Off to the hospital I go

LilChemoSmoker said:

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

birdiequeen said:

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

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

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

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