Happy Holidays

There are so many things that I would like to openly write about on here and then there are so many things that I probably should have kept to myself and I wrote waaaayyyy to openly about in the past.

So in an effort to be transparent about the things I should write about and mum about the things I shouldn't, here goes.  There have been biopsies, CT scans, ultrasounds, a prostatic MRI, a complete body bone scan, multiple DRE's, and more blood tests than I can remember over the last few months. I have had PSA tests run with different labs, each with "unique" results.  I have been examined by I think 6 different doctors.  Bottom line, my numbers are good right now and I am foregoing active treatment for the time being.  I already have several follow up doctor appointments for more blood tests & DRE's in the coming months.  Should any test result show a shift, we are ready to pull the trigger on radiation.  I've been given all the information my meager little brain can absorb and at the point in time, when radiation is necessary, I will most likely go with the brachytherapy option instead of the EBRT.  I feel good about the decision and at the very least, during the holiday season (yes, I said HOLIDAY and I'm NOT waging a war on Christmas), I can just try to relax and enjoy without trips back and forth to the Duke Cancer Center.

Though some may think I'm being fool hardy and should just go ahead and have the surgery (yes, I've heard that from more than one person...some people seem more than ready to tell me I'm wrong), I'm just not ready at this point to alter my anatomy and accept the repercussions.  If it becomes absolutely warranted, then of course I would.  But right now, it is not warranted.

But here we are just before Thanksgiving and just around the corner is Christmas.  This year I am going to take a few days vacation just before Christmas like I did in days of old.  This year it will be a return trip to Williamsburg.  I'm sure I'll come back with plenty of pictures of doors.  (If anyone has ever been, the doors and more specifically the wreaths on the doors at Christmas traditionally have been quite beautiful)  But door photos are not the reason for the trip.  The reason, I need a BREAK!

Unless something really unexpected or maybe something wonderful happens, I will probably forego any posts until such time as there is real news.  So, if you don't see anything on here, don't worry, that is a good sign that things are going well....or I can post photos of doors??????

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Advent season.  Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

Cough, Cough, Cough

Still no real change today. He's had two blood transfusions and getting fluids. Today's labs revealed Joe is anemic. Appetite still not good but is eating a little at each mealtime. Right now he has developed a persistent cough which is rough for him trying to sleep. They gave him pills last night and today for it, but he has had his daily quota of that so they gave him some robitussin type stuff tonight but it isn't working.

The CT scan of his head showed no abnormalities (only thing there was a brain). He also had an ultrasound of his right calf to make sure there were no signs of a blood clot. His calf has been aching and it was a little swollen during the late morning so they checked to just be sure. There were no signs of a clot forming.

Unless he can stop coughing, he won't be sleeping tonight.

Unless he can stop coughing, I won't be sleeping tonight.

Quick Addendum to Yesterday's Post - UPDATE

Joe had his ultrasound on his belly at 8am this morning at Duke Hospital.  Results, sure enough, fluid build  up in his belly.  They withdrew 10 pounds, yep, 10 POUNDS of fluid from his belly. Actually 4 liters of fluid!  That should hopefully make him feel much, much better and help to make his pants fit again!  I am so relieved.  They said this is common and could happen again.  Just keep a watch and if we notice a change (which I noticed 2 months ago yet no one would believe me) to go back and they can do it again.  Joe said it didn't really hurt so I am grateful for that.

This makes me feel a little better today.

Bacteria Identified!

Well we have made a little progress towards a final diagnosis of the infection that is causing Joe's issues.  It's streptococcus.  How do they treat, extreme antibiotics.   They will be looking today carefully at Joe's port to see if that is the source and also will be doing an ultrasound of his heart to make sure there is no growth in/on any of his heart valves.  Apparently that is one of the favorite places for the strept to hide and attach itself.  Given its the heart, if there is some there, it can commonly break off pieces of the bacteria thus sending the bacteria once again flowing through his veins.  We certainly don't want that.  If there is some attached to the heart it would mean around 6 weeks of IV antibiotics.  However we would get to take him home for that. (more home health care I presume, or I will get a lesson on IV's - to go along with my current skill of wound vac pumps, chemo ball infusions, surgical dressing changes, and hernia binder placement).

So with that said,I'm going to venture over to my office, cringe at the backed up work if there is any, catch up some and come back ASAP.   I also need to go find out where Joe's breakfast is.   After 9am and no tray.

Thanks for all the words of encouragement, prayers and concern.  We love you!  Keep the prayers coming.

Ultrasound Results

Dr. Yvonne was just in with the ultrasound results. (Leigh, if you are reading this, she really speaks highly of you) No blockage and no signs of infection around stint. They are going to keep him one more day to observe and keep antibiotics running. If fever stays down will send him home in the morning. YAY! No ERCP procedure. This is very good news even though they haven't pinpointed the cause of the fever (which would be great - but beggars can't be choosers). Now he is waiting for his lunch. I have just let out a big sigh of relief!

Just before the doctor came in Joe was sleeping and must have been having a nice dream judging by the smile on his face.

7pm Update: around 3pm this afternoon, Joe began to complain of chills and feeling warm. Sure enough, his fever had returned. 100.3
He was given Tylenol and his fluids resumed as well as antibiotics, magnesium and potassium supplements. As of 6pm his fever had not gone back down. We shall have to see what the doctors think later tonight and in the morning if the fever remains. Hoping it breaks and we are still able to get Joe home in the morning.