Looks like the plan has changed a little . . .
Turns out, the 5-FU chemotherapy drug is actually given as a continuous 24-hour drip. That means that E. can either be hospitalized for five days for in-patient treatment.... or that E. can use home health services for out-patient treatment. Since E. would obviously be more comfortable at home, that's what we are planning. (Hospitalization is sometimes required, especially when the doctor feels like kidney functioning and fluid intake needs to be strictly regulated. Since E.'s diabetes does raise some red flags in that regards, he will have to be closely monitored.)
E. underwent another CT today to plan his radiation treatment. They marked both sides of his chest, as well as the middle area between his rib cage, with permanent marker X's. The X's were then covered with medical tape so that they would not be washed off before Monday, when E. is scheduled to be "tattooed" with the dots to specifically direct the radiation.
E. has another procedure scheduled next Tuesday to have a PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) inserted. A PICC is a semi-permanent form of intravenous access that can be used for a prolonged period of time. This will allow E. to get IV treatments, antibiotics, or fluids without being repeatedly stuck with needles. It can also be used to draw blood.
And, after some major confusion about scheduling, it appears as if we finally have E.'s first day of treatment set. Like we said before, Wednesday, March 4th is the big Day#1 of treatment. He will meet with his oncologist first, then receive his IV Cisplatin (which we are now told takes about 3 hours), then receive his IV pump for the 5-FU (supposedly in the form of a fanny pack contraption), and finally receive radiation. It will undoubtedly be a long and tiring day for him.
Please think nothing but good thoughts for him.
S.
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Thanks for keeping us posted! E will be in my healing prayers and positive thoughts. Also, look to see if you have any "healing touch" organization in your area. I am in a program currently through Stanford and it helps reduce stress levels. Also, I have heard it helps minimize some chemo side effects. It may be worth looking into if E is up for it.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.healingtouch.net/
http://www.htpractitioner.com/
Much love,
cristin
Boy,RR! I'm so sorry that you have to go through all of this. I know you are strong and it is that family strength that got your dad and my dad through some pretty rough stuff. Please take pain meds if they are recommended. That's why they have them. Our fathers were stubborn and they suffer(ed) more than needed.
ReplyDeleteRemember that you are loved completely and unconditionally and we are praying for you with all our might. I'm so glad you have S. there to help you through this. She is sent to you (and all of us) from heaven. Let us know if there is anything at all, big or small that we can do to help or make you more comfortable. Our cousins in Reno have my phone number and you should feel free to call any time. RR I love you. Please hang in there and let folks do things for you. F. says that its okay to accept help and love because it will be your turn to help next time.
Love,
R.
Hey Earl
ReplyDeletehurry up and kick this shits ass we got some fishing to do and some beers to drink. I have been keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I am sending you through telepathy all my superpower I will be calling soon P,S this is an awesome post GREAT JOB !!!!!
Lots of love the
Jolly Sphincter
i think n did cisplatin in the hospital and the fanny pack of 5fu at home. he hated dragging it around but it beat the alternative.
ReplyDeletehe had something different than the picc line. i forget what it was called. maybe just a port? it had 2 spots so they could use it for blood draws as well as iv stuff.
also, for another friend we used the Helping Hands website to coordinate things to help them. meal deliveries, kid care, driving assistance, etc. it was a little easier than using email and also easier for her to monitor if she wanted or just stay out of it. just a thought.