Just as Dad was starting to get tubes removed, they have decided to add one more. His stomach has been swollen for the last the last two days, so today they did an xray to see if there was a blockage. They determined that there was a blockage and that they needed to relieve the pressure in his stomach by placing a nasogastric tube. The tube will be used to remove the stomach's contents and pressure. This tube is inserted in the nose and then goes down the back of the throat into the stomach, and it is all done by the nurse in the room. It is about the size of straw but more flexible and as a result is very uncomfortable and painful to have inserted. After it was decided that he needed the tube Mike and the Johnson kids happened to be at the hospital, so Mike, Matt and Mike were able to give him a blessing. Liesl and I showed up about an hour later and got the full story from Mom. I used to sell these types of tubes so I knew how painful and traumatic it is for the patient. We tried to find out why they were doing it, what it would do, and how long we had until they put it in. The nurse didn't want to do it and said that if it didn't go down on the first try she would stop and not put it in, but that one attempt would have been rough on Dad. We called the doctor and while we were waiting to call him back the Colon doctor just stopped by to check on Dad. He said often with the colitis (colon infection and inflammation) that the small intestine gets sticky and can stick to the bowel, which then causes a kink, and pressure then builds behind it. Once some of the pressure that is built up behind the kink is released it often straightens itself out. This tube will do that, they do not know how long it will be in though. The other option would be surgery to find the blockage, but Dad is not strong enough so it is not an option. We discussed the other placement option of doing it in radiology with mild sedation and he said that could be done if Dr. G was ok with it. After that conversation I talked with Dad about the need for the tube and for the placement options and asked him if he was OK with them trying it in his room first or if he would like to have it done in radiology. Dad said he would like to have it done in radiology. Dr. Colon was out side updating his chart and heard the conversation and stepped back in and said, "I heard your conversation and I will set it up with radiology." Dr. G then approved and they took Dad down at 7:30 tonight to have it put in, we will see how it goes. Keep him in your prayers that he will be blessed that the obstruction will un-obstruct and that he will be comfortable with the tube till it can be removed. On the happy front Dads white cell count has gone from 81,000 last week to 1,100 this week, this means that the chemo is working exactly as Dr. G hoped it would. This is a great sign because there is a high percentage of people who have been treated for pre-leukemia like Dad do not respond to the Chemo.
Posted by Dave
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Chuck Norris is in room 412
It's Wednesday night. Paw Paw is determined to stay fit (or at least avoid becoming any more out of shape). David showed him a great work out he can do from the hospital bed. He holds onto both hand rails with each of his hands, then does pull ups with his arms (3 or 4). I was so impressed with his grit. Any physical activity wears him out, so he then needs to rest for an hour or two. He has worked at sitting up in a chair for a while, coughing (which works his lungs AND helps clear anything in his lungs), and standing--some of his exercises. He's also been faithful about his input of clear liquids, though nothing tastes good.
The doctor's visit tonight told us that today's chest x-ray looked better than yesterday's, with less fluid. He was on clear liquids today, but the doctor is taking those away for a few days to let his organs do their work to relieve some firmness in his stomach, which was bloated yesterday but still soft. Today, it is still enlarged, but some areas are tight, not soft. They will do x-rays of his stomach tomorrow morning to see if they can determine what is causing his abdomenal enlargement. The chemotherapy should finish tomorrow night--hooray! I had thought we were then in a waiting game for him to regain his strength. While that is true, I had not realized that the effects of the chemo-therapy really kick in during he week following the therapy. That is when his hair will fall out (singular, in Dad's case--tee hee, humor moment)and when they will watch his organs very closely to make sure everything is functioning.
Paw Paw's main complaint today has been soreness in his back. Tylenol helps take the edge off of it. Massage has also given relief from the pain. Compared with earlier days this week, Dad has progressively been able to stay awake for longer amounts of time and do a few more things that require more energy--this is all relative, but it's been a pleasant surprise, since I was expecting him to digress each day. It seems to have taken a few days for his body to rid itself of the heavy pain meds he received when he arrived, as well as a few days for the anti-biotics to end the infection. His white blood cells continue to drop, which is what is supposed to happen. The doctor plans to do a bone marrow test on Monday or Tuesday, most likely Tuesday.
Thank you, everyone, for your prayers as our dad goes through this agonizing process. I appreciate that he is willing to do these hard things so that his family can have more time with him. He is an amazing father, grandfather, and father-in-law. I'm sure you can all add your own title to that list. He has a gift of making each of us feel special. He is somehow able to provide one-on-one time with each member of his family, and he uses that time to make lasting memories through simple things like working together on a project and talking about things. He is so Christ-like. He is honest, hard-working, faithful, and obedient; unselfishly serving others, and thereby serving his Heavenly Father and his Savior, Jesus Christ.
I have to head back to Indiana tomorrow. I am so thankful that I was able to come and spend some time with my dad and a small amount of time with many of the Fisher side of the family. I also appreciate the love and understanding of the Tenney side of my family. They are so supportive, and though I would have loved to see them--including Clint & Kelly and their new house that is so close to my parent's farm and Creighton & Brenda's new baby boy, it was so nice being able to spend most of my visit at the hospital. It's hard leaving, but I thank my siblings for letting me spend extra time with dad, and for always being there to help my parents 24/7, 365 days a year as needed. I am so thankful to have all of them as good friends.
Kathy
The doctor's visit tonight told us that today's chest x-ray looked better than yesterday's, with less fluid. He was on clear liquids today, but the doctor is taking those away for a few days to let his organs do their work to relieve some firmness in his stomach, which was bloated yesterday but still soft. Today, it is still enlarged, but some areas are tight, not soft. They will do x-rays of his stomach tomorrow morning to see if they can determine what is causing his abdomenal enlargement. The chemotherapy should finish tomorrow night--hooray! I had thought we were then in a waiting game for him to regain his strength. While that is true, I had not realized that the effects of the chemo-therapy really kick in during he week following the therapy. That is when his hair will fall out (singular, in Dad's case--tee hee, humor moment)and when they will watch his organs very closely to make sure everything is functioning.
Paw Paw's main complaint today has been soreness in his back. Tylenol helps take the edge off of it. Massage has also given relief from the pain. Compared with earlier days this week, Dad has progressively been able to stay awake for longer amounts of time and do a few more things that require more energy--this is all relative, but it's been a pleasant surprise, since I was expecting him to digress each day. It seems to have taken a few days for his body to rid itself of the heavy pain meds he received when he arrived, as well as a few days for the anti-biotics to end the infection. His white blood cells continue to drop, which is what is supposed to happen. The doctor plans to do a bone marrow test on Monday or Tuesday, most likely Tuesday.
Thank you, everyone, for your prayers as our dad goes through this agonizing process. I appreciate that he is willing to do these hard things so that his family can have more time with him. He is an amazing father, grandfather, and father-in-law. I'm sure you can all add your own title to that list. He has a gift of making each of us feel special. He is somehow able to provide one-on-one time with each member of his family, and he uses that time to make lasting memories through simple things like working together on a project and talking about things. He is so Christ-like. He is honest, hard-working, faithful, and obedient; unselfishly serving others, and thereby serving his Heavenly Father and his Savior, Jesus Christ.
I have to head back to Indiana tomorrow. I am so thankful that I was able to come and spend some time with my dad and a small amount of time with many of the Fisher side of the family. I also appreciate the love and understanding of the Tenney side of my family. They are so supportive, and though I would have loved to see them--including Clint & Kelly and their new house that is so close to my parent's farm and Creighton & Brenda's new baby boy, it was so nice being able to spend most of my visit at the hospital. It's hard leaving, but I thank my siblings for letting me spend extra time with dad, and for always being there to help my parents 24/7, 365 days a year as needed. I am so thankful to have all of them as good friends.
Kathy
Dad's humor
Just thought I would share some of Dad's humor during the move to room 412. The female nurses headed out of the former room with him and somewhere in transit to the new room, they bumped into a wall. Dad commented "Women Drivers." As they wheeled into the new room, they had picked up a male nurse along the way and Dad looked up to him and said "They have us outnumbered." Shortly there after he was back to his unrestful seeming sleep. When he has his eyes open he is awake and coherent, when they are closed he seems to be sleeping and talking and sometimes you can understand what he is saying, and sometime you can't, but it seems far from restful. Amy
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Tuesday Morning, December 29
Last night, Paw Paw talked to Emilee on the webcam David set up in the hospital room. It was fun seeing both Paw Paw and Emilee perk up as they talked to each other. Now we need to somehow get Loretta on the webcam. I was able to stay at the hospital last night. Mom was able to sleep at home and get a full night's rest, hopefully.
The doctor came in last night and spoke with us. Dad was alert and able to talk with him. The doctor said he really needed to get more fluids down and try to eat. He also said it was important to change his position a lot, like moving from the bed to the chair more often. Sheri and I were so impressed with Dad's drive to obey the doctor's orders. As soon as he left, Sheri brought in a variety of juices. He downed an apple juice, even though it didn't taste good to him.
This morning at 5:00 a.m., he told me he was ready to get going on things, noting we'd have to wait until they opened the breakfast place. At 6:00, he looked over the menu and requested shredded wheat. He ate most of it. When we talked to mom before she headed back to the hospital, I asked him if he needed anything. He said, "bring me my khakis, and a golf shirt so I can walk around this place and get my exercise." He is ready to do hard things. His drive and determination are inspiring.
He has a monitor on his pointer finger that has a red light on it. He asked the nurse if she could put it on his nose, which would be fitting for this Christmas Season. But I like it on his pointer finger--it's just like E.T. I'll post a photo of it when I have a chance.
Kathy
The doctor came in last night and spoke with us. Dad was alert and able to talk with him. The doctor said he really needed to get more fluids down and try to eat. He also said it was important to change his position a lot, like moving from the bed to the chair more often. Sheri and I were so impressed with Dad's drive to obey the doctor's orders. As soon as he left, Sheri brought in a variety of juices. He downed an apple juice, even though it didn't taste good to him.
This morning at 5:00 a.m., he told me he was ready to get going on things, noting we'd have to wait until they opened the breakfast place. At 6:00, he looked over the menu and requested shredded wheat. He ate most of it. When we talked to mom before she headed back to the hospital, I asked him if he needed anything. He said, "bring me my khakis, and a golf shirt so I can walk around this place and get my exercise." He is ready to do hard things. His drive and determination are inspiring.
He has a monitor on his pointer finger that has a red light on it. He asked the nurse if she could put it on his nose, which would be fitting for this Christmas Season. But I like it on his pointer finger--it's just like E.T. I'll post a photo of it when I have a chance.
Kathy
Monday, December 28, 2009
Moved to room 412
It's Monday evening. Paw Paw requested "Frosted Flakes with some sugar added" for lunch. He ate about half a bowl. He's sat in a chair three different times today. He's now wearing some bright yellow socks, which has given us something bright and colorful to comment on. Sitting is uncomfortable. The nurses didn't have a "donut" on this floor, but they did find a "waffle," which has been very helpful for him. Sheri found a "donut" at CVS, so he now has a soft sitting spot both on the bed and in the chair. He's sleeping a lot, but when he's awake, he doesn't feel pain, besides soreness in his back and his chest. He's been off pain meds since Christmas night. He walked around a bit today, which was encouraging, but it also took a lot of energy, so he rested for a long time after that. As this post stated, he is now in room 412 -- Kathy
Sunday Evening - December 27, 2009
I visited Mom and Dad Sunday evening along with David, Rachel and Jared. Dad was out most of the time, the lack of energy from the chemo is taking effect on him. He told me he was feeling sore, he was uncomfortable because his mouth was dry and his stomach or intestinal pain was coming back. He did not look comfortable. We prayed with him and gave him a blessing. He is a fighter and he's not giving in. We are hopeful that some additional meds can ease or eliminate the pain--Mike Fisher.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Mike's Email
Thursday, December 24, 2009
email from Mike
All,
This morning, Dr. Gupta (the Plano Oncologist Dad has been seeing for the last nine months) visited Dad and gave him an update, while Mom, Sheri and I were in the room. His bedside manner is just what one would hope for in this situation.
He has diagnosed Dad as moving from pre-Leukemia to acute Leukemia. He is recommending that Dad start today on a treatment regimen to attack this new diagnosis. His diagnosis is based on the increase in white-blood cell counts over the last 48 hours since Dad was admitted to the hospital. The cell count doubled from Wednesday to Thursday from about 42,000 to over 82,000 this morning. Dr. Gupta is optimistic that Dad will respond and he is anxious to get this started since the white blood counts are increasing so rapidly—waiting to start the treatment is not a good option.
The treatment he will begin today is “Induction Chemo” Therapy. This is the same treatment that has been in use for the last 20 years. Treatment will begin later today with one medicine for 3 days and then the follow on medicine for the next 7 days.
The goal of this treatment is to kill off the leukemia and bring Dad into remission. They will do another bone marrow test (about 10-12 days from now) at the end of the regiment to measure the success of the Induction Chemo Therapy.
At that point their hope is that all the cancer cells have been destroyed or that a small percentage of cells exist and can be destroyed over some further treatments. For the next 18-20 days, Dad will have very low white blood cell counts and great risk of infection. Dr. Gupta has cautioned that we wash and use mask when visiting to reduce the risk of germs to Dad but the greater risk is infections from within the body—things that the while blood cells would normally fight off but can’t because of the chemo. During the chemo treatment they will give Dad antibiotics and platelet and other infusions to help him to fight off infections.
One concern is that generally patients coming out of Pre-Leukemia, as Dad has been diagnosed, do not respond to the Chemo, so they will monitor closely the results after the 3/7 treatment. If Dad does respond to the treatment, then he will go home in 25-26 days.
So where are we? We have a long hospital stay ahead of us and lots of coordinating to do. Dad is feeling better and we talked last night for 2-4 hours off and on. He was coherent and very thoughtful, talking over politics, memories and corporate experiences with the EPA and other government negotiations he led at Campbell Taggart. Stories I’ve never heard and maybe only I could understand since I did work in the bakery in college. Anyway, we are moving forward.
Today they are installing a pick line so they can administer the chemo medicines and doing a heart “echo” scan right now for a baseline to measure the possible side effects of the chemo medicines on the cardio system. They will be moving Dad to another room shortly, so the new room will be on the 4th floor.
Dr. Gupta will be in charge of all the treatment and coordinating with the colon specialist and the infectious disease specials and stay in contact with Mom and Dad and all hospital operations.
And Mom will be here also.
Updates coming regularly.
Mike ( with Mom’s critique)
email from Mike
All,
This morning, Dr. Gupta (the Plano Oncologist Dad has been seeing for the last nine months) visited Dad and gave him an update, while Mom, Sheri and I were in the room. His bedside manner is just what one would hope for in this situation.
He has diagnosed Dad as moving from pre-Leukemia to acute Leukemia. He is recommending that Dad start today on a treatment regimen to attack this new diagnosis. His diagnosis is based on the increase in white-blood cell counts over the last 48 hours since Dad was admitted to the hospital. The cell count doubled from Wednesday to Thursday from about 42,000 to over 82,000 this morning. Dr. Gupta is optimistic that Dad will respond and he is anxious to get this started since the white blood counts are increasing so rapidly—waiting to start the treatment is not a good option.
The treatment he will begin today is “Induction Chemo” Therapy. This is the same treatment that has been in use for the last 20 years. Treatment will begin later today with one medicine for 3 days and then the follow on medicine for the next 7 days.
The goal of this treatment is to kill off the leukemia and bring Dad into remission. They will do another bone marrow test (about 10-12 days from now) at the end of the regiment to measure the success of the Induction Chemo Therapy.
At that point their hope is that all the cancer cells have been destroyed or that a small percentage of cells exist and can be destroyed over some further treatments. For the next 18-20 days, Dad will have very low white blood cell counts and great risk of infection. Dr. Gupta has cautioned that we wash and use mask when visiting to reduce the risk of germs to Dad but the greater risk is infections from within the body—things that the while blood cells would normally fight off but can’t because of the chemo. During the chemo treatment they will give Dad antibiotics and platelet and other infusions to help him to fight off infections.
One concern is that generally patients coming out of Pre-Leukemia, as Dad has been diagnosed, do not respond to the Chemo, so they will monitor closely the results after the 3/7 treatment. If Dad does respond to the treatment, then he will go home in 25-26 days.
So where are we? We have a long hospital stay ahead of us and lots of coordinating to do. Dad is feeling better and we talked last night for 2-4 hours off and on. He was coherent and very thoughtful, talking over politics, memories and corporate experiences with the EPA and other government negotiations he led at Campbell Taggart. Stories I’ve never heard and maybe only I could understand since I did work in the bakery in college. Anyway, we are moving forward.
Today they are installing a pick line so they can administer the chemo medicines and doing a heart “echo” scan right now for a baseline to measure the possible side effects of the chemo medicines on the cardio system. They will be moving Dad to another room shortly, so the new room will be on the 4th floor.
Dr. Gupta will be in charge of all the treatment and coordinating with the colon specialist and the infectious disease specials and stay in contact with Mom and Dad and all hospital operations.
And Mom will be here also.
Updates coming regularly.
Mike ( with Mom’s critique)
Sunday afternoon
Dad's been awake for a couple of hours and been talkative. He sent an email to take care of some church work (he was asked to be in charge of the Friends of Scouting campaign next month and has decided he may not be able to do that assignment-(that's progress, we didn't even have to twist his arm!) So for those of you involved in scouting, make a donation so that Dad will feel like he was still able to help! A couple of the doctors have been in and he's doing well. He's completely off of his pain medication and seems to be doing fine without it. He hasn't eaten very much today but enjoyed a few nuts and some ice water. We've ordered some oatmeal and peanut butter (always good eating!) as well as a regular dinner so we're hoping something will taste good to him. He can look out the window of his room and commented that the sun was going down so I think that he is now able to keep track of time better than he has been the last few days (and he cares which is always a good sign!). Laurie
Getting up to speed
Perry Fisher (aka Paw Paw) is fighting acute leukemia. He was admitted to the Medical Center of Plano on Tuesday, December 22nd. He is currently receiving chemotherapy and since the therapy kills off his white blood cells, he is very susceptible to infection. He is limited to two people in the room at all times, and the doctors have requested that his contact be kept to a small number of family members. We deeply appreciate the prayers and words of encouragement. The hospital has computer access, so Perry and Bobbye will be able to read any messages posted to this site. We've started this blog to make it easy for people to keep track of his updates. Kathy
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