stand4hope Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 Well, things aren’t improving quite like I thought they were yesterday. Don’s breathing is getting worse. Every time they try to get him up, his 02 drops to the low to mid-70s, and that is quite low. They increased his solumedrol (steroids) to 80 mg. and are giving it to him more frequently, but so far it isn’t helping much. He's also getting breathing treatments that don't seem to help much, and he is also coughing now, an unproductive cough. He’s ok as long as he just lays there. He can sit on the side of the bed and eat without too much trouble, but even taking a few steps to the bedside commode is very difficult. Laying at rest, with 6 liters of oxygen, his O2 is 88-90. The pulmonary doc said if his breathing isn’t better in the morning, he’s going to get another CT scan. And, if that doesn’t indicate anything more that might tell them what is causing this, then they are probably going to do a thoracotomy. The oncologist is the one that told us that tonight. It’s an invasive procedure and I’m not jumping for joy over this being done, but if it might help, then I will support it. I don't know much about this procedure, but I looked it up and here's a link that tells about it. http://www.merck.com/mrkshared/mmanual/ ... 65/65k.jsp As soon as I finish this post, I'm going to do a search here to see who has had this done in our group. And, thank you all for your responses about Alimta. I gave it to the onc and he thought it was helpful, but he still couldn't say the Alimta is the cause without further tests. He did say that he would never say never, but that there might not be anymore Alimta for Don, and he might have to stop aggressive treatment and just treat him with steroids and similar medications . . . . sigh. Don is now being very cooperative, and we have had a great meeting of the minds over all of this. He told the pastor today that this blindsided him and asked him to pray for him to have peace of mind. This is not the end though, folks, and we are not giving up. Don is optimistic and fully expects to get past this setback. Please pray for the same, and thank you in advance! Love to all, Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 Sorry to hear he's had a setback but I am not worried about him because he has a great advocate for a wife. You hang in there Peggy. Rochelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treebywater Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 Oh Peggy... I just HATE reading this... Praying, praying, praying for you. I hope you get things figured out and there is improvement so very soon. (((((Peggy))))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 Oh (((Peggy))), You hang in there. I know that with Mike's pneumonitis, steroids were the only answer and they didn't work overnight. They worked gradually.The ones they give in IV are more potent and should help a bit quicker. Mike hasn't had treatment since he developed that. I guess common sense tells us that they are in such a weakened condition that chemo is usually out of the question. I know Don and Mike may not have the same problem at all, but Mike couldn't walk 5 feet without struggling to breathe. Now he still has his oxygen, but it's on 2 liters and he can do without it to walk down a rather long hallway to the bathroom, to dress etc. He get's a little winded , but he's not gasping for breath . With his oxygen he is in total comfort breathing unless he is walking and he has to just slow it down a bit. He also had a dry nonproductive cough , but that has long gone. I'm praying for Don and for you and your son, Mike. I'm telling you all this because I want you to know that Mike recovered from the pneumonitis pretty good and he was very much the way you describe Don. God be with you and yours, Peggy. Love, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilliBr1 Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 Peggy, I am so sorry to hear this. I will say extra prayers tonight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnmynatt Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 Peggy, Glad Sue could share with you. I don't have any experience with the procedure you are talking about. I will pray for all to go well and for Don to make great improvement over the coming days. PRAYING!! Take care. Love, Tina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 Prayers for you both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail p-m Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 I'm so very sorry to hear about the setback. Prayers are being sent to Don for a turn-around though it sounds like the turn-around might be a gradual process. Please know I'm thinking about both of you and will be checking for updates. Gail p-m Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nushka Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 Peggy, You and Don are both in my prayers. I hope the CT scan shows something that can be easily fixed and the surgery is uncalled for. Hoping for the best. Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flacrakr Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 Praying for the both of you to negotiate this latest hurdle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 Peggy, You and your husband are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that the both of you will have courage and bravery to face the challenges that each day brings. It is the same prayer that I pray for myself each day. Hang in there. Maureen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 Peggy, Don, Thank you for the update. Our prayers are unwavering. The Lord is YOUR Shepherd................. The best part of the post is relative to the 'meeting of minds'. Know we are with you guys and that we care so much. Love Pat and Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBeth Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 Peggy, Please know that all our thoughts and prayers are with all three of you. Love, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doughnut Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 Thinking of you Peggy. Glad to hear Don's spirits are so good. Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 Peggy....hang in there!!!! I'm still sending big hugs and saying lots of prayers!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 Hey Peggy. Doggonit anyway. Hope they can get to the cause of the problem without the thoracotomy. But, if necessary, then that is what will have to happen. Prayers for Don's serenity. Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 You all have my prayers Peggy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 Oh Peggy, This is such destressing news and such a hard post to reply too. He seem to be doing much better and now this latest setback. Please know that Don is in my prayers. I pray for some kind of change for the better. Please keep the faith going. Anything could change at any given moment. Also praying the the steroids will work for him and his breathing to improve with his O2 levels going up. I don't know what a Thoractomy is but I will read up on that link you sent. But anything that will help should be done. (((( Peggy)))) Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terriep Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 Peggy, Please know that I am sending up prayers right now for you both, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAnn Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 Peggy, I'm so sorry that this is happening to Don. You are both in my prayers. You are both strong and you will get past this rough patch. ((((((Peggy & Don))))))) TAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellakc2 Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 Prayers for Don and tell him we're thinking and praying for him. Love ya, Mare Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunny Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 poor Don. poor Peggy. I am definately praying that you get answers and relief. I'm so sorry he's going through all of this. xoxo amie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnyde Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 Peggy, 'Addie'tude is such a large part of the battle and your Don has 'Addie'tude in spades. Hope the path is always 2 steps forward and only 1 back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calintay Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 Peggy my heart goes out to you and Don. Many prayers being said for the both of you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbays Posted August 3, 2005 Share Posted August 3, 2005 Oh Peggy, God Bless both of you. I am praying for you. Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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