The transfer to the regular room went smoothly. (Room #478 just happens to be directly across from the nurses' station. Hmmm . . . I wonder if that was a coincidence or if that is where they put all their flight risks?) About the time we got him settled, he had a hankering for cheese pizza from JJ's Pie Company. The girls quickly fulfilled his request, for if we hadn't there's no telling what the little escape artist would do. We certainly didn't want to find him shuffling down the street in his hospital gown, with his hinnie feeling the cool breeze of the night air. No sooner than they ordered the pizza, he proclaims, "A bean and cheese burrito from Jimboy's sounds really good about now." I figured by the time we got any food to the hospital, his craving would be over and he wouldn't even eat a bite. He proved us wrong! Two slices of cheese pizza went down the hatch lickity split (no beer to wash it down with though, much to his disappointment). And it never even threatened to come back up. I have a feeling that burritos will be on today's menu.
Yesterday when the hospitalist (a doctor that makes rounds for the hospital but isn't E.'s regular doctor or anything) visited, he mentioned that once E. was discharged from the hospital, he would be transferred to a rehab facility. That was the first we heard any mention of a rehab facility! E.'s regular medical oncologist visited this morning and also mentioned a rehab facility. We chatted about it a bit, and I'm really not thinking it is going to be necessary. E. is eating and drinking on his own, as well as going to the bathroom. He has great strength and movement. He is a bit wobbly on his feet, but I think that will get better each day. The plan is to get him up and walking today.
E.'s medical oncologist also reiterated how chemotherapy isn't always very effective through the "blood brain barrier." He explained that the brain really doesn't like toxins up there and does a good job keeping them out. Therefore, tumors in the brain are most often treated with radiation, although occasionally, some chemotherapy has been helpful as well. Since E. just received a clean PET/CT scan in mid-July, he doesn't feel like there are any other recurrences. We "just" have these two spots in the brain to deal with. Once again, he is willing to coordinate with E.'s doctors at MD Anderson and follow their lead, for which we are appreciative.
E. was due for pain meds again at 8:00 p.m. At 7:15 p.m., he was uncomfortable. At 7:30 p.m., even more so. His pain level kept climbing. By the time the nurse finally brought his pain meds at 8:15 p.m. (after a brusque request from me), E.'s pain level had climbed back up to an 8. Once the meds took effect, he was much more comfortable and peaceful. He's allowed to take his pain meds every four hours, but has declined each time they have been offered. It is now almost 8:00 a.m. and he has yet to need pain meds again. The best part is that his pain level has remained at a 2.
Since E. is now able to take oral medications, he is receiving his diabetes medications and his steroids (Decadron) orally. He is still having to get insulin (regular insulin during the day and long-acting insulin at night) to help balance out his crazy blood sugar levels caused by the steroids. He also receives Dilantin (an anti-seizure medication) through the IV in his wrist. I guess this medication is very caustic to the veins and burns intensely. When it was administered last night, it probably took 45 minutes for the pain to subside. E. was miserable and cursing up a storm the entire time. We are hoping he can take the Dilantin in oral form soon too, so that will no longer be a problem.
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