Today is Monday and we made a trip to Albany General for blood work and a dressing change. It is nice to be able to do this locally. Tomorrow will include a trip to Dr. Nevell’s, a Hematologist at Good Samaritan. The local lab work will be sent to him and he will be working with us and our Physicians at OHSU to decide on treatment needs based on Florence’s test results. This allows us to stay at home for about three weeks while Florence rebuilds her blood cell counts.
This also means Florence will again be susceptible to infection as she was in the hospital so we have to be additionally careful about the health of visitors and food. It also means she has to take a boat load of pills to keep everything working right.
Over the next couple of weeks as her strength builds back up I will be trying to get back to some office work but can never be very far away in case Florence Spikes a temp and need to be taken to the hospital. That is the biggest concern at this point.
Of course being home doing the norm will not be as entertaining as squirrel wrestling in an RV park or watching Florence trying to navigate during a drug induced stupor. But maybe some new stories will surface to write about as the weeks go on.
Thank You for your wishes and prayers,
Larry
Monday, July 30, 2007
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Round 2 Chemo Over and Coming Home Again.....
So everyone thinks the squirrel is soooo cute. Now that Paul fed the little sucker it arrived under the trailer early in the morning chattering for food. Do you know how loud these creatures can be??? And then when I got up to beat him out from under the trailer he managed to find his way to the roof, via a window screen (it's now shredded), to bang around up there for awhile. Now I like wildlife as much as the next guy but this sucker should be enjoyed stuffed sitting on a table..... and, if we stay here for the next Chemo round, I'm bringing a blow gun to take this guy out..... It's him or me at this point.....
But, as for tonight, this is the last dose of the first round of Consolidation Chemo. It means another late night and the blood test results over the next few weeks will direct the medical team as to what next to do, to continue with additional Consolidation Chemo or move towards Transplant. We will be working with a Corvallis Hematologist while at home with multiple office visits it appears. We are still talking with the OHSU doctor’s about future treatment and direction to understand what will be best for Florence. It all seems to be up in the air, but it is so very patient and result dependant that only approximate (if this happens) answers are available.
Currently, it looks like we will be home for about 3 weeks before another round of Chemo. During that time Florence’s immune system will be knocked down by the Chemo and then will build itself back up. So our operation at home will be much like it was at the hospital, avoiding people who have any sign of being ill or those who have been around ill persons. An infection resulting in a fever more than 100.4 will put Florence in the hospital in Corvallis and then a trip back to OHSU if necessary. Additionally, she will be on the anti-fungal IV until her lungs clear or tests show it is no longer required.
We continue to be so thankful to our friends who have and are supporting us through this time with assistance and well wishes. Thank you so very much. We should be home sometime on Sunday after morning medical appointments.
Again, thank you and we will see you in Albany…..
Larry
PS.... Oh, by the way, that stuff about the squirrel above.... I made it all up... all a lie.....
But, as for tonight, this is the last dose of the first round of Consolidation Chemo. It means another late night and the blood test results over the next few weeks will direct the medical team as to what next to do, to continue with additional Consolidation Chemo or move towards Transplant. We will be working with a Corvallis Hematologist while at home with multiple office visits it appears. We are still talking with the OHSU doctor’s about future treatment and direction to understand what will be best for Florence. It all seems to be up in the air, but it is so very patient and result dependant that only approximate (if this happens) answers are available.
Currently, it looks like we will be home for about 3 weeks before another round of Chemo. During that time Florence’s immune system will be knocked down by the Chemo and then will build itself back up. So our operation at home will be much like it was at the hospital, avoiding people who have any sign of being ill or those who have been around ill persons. An infection resulting in a fever more than 100.4 will put Florence in the hospital in Corvallis and then a trip back to OHSU if necessary. Additionally, she will be on the anti-fungal IV until her lungs clear or tests show it is no longer required.
We continue to be so thankful to our friends who have and are supporting us through this time with assistance and well wishes. Thank you so very much. We should be home sometime on Sunday after morning medical appointments.
Again, thank you and we will see you in Albany…..
Larry
PS.... Oh, by the way, that stuff about the squirrel above.... I made it all up... all a lie.....
Thursday, July 26, 2007
One More Day, This Round.....
Yesterday was the second day of Consolidation Chemo which lasted till 0045 hours (45 minutes after midnight for all you normal people). So today was mostly spent in bed, at least till 1130 or so. Tomorrow will be the same thing again but we are hoping to get the night administration started and finished earlier.
We received another drop of drugs and so did our neighbors. There are a number of patients here at the park. Florence is receiving an IV med infusion for 1 hour each day during this chemo regiment. She will return to her 5 hour infusion this weekend when the chemo is completed.
So Paul, Florence’s brother, came by this evening to visit which included an encounter with the local squirrel. It took him a surprisingly short amount of time to convince the squirrel to come over to eat (see photo).
Before Larry signs off I would like to thank everyone for the hats, I brought 3 of them with me this week and have gotten compliments from others getting chemo. I would also like to send my love to everyone, there is no way I could have made it through this experience without the inspiration that I have gotten from all of the prayers and wishes that you have sent to me. It’s so incredible to think about. 
We received another drop of drugs and so did our neighbors. There are a number of patients here at the park. Florence is receiving an IV med infusion for 1 hour each day during this chemo regiment. She will return to her 5 hour infusion this weekend when the chemo is completed.
So Paul, Florence’s brother, came by this evening to visit which included an encounter with the local squirrel. It took him a surprisingly short amount of time to convince the squirrel to come over to eat (see photo).
Before Larry signs off I would like to thank everyone for the hats, I brought 3 of them with me this week and have gotten compliments from others getting chemo. I would also like to send my love to everyone, there is no way I could have made it through this experience without the inspiration that I have gotten from all of the prayers and wishes that you have sent to me. It’s so incredible to think about.
Florence & Larry
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
And Things Just Keep Happening.....
Today we planned a day of sleeping in but instead we were awoken by a phone call telling us that my brother-in-law Pat passed away this morning. He was 58 years old. From the info we can gather it sounds like an aortic aneurysm. This was one of Florence’s favorite guys. She always loved visiting with him when in the area. My brother is scrambling to get to Denver where my sister lives because he knows my parents and I cannot make the trip. Everything seems to happen at once. A saving grace is Pat has a large family, my niece is on her way, and Pat’s mom is with my sister now.
So, while I made contacts with my family, Florence recouped following the first day of Chemo by napping and later going for a short walk. We also ran across some photos that we had not posted earlier but are now attached below.
Tomorrow will be another day of Chemo and another late night.
Thanks for your continued support.
Larry
Zambonie - - - - - - Duck w/ Beaver
Consolidation Chemo @ 2400 - - - Cards
I look good...... - - - - - - - - - HATS & HATS & HATS
So, while I made contacts with my family, Florence recouped following the first day of Chemo by napping and later going for a short walk. We also ran across some photos that we had not posted earlier but are now attached below.
Tomorrow will be another day of Chemo and another late night.
Thanks for your continued support.
Larry
Zambonie - - - - - - Duck w/ Beaver
Consolidation Chemo @ 2400 - - - Cards
I look good...... - - - - - - - - - HATS & HATS & HATS
Monday, July 23, 2007
Back for More....
Once again we find ourselves in OHSU on the 7th floor with some familiar faces serving up fluids. This time it is Consolidation Therapy, the same Chemo (Ara-C), just a stronger dose over a shorter period of time, I’m told. Actually, this morning was the first dose and it was delayed till noon due to blood tests, paperwork, and consults. The two daily doses are to be about 12 hours apart so guess what time it is now…. OK it is 2200hrs. (10pm) so Florence’s 3 hour infusion will be done about 0100 hours. We will drive back to Tualatin to our RV and SLEEP IN Tuesday morning.
So far Florence has done well during the treatments. Wednesday’s infusions should go smoother and start earlier meaning to bed earlier.
Florence’s anti-fungal that I have been infusing has been changed during the Chemo treatments. Florence had e-mailed her doctor about her activities working in the fire museum during the month of April, sorting through old dusty documents. With that information Dr. K feels that this may be a contributor to her lung nodules and that we are on the right track to get her lungs cleared up. So for 5 days she will be on the new med and then back to Abelcet.
So today was fairly mundane without any events to speak of. Tomorrow will be learning a new drug to infuse and programming infusion pumps. After a late wake up there may be a walk to the Tualatin River.
Hope all is well with our family of friends…..
Take Care….. Larry
So far Florence has done well during the treatments. Wednesday’s infusions should go smoother and start earlier meaning to bed earlier.
Florence’s anti-fungal that I have been infusing has been changed during the Chemo treatments. Florence had e-mailed her doctor about her activities working in the fire museum during the month of April, sorting through old dusty documents. With that information Dr. K feels that this may be a contributor to her lung nodules and that we are on the right track to get her lungs cleared up. So for 5 days she will be on the new med and then back to Abelcet.
So today was fairly mundane without any events to speak of. Tomorrow will be learning a new drug to infuse and programming infusion pumps. After a late wake up there may be a walk to the Tualatin River.
Hope all is well with our family of friends…..
Take Care….. Larry
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Back in Portland..... Well Tualatin Anyway
So we are back up north and tomorrow will be the first day of Consolidation Chemo. Florence is currently sleeping while the last of her daily infusion is completing. Actually, Florence told me that Dr. K from OHSU called her earlier today and told her that they think they have a handle on the lung nodules and we will hear more Monday. Now I wasn't there for the conversation and she said that OSHU called her twice (don't forget she is in a drug induced stooper for a good hour or two while getting her infusion which is when this all is said to have happen). Come to think of it she is often easier to handle when drug stoopered. In any case, maybe today will be her last home (trailer) infusion and I'll find out if she really did get two calls.
We arrived at the RV Park about 1800 hours (6pm for normal people) and I started setting up in our slightly up-hill parking slot. Now when planning for this trip I didn't think I would need a bunch of wood to shore up the trailer, but I was wrong. So I used what I had to level things out and unhooked the trailer from the truck. Trailer moves downhill.... OK, it was only 4" but it still gets your attention. Oh yeah, Florence is in the trailer in that stooper we were talking about earlier. So, I decide that it would be a good idea to secure some additional lumber because one side of the trailer isn't chocked (tires blocked) and the rear stabilizers are not reaching the ground. So an "I'll be back in a minute, sweety, don't go anywhere" (hee hee) to Florence, to which she replied some indiscernible grunting mumble, and I was off.
A quick trip around the park revealed a mother load of material that the park has on hand for people like me that think all RV Parks should be FLAT. So with my newly acquired lumber I returned to our site... the trailer was still where I had left it (Florence, too)... and I shored up the stabilizers, chocked the wheels, and when I told Florence everything was set, she again replied with some indiscernible grunting mumble. You know nausea med (Atavan) mixed with and IV Demerol, your speech and mental.... well you get the picture.
So we have to be at the Clinic at 0800 hours tomorrow morning and since setup took until 2100 hours (9pm) and dinner till 2200 (10pm) and a shower and changing infusion fluids took till 2230 (1030pm)and writing this now puts it at 2204 (1104pm for normal people).... I think it is time for bed and the infusion finished alarm should be sounding at any time to shut it off.
Well for now, good night, and keep those good thoughts coming,
Larry
We arrived at the RV Park about 1800 hours (6pm for normal people) and I started setting up in our slightly up-hill parking slot. Now when planning for this trip I didn't think I would need a bunch of wood to shore up the trailer, but I was wrong. So I used what I had to level things out and unhooked the trailer from the truck. Trailer moves downhill.... OK, it was only 4" but it still gets your attention. Oh yeah, Florence is in the trailer in that stooper we were talking about earlier. So, I decide that it would be a good idea to secure some additional lumber because one side of the trailer isn't chocked (tires blocked) and the rear stabilizers are not reaching the ground. So an "I'll be back in a minute, sweety, don't go anywhere" (hee hee) to Florence, to which she replied some indiscernible grunting mumble, and I was off.
A quick trip around the park revealed a mother load of material that the park has on hand for people like me that think all RV Parks should be FLAT. So with my newly acquired lumber I returned to our site... the trailer was still where I had left it (Florence, too)... and I shored up the stabilizers, chocked the wheels, and when I told Florence everything was set, she again replied with some indiscernible grunting mumble. You know nausea med (Atavan) mixed with and IV Demerol, your speech and mental.... well you get the picture.
So we have to be at the Clinic at 0800 hours tomorrow morning and since setup took until 2100 hours (9pm) and dinner till 2200 (10pm) and a shower and changing infusion fluids took till 2230 (1030pm)and writing this now puts it at 2204 (1104pm for normal people).... I think it is time for bed and the infusion finished alarm should be sounding at any time to shut it off.
Well for now, good night, and keep those good thoughts coming,
Larry
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Ready, Set, Go......
Tomorrow we head again to Portland leaving about 1500 hours (3pm) and will be staying near I5 in the Tualatin area in our trailer. Then Monday morning we need to be at OHSU by 0800 hours to start the first round of Consolidation Chemo Therapy. We understand that the actual infusion will start about 0900 hours lasting 3 hours and a second infusion will start about 2100 hours (9pm) also lasting 3 hours. We will return to Albany the following Sunday.
Last night the FD had a Hat Party and Florence was the recipient of numerous hats and scarfs. You can click on the picture below to see her modeling her new hats thanks to Trent.
So tomorrow should be a packing day so good night for now.
I will be blogging while in PDX so stay tuned...
Larry
Last night the FD had a Hat Party and Florence was the recipient of numerous hats and scarfs. You can click on the picture below to see her modeling her new hats thanks to Trent.
So tomorrow should be a packing day so good night for now.
I will be blogging while in PDX so stay tuned...
Larry
Friday, July 20, 2007
Hello Again....
To catch you up on the last few days…..
Daily infusions of Florence’s medication take up about 5 hours everyday and while receiving them I hesitate leaving her without someone here who is comfortable with the process. So when that isn’t going on we have tried to prepare for next week. Thursday we went to Dr. Neville’s office, the local Hematologist that is working with OHSU to assist us here locally. They did blood work and flushed Florence’s PICC catheter. Dr Neville called us with the results informing us they came back very good. We also drove by the Extreme Makeover house just to see what it looked like. Not too shabby.
On Friday, besides the infusion, I was working on getting my time sheet in and readying the trailer for our stay in Portland next week. With some welcomed assistance from fellow firefighters, the cleaning was easily accomplished, quickly and without the need of large handlines.
The Fire Department also held a hat party for Florence this evening. While I am not sure who all attended there was a large number of hats delivered to our house by Debbie Kreitman following the event. There was one bag I was interested in. I think it must be partly for me because I can always use a good squirt gun. Since Florence is still supposed to avoid large group gatherings, it was better that she not attend. But, she did look through the hats trying many on and enjoying the moment. I will see if I can get Florence to model the hats and attach the pics here later.
Medically speaking, the rigor and Demerol thing, no one knows why, it just works. And on Monday, Florence should be receiving Chemo from 0900-1200 (9am-12pm) and again from 2100-2400 (9pm-12 midnight). Good thing we are staying up there and not driving back and forth every night.
Once again, we cannot tell you all how much we appreciate all of you. The future is still uncertain but with friends, family, and the support you offer we know we will get through this.
Just so you know, I will be trying to keep this up while at the RV Park.
Thanks Again,
Larry
Daily infusions of Florence’s medication take up about 5 hours everyday and while receiving them I hesitate leaving her without someone here who is comfortable with the process. So when that isn’t going on we have tried to prepare for next week. Thursday we went to Dr. Neville’s office, the local Hematologist that is working with OHSU to assist us here locally. They did blood work and flushed Florence’s PICC catheter. Dr Neville called us with the results informing us they came back very good. We also drove by the Extreme Makeover house just to see what it looked like. Not too shabby.
On Friday, besides the infusion, I was working on getting my time sheet in and readying the trailer for our stay in Portland next week. With some welcomed assistance from fellow firefighters, the cleaning was easily accomplished, quickly and without the need of large handlines.
The Fire Department also held a hat party for Florence this evening. While I am not sure who all attended there was a large number of hats delivered to our house by Debbie Kreitman following the event. There was one bag I was interested in. I think it must be partly for me because I can always use a good squirt gun. Since Florence is still supposed to avoid large group gatherings, it was better that she not attend. But, she did look through the hats trying many on and enjoying the moment. I will see if I can get Florence to model the hats and attach the pics here later.
Medically speaking, the rigor and Demerol thing, no one knows why, it just works. And on Monday, Florence should be receiving Chemo from 0900-1200 (9am-12pm) and again from 2100-2400 (9pm-12 midnight). Good thing we are staying up there and not driving back and forth every night.
Once again, we cannot tell you all how much we appreciate all of you. The future is still uncertain but with friends, family, and the support you offer we know we will get through this.
Just so you know, I will be trying to keep this up while at the RV Park.
Thanks Again,
Larry
Lots a helping hands
So far so good with response to the call for volunteers. If you would like to volunteer for yard, grocery, or cleaning duty, please email me at audie777@comcast.net.
We plan to have everyone plugged into a site called lotsahelpinghands.com, so that by the time Florence and Larry come home after the first round of consolidation treatment, we'll have ourselves organized and ready to help. It's a new website for all of us, so please be patient as we work out the kinks in the system.
In the next week or so automated emails will go out those of you who have already signed up.
Cheers,
Audrey
We plan to have everyone plugged into a site called lotsahelpinghands.com, so that by the time Florence and Larry come home after the first round of consolidation treatment, we'll have ourselves organized and ready to help. It's a new website for all of us, so please be patient as we work out the kinks in the system.
In the next week or so automated emails will go out those of you who have already signed up.
Cheers,
Audrey
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Home for a Week
So, returning home was great, Florence seems to be more energized but still tires easily. I know she is happy to be here.
With the need for further treatment to assure that any leukemia cells in the bloodstream are controlled and destroyed, we will be returning to OHSU next week. This will include treatments of Chemo twice a day 12 hours apart on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. So, if you do the math it means either a really late night back home or we stay up north, so we decided to stay in our trailer up there.
As for today, we started home infusions and Florence survived my administration techniques. They take about 5 hours to complete so we try to start early. She was able to visit with some folks from the fire department that stopped by this evening to give some TLC to our planters.
It was also a day to finish unpacking, washing, and trying to get ready to hit the store to restock the kitchen.
Tomorrow will be an early infusion and then a run to the store.
Thank you again,
Larry
With the need for further treatment to assure that any leukemia cells in the bloodstream are controlled and destroyed, we will be returning to OHSU next week. This will include treatments of Chemo twice a day 12 hours apart on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. So, if you do the math it means either a really late night back home or we stay up north, so we decided to stay in our trailer up there.
As for today, we started home infusions and Florence survived my administration techniques. They take about 5 hours to complete so we try to start early. She was able to visit with some folks from the fire department that stopped by this evening to give some TLC to our planters.
It was also a day to finish unpacking, washing, and trying to get ready to hit the store to restock the kitchen.
Tomorrow will be an early infusion and then a run to the store.
Thank you again,
Larry
Monday, July 16, 2007
It's Good to be Home
It may be only for a week, but it is good to be home. We arrived home around 6pm and took the evening to unload, unpack, and unwind. Dinner, mail, medicine, and voice mail, and it is 10:30pm.
We have Home Health coming at 0830 in the morning so bed is looking good right now.
We'll let you all now want is coming next in a blog tomorrow.
Thank you all,
Larry
We have Home Health coming at 0830 in the morning so bed is looking good right now.
We'll let you all now want is coming next in a blog tomorrow.
Thank you all,
Larry
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Good Start
Today was a moving day for Florence. The surgery team and BMT team came by her ICU room to visit. She had her chest tube removed but kept the PCA (patient controlled analgesic). The senior BMT physician talked to us about the referral doctor we were to see in Corvallis. He told us that Dr. Neville in Corvallis is top notch and that he has agreed to work with us for blood draws and infusions if they become necessary in the future.
As for now, with remission (no Leukemia in the marrow) that means we now can move on to consolidation therapy. So, as it stands now, we will be home for a week then return to OHSU on Monday July 23rd for the first day of 2 consolidation Chemo treatments (one in the am; one in the pm) and return on Wednesday and Friday for the same. Then some time off again to recuperate and then return two more times for the same.
As for transplant, none of Florence’s siblings are a match. So that will leave getting Florence to the point where the team can harvest her stem cells or to look for an unrelated donor.
So for now Florence needs to get stronger. She is spending Saturday night, Sunday, and Monday morning in 7C until she is discharged. Her nurse tonight is Lisa whom she has had caring for her while on 5C, so that is nice. I am sleeping in the 5C sleeping room again and Lisa said she would roam the halls tonight in an effort to find a cot so I can stay in Florence’s room tomorrow night.
So, if all goes well we will see you in Albany Monday evening.
Thank you again for the prayers, thoughts, and wishes.
Our journey isn’t over, but it has a good start.
Larry
As for now, with remission (no Leukemia in the marrow) that means we now can move on to consolidation therapy. So, as it stands now, we will be home for a week then return to OHSU on Monday July 23rd for the first day of 2 consolidation Chemo treatments (one in the am; one in the pm) and return on Wednesday and Friday for the same. Then some time off again to recuperate and then return two more times for the same.
As for transplant, none of Florence’s siblings are a match. So that will leave getting Florence to the point where the team can harvest her stem cells or to look for an unrelated donor.
So for now Florence needs to get stronger. She is spending Saturday night, Sunday, and Monday morning in 7C until she is discharged. Her nurse tonight is Lisa whom she has had caring for her while on 5C, so that is nice. I am sleeping in the 5C sleeping room again and Lisa said she would roam the halls tonight in an effort to find a cot so I can stay in Florence’s room tomorrow night.
So, if all goes well we will see you in Albany Monday evening.
Thank you again for the prayers, thoughts, and wishes.
Our journey isn’t over, but it has a good start.
Larry
Friday, July 13, 2007
Remission..... & Parasites???
Today started early with a 0730 surgery appointment. We were up at 0600 to get Florence ready for transport. We were in pre-op by 0620 and headed into the surgical ward at 0720. As Florence went into surgery Kris (RN for 5C) came by to tell me that Florence’s 5C room was needed for another patient so I had to go down to clear out our belongings. Now we came with everything in 2 cases but now I filled 3 cases, a daypack, plastic tub, and still had a duck, radio, and 2 blankets that I couldn’t get into anything. Boy, what you manage to collect in a month while on vacation. This always seems to happen.
After clearing the room I went to the waiting room until the surgeon arrived. He told me the surgery went very well and they were able to biopsy some lung sections with multiple nodes contained in them for pathology to analyze. Flowing surgery, Florence was delayed getting into her ICU room arriving by 1500 (3pm) with O2, IV pole, PCA unit, chest tube, and arterial line in place. She had already made friends with the nursing staff by the time I was asked in. Go figure…..
About 1700 (5pm) the medical team (BMT) came to Florence’s room and told her that Wednesday’s bone marrow test show no Leukemia (complete remission). The lung samples are being looked at and cultured but appear to be an infection. Dr. K said with a smile, ‘maybe a parasite you haven’t had that yet’. Florence rolled her eyes and smiled. Monday we will discuss consolidation chemo that I think Dr. K said might start the next Monday.
So tomorrow should see Florence with her tubes removed and possibly back in the BMT unit. By the way, don’t call the old room number anymore because we are not there. We are not sure where we will be tomorrow but the nurses on 5C all expressed they wanted Florence back but they are currently full, but then who knows.
For me, tonight has me in the sleeping room on 5C. Florence’s nurses were good enough to secure it for me to get a good nights sleep. Thank you to them.
Plans are still to be back home Monday. I will keep you all informed.
Take care and thank you for all the support……
Larry
PS.
Stats from last nights labs…
White Cells 3000 (4500 - 11000)
Neutrophil 1.320 (1.8 – 7.7) **
Red Cells 3.48 (4 - 5.2)
Platelets 145 (150 - 400)
No Blood transfusions since July 7
No Platelet transfusions since June 29
** these are the ones we are waiting for, a sub-group of white cells that attack bacteria, etc.
After clearing the room I went to the waiting room until the surgeon arrived. He told me the surgery went very well and they were able to biopsy some lung sections with multiple nodes contained in them for pathology to analyze. Flowing surgery, Florence was delayed getting into her ICU room arriving by 1500 (3pm) with O2, IV pole, PCA unit, chest tube, and arterial line in place. She had already made friends with the nursing staff by the time I was asked in. Go figure…..
About 1700 (5pm) the medical team (BMT) came to Florence’s room and told her that Wednesday’s bone marrow test show no Leukemia (complete remission). The lung samples are being looked at and cultured but appear to be an infection. Dr. K said with a smile, ‘maybe a parasite you haven’t had that yet’. Florence rolled her eyes and smiled. Monday we will discuss consolidation chemo that I think Dr. K said might start the next Monday.
So tomorrow should see Florence with her tubes removed and possibly back in the BMT unit. By the way, don’t call the old room number anymore because we are not there. We are not sure where we will be tomorrow but the nurses on 5C all expressed they wanted Florence back but they are currently full, but then who knows.
For me, tonight has me in the sleeping room on 5C. Florence’s nurses were good enough to secure it for me to get a good nights sleep. Thank you to them.
Plans are still to be back home Monday. I will keep you all informed.
Take care and thank you for all the support……
Larry
PS.
Stats from last nights labs…
White Cells 3000 (4500 - 11000)
Neutrophil 1.320 (1.8 – 7.7) **
Red Cells 3.48 (4 - 5.2)
Platelets 145 (150 - 400)
No Blood transfusions since July 7
No Platelet transfusions since June 29
** these are the ones we are waiting for, a sub-group of white cells that attack bacteria, etc.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Day 38 - But Who’s Counting
We were waiting for culture results from the Bronchoscopy today, which is the last chance for no surgery. Also waiting for the results from the last bone marrow. When the medical team came in they still were waiting on the marrow test (should be in tomorrow) but the culture came back negative. Now you would think that would be good, except in Florence’s case no.
Negative means they still don’t know what the lung spots are so the only way to find out now is the VATS (Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery). They will be taking 2 or 3 lung samples, each about the size of a thumb tip. She will spend the night in ICU with a chest tube in and monitored until Saturday. She should be back in Oncology/BMT Sunday.
Did anyone wonder where I would be staying….. Good question. Our 5C nursing team is going to try to fend off any new admits while Florence is out of her room for the 24 hours, but they might not succeed. So with this possibility, we had to package up all your cards (there was 101 of them, by the way) and ready the rest of our stuff for a quick move just in case they have to use the room. So Icould be in ICU with Florence. If you get little sleep in BMT I think no sleep would be had in ICU in a chair. Actually there is a family sleeping room in BMT the nurses said I could possibly use. So tomorrow should prove interesting. And hey, maybe a new room with a different view for the last few days at OHSU.
The discharge plan today is out on Monday. The plan is also to have me trained on PICC (central line) care and infusion qualified. That’s right, who needs a paramedic cert to do IV drugs. They plan to have me delivering Florence’s IV infusions and drug (po and IV) so we don’t have to go to the hospital everyday. I’ll have my very own IV infusion pump.
Florence did walk today, not quite as far as yesterday. Watched the tram and spit off the platform at some kids below. OK, maybe no spitting, I stopped her before she could get one off.
(I can get away with posting stuff like this because Florence is snoozing)
So with some sleeping drugs onboard, Florence is now asleep after watching the lightening storm over OHSU and the laundry should be done now. So I will get the dryer emptied and get some sleep too.
Thanks for the good vibes…… Larry
Stats from last nights labs…
White Cells 3500 (4500 - 11000)
Neutrophil 1.470 (1.8 – 7.7) **
Red Cells 3.55 (4 - 5.2)
Platelets 131 (150 - 400)
No Blood transfusions since July 7
No Platelet transfusions since June 29
** these are the ones we are waiting for, a sub-group of white cells that attack bacteria, etc.
Negative means they still don’t know what the lung spots are so the only way to find out now is the VATS (Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery). They will be taking 2 or 3 lung samples, each about the size of a thumb tip. She will spend the night in ICU with a chest tube in and monitored until Saturday. She should be back in Oncology/BMT Sunday.
Did anyone wonder where I would be staying….. Good question. Our 5C nursing team is going to try to fend off any new admits while Florence is out of her room for the 24 hours, but they might not succeed. So with this possibility, we had to package up all your cards (there was 101 of them, by the way) and ready the rest of our stuff for a quick move just in case they have to use the room. So Icould be in ICU with Florence. If you get little sleep in BMT I think no sleep would be had in ICU in a chair. Actually there is a family sleeping room in BMT the nurses said I could possibly use. So tomorrow should prove interesting. And hey, maybe a new room with a different view for the last few days at OHSU.
The discharge plan today is out on Monday. The plan is also to have me trained on PICC (central line) care and infusion qualified. That’s right, who needs a paramedic cert to do IV drugs. They plan to have me delivering Florence’s IV infusions and drug (po and IV) so we don’t have to go to the hospital everyday. I’ll have my very own IV infusion pump.
Florence did walk today, not quite as far as yesterday. Watched the tram and spit off the platform at some kids below. OK, maybe no spitting, I stopped her before she could get one off.
(I can get away with posting stuff like this because Florence is snoozing)
So with some sleeping drugs onboard, Florence is now asleep after watching the lightening storm over OHSU and the laundry should be done now. So I will get the dryer emptied and get some sleep too.
Thanks for the good vibes…… Larry
Stats from last nights labs…
White Cells 3500 (4500 - 11000)
Neutrophil 1.470 (1.8 – 7.7) **
Red Cells 3.55 (4 - 5.2)
Platelets 131 (150 - 400)
No Blood transfusions since July 7
No Platelet transfusions since June 29
** these are the ones we are waiting for, a sub-group of white cells that attack bacteria, etc.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Dateline Portland...... ....... ...... ...... ... ..... .. .. ..
Just in, surgery delayed another day, but another hole in hip should hold her till then.
Man, I can imagine someone reading this blog page for the first time. They’d think I was on drugs…. When really the person I’m writing about is the one on drugs.
Enough of that,…
Today was the last scheduled marrow test for this round. Everything went well. She got some really good dope this time, as a pre-med. Florence really does not make a good mainliner, she needs to relax and goooooo with iitttttt. Basic results are usually back in a day or two.
All the Teams came in today… OK not all, but some of them; Oncology/BMT, Pulmonary, Infection Control, Social but missed out on the Cardio/Thoracic Surgical team and the ENT guys. One of the Pulmonary folks said we should track how many hospital people come to the room during one day. I’m not sure the erasable board can hold all the hash marks. All did feel Florence is doing well but want to know what the spots on her lungs are. So surgery will be needed to check.
Florence’s primary Doc came by to confirm that she wanted to get the surgery done and done now. After some conversation they decided to go ahead, so Friday (the 13th) will be the scheduled day for a surgical lung biopsy under general anesthesia. This should include two small incisions in the chest wall putting a camera thru one and instruments thru the other (I just had visual of trying to insert a 35mm Nikon along with an oboe, trumpet, and bass). They will look for an offending nodule and snatch it out. This should allow pathology to better identify them so treatment, if necessary, can be done before going to the next step of the cancer treatment. So at this point we are looking at Monday to come home.
In the mean time, we went out for about an hour to walk and look around. We covered a ½ mile I think, including going up and down 2 flights of stairs and sitting looking at the Portland cityscape.
Last time I posted Blood numbers they went down the next day, so we will not repeat that this time…. Right!!!!!
White Cells 3300 (4500 - 11000)
Neutrophil 1.287 (1.8 – 7.7) **
Red Cells 3.59 (4 - 5.2)
Platelets 134 (150 - 400)
No Blood transfusions since July 7
No Platelet transfusions since June 29
** these are the ones we are waiting for, a sub-group of white cells that attack bacteria, etc.
That’s it for now…..Larry
Man, I can imagine someone reading this blog page for the first time. They’d think I was on drugs…. When really the person I’m writing about is the one on drugs.
Enough of that,…
Today was the last scheduled marrow test for this round. Everything went well. She got some really good dope this time, as a pre-med. Florence really does not make a good mainliner, she needs to relax and goooooo with iitttttt. Basic results are usually back in a day or two.
All the Teams came in today… OK not all, but some of them; Oncology/BMT, Pulmonary, Infection Control, Social but missed out on the Cardio/Thoracic Surgical team and the ENT guys. One of the Pulmonary folks said we should track how many hospital people come to the room during one day. I’m not sure the erasable board can hold all the hash marks. All did feel Florence is doing well but want to know what the spots on her lungs are. So surgery will be needed to check.
Florence’s primary Doc came by to confirm that she wanted to get the surgery done and done now. After some conversation they decided to go ahead, so Friday (the 13th) will be the scheduled day for a surgical lung biopsy under general anesthesia. This should include two small incisions in the chest wall putting a camera thru one and instruments thru the other (I just had visual of trying to insert a 35mm Nikon along with an oboe, trumpet, and bass). They will look for an offending nodule and snatch it out. This should allow pathology to better identify them so treatment, if necessary, can be done before going to the next step of the cancer treatment. So at this point we are looking at Monday to come home.
In the mean time, we went out for about an hour to walk and look around. We covered a ½ mile I think, including going up and down 2 flights of stairs and sitting looking at the Portland cityscape.
Last time I posted Blood numbers they went down the next day, so we will not repeat that this time…. Right!!!!!
White Cells 3300 (4500 - 11000)
Neutrophil 1.287 (1.8 – 7.7) **
Red Cells 3.59 (4 - 5.2)
Platelets 134 (150 - 400)
No Blood transfusions since July 7
No Platelet transfusions since June 29
** these are the ones we are waiting for, a sub-group of white cells that attack bacteria, etc.
That’s it for now…..Larry
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Ups and Downs
Well I said Maybe..... and tonight Florence was told that the spots on her lungs are still there and the Bronchoscopy and cultures are non-conclusive so the next step is a surgical biopsy. So what does that mean??? Unfortunately, I was in Albany all day cleaning & sanitizing the house for a Thursday return. Florence called me to tell me a few more days. They need to do this test to see what they are dealing with before she goes home so it will be a few more days.
Not what I wanted to hear, but Florence sounds to be taking it in stride. She said she thinks it will be next week before she is home now and that I needed to stay at home tonight and get back early in the morning.
I need to thank Wanda, Ashley, John, Leslie, Ben, and Hillary for making the cleaning of the house and yard go fast and a little more fun. I think the sprinklers are working better and will now run each day during this hot weather.
I cannot put into words the feeling I have for the extended family we have been blessed with. You all are helping us to keep up our hope and sanity knowing that help, whatever it may be, is only a phone call away. Thank for your love, friendship, brotherhood, and fellowship.
As for now it is bed time....... Thank you again
Larry
Not what I wanted to hear, but Florence sounds to be taking it in stride. She said she thinks it will be next week before she is home now and that I needed to stay at home tonight and get back early in the morning.
I need to thank Wanda, Ashley, John, Leslie, Ben, and Hillary for making the cleaning of the house and yard go fast and a little more fun. I think the sprinklers are working better and will now run each day during this hot weather.
I cannot put into words the feeling I have for the extended family we have been blessed with. You all are helping us to keep up our hope and sanity knowing that help, whatever it may be, is only a phone call away. Thank for your love, friendship, brotherhood, and fellowship.
As for now it is bed time....... Thank you again
Larry
Monday, July 9, 2007
Hey Larry, What's Up? Taking the Weekend Off??
Sorry about not blogging over the weekend but the drug infusion in the evenings kept us awake most of the night, so sleeping became the order of business during the days.
So what's the news?
So what's the news?
Friday - The Bronchoscopy went well but because Florence doesn't complain she never really got enough meds to put her under as much as they would have wanted. When the Docs found out they couldn't believe she could or would put up with the procedure without flailing around. Also Friday her blood cell counts dropped requiring more transfusions on Saturday (I think we are up to about 10 units now). This was also the first night in a week that she did not spike a fever.
Saturday - Transfusion of the 2 units of red blood cells and moved the administration start time of the IV anti-fungal up 4 hour so it was completed by 11pm. Slept the day away and was fever free again.
Sunday - Real surprise, Florence's White Cell Counts went from 700 Friday night at midnight to 1500 Saturday night midnight ,so the Doc's said to get her outside for awhile. We went to the Tram deck in the afternoon with Florence in a wheelchair. After about 35 minutes she was done with the outside stuff and wanted to return to the room. Then again tonight she went without spiking a fever.
That brings us to today. This morning the Medical Team said Florence's blood counts are up again and if that continues we could be home by Friday. Don't send any more mail because we could be gone prior to it arriving. They did notice that there may be a fine rash starting again.
Florence does have some generalized itching. I'm thinking the anti-fungal is the cause but that also seems like the drug that is keeping the fever down also. The infection team wants to go 2 more days and get a lung CT before stopping this drug. We will be talking with them later today and in the morning too. Maybe a CT tomorrow. The drug has been started earlier again today, at 1pm (1300 for FF's), in hopes of getting infusions done by 7pm and effects over by 9pm.
Sibling testing is still in the works for a transplant match. I have things to read and fill out to occupy today while Florence sleeps.
I may give an update tonight if anything else surfaces otherwise it will be tomorrow.
Thanks again for all the support..... Larry
Friday, July 6, 2007
Day 32 and More Procedures
So how did last night go??? Well the test infusion of the new drug (Amphotericin B Lipid Complex) went well so the 4 hour infusion was started. About 1/2 hour into it I noticed Florence scratching. When asked if she itched she said yes so we called the nurse who went to get some additional Benedryhl. That took care of that only to have Florence start complaining 5 minutes later that the IV felt like it was running in ice water (at least she complained this time).
We called the nurse again and when she heard the symptom she went to get some Demerol. That took only seconds and by the time she got back, Florence was shivering from head to toe. An IV dose of the Demerol caused her to warm up partially in about 5 minutes and a second 12.5 mg. dose eradicated the shivers. (For those medic types - Drug induced shivers use Demerol - I have no explanation... it worked and I will have to ask why). Both of these side-effects are common with this drug so tonight Florence got pre-medicated with Benedryhl, Demerol, & Tylenol. Oh yes, the Tylenol is for the fever the drug sometime causes. Say 103.7F fever it can cause. I thought this drug was suppose to stop the fevers???? So far tonight the drug is about in and no shivering, no iching. Lets hope it stops the fevers.
The Medical Team came in this morning and the Doc was pleased to see Florence smile at him after the night he heard she had. She continues to tease him and I think he enjoys it.
Anyway, they consulted with the ENT and Pulmonary Docs and everyone is still concerned about the lung and sinus films. They want to be proactive if they can so this afternoon it was off for a Bronchoscopy to look into her lungs then a sinus swabbing (Endoscopy). Florence has decided she doesn't like Bronchoscopies. This included a lavage of a portion of her lung. They then collect the solution and will culture it to see if anything grows. Gave drugs so she wouldn't remember.. didn't work. Both the lung and sinus looked good and neither doc felt biopsy was needed. The ENT doc said her nasal passages are pristine.
Steve and Ron stopped in today while on a ride. I think they set off every car alarm in the garage.....cool.....
It is 2330 so I should get ready to hit the sack.......
Stats..........
Current blood levels for July 6: (norms)
White Cells 800 (4500 - 11000)
Red Cells 3.9 (4 - 5.2)
Platelets 120 (150 - 400)
No Blood transfusions since June 28
No Platelet transfusions since June 29
Prayers and good thoughts still neeed....
Larry
We called the nurse again and when she heard the symptom she went to get some Demerol. That took only seconds and by the time she got back, Florence was shivering from head to toe. An IV dose of the Demerol caused her to warm up partially in about 5 minutes and a second 12.5 mg. dose eradicated the shivers. (For those medic types - Drug induced shivers use Demerol - I have no explanation... it worked and I will have to ask why). Both of these side-effects are common with this drug so tonight Florence got pre-medicated with Benedryhl, Demerol, & Tylenol. Oh yes, the Tylenol is for the fever the drug sometime causes. Say 103.7F fever it can cause. I thought this drug was suppose to stop the fevers???? So far tonight the drug is about in and no shivering, no iching. Lets hope it stops the fevers.
The Medical Team came in this morning and the Doc was pleased to see Florence smile at him after the night he heard she had. She continues to tease him and I think he enjoys it.
Anyway, they consulted with the ENT and Pulmonary Docs and everyone is still concerned about the lung and sinus films. They want to be proactive if they can so this afternoon it was off for a Bronchoscopy to look into her lungs then a sinus swabbing (Endoscopy). Florence has decided she doesn't like Bronchoscopies. This included a lavage of a portion of her lung. They then collect the solution and will culture it to see if anything grows. Gave drugs so she wouldn't remember.. didn't work. Both the lung and sinus looked good and neither doc felt biopsy was needed. The ENT doc said her nasal passages are pristine.
Steve and Ron stopped in today while on a ride. I think they set off every car alarm in the garage.....cool.....
It is 2330 so I should get ready to hit the sack.......
Stats..........
Current blood levels for July 6: (norms)
White Cells 800 (4500 - 11000)
Red Cells 3.9 (4 - 5.2)
Platelets 120 (150 - 400)
No Blood transfusions since June 28
No Platelet transfusions since June 29
Prayers and good thoughts still neeed....
Larry
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Mold????
So today the Medical Team reported the results of the CT scans and that they continue to be weary of the fevers Florence is having. With one scan showing that there are signs of a sinus infection and the other scans of her lungs showing no change in the spots she has had for a week or so and considering the antibiotics she is getting and after talking with the ENT docs and consulting with the docs specializing in Communicable Diseases in Leukemia Patients, the overall consensus is that there must be ‘a fungus among us’. That’s right folks a gang of rotten little plants sitting there where its nice and warm and moist just havin’ a good ol’ time kicking back, multiplying, and causing fever spikes. (Or it could be a Mold, but that didn't sound as fun.)
Little did we know what was coming but the day nurses knew and they work hard to get things rolling early. So starting at 2100 (9pm for normal people) they brought out the Big Gun. Throw out that fungicidal pill, we be goin’ IV. It also meant this stuff may not play well with other body parts, like your kidneys.
Therefore, tonight’s (early, right) IV entertainment agenda will consist of: First a 25cc flush with D5W (sugar water) to be followed by a little 50cc bag of the Big Gun ran in over 30 minutes just to see if that stirs up any uncontrollable shivering. Sounds fun so far. That will be followed by another 50cc bag of D5W (sugar water) to clear the lines. Then it’s a 500cc infusion with NaCl (salt water) over one hour just to get those kidneys primed. Then another 50cc bag of D5W (sugar water) to flush the lines plus a bag of unknown quantity of the Big Gun to be ran in over 4 hours. Then and only then will another 50cc bag of D5W (sugar water) be ran in to flush the lines clear before the last 500cc of NaCl (salt water) will be infused over another hour to clear out any Big Gun left in Florence’s kidneys.
Oh yah, I almost forgot the 200cc bag of antibiotics also running in over an hour at the same time on pump #3 and the NaCl (salt water) continues to runs at 75cc per hour when not running at 500cc. Silly me…..
Now in between all this I’m sure that Florence’s bladder (remember the preloaded kidneys) will decide it wants to mix it up too. So she will be up going to the little girls room I’m guessing more than once. And, with all these bag changes there is the customary prelude of pump beeping and a nurse coming in to change each bag and reset the pumps infusion rates (beep, beep, beep, beep… beep).
So this is starting to sound like one of those math word problems from middle school and I’m sure someone out there is trying to figure how many times a nurse will come into the room and at what frequency and what Florence’s kidney output will be using the inverse coefficient of the fluid infusion rate. (huh) But lets face it, what really matters is …… there ain’t gona be any sleeping happen here tonight. (And, I don’t mean that in a good way……..)
So, Good night (right) for now……
Larry
Little did we know what was coming but the day nurses knew and they work hard to get things rolling early. So starting at 2100 (9pm for normal people) they brought out the Big Gun. Throw out that fungicidal pill, we be goin’ IV. It also meant this stuff may not play well with other body parts, like your kidneys.
Therefore, tonight’s (early, right) IV entertainment agenda will consist of: First a 25cc flush with D5W (sugar water) to be followed by a little 50cc bag of the Big Gun ran in over 30 minutes just to see if that stirs up any uncontrollable shivering. Sounds fun so far. That will be followed by another 50cc bag of D5W (sugar water) to clear the lines. Then it’s a 500cc infusion with NaCl (salt water) over one hour just to get those kidneys primed. Then another 50cc bag of D5W (sugar water) to flush the lines plus a bag of unknown quantity of the Big Gun to be ran in over 4 hours. Then and only then will another 50cc bag of D5W (sugar water) be ran in to flush the lines clear before the last 500cc of NaCl (salt water) will be infused over another hour to clear out any Big Gun left in Florence’s kidneys.
Oh yah, I almost forgot the 200cc bag of antibiotics also running in over an hour at the same time on pump #3 and the NaCl (salt water) continues to runs at 75cc per hour when not running at 500cc. Silly me…..
Now in between all this I’m sure that Florence’s bladder (remember the preloaded kidneys) will decide it wants to mix it up too. So she will be up going to the little girls room I’m guessing more than once. And, with all these bag changes there is the customary prelude of pump beeping and a nurse coming in to change each bag and reset the pumps infusion rates (beep, beep, beep, beep… beep).
So this is starting to sound like one of those math word problems from middle school and I’m sure someone out there is trying to figure how many times a nurse will come into the room and at what frequency and what Florence’s kidney output will be using the inverse coefficient of the fluid infusion rate. (huh) But lets face it, what really matters is …… there ain’t gona be any sleeping happen here tonight. (And, I don’t mean that in a good way……..)
So, Good night (right) for now……
Larry
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
30 Days
So, It has been 30 days that we have been here at Camp OHSU and boy has it been great….. What the….. Must have been dreaming for a minute….. Hold on…… OK, Well, yes it has been 30 days here at OHSU and the care and staff has been great but to tell you the truth I’d rather be home or on a tropical beach….
Now, for fun today we SWITCHED BEDS!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHOAAAAA……. Actually Florence’s bed had vents overhead and so she finally decided to trade locations with me since I like air movement and she does not. So now I get the window spot and she stays warm. Too warm sometimes, today she got to 102F so more blood sucking for more cultures and a CT of her head to check for any sign of sinus infections since they cannot find any other reason for her fever. Except of course the Chemo for a week is still a possibility as a cause. Some new White Cells would probably clear it all up. Come on FA, let’s get with it!!!!!!!
M12 crew stopped in to say hi. Merrill and Florence compared hair doo’s. It’s nice to see and hear from the crews when they are here. OK, let me be clear…. not between 2200 and 0700 hours, just want to be clear on that.
With Florence’s White Cells still MIA so there was no going out of the Unit to watch fireworks. And then of course, I guess the time delay fuse on the Mega-Jumbo-Monster Fireworks Pak I ordered to be attached just outside Florence’s window must have malfunctioned because I didn’t see any fireworks out there either. Probably better that way. I’d hate to get evicted after only 30 DAYS……..
Well it is really late so good night, stay safe, Happy 4th, and thanks for the thoughts and prayers……. Larry
Now, for fun today we SWITCHED BEDS!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHOAAAAA……. Actually Florence’s bed had vents overhead and so she finally decided to trade locations with me since I like air movement and she does not. So now I get the window spot and she stays warm. Too warm sometimes, today she got to 102F so more blood sucking for more cultures and a CT of her head to check for any sign of sinus infections since they cannot find any other reason for her fever. Except of course the Chemo for a week is still a possibility as a cause. Some new White Cells would probably clear it all up. Come on FA, let’s get with it!!!!!!!
M12 crew stopped in to say hi. Merrill and Florence compared hair doo’s. It’s nice to see and hear from the crews when they are here. OK, let me be clear…. not between 2200 and 0700 hours, just want to be clear on that.
With Florence’s White Cells still MIA so there was no going out of the Unit to watch fireworks. And then of course, I guess the time delay fuse on the Mega-Jumbo-Monster Fireworks Pak I ordered to be attached just outside Florence’s window must have malfunctioned because I didn’t see any fireworks out there either. Probably better that way. I’d hate to get evicted after only 30 DAYS……..
Well it is really late so good night, stay safe, Happy 4th, and thanks for the thoughts and prayers……. Larry
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Days are Running Together
Today for some reason did not feel like Tuesday. Then again, it didn’t seem like any other particular day of the week either, must have been here too long.
But, considering the circumstances, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Again, we have had absolutely super nurses today, this evening is Jordan. Florence was having issues with nausea on and off the last few days and this evening expressed to Jordan that she needed something changed. Jordan took the time to sit down and talk about what had worked, how well, when, what Florence wanted. She researched what and why changes had been made and explained what the Unit uses to control nausea. After some discussion they agreed on a plan and are putting it into effect tonight.
As for today’s updates, the Medical Team is pleased to see Florence’s Platelets come up steadily the past 4 days, from the teens up to 68. (We are headed for 150-180) Her White Cells are holding their own, but still very low, and she still needs help in the Red Cell area, so tonight she gets a couple more units of Red Cells.
Tomorrow is the 4th of July so I expect it to be quiet here. As for tonight, I can still hope for a good day for Florence and a spike in white cells tonight so she can get out to watch fireworks. It could happen!!!!!
As for now it is 2230 (1030pm) and time to try to get some sleep.
Happy 4th of July
Larry
But, considering the circumstances, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Again, we have had absolutely super nurses today, this evening is Jordan. Florence was having issues with nausea on and off the last few days and this evening expressed to Jordan that she needed something changed. Jordan took the time to sit down and talk about what had worked, how well, when, what Florence wanted. She researched what and why changes had been made and explained what the Unit uses to control nausea. After some discussion they agreed on a plan and are putting it into effect tonight.
As for today’s updates, the Medical Team is pleased to see Florence’s Platelets come up steadily the past 4 days, from the teens up to 68. (We are headed for 150-180) Her White Cells are holding their own, but still very low, and she still needs help in the Red Cell area, so tonight she gets a couple more units of Red Cells.
Tomorrow is the 4th of July so I expect it to be quiet here. As for tonight, I can still hope for a good day for Florence and a spike in white cells tonight so she can get out to watch fireworks. It could happen!!!!!
As for now it is 2230 (1030pm) and time to try to get some sleep.
Happy 4th of July
Larry
FF's Do More Than Save Lives
With everything that has occurred these past 33 days I realized that I had not taken the time to thank the AFD crews that spent time in the Casey Schwartz Firefighter Memorial garden readying it for spring. This is a place that Florence spends time and usually tends the flowers. When we were asked what we needed to have done, this was something that had slipped our minds.
But this year a group of AFD FF’s knew Florence would not be able to tend to this task and therefore took to the garden to assure that it would flourish. They also took time to plant a number of new additions. Chris was able to secure some pictures for us and Florence was so excited and thrilled to see that someone had taken on this task that she was meaning to accomplish, but could not.
But this year a group of AFD FF’s knew Florence would not be able to tend to this task and therefore took to the garden to assure that it would flourish. They also took time to plant a number of new additions. Chris was able to secure some pictures for us and Florence was so excited and thrilled to see that someone had taken on this task that she was meaning to accomplish, but could not.
When we got the pics we were both thankful, greatful, and appreciative. It garden looks great!!!!!!!! Thank you all for the hard work and time spent.
Larry and Florence
Monday, July 2, 2007
What Happened to Sunday - My Bad
So, exactly were did Sunday's blog go to?? I have to tell you I tried and tried to get Florence to let me post the installment I was planning but she flat out said NO..... So, any pictures I have of the hair cut I gave her (yes I said I, me, Larry) will not be for public viewing soon or ever most likely. Lets just say that it involved clippers and a very tight look. Quite frankly, I think she wears it well... a little instant tanning lotion and most people would think she has worn it for years.
As for tests and results, all the tests done due to Florence's fevers have not pointed to anything specific. Doc's have told her that sometimes patients just run low grade fevers in response to being given the Chemo. Hmmmm, interesting concept, your body runs a temp because someone ran poison into it for a week!!!! ...sounds like a maybe... He said they like to be proactive here and treat any fever early to avoid infections. This is a good thing, I think.
In this mornings medical team rounds they said everything looked good, rash is really looking better, her platelets have started back up, and they expected to see Florence's white cell count to be coming up later this week, in 5-10 days. I'm hoping they come up enough so she can watch fireworks on the 4th. Otherwise, I'll have to climb up on the cafeteria roof and throw sparklers in the air past her window or maybe just torch a party pack and run like h.... well you get the idea.
Nothing is really planned for the rest of Monday but walks down the hall and rest, which she needs. If I think of something more I will blog again... if not, this is it for Monday, July 02, Day 28 @ OHSU.
Thanks for all the cards, we be coverin' the walls......
Larry
As for tests and results, all the tests done due to Florence's fevers have not pointed to anything specific. Doc's have told her that sometimes patients just run low grade fevers in response to being given the Chemo. Hmmmm, interesting concept, your body runs a temp because someone ran poison into it for a week!!!! ...sounds like a maybe... He said they like to be proactive here and treat any fever early to avoid infections. This is a good thing, I think.
In this mornings medical team rounds they said everything looked good, rash is really looking better, her platelets have started back up, and they expected to see Florence's white cell count to be coming up later this week, in 5-10 days. I'm hoping they come up enough so she can watch fireworks on the 4th. Otherwise, I'll have to climb up on the cafeteria roof and throw sparklers in the air past her window or maybe just torch a party pack and run like h.... well you get the idea.
Nothing is really planned for the rest of Monday but walks down the hall and rest, which she needs. If I think of something more I will blog again... if not, this is it for Monday, July 02, Day 28 @ OHSU.
Thanks for all the cards, we be coverin' the walls......
Larry
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