yipee

The end of the tunel??

Well, there's some light up ahead. It's not real clear, but it's certainly there.

First, in the bowel department, still no real gas production (those who know me will know that this definitely is a sign that things aren't "normal" yet). But, I am eating food and keeping it down, and still having itsy-bitsy bowel movements from time to time. Hopefully all of this will continue. So, the plan is:

1. “Full” liquids today – the UVA nutritionists think that means pudding and Ensure (yuck!). I, on the other hand, am arguing for homemade broth (JK Chicken and Revolutionary Tomato Bisque). So far, I’m winning (mmm)


2. If I can keep from vomiting (and the nausea was much better today), Remove the NG tube tomorrow morning.


3. Watch things throughout the day and consider going home tomorrow, OR stay around for one more Avastin treatment on Thursday and then go home. As far as the Avastin/Chemo goes, we’ll probably give it another 2 to 4 weeks before we really know how well it’s working, but there continues to be a reduction in pain and ascites buildup, so that’s all good.

I spoke w/ a social worker today about home health care and, apparently, I can do all my intravenous nutrition and pain management at home. Plus, I can do lots of the chemo at home as well. I think it “helps” that the insurance company has started calling the hospital daily and saying, “you know, it seems to us like you could do lots of this stuff at home…” Never thought I’d be thanking my insurance company for pushing me out of the hospital, but in all seriousness, they’ve been great. They push and then say, “of course, it’s up to you…” Pretty amazing, huh? Hooray for the last vestiges of private health insurance… not sure if the system can keep working much longer, but I’m glad I’m still part of it and that I’m blessed w/ good coverage.

So, keep praying. We’ll see. It’s been GREAT to have a day w/ minimal nausea and significantly reduced pain.

(Image from: http://revjavadude.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/light-tunnel-01.jpg)

3 liters ... not bad ...

Well, you asked for it. Here's today's paracentesis pic of the week. That’s me and the 3rd-year medical student who is doing her 2nd-ever abdominal tap. The resident is holding the syringe w/ my abdominal fluid in it… he’s showing her how to do the tap, although, if you can imagine, I spent most of the procedure telling her how to do it myself... "now remember, when you make the incision with the scalple, it's important not to be too timid... etc." The resident probably spent the next 30 minutes telling how evertything I told her that was completely untrue.

She got 3 liters off. I’m pretty sure there was another half- to whole- liter in there, but she did a great job. I gave her a B+.

I told the Drs that as far as I know, there's not one word in HIPAA that would prevent me from posting their pics on the internet :) ... hooray for one-sided legal agreements...

still holding

Still not much to report... some continuing signs (very small but positive) that the bowels are starting to work. It’s been a little bit of a roller coaster of nausea and pain, but during the “highs,” I feel better than I have in weeks. I had a really good luke-warm latte this AM (mmmmm...) and some broth tonight; otherwise, as far as solid food is concerned, i'm having to settle for the food network (man vs. food... my new favorite show). Might be able to get rid of the NG tube tomorrow.

Had a good walk today with Karisa and Nichole (which included some geometry and was STILL good). This is my second "long" walk (across the bridges to jordan hall and the west complex, etc... i don't think they really want me going that far, but i can't help it... all these secret tunnels and walkways...i feel like a hamster...)



Steve Hobeck is my sleepover guest tonight (thanks so much to everyone who has signed up and spent the night .. Mark, Bentley, Kevin, Walt, Derek, Tom S...…) -- I’m trying to decide if I should put Steve on hemorrhoidal duty tonight… I’m thinking not… thoughts?

Had to say "goodbye" to my Springsteen tickets tonight. Well, Sam (or should I say "goose"), that's 2 strikes... under no circumstances will I be signing up for a 3rd... who knows what'll happen. Oh well, the tickets are in good hands :).

Thanks again to all who have called, emailed, visited, posted to the blog, prayed, and shown love in general. I'm abudently blessed.

not much to report

I wish there was more to report. Not much action. Tried to eat a bit of jello today, but ended up vomiting (yes... with the NG tube in place).

I continue to wonder when I will begin to exhaust the vast ocean of love you all have for me and my family... there are no signs of it slacking... it is nothing short of a miracle. My heart is so unbelievably tender toward everyone who has been the hands and feet of Christ, Himself, to me. Thank you.

Some Tail Wind

In my case, it’s the other ‘way round. The Dr’s want to hear something, and it’s not my heart. For those of you who know me, I pride myself on a healthy, farty, digestive track. But, alas, it is failing me. While a bit of loose stool is a good start, what we need is some honest-to-god flatulence, and we’ve been waiting for days. So (and I’m not kidding), please fast for some gas. Pray for the sounds of the uncorked symphony -- a bratwurst bugler, a butt trumpeter, a trouser troubadour, a colonic calliope, a gluteal tuba, a toothless kazoo, and a turd whistling for the right of way. Seriously, I’m hoping for a major backfire, a bottom burp, a cheek flapper, and a visit from Grandpa. I want to go insane with the methane, and kill the canary. I’m hoping for a serious tail wind and a minor trouser cough. Ummmm….. HUMMMmmmrrhoids.

Friday, 5/1

After a somewhat difficult night, Dave was able to get some rest today (Friday). They seem to be doing a better job of controlling his pain and the hemorrhoids are getting better. He has had diarrhea, a sign that the lower half of his digestive track is working, but the upper half (stomach) has yet to kick in. He can't eat anything until everything starts working. It's been quite a while since Dave's had any food (in the meantime, he's been watching the cooking channel!); the doctors are going to start giving him IV nourishment.

He had to be tapped again today (they took off about 4 liters)- this is the first time in about 5 days so the fluid production rate has definitely slowed. They put in a central line which will make future blood draws, IVs, and rounds of chemo easier on both Dave and the hospital staff. Dave's finishing up a 2-day course of the new chemo and we can continue to pray that it goes to work on his cancer.

Meredith