K and Kids Posted October 22, 2004 Share Posted October 22, 2004 I just wanted to pass this along before I took off for my son's field trip. My friend, Nancy, called me to let me know that she had spent 2 or 3 hours with my mom and dad last night at the hospital. She was there when Dad's GP came in. There was a large amount of fluid that was drawn off the lungs but some still remained as going any further at that time would have caused more serious problems. So today they are going to try and get the rest and also infuse something in to prevent the fluid build up. Not sure of the name or anything but I did hear this mentioned much earlier on in Dad's diagnosis. Nancy told me that Dad was pretty "chipper" and talking even with an oxygen mask on. He even said something to the effect ... I thought I was a gonner this morning but I am glad that I am not...... so that shows that his humor is working. Also Dad's GP has stepped up to the plate before to get things taken care of (the last time was for the 3rd thorocentisis) and he is not afraid to make sure Dad gets what he needs and pronto. He is addressing Dad's blood sugar level (being too high) as well. I guess insulin was given and they may need to give more but at the same time Dad's appetite has been almost non existant so he is addressing that too. When dad mentioned that when he does feel the desire to eat it is not always the best stuff for his sugar, Dr. Barron said not to worryabout that and to eat what he wants. They will take care of it. So my heart feels a little calmer. Having and angel friend (actually I have two who are working over time for me) to be a surrogate daughter right now is a blessing. I hope to speak to Mom and Dad tonight if I can get a phone number for Dad's room. Will pass along all your best wishes and also update you too. Prayers for you all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted October 22, 2004 Share Posted October 22, 2004 I am glad things are getting better. It's a good reminder to everyone how important the GP's are in treatment. No need to always wait for the oncologist. Hang in there Paddy and David! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted October 22, 2004 Share Posted October 22, 2004 That's good to hear.Glad he was doing a little better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nancy B Posted October 22, 2004 Share Posted October 22, 2004 Karen, Glad to hear your Dad is feeling better. Hope your Mom is taking care of herself too. Please let them know my prayers are with them and hope he is out of the hospital soon. Love and hugs, Nancy B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted October 22, 2004 Share Posted October 22, 2004 Karen, thanks so much for the update on your dad. Hope this hospital stay will be a short one and your mom will get some more help with your dad when he gets home. Glad he still uses his humor. Still praying daily for your family.. cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted October 22, 2004 Share Posted October 22, 2004 So happy to hear things are moving in a positive direction. Thanks for the update, Karen. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted October 22, 2004 Share Posted October 22, 2004 So glad to hear that Karen! Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remembering Dave Posted October 22, 2004 Share Posted October 22, 2004 thanks for the update, and glad to hear about the sense of humor back! God Bless! Karen C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David P Posted October 22, 2004 Share Posted October 22, 2004 Hey Karen. Thanks for the update. A sense of humour in the hospital is always a good thing. Take care. David P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAnn Posted October 22, 2004 Share Posted October 22, 2004 Karen, I am so glad to hear that your dad is feeling better. Your parents are in my prayers and I am hoping that your dad is feeling good enough to get home soon! TAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mayos Posted October 23, 2004 Share Posted October 23, 2004 Great news.....prayers and support are being answered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K and Kids Posted October 23, 2004 Author Share Posted October 23, 2004 Things are relatively stable today. Dad had the chest tube inserted yesterday and today they have a pump going. I am not sure how long they intend to use the pump. Thurday night the first thorocentisis was done which drew off 4 liters still leaving 1 or 2 more and when the respitory therapist saw him the following morning Dad's lung was full again. Aside from some discomfort due to the chest tube, he is said to be more comfortable. No word on when he will come home. I will post again when I hear another up date. Mom is hanging in there like a trooper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elnodel Posted October 24, 2004 Share Posted October 24, 2004 Glad to hear that things are better and that he's back to himself again. Keep us posted! And tell him we're waiting for him to get back home and back to business as usual.... Ellen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaffie Posted October 25, 2004 Share Posted October 25, 2004 Also glad to hear he's doing better. Oh, how we hate those chest tubes but boy aren't we grateful for them when they are needed. Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted October 25, 2004 Share Posted October 25, 2004 Hope your Dad continues to improve. And tell your Mom we are thinking of her, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nushka Posted October 26, 2004 Share Posted October 26, 2004 I was so glad to see that your dad is doing so much better. I can imagine that much fluid was really putting a damper on his breathing. Keep in touch. Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K and Kids Posted October 26, 2004 Author Share Posted October 26, 2004 I spoke to Mom and Dad yesterday. When I first called the doctor standing in for Dad's doctor was there chatting and making sure things were going well. It seems that the pump draining the fluid is catching air and this is a concern. The tube and seal have been checked to see if it is a mechanical problem but from what I understand it could be something going on in the lung. The one procedure that they are waiting to do is to put a "talc" substance into the lung (plural space?) and that is supposed to help with the fluid build up problem. I haven't heard how it is supposed to do this and the word talc used where there is lung cancer is kind of ironic sounding to me (not sure if ironic is the word). Dr. Joe, I have no idea if I have made any sense here or if I have got it totally wrong ... this is just what I understand at this point. Anyway, that procedure has been postponed until they figure out this problem. I don't know when Dad is supposed to get out of the hospital. Thursday was the earliest anyone was saying and now they are just saying they don't know. Dad's GP is out of town for a couple days and I think he wants to assess things when he gets back. The other interesting thing is that Dad's oncologist saw him last Thursday (at the GP's urging) when things looked really bad but has not been into see him since. Even the GP asked if he had been in to see Dad. I am not sure what is up with that. I know there is communication between the two doctors but I don't know who is technically handling the case. Dad is still taking the Iressa so he is still under treatment. Hmmmmm? Well, I hope you are not as confused reading this as I appear writing it. Dad sounds pretty good considering ... just bored out of his mind. He is is eating better so that is a good thing. Mom is hanging in there and feeling your prayers and possitive thoughts. Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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