Off to the hospital I go

I'm being admitted to the palliative care unit today to spend few days analyzing everything and trying to stabilize me.

See ya when I get back!

Lee
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Comments

  • chemosmoker
    chemosmoker Member Posts: 501
    Thinking of you ....
    We will be praying for you, and watching to see what Chantal updates us with. Hang in there buddy we are ALL pulling for you and I sure hope they find the cause of lots of these issues, finally!

    God bless and be thinking about you!

    -Eric
  • Wpturner05
    Wpturner05 Member Posts: 114
    Praying as hard as we
    Praying as hard as we possibly can that you are brought the relief that you so desperately need. Looking forward to having you return in comfort soon.

    Sincerely,
    Whitney
  • LilChemoSmoker
    LilChemoSmoker Member Posts: 185
    Good news on one front!
    Lee,
    It is great news to hear you will be admitted today and you will finally receive some care that you have needed to address the pain and other issues as well. Many prayers are being said for you and for Chantal! Keep us posted!

    Love to you!
    -Michelle
  • jss2011
    jss2011 Member Posts: 132

    Good news on one front!
    Lee,
    It is great news to hear you will be admitted today and you will finally receive some care that you have needed to address the pain and other issues as well. Many prayers are being said for you and for Chantal! Keep us posted!

    Love to you!
    -Michelle

    Answers
    Hi Lee,
    What a scary day for you both. But at least you will be getting some answers to what is going on and finally get everything sorted. Hope this happens quickly and you are back home in a few days.

    Prayers,
    Julie
  • rdraetta
    rdraetta Member Posts: 20
    jss2011 said:

    Answers
    Hi Lee,
    What a scary day for you both. But at least you will be getting some answers to what is going on and finally get everything sorted. Hope this happens quickly and you are back home in a few days.

    Prayers,
    Julie

    Prayers
    Hope all turns out well we will all be praying ,,Stay strong RD
  • TerryV
    TerryV Member Posts: 887
    Big prayers your way
    Chantal & Lee,

    Prayers that all goes well and that the pallative care staff can find that "happy medium" for you.

    Glad that the pallative team is listening. Working together with you, I'm sure they will find the answer.

    Terry
  • birdiequeen
    birdiequeen Member Posts: 319
    Will be keeping our ears and
    Will be keeping our ears and eyes open for your return!
  • ritawaite13
    ritawaite13 Member Posts: 236

    Will be keeping our ears and
    Will be keeping our ears and eyes open for your return!

    Wearing out my poor old knees
    Lee and Chantal,
    I think I'm wearing out my knees with all the prayers being said for all the wonderful people on here. I pray you get pain relief and can enjoy some quality of life. I, too, will look forward to news from Chantal.
    Rita
  • BMGky
    BMGky Member Posts: 621
    So glad the "Inn" found you
    So glad the "Inn" found you a room. Prayers and hope that you can get some answers to why the pain and what to do about it. BMGky
  • bingbing2009
    bingbing2009 Member Posts: 177
    Prayers
    Lee and Chantal,
    I'm sending all the prayers and good thoughts your way that I possibly can. I'll be looking forward to hearing the updates and hearing from Lee himself. I sure hope things go well for you both.
    Sending you love and hugs,
    Melinda
  • Daisylin
    Daisylin Member Posts: 365

    Prayers
    Lee and Chantal,
    I'm sending all the prayers and good thoughts your way that I possibly can. I'll be looking forward to hearing the updates and hearing from Lee himself. I sure hope things go well for you both.
    Sending you love and hugs,
    Melinda

    Great day!!!
    Well, I guess it sounds dumb to say we had a great day at the hospital, but truly, it was great.... We arrived at around 11:00, and instantly were shown to Lee's bed, and the nurses hopped into action immediately. They asked the usual million questions, and tried to make him as cozy as possible.

    Very shortly after that, the palliative care intern came and and re-asked a million questions, and clarified, tested and re-clarified everything Lee said. We felt so confident that he was actually listening and even more importantly caring. So, he got all the information and told us a couple of the medication options that he thought would be a great start for Lee. I'm a bit brain dead right now, but if I recall correctly, he's going to start on dexamethasone, which should help with fatigue, nerve pain and especially the pain he's been having in his neck and shoulder. Secondly, he's giving him lorazepam for calming and relaxing as needed. There was a third thing as well, but for the life of me, can't remember what it was..... something to shrink the swelling around the liver. (or something like that, man my brain is mush!!) Also, they are sending him for x-ray and ct scan to get to the bottom of the neck pain. They did not want to deal with the sweating issues until after his endocrinologist appointment on Monday. Hopefully that will be dealt with then, but they said they had some type of medication that they would try if monday is a flop. The doctor came in shortly after that, did some more questions and poking around and agreed with the resident's recommendations. He also seemed very caring and honestly wants to help.

    Lee and I are both feeling very positive about everything, finally feel like we're making some progress. These folks seem to want to treat the symptoms, not just the pain. He's going to stay on the same pain management levels for the time being, and they will increase as they see needed.

    Finally, I would like to thank each and every one of you, so very much for all the love and support you've given me, both in the last 9 months, and especially the last few days. I really needed the extra love and prayers. I think it worked. I feel more positive and optimistic than I have in months. So, thank you, thank you, thank you. I love all of you, and return all the prayers to you and your loved ones.

    Chantal
  • chemosmoker
    chemosmoker Member Posts: 501
    Daisylin said:

    Great day!!!
    Well, I guess it sounds dumb to say we had a great day at the hospital, but truly, it was great.... We arrived at around 11:00, and instantly were shown to Lee's bed, and the nurses hopped into action immediately. They asked the usual million questions, and tried to make him as cozy as possible.

    Very shortly after that, the palliative care intern came and and re-asked a million questions, and clarified, tested and re-clarified everything Lee said. We felt so confident that he was actually listening and even more importantly caring. So, he got all the information and told us a couple of the medication options that he thought would be a great start for Lee. I'm a bit brain dead right now, but if I recall correctly, he's going to start on dexamethasone, which should help with fatigue, nerve pain and especially the pain he's been having in his neck and shoulder. Secondly, he's giving him lorazepam for calming and relaxing as needed. There was a third thing as well, but for the life of me, can't remember what it was..... something to shrink the swelling around the liver. (or something like that, man my brain is mush!!) Also, they are sending him for x-ray and ct scan to get to the bottom of the neck pain. They did not want to deal with the sweating issues until after his endocrinologist appointment on Monday. Hopefully that will be dealt with then, but they said they had some type of medication that they would try if monday is a flop. The doctor came in shortly after that, did some more questions and poking around and agreed with the resident's recommendations. He also seemed very caring and honestly wants to help.

    Lee and I are both feeling very positive about everything, finally feel like we're making some progress. These folks seem to want to treat the symptoms, not just the pain. He's going to stay on the same pain management levels for the time being, and they will increase as they see needed.

    Finally, I would like to thank each and every one of you, so very much for all the love and support you've given me, both in the last 9 months, and especially the last few days. I really needed the extra love and prayers. I think it worked. I feel more positive and optimistic than I have in months. So, thank you, thank you, thank you. I love all of you, and return all the prayers to you and your loved ones.

    Chantal

    FINALLY!!!! I am So So So So So HAPPY for you both!!!!!
    Chantal and Lee,

    WAY TO GO!!!
    You fought and won and got listened too, I am SO glad you felt that they actually cared and listened for change! A big change. Now, MAYBE things will start to look UP, and you two can start spending QUALITY time together and making memories again, ones you do not want to block!!!!!

    I am surprised they didn't offer Neurotin or Gabapentin (may be the same drug) for the nerve pain. Still waiting to see if the thyroid played a role too.

    Lee SO deserves some relief, a good nights sleep, to be able to eat if he wants.
    YOU deserve to have some peace and comfort in knowing your dear husband is not suffering non-stop to no end.

    I am as happy as you both are, for you.

    I will continue to pray for you to have a GREAT appt. Monday and onward from here.

    -Eric
  • Daisylin
    Daisylin Member Posts: 365

    FINALLY!!!! I am So So So So So HAPPY for you both!!!!!
    Chantal and Lee,

    WAY TO GO!!!
    You fought and won and got listened too, I am SO glad you felt that they actually cared and listened for change! A big change. Now, MAYBE things will start to look UP, and you two can start spending QUALITY time together and making memories again, ones you do not want to block!!!!!

    I am surprised they didn't offer Neurotin or Gabapentin (may be the same drug) for the nerve pain. Still waiting to see if the thyroid played a role too.

    Lee SO deserves some relief, a good nights sleep, to be able to eat if he wants.
    YOU deserve to have some peace and comfort in knowing your dear husband is not suffering non-stop to no end.

    I am as happy as you both are, for you.

    I will continue to pray for you to have a GREAT appt. Monday and onward from here.

    -Eric

    Gabapentin
    Eric, yes, I think I got myself all mixed up..... but I'm pretty sure they did say gabapentin (sp?) Perhaps I mixed up my info, and the dexamethasone was for the swelling. I have no idea, and honestly, I'm even more brain dead than I was an hour ago. LOL.. But, anyways, I'm sure Lee or myself will update this all once he gets going on these new meds, and have the info sorted out.

    I do know they were giving the dexamethasone tonight, but not starting the others until tomorrow. They want to do one at a time, to see what the results may be, instead of loading all 3 at the same time.

    Thanks for the brain probe!
    Chantal
  • jax568
    jax568 Member Posts: 57
    Daisylin said:

    Gabapentin
    Eric, yes, I think I got myself all mixed up..... but I'm pretty sure they did say gabapentin (sp?) Perhaps I mixed up my info, and the dexamethasone was for the swelling. I have no idea, and honestly, I'm even more brain dead than I was an hour ago. LOL.. But, anyways, I'm sure Lee or myself will update this all once he gets going on these new meds, and have the info sorted out.

    I do know they were giving the dexamethasone tonight, but not starting the others until tomorrow. They want to do one at a time, to see what the results may be, instead of loading all 3 at the same time.

    Thanks for the brain probe!
    Chantal

    So glad
    So glad to hear. Wishing all the best. My husband takes Lorazepam to sleep at night and while he receives chemo. The Dexamethasone is a steriod, my husband also gets this with chemo.

    Hope you both have a good night.

    Jackie
    husband 45 stage IVb
  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
    Daisylin said:

    Gabapentin
    Eric, yes, I think I got myself all mixed up..... but I'm pretty sure they did say gabapentin (sp?) Perhaps I mixed up my info, and the dexamethasone was for the swelling. I have no idea, and honestly, I'm even more brain dead than I was an hour ago. LOL.. But, anyways, I'm sure Lee or myself will update this all once he gets going on these new meds, and have the info sorted out.

    I do know they were giving the dexamethasone tonight, but not starting the others until tomorrow. They want to do one at a time, to see what the results may be, instead of loading all 3 at the same time.

    Thanks for the brain probe!
    Chantal

    I am so glad he has been
    I am so glad he has been admitted and new treatments are starting.
    You both are in my prayers,
    Sandra
  • LeeinLondon
    LeeinLondon Member Posts: 103
    sandy1943 said:

    I am so glad he has been
    I am so glad he has been admitted and new treatments are starting.
    You both are in my prayers,
    Sandra

    Confirmed
    The drug is dexamethasone
  • TerryV
    TerryV Member Posts: 887

    Confirmed
    The drug is dexamethasone

    Dexamthasone
    Nick was given Dexamethasone for nausea while he was taking chemo. Jackie's right - it is a steriod. It has an added side benefit that we have found useful since surgery. Not only does it help with nausea, but it also gives Nick hunger, lots of hunger and a great ability to eat.

    Hope you get that stent soon, Lee. You will want (need?) it if you're going to take Dexamethsone. You're going to want real food :)

    Terry
  • AngieD
    AngieD Member Posts: 493
    TerryV said:

    Dexamthasone
    Nick was given Dexamethasone for nausea while he was taking chemo. Jackie's right - it is a steriod. It has an added side benefit that we have found useful since surgery. Not only does it help with nausea, but it also gives Nick hunger, lots of hunger and a great ability to eat.

    Hope you get that stent soon, Lee. You will want (need?) it if you're going to take Dexamethsone. You're going to want real food :)

    Terry

    So relieved and happy
    that they have found Lee a room and are addressing the problems. And so glad for your positive feelings of progress beginning!

    My husband gets a lot of dexamethasone on the day he gets IV chemo then for several days after in tapering off doses. It really peps him up and makes him feel a lot more energetic (although after he finishes tapering off, it is a little like crashing for a couple of days.) So, don't be alarmed that something is going wrong if that happens.

    He has also started getting another type of cortisone and takes it daily: Fludrocortisone. This has really helped with the dizziness and low blood pressure he was experiencing when getting up and has just made him feel generally better and more energetic. Could possibly be worth asking about.

    Angie
  • Daisylin said:

    Gabapentin
    Eric, yes, I think I got myself all mixed up..... but I'm pretty sure they did say gabapentin (sp?) Perhaps I mixed up my info, and the dexamethasone was for the swelling. I have no idea, and honestly, I'm even more brain dead than I was an hour ago. LOL.. But, anyways, I'm sure Lee or myself will update this all once he gets going on these new meds, and have the info sorted out.

    I do know they were giving the dexamethasone tonight, but not starting the others until tomorrow. They want to do one at a time, to see what the results may be, instead of loading all 3 at the same time.

    Thanks for the brain probe!
    Chantal

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • LeeinLondon
    LeeinLondon Member Posts: 103
    Wow
    From hopeless to hopeful!

    Chantal can better summarize the specifics, but I can honestly say that my energy,strength,pain,and overall sense of wellbeing has improved 30-50%. by carefully looking at the big picture, these talented folks have already made a huge difference without much risk from new meds etc.

    I have a big money bet with Chantal that I'll start whining to get home, but I certainly won't do that in a public forum like this one, so I will gladly stay as long as they want me to without complaint. :)

    They reminded me that dogs are allowed here, so maybe a daisy visit....

    Love to all,

    The real Lee in London