospital. He's just fine with that. He enjoys his private corner suite in CCU. However, they are planning to move him to the 4th floor later tonight or tomorrow morning.
Dad did reach one more milestone today - ice chips! He was so glad to be able to put something in his mouth. As soon as they hear a little more rumbly in his tumbly he should be able to progress to a liquid diet. Dad's blood pressure remains excellent without any meds. He's even gaining a little weight on his TPN feedings. (Prior to surgery, Dad checked in with a fighting weight of a whopping 115 lbs. So, we'll take any weight gain.)
Dad's looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner. I think that goal is looking pretty good!
We appreciate all your prayers. Please pray that Dad continues to progress and his body will be able to retain fluids and food as they are introduced.
The Doctors are all encouraged by Dad's progress. This time last week, I could have never imagined Dad could progess to where he is today. We continue to be very grateful for the caring group of doctors we have. This past Monday, Dad had a scheduled apt. with his GI Dr. As soon as the Dr. saw Dad, he knew something was not right and he put him back in the hospital. At the hospital, a routine X-ray used to check the placement of the pick line showed the first hint that something may not be right in Dad's bowel. A CT scan verified that there was a perforation and that led to the emergency surgery on Tuesday. Tonight, when Dr. Dave came in to see Dad, he thought his skin color looked a little too red. So, he consulted with other doctors and they decided to take Dad off his antibiotics in case he was beginning to have an allergic reaction. We are blessed to have doctors that know Dad well enough that they can tell if something isn't right just by looking at him and address it before it becomes a bigger issue. Dad has remained in the CCU unit not because his case is still considered critical, but because there are no other beds in the hospital. He's just fine with that. He enjoys his private corner suite in CCU. However, they are planning to move him to the 4th floor later tonight or tomorrow morning.
Dad did reach one more milestone today - ice chips! He was so glad to be able to put something in his mouth. As soon as they hear a little more rumbly in his tumbly he should be able to progress to a liquid diet. Dad's blood pressure remains excellent without any meds. He's even gaining a little weight on his TPN feedings. (Prior to surgery, Dad checked in with a fighting weight of a whopping 115 lbs. So, we'll take any weight gain.)
Dad's looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner. I think that goal is looking pretty good!
We appreciate all your prayers. Please pray that Dad continues to progress and his body will be able to retain fluids and food as they are introduced.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Two Steps Forward
Dad looks great today! Nathanael, his favorite (and only) grandson was able to see him for a few minutes today, and he said, "Wow! Papa looks excellent!" And compared to the last few weeks, he does look really good.
They have removed Dad's direct line from his neck and are preparing to move him to a regular hospital room. We are grateful that Dr. Dave has once again been assigned as Dad's staff physician. Dr. Dave has been with us since Dad was admitted to the hospital on Oct. 5. Dr. Dave knows Dad's case very well and he is very thorough. We really appreciate Dr. Dave. He works well with Dad and is firm yet caring. Dad still cannot have anything by mouth. Hopefully, soon the Dr. will allow him some clear liquids. Dad so badly wants something to drink. Today, the doctors informed us that Dad's platelet count had dropped. The Dr. thinks it may be a reaction to an antiobiotic Dad is taking. As I understand it, there is a 1% chance of this happening with this particular drug. Of course, Dad had to be the statistic. They have stopped that medication and the doctors aren't too concerned about that issue right now. It is something that will be monitored.
Dad was sitting up in a chair most of the morning. By the time I saw him early this afternoon, he was wiped out. He was going to try to get a nap in before they came to move him to a different room.
We continue to be encouraged by Dad's progess. I think he's pretty proud of himself too. Please pray with us that his digestive system will start to work properly (it tends to take a little vacation after the type of surgery Dad had and can take a few days to get going again), and that his body will be able to properly process fluids and foods. Over the last several weeks, Dad has become severely malnourished. And it is very critical that his body is able to retain nutrition so he can begin to regain his strength.
Thanks for your prayers, calls and offers of help. We appreciate all of you. Dad still needs a lot of rest. Please give us a call before visiting. While Dad can only have visitors a few minutes at a time, the rest of us love company!
They have removed Dad's direct line from his neck and are preparing to move him to a regular hospital room. We are grateful that Dr. Dave has once again been assigned as Dad's staff physician. Dr. Dave has been with us since Dad was admitted to the hospital on Oct. 5. Dr. Dave knows Dad's case very well and he is very thorough. We really appreciate Dr. Dave. He works well with Dad and is firm yet caring. Dad still cannot have anything by mouth. Hopefully, soon the Dr. will allow him some clear liquids. Dad so badly wants something to drink. Today, the doctors informed us that Dad's platelet count had dropped. The Dr. thinks it may be a reaction to an antiobiotic Dad is taking. As I understand it, there is a 1% chance of this happening with this particular drug. Of course, Dad had to be the statistic. They have stopped that medication and the doctors aren't too concerned about that issue right now. It is something that will be monitored.
Dad was sitting up in a chair most of the morning. By the time I saw him early this afternoon, he was wiped out. He was going to try to get a nap in before they came to move him to a different room.
We continue to be encouraged by Dad's progess. I think he's pretty proud of himself too. Please pray with us that his digestive system will start to work properly (it tends to take a little vacation after the type of surgery Dad had and can take a few days to get going again), and that his body will be able to properly process fluids and foods. Over the last several weeks, Dad has become severely malnourished. And it is very critical that his body is able to retain nutrition so he can begin to regain his strength.
Thanks for your prayers, calls and offers of help. We appreciate all of you. Dad still needs a lot of rest. Please give us a call before visiting. While Dad can only have visitors a few minutes at a time, the rest of us love company!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Sweet Dreams
I just got back from seeing Dad again this evening. He is still in CCU and is doing quite well, all things considered. The CCU staff is very pleased with his progress. He is back on TPN feedings which gives his body the nutrition it desperately needs. His blood pressure is good and he is no longer on medication to raise his blood pressure. He is not allowed to have any fluids yet. Just a little swab occasionally. He has developed some bed sores which have become a nuisance and are causing quite a bit of discomfort. The staff is very good at keeping him propped on his side so those sores will have a chance to heal. Just before I got there today, he had been sitting in a chair for about an hour. We are praying that the procedure he had yesterday to remove a portion of his colon will help to resolve the diarrhea issue.
Dad was able to complete his November cycle of chemotherapy before he was hospitalized on Monday. His next scheduled chemo cycle is in 3 weeks. Please pray that he will have regained enough strength to continue with the scheduled chemo as this is what controls his amyloidosis.
As a family, we have watched Dad's condition slide rather rapidly over the last several weeks. We talked this past weekend and had decided that a major decision would need to be made this week. We didn't know what that decision would be, but we knew that we were going to have to do something. God intervened and that decision was made for us. Tonight before we left the hospital, Dad said that he is encouraged by his own progress. That was so good to hear as the last several weeks have been very discouraging for all of us, but for Dad in particular. He could feel his condition getting worse and worse and he felt powerless to do anything to change his direction. After we talked a few minutes, Dad started to drift off to sleep. We said, "Sweet dreams." He smiled and went peacefully to sleep. Although he did open his eyes briefly to check what time it was. He wanted to be sure it was bed time. He's got a schedule to keep, you know.
Dad needs a lot of rest right now. The CCU staff is limiting his visitors. Please check with family before going to visit to be sure the staff is permitting visitors. We love the company, but ask that if you do visit that your time with Dad is kept very brief. Family is often in the CCU waiting room and you're welcome to pull up a chair, get a cup of coffee and visit with us as long as you like. We don't mind chocolate either :-)
Thanks for your love and support. We ask that you pray with us for Dad's continued improvement and that no further complications will develop.
Sweet Dreams!
Dad was able to complete his November cycle of chemotherapy before he was hospitalized on Monday. His next scheduled chemo cycle is in 3 weeks. Please pray that he will have regained enough strength to continue with the scheduled chemo as this is what controls his amyloidosis.
As a family, we have watched Dad's condition slide rather rapidly over the last several weeks. We talked this past weekend and had decided that a major decision would need to be made this week. We didn't know what that decision would be, but we knew that we were going to have to do something. God intervened and that decision was made for us. Tonight before we left the hospital, Dad said that he is encouraged by his own progress. That was so good to hear as the last several weeks have been very discouraging for all of us, but for Dad in particular. He could feel his condition getting worse and worse and he felt powerless to do anything to change his direction. After we talked a few minutes, Dad started to drift off to sleep. We said, "Sweet dreams." He smiled and went peacefully to sleep. Although he did open his eyes briefly to check what time it was. He wanted to be sure it was bed time. He's got a schedule to keep, you know.
Dad needs a lot of rest right now. The CCU staff is limiting his visitors. Please check with family before going to visit to be sure the staff is permitting visitors. We love the company, but ask that if you do visit that your time with Dad is kept very brief. Family is often in the CCU waiting room and you're welcome to pull up a chair, get a cup of coffee and visit with us as long as you like. We don't mind chocolate either :-)
Thanks for your love and support. We ask that you pray with us for Dad's continued improvement and that no further complications will develop.
Sweet Dreams!
The Day After
Dad had emergency surgery yesterday evening for a perforated colon. The surgery went well and he is recovering in CCU. I saw him this morning. He is alert, has good color and is a little irritated with all the tubes and monitors. He is getting excellent care and we are grateful for the CCU staff. Mom's doing well also. A little tired, but still a trooper. More detailed updates to follow.
Thanks for your prayers and outpouring of support!
Thanks for your prayers and outpouring of support!
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