Chemoembolization #2 Completed

Deb successfully completed the second of the two scheduled chemo embos at Northside yesterday around 3pm est. This treatment was for her left liver lobe only. It was moved up a day since they do not like to do the treatments on Fridays. There was initial concern proceeding with this treatment due to the following reasons. First, Deb’s pre-treatment lab tests indicated both her hematocrit (31.2 L) and hemoglobin (9.7 L) blood levels low. Second, Deb’s alertness level was below her baseline a was a little “foggy” including slight memory loss. Doctor Levy indicated these were some of symptoms common to what is called hepatic encephalopathy and typical for liver cancer patients. After further testing was completed including pneumonia test, Dr. Levy concluded that Deb’s liver was functioning well enough to proceed with the treatment around 1pm est.

There were no complications with the treatment and all went as planned. During the treatment, Dr. Levy indicated that he estimated approximately 90% of tumor in right liver lobe from first treatment to be dead due to lack of blood flow which is very positive as to how well the first treatment worked. He did say that he did confirm new growth in Deb’s left liver lobe since first treatment. There was only a small accident with Deb when first brought to her recovery room. She tried to get out of bed by herself soon after being moved to her recovery room. Unfortunately, she slipped and hit her cheek, lip, and small bruise on upper chest. Everyone on the floor was freaking as you can imagine a patient just getting out of surgery. Fortunately, Deb was fine and even had a pre-cautionary xray of chest to be sure.

From lessons learned after first treatment, we discussed performing a post recovery lab test to check Deb’s blood levels. As a result, the test taken first thing this morning confirmed Deb’s blood level continued to drop more (HGB 7.5L, HCT 25.5L) before the treatment and blood transfusion required (2 units). At 7pm est tonight, the second unit of blood has just been completed and means we get to go home soon. Just need to do one more lab test to be sure all levels are back to normal. 9pm blood results are much better (HGB 10.6, HCT 33.9) and our ticket outta here!

It has been a long two days at Northside but Deb really did great and everyone on staff were wonderful as usual. Deb is very tired and rightfully so. As always, I am so proud of well she made it thru this treatment and now she is ready to go home to do some much deserved nesting.

Thank you again to the wonderful Keheley school family for the Thanksgiving dinner and as always the neighborhood dinners during the holidays. Your love and generosity is so heartfelt to our family and especially Deb.


More love, prayers, and good vibes coming to Deb’s sister Susan in prep for her Pancreatectomy next Monday @ Mayo. More about Susan’s journey.

KTS and love to all!

God only knows what I would be without you
Beach Boys

Happy 19th Anniversary!

November 19th, 1989, Waimea Falls, Oahu

Your beauty and our love is as strong as the day we met. I will never forget that magical day on the North Shore. You bring me true joy.

This playlist of songs below have been selected especially for you and express in so many wonderful ways my love for you. They also represent just some of the many incredible memories of our last 19 years together.

Our companionship and journey together is beautiful!

I love you dearly and always,

Rod

Chemo Embo Treatment Round Two Scheduled for 12.05.08

It has been over 5 weeks since Deb’s first (1 of 2) chemoembolization treatments and she has now recovered enough with her strength and weight to plan second chemo embo of left liver lobe at Northside. We are targeting the second treatment right after Thanksgiving. This will give Deb a little more time to gain additional weight and strength. To help with weight gain, Deb has been taking Megestrol for the last week which is used to help cancer patients gain weight. Thanks for the head’s up on this medicine Barb R. ! Medicine works great and love sending brownies up to Deb for her after dinner cravings.

We met with Dr. Yaffe today and he agreed with our treatment plan. Dr. Yaffe also indicated Deb’s last liver biopsy at end of October appears to confirm lesions found on Deb’s left liver lobe were low grade consistent to right liver lobe.

As far as the Parathyroid Gland surgery, Dr. Yaffe agreed that it makes sense to wait till completion of the second chemo embo treatment/post recovery. We will have ongoing lab tests during this time to monitor her calcium level to be sure it is not spiking. In addition, Deb will take a weekly fasomax tablet that will help keep her calcium level low as well as maintain bone strength.

Overall, Deb is currently maintaining very well with full awareness. Energy level continues to improve every day. Mostly on weekends, she has been getting great exercise rebuilding strength in her legs for short spurts during our walks around the lake. Enjoyed our wonderful weekend with you Connie, Susan, and Ellen!

Thank you again to all for the absolute wonderful dinners that have kept Deb and us going strong. Sleep well my princess.

Happy Thanksgiving, KTS and love to all,

Rod

A love like ours could never die….
Beatles

Family Thank You

It is time again to send a special thank you to all of you for the endless support to Deb and our family.

KTS and love to all!

Rod, Deb, Taylor and Tommy

To play, click on the image to the left or click this link below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GMXmJfwA7o

Could not have said it any better. Love you and thank you Tommy!

3 Pints Too Low

Took Deb in to get her lab tests on Tuesday as a result of reporting to Dr. Yaffe that she has been very tired, pale, incoherent, and increase in confusion for last several days after chemoembolization treatment a week ago. I came home early from work today because her voice sounded very shaky on the phone.

As I began reviewing the results of her tests online Tuesday night, I noticed calcium level was normal at 9.3 which blew my theory as to thinking her calcium level was high and was related to the symptons she has been experiencing. At the same time, I received a call from nurse indicating her Hematocrit was low (22.4, Standard Range=37.0-47.0%) and so was Hemoglobin (HGB) at 7.3 (Standard range=12.0-16.0 g/dl). She also said that Dr. Yaffe will be calling first thing in the morning with instructions on taking her in for blood transfusion. It is such a welcome relief when there is a break thru understanding of root cause of Deb’s symptons and explains everything. I just hate that Deb went almost an entire week before diagnosed.

We have been at Northside hospital since noon today and first pint was not ready until 530pm. Had to keep poor Deb awake in the Infusion center the whole time and know it was miserable since she has not been awake for 5 hours during the day for quite some time. Before then, they wanted to send us home on one pint and come back tomorrow for remaining 2 pints. I am learning from friends fast. I just told them was not an option to come back in her current state tomorrow and that I was just going to check Deb in the ER downstairs to get the other 2 pints as soon as they finish the first pint. That approach was successful and Infusion center supervisor even felt so bad that she helped me expedite admitting Deb. Thank you Lynn!

When they finally got the first pint going, the supervisor personally escorted Deb into her private room so she could lie down and rest during the remaining transfusion which made all the difference.
At 10pm, just finished the second pint (A Positive) now (1.5-2hrs per pint) and sitting here watching the last remaining pint go effortlessly into Deb’s body. Deb is resting well and color looks much better. Last pint should be done by midnight so we can go home and Deb can return to her much loved nest.

I am hoping she will be a new woman tomorrow morning as result of this transfusion tonight and return her back to her normal quality of life.

KTS and love to all,
Rod

Our love just keeps on growing...
James Taylor

KTS Mom :)

Mom,
We are all thinking about you today and sending much needed strength especially to you. Special prayers for you to have a successful and pain free back surgery.

Keep the strength and love from all of your family.

Chemo Embo Treatment #1 Completed

Deb’s chemoembolization was completed successfully with no complications by Dr. Levy @ Northside Tuesday around 1230pm. Deb was very strong during and after the treatment with most noticeable post side effect was additional pain. We were warned ahead of time about the pain since the treatment reduces blood flow to the liver tumor via synthetic particle beads inserted into the arteries leading to the liver. Worked with the doctor and RN specialist this time before the treatment to try lower grade pain medicine Oxycodone and morphine as needed if pain is unbearable. The results in recovery room were much better in that Deb did not experience all the extra side effects of taking just morphine. As a result, she was discharged early afternoon today.

Thank you Connie for spending weekend with us, getting Deb ready for the treatment, and teaching me about the pain medicine spectrum which made all the difference working with the doctors.

Overall, Deb really did well with this treatment and I am so proud of how strong she continues to be thru this journey. It is never comforting to have a poison in your body but it has been very comforting today to know that the chemo poison is at work attacking the liver tumor as we speak. Deb is resting well tonight and pain level has been controllable with Oxycodone pain med with 3 hour morphine med as a standby if necessary for immediate relief. We have been able to stay ahead of most side effects with all of her medicines and keep her awareness level high.

For a second time, Northside doctors/staff have taken great care of Deb during her first treatment/recovery and just want to say a heartfelt thank you to all!

Special thank you to Barb for staying with Deb and I know she will enjoy spending time with her good friend.

Sleep peacefully and pain free tonight in your nest Deb. I love you...

KTS and love to all,
Rod

Thank you Tori and we love your beautiful picture :)

Stay strong Mom. Know that we love you and are sending strength to you for your planned surgery.

Baby you're everything I've ever dreamed of….
Chicago