UPDATE ON Linda's Jim

linda1120
linda1120 Member Posts: 389
edited March 2014 in Esophageal Cancer #1
Well, this roller coaster ride just keeps on moving! Yesterday was a very tough day for Jim, but in the late afternoon he got the respirator out and had to cough up gunk for hours. It was excrutiating for him with those chest drains in. He was a real trooper and definitely is a fighter. The doctor explained to me that of course Jim's old smoking days have an impact on his lungs, but what caused the setback was that he was unable to have a epidural due to it causing his heart to go into extreme a-fib and high blood pressure and high heart rate. They were only able to give him some pain meds that wouldn't create even more stress on his heart. If you have a epidural you are able to cough and keep the lungs clear, Jim couldn't and it built up. Jim wasn't pushing the button for morphine and his breathing became very shallow to deal with the pain and the carbon monoxide built up and he was unable to breathe on his own. They were very concerned about pneumonia as well. He accidentally pulled his ng tube out last night and is doing okay without it. They removed his neck drain and he looks so much better today. They are keeping him in ICU today due to his paranoid behavior. He knows everyone, but thinks the nurses and doctors are playing games with him and have a conspiracy! He truly believes this and was angry with me when I questioned him and tried to reason with him. My daughter and I played along with it and finally convinced him to go to sleep after he exhausted us. The doctors think that the anesthesia and meds may be causing this and it will take care of itself. I know when I was on Oxycontin for my last huge surgery a year ago I hallucinated and truly believed and tried to convince Jim, so I am trying to remember that. He was quite entertaining, other than it concerned me. He did turn a bit nasty toward the end of the day. Has anyone experienced this? I am hoping he will wake up normal tomorrow. He is supposed to be moving to a regular room which will be helpful.

Please pray that Jim get's back to his normal wonderful self. Tonight he had the nurse call me because he said some things that were hurtful. We talked and he apologized. I of course told him I understood and this too will pass. He became extremely emotional and I am going to plan on staying in his room tomorrow night. They have built in beds for the caregivers in the rooms. This journey is triggering so many painful memories of the cancer and resulting eight huge surgeries I have had over the last twelve years. Jim has always been my rock and I will be his. He teasingly calls me "Sarg," but of course reminds me he is the general. Well, I have news for him, Sarg is going to be in charge for a while! :-)

Thanks friends for listening, praying, and understanding. I look forward to hearing from any others that have dealt with the "mental issues."

Linda

This was written last night and Jim is now in a beautiful private room overlooking the Willamette River in Portland, Or. We can see Mt Hood from his window. When they brought him in his room he sat in the chair and just stared at the view with tears for a very long time. Cancer really can impact your life and I pray that this experience will strengthen our marriage even more. I am here in the hospital as I write this. I have a wonderful built in bed in his room. This wing of the hospital is only 2 years old and they have thought of everything. They have a washer and dryer families can use, and a shower they provide for the families. Guess what I will be doing tomorrow, you guessed it, laundry!

Jim is up and walking with a walker, has all tubes out other than one of the two chest tubes. His pain is manageable, his heart is out of a-fib, and things are looking great. We are now just waiting for the pathology reports. I do want to add that Jim's paranoia has completely gone away. He does remember saying some things to me and is very remorseful. I understand what pain and cancer can create. All is forgiven. What a difference a few days can make. I do know that there have been prayers all over the U.S. and God isn't ready for us to lose Jim yet. He certainly has beat the odds so far. We are so grateful to be at a high volume cancer center that specializes in esophageal cancer, especially with the MIE. One of Jim's surgeons told me with his heart condition he would not have survived the Ivor-Lewis that was planned for him at home. It is inconvenient, but it is HIS LIFE! Thank you Precious Lord Jesus~! and all of you on this great site~especially the Marshall's and Sherri!

Thank you for your prayers and kind comments during these trying times. William and Loretta, I appreciate you being the catalyst to getting the news to this great group and getting more prayer going.

Off to bed for me!

Linda
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Comments

  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,391 Member
    Great News!!!
    Linda,

    Great to hear that Jim is doing better!!! Now, the wait for the results of the anastomosis leak test and the pathology.

    I will bet that Jim really wants something to drink by now. When I was waiting for the five days before I could have my leak test they at least allowed my to have a glass of water and some swabs that I could use to wet my mouth. They told me if they caught me drinking no more swabs. Once I got the positive results from the anastomosis leak test they let me have a popsicle. It really tasted great after so long without anything to drink!!!!

    Now that Jim is doing better I hope you are taking some time to rest. I am sure the past few days have been exhausting for both of you.

    I will continue to pray for good news and continued recovery.

    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams
    McCormick, South Carolina

    DX 10/22/2009 T2N1M0 Stage IIB
    12/03/2009 Ivor Lewis
    2/8 through 6/14/2010 Adjuvant Chemo Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
    6/21/2010 CT Scan NED

    Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!
  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
    I was the patient. I also
    I was the patient. I also thought that everyone was trying to deprogram me, through the tv. I wouldn't let them turn it off, because I wanted it to work. I also thught my husband was conspiring with them. This went on for several days. When my husband would leave the room, I would accuse him of leaving me so that they could do things to me.. I had the ivor lewis and spent 13 days in the hosipital. My husband never left but to eat, but I was so hateful to him. He did everything for me ,but I accused him of neglecting me. It was all so real-no one could convince me otherwise, so they just patiently put up with me. It really bothers me that I could have been so mean to my husband.He was going through every step of my cancer with me and still is. We will be married 49 yrs. in Feb. and has always been my rock.
    Praying for Jim's continued recovery,

    sandra
  • sal314
    sal314 Member Posts: 599 Member
    Wonderful News!
    God is so good! Will continue to pray for the two of you! :)


    Blessings,
    Sally
  • This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • Donna70
    Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    this news is wonderful
    Thanks for the update Linda and so glad things are going so well for Jim. It is truly amazing how bad he was and how he is now!!! Glad his mood and paranoia have gone away. It is so stressful after surgery and all the meds they give you people all react differently. Prayers will continue. take care,
    Donna70
  • MRapp226
    MRapp226 Member Posts: 44
    Good news
    Hi Linda! You were not kidding about the roller coaster ride!! It sounds like things are progressing in the right direction. I am soooo sooo HAPPY to hear the latest news.

    Please continue to keep us updated.

    Take care and best wishes,
    Melissa
  • unclaw2002
    unclaw2002 Member Posts: 599
    Linda,
    It is wonderful news

    Linda,

    It is wonderful news about Jim and nice to know that they are taking good care of you as well. I can't tell you how thankful I am that you left the comfort of your home to get Jim the best care possible and an MIE. As you said it would have been easy to stay home and not travel but it looks like you two made the best decision possible.

    With this monster it is so important to get the "best care", wherever that is and not think that if the care is "good enough" then it is better to stay close to home. You two are a shining example of how important it is to get the "best care" and not settle for "good enough".

    I will keep you in my prayers and look forward to your next update.

    Hugs,
    Cindy
  • linda1120
    linda1120 Member Posts: 389

    Linda,
    It is wonderful news

    Linda,

    It is wonderful news about Jim and nice to know that they are taking good care of you as well. I can't tell you how thankful I am that you left the comfort of your home to get Jim the best care possible and an MIE. As you said it would have been easy to stay home and not travel but it looks like you two made the best decision possible.

    With this monster it is so important to get the "best care", wherever that is and not think that if the care is "good enough" then it is better to stay close to home. You two are a shining example of how important it is to get the "best care" and not settle for "good enough".

    I will keep you in my prayers and look forward to your next update.

    Hugs,
    Cindy

    NO CANCER!
    Dear EC friends,

    Jim called me this evening and all of the biopsies came back CANCER FREE!
    Jim had his second chest tube taken out, so he is tube free. He is walking with a walker and nurse, being fed through his feeding tube, able to swish water and suction it out, passed the "sip" test this morning, and has the swallow study tomorrow. They are talking about letting him out of the hospital in a day or two! They may send him to a rehab, not sure yet. We are both so grateful to God that our prayers have been answered.

    Thank you again for all of your prayers, and thanks for sharing your stories of "odd" behavior! My daughter informed me last year when I spent 6 1/2 wks in the hospital and I hallucinated on oxycontin for weeks. I guess it is pretty normal, but frightening when you see your loved one going through it.

    Linda
  • cjmac49
    cjmac49 Member Posts: 100
    linda1120 said:

    NO CANCER!
    Dear EC friends,

    Jim called me this evening and all of the biopsies came back CANCER FREE!
    Jim had his second chest tube taken out, so he is tube free. He is walking with a walker and nurse, being fed through his feeding tube, able to swish water and suction it out, passed the "sip" test this morning, and has the swallow study tomorrow. They are talking about letting him out of the hospital in a day or two! They may send him to a rehab, not sure yet. We are both so grateful to God that our prayers have been answered.

    Thank you again for all of your prayers, and thanks for sharing your stories of "odd" behavior! My daughter informed me last year when I spent 6 1/2 wks in the hospital and I hallucinated on oxycontin for weeks. I guess it is pretty normal, but frightening when you see your loved one going through it.

    Linda

    This is even better news
    Keep it going.
  • DanaMB3
    DanaMB3 Member Posts: 98
    linda1120 said:

    NO CANCER!
    Dear EC friends,

    Jim called me this evening and all of the biopsies came back CANCER FREE!
    Jim had his second chest tube taken out, so he is tube free. He is walking with a walker and nurse, being fed through his feeding tube, able to swish water and suction it out, passed the "sip" test this morning, and has the swallow study tomorrow. They are talking about letting him out of the hospital in a day or two! They may send him to a rehab, not sure yet. We are both so grateful to God that our prayers have been answered.

    Thank you again for all of your prayers, and thanks for sharing your stories of "odd" behavior! My daughter informed me last year when I spent 6 1/2 wks in the hospital and I hallucinated on oxycontin for weeks. I guess it is pretty normal, but frightening when you see your loved one going through it.

    Linda

    Wonderful news. I needed
    Wonderful news. I needed some encouraging news today, thank you - and enjoy this day!
  • nancyann3
    nancyann3 Member Posts: 173 Member
    linda1120 said:

    NO CANCER!
    Dear EC friends,

    Jim called me this evening and all of the biopsies came back CANCER FREE!
    Jim had his second chest tube taken out, so he is tube free. He is walking with a walker and nurse, being fed through his feeding tube, able to swish water and suction it out, passed the "sip" test this morning, and has the swallow study tomorrow. They are talking about letting him out of the hospital in a day or two! They may send him to a rehab, not sure yet. We are both so grateful to God that our prayers have been answered.

    Thank you again for all of your prayers, and thanks for sharing your stories of "odd" behavior! My daughter informed me last year when I spent 6 1/2 wks in the hospital and I hallucinated on oxycontin for weeks. I guess it is pretty normal, but frightening when you see your loved one going through it.

    Linda

    What wonderful news!
    So good to hear your news. I hope thing keep going this way for you both.

    Take care.
  • unclaw2002
    unclaw2002 Member Posts: 599
    linda1120 said:

    NO CANCER!
    Dear EC friends,

    Jim called me this evening and all of the biopsies came back CANCER FREE!
    Jim had his second chest tube taken out, so he is tube free. He is walking with a walker and nurse, being fed through his feeding tube, able to swish water and suction it out, passed the "sip" test this morning, and has the swallow study tomorrow. They are talking about letting him out of the hospital in a day or two! They may send him to a rehab, not sure yet. We are both so grateful to God that our prayers have been answered.

    Thank you again for all of your prayers, and thanks for sharing your stories of "odd" behavior! My daughter informed me last year when I spent 6 1/2 wks in the hospital and I hallucinated on oxycontin for weeks. I guess it is pretty normal, but frightening when you see your loved one going through it.

    Linda

    How wonderful. What a
    How wonderful. What a blessing and gift --- no better way to start off 2011.
  • K_ann1015
    K_ann1015 Member Posts: 500
    linda1120 said:

    NO CANCER!
    Dear EC friends,

    Jim called me this evening and all of the biopsies came back CANCER FREE!
    Jim had his second chest tube taken out, so he is tube free. He is walking with a walker and nurse, being fed through his feeding tube, able to swish water and suction it out, passed the "sip" test this morning, and has the swallow study tomorrow. They are talking about letting him out of the hospital in a day or two! They may send him to a rehab, not sure yet. We are both so grateful to God that our prayers have been answered.

    Thank you again for all of your prayers, and thanks for sharing your stories of "odd" behavior! My daughter informed me last year when I spent 6 1/2 wks in the hospital and I hallucinated on oxycontin for weeks. I guess it is pretty normal, but frightening when you see your loved one going through it.

    Linda

    This deserves a prayer of thanks & great WOOO HOOOO!
    Linda,

    I have to say--I can feel the anxiety (first post) that I felt 1 year ago when I read your post!!! And now I can literally FEEL that step of relief! SOOOO glad for the good news! Hang in there---know that so many read posts here even if they don't post a reply---you are right the prayers are surrounding you & Jim!
    Kim
  • mrsbotch
    mrsbotch Member Posts: 349
    K_ann1015 said:

    This deserves a prayer of thanks & great WOOO HOOOO!
    Linda,

    I have to say--I can feel the anxiety (first post) that I felt 1 year ago when I read your post!!! And now I can literally FEEL that step of relief! SOOOO glad for the good news! Hang in there---know that so many read posts here even if they don't post a reply---you are right the prayers are surrounding you & Jim!
    Kim

    miracle
    You and Jim have just been delivered a miracle. Go with it and run. Maybe just maybe your rollercoast ride is over with.



    Barb
  • Boston67
    Boston67 Member Posts: 61
    linda1120 said:

    NO CANCER!
    Dear EC friends,

    Jim called me this evening and all of the biopsies came back CANCER FREE!
    Jim had his second chest tube taken out, so he is tube free. He is walking with a walker and nurse, being fed through his feeding tube, able to swish water and suction it out, passed the "sip" test this morning, and has the swallow study tomorrow. They are talking about letting him out of the hospital in a day or two! They may send him to a rehab, not sure yet. We are both so grateful to God that our prayers have been answered.

    Thank you again for all of your prayers, and thanks for sharing your stories of "odd" behavior! My daughter informed me last year when I spent 6 1/2 wks in the hospital and I hallucinated on oxycontin for weeks. I guess it is pretty normal, but frightening when you see your loved one going through it.

    Linda

    Happy for your good news
    Hi Linda,

    I am very happy for your good news.

    Keith
  • Tina Blondek
    Tina Blondek Member Posts: 1,500 Member
    Congratulations
    Hello Linda and Jim
    So glad to hear your good news! The private room reminds me of my dad and mom. As soon as dad got to that private room, he did a complete turn around. It makes a huge difference. We were at UVA, and they had a built in bed for mom, it was a newer wing, and was very quiet. I will be praying for you both to have the strength and determination you will need to continue. Keep us up to date. Hugs to you both. Just read your 1/12 update...hooray! More wonderful news! Praise the Lord. I agree with Jim going to rehab, it will help him tremendously. My dad too had terrible hallucinations while being on morphine for his pain. Enjoy and rejoice!
    Tina in Va
  • linda1120
    linda1120 Member Posts: 389
    linda1120 said:

    NO CANCER!
    Dear EC friends,

    Jim called me this evening and all of the biopsies came back CANCER FREE!
    Jim had his second chest tube taken out, so he is tube free. He is walking with a walker and nurse, being fed through his feeding tube, able to swish water and suction it out, passed the "sip" test this morning, and has the swallow study tomorrow. They are talking about letting him out of the hospital in a day or two! They may send him to a rehab, not sure yet. We are both so grateful to God that our prayers have been answered.

    Thank you again for all of your prayers, and thanks for sharing your stories of "odd" behavior! My daughter informed me last year when I spent 6 1/2 wks in the hospital and I hallucinated on oxycontin for weeks. I guess it is pretty normal, but frightening when you see your loved one going through it.

    Linda

    Jim coming "home" today! YIPPEE!
    Today is a very exciting day to be sure. Jim is coming home with me to the hotel. The doctors believe he is ready to be with family over a nursing care facility. I am so thrilled to be able to take care of him and give him the quiet he is so looking forward to!
    One thing I know for sure is he won't miss the incessant beeping and continual interruptions that are the necessary evils of staying in a hospital. The doctors are so pleased with Jim's progress. The MIE definitely makes the recovery easier.

    I will get my lessons on his feeding tube and we will be ready to get on with our lives. We are so grateful to a wonderful team of surgeons and the caring staff at OHSU. They are definitely a cutting edge teaching hospital. We will be staying in the hotel near Portland
    for a week in order to be close to the doctors. Our plans are to fly home on the 21st.

    Jim is still using a walker, but knowing him he will be on his own in no time. We are so grateful to God for his cancer free diagnosis. We talked about the lessons we have learned through this experience. The biggest one is to not take one another for granted, to know every moment of life is precious, because your life can change in a heartbeat. Our love for one another has become stronger, and when those "testy" moments arrive, like they always do when two people live together, we just have to let them go and love one another. Sherri and Jim's experience has been such a eye opener for Jim and I. God has given them the Grace to grow even closer and live with such openness and honesty while dealing with death. What a lesson for us all.

    Well, I am off to get ready for my ride to the hospital. I can't wait to give that man of mine a kiss.

    Linda
  • sal314
    sal314 Member Posts: 599 Member
    linda1120 said:

    Jim coming "home" today! YIPPEE!
    Today is a very exciting day to be sure. Jim is coming home with me to the hotel. The doctors believe he is ready to be with family over a nursing care facility. I am so thrilled to be able to take care of him and give him the quiet he is so looking forward to!
    One thing I know for sure is he won't miss the incessant beeping and continual interruptions that are the necessary evils of staying in a hospital. The doctors are so pleased with Jim's progress. The MIE definitely makes the recovery easier.

    I will get my lessons on his feeding tube and we will be ready to get on with our lives. We are so grateful to a wonderful team of surgeons and the caring staff at OHSU. They are definitely a cutting edge teaching hospital. We will be staying in the hotel near Portland
    for a week in order to be close to the doctors. Our plans are to fly home on the 21st.

    Jim is still using a walker, but knowing him he will be on his own in no time. We are so grateful to God for his cancer free diagnosis. We talked about the lessons we have learned through this experience. The biggest one is to not take one another for granted, to know every moment of life is precious, because your life can change in a heartbeat. Our love for one another has become stronger, and when those "testy" moments arrive, like they always do when two people live together, we just have to let them go and love one another. Sherri and Jim's experience has been such a eye opener for Jim and I. God has given them the Grace to grow even closer and live with such openness and honesty while dealing with death. What a lesson for us all.

    Well, I am off to get ready for my ride to the hospital. I can't wait to give that man of mine a kiss.

    Linda

    What Great News!
    So happy for both of you! I'm sure Jim will be more than happy to say bye-bye to the hospital! I don't know anyone who can truly get a good nights sleep in one! I think it can cause people to go a little nuts actually!

    I'll continue to pray for Jim's recovery and that he continues to get stronger and feel better every day!

    Blessings,
    Sally
  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,391 Member
    linda1120 said:

    Jim coming "home" today! YIPPEE!
    Today is a very exciting day to be sure. Jim is coming home with me to the hotel. The doctors believe he is ready to be with family over a nursing care facility. I am so thrilled to be able to take care of him and give him the quiet he is so looking forward to!
    One thing I know for sure is he won't miss the incessant beeping and continual interruptions that are the necessary evils of staying in a hospital. The doctors are so pleased with Jim's progress. The MIE definitely makes the recovery easier.

    I will get my lessons on his feeding tube and we will be ready to get on with our lives. We are so grateful to a wonderful team of surgeons and the caring staff at OHSU. They are definitely a cutting edge teaching hospital. We will be staying in the hotel near Portland
    for a week in order to be close to the doctors. Our plans are to fly home on the 21st.

    Jim is still using a walker, but knowing him he will be on his own in no time. We are so grateful to God for his cancer free diagnosis. We talked about the lessons we have learned through this experience. The biggest one is to not take one another for granted, to know every moment of life is precious, because your life can change in a heartbeat. Our love for one another has become stronger, and when those "testy" moments arrive, like they always do when two people live together, we just have to let them go and love one another. Sherri and Jim's experience has been such a eye opener for Jim and I. God has given them the Grace to grow even closer and live with such openness and honesty while dealing with death. What a lesson for us all.

    Well, I am off to get ready for my ride to the hospital. I can't wait to give that man of mine a kiss.

    Linda

    Great News!!!
    Linda,

    So great to hear that things are going well for Jim!!!! I am sure that having quiet and the ability to have you with him will make Jim feel much better. I know you are both probably anxious to get home but staying there an additional week is the prudent thing to do “just in case”.

    I so happy to hear things are moving along so quickly!!!!

    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams
    McCormick, South Carolina

    DX 10/22/2009 T2N1M0 Stage IIB
    12/03/2009 Ivor Lewis
    2/8 through 6/14/2010 Adjuvant Chemo Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
    6/21/2010 CT Scan NED

    Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!
  • linda1120 said:

    Jim coming "home" today! YIPPEE!
    Today is a very exciting day to be sure. Jim is coming home with me to the hotel. The doctors believe he is ready to be with family over a nursing care facility. I am so thrilled to be able to take care of him and give him the quiet he is so looking forward to!
    One thing I know for sure is he won't miss the incessant beeping and continual interruptions that are the necessary evils of staying in a hospital. The doctors are so pleased with Jim's progress. The MIE definitely makes the recovery easier.

    I will get my lessons on his feeding tube and we will be ready to get on with our lives. We are so grateful to a wonderful team of surgeons and the caring staff at OHSU. They are definitely a cutting edge teaching hospital. We will be staying in the hotel near Portland
    for a week in order to be close to the doctors. Our plans are to fly home on the 21st.

    Jim is still using a walker, but knowing him he will be on his own in no time. We are so grateful to God for his cancer free diagnosis. We talked about the lessons we have learned through this experience. The biggest one is to not take one another for granted, to know every moment of life is precious, because your life can change in a heartbeat. Our love for one another has become stronger, and when those "testy" moments arrive, like they always do when two people live together, we just have to let them go and love one another. Sherri and Jim's experience has been such a eye opener for Jim and I. God has given them the Grace to grow even closer and live with such openness and honesty while dealing with death. What a lesson for us all.

    Well, I am off to get ready for my ride to the hospital. I can't wait to give that man of mine a kiss.

    Linda

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator