Good news/Bad news

LindaK.
LindaK. Member Posts: 506 Member

My husband ended up in the ED Saturday night with belly pain and vomiting.  He'd had his 4th Folfiri last Wednesday and usually feels pretty wiped out on the weekend.  They did a ct scan around 3 am and saw a bowel obstruction but when oncologist in group came up to his room yesterday am he said the lymph nodes were significantly smaller so the Folfiri is working on them, but don't know if the chemo caused the obstruction.  Late yesterday same onc said he could have some clear liquids, which I was pretty surprised about.  They did not put in an NG tube (thankfully) and last night he was feeling pressure again in the belly.  Surgeon came in and was upset they had let him have anything.  Our onc came in right after and said he was very pleased about the lymph nodes shrinking but not pleased about him being in the hospital.  They will keep him off all liquids today.  So maybe it is 2 steps forward, one step back.  Great treatment at new oncology center, entire floor is oncology with penthouse suites and very attentive staff.  Even a nice bed for me in the room.  It's no fun being in the hospital, but it is nice here and no NG tube (yet anyway) has made it more tolerable.  Hopefully he'll get through this without any intervention.  He had a bowel obstruction last March after his 5th Folfox that cleared after a few days but with an NG tube.

Linda

Comments

  • lp1964
    lp1964 Member Posts: 1,239 Member
    I wish you guys...

    ...a quick resolution so you can continue the treatment.

    Laz

  • fatbob2010
    fatbob2010 Member Posts: 467 Member
    Which Cancer Center?

    Hi Linda,

    Glad to hear that you are happy with the care.  I also wish you a quick and complete remission/recovery.  

    Which Cancer Center are you at?

    Art

  • LindaK.
    LindaK. Member Posts: 506 Member
    Wilmot Cancer Center

    University of Rochester, fantastic 

  • annalexandria
    annalexandria Member Posts: 2,571 Member
    How is he doing now, Linda?

    Have you guys managed to get out of the hospital?

    Sounds very nice having an actual bed to sleep in, but I know there is "no place like home".

  • LindaK.
    LindaK. Member Posts: 506 Member

    How is he doing now, Linda?

    Have you guys managed to get out of the hospital?

    Sounds very nice having an actual bed to sleep in, but I know there is "no place like home".

    Doing OK

    Still in patient, he was told this morning he could be released tonight, tomorrow or Saturday.  He's itching to get home.  I have been trying to work half days and run back and forth, finally hit a wall last night and slept until 9 am today.  He developed c-diff (which he had in January also) so that has delayed things.  Flagyl they are giving him orally upsets his stomach, so he's been taking it easy on clear liquids last 2 days.  Today they are letting him have full liquids to see how he tolerates them.  I'm hoping they will help settle his stomach and the meds won't affect too badly.  They put him on an antibiotic cocktail in the ED, which can both cause and cure c-diff.  Oncologist said anti-nausea meds given with chemo can cause bowel obstruction.  When he had one last year it was from the extreme constipation from the oxaliplatin.

    Looking forward to getting home for some real rest.  My BIL is in patient on the floor and room right below my husband now for 15-30 days for his stem cell transplant for myeloma.  I was able to visit him twice last night, standing near the door and not touching anything.

    The staff and care there has really eased my mind.  He has a new nickname up there, the "mad sh%ter"  ha ha

    Linda

  • annalexandria
    annalexandria Member Posts: 2,571 Member
    LindaK. said:

    Doing OK

    Still in patient, he was told this morning he could be released tonight, tomorrow or Saturday.  He's itching to get home.  I have been trying to work half days and run back and forth, finally hit a wall last night and slept until 9 am today.  He developed c-diff (which he had in January also) so that has delayed things.  Flagyl they are giving him orally upsets his stomach, so he's been taking it easy on clear liquids last 2 days.  Today they are letting him have full liquids to see how he tolerates them.  I'm hoping they will help settle his stomach and the meds won't affect too badly.  They put him on an antibiotic cocktail in the ED, which can both cause and cure c-diff.  Oncologist said anti-nausea meds given with chemo can cause bowel obstruction.  When he had one last year it was from the extreme constipation from the oxaliplatin.

    Looking forward to getting home for some real rest.  My BIL is in patient on the floor and room right below my husband now for 15-30 days for his stem cell transplant for myeloma.  I was able to visit him twice last night, standing near the door and not touching anything.

    The staff and care there has really eased my mind.  He has a new nickname up there, the "mad sh%ter"  ha ha

    Linda

    It's so exhausting being the caregiver,

    esp when a hospital stay is involved.  Try to take care of yourself as best you you can!

    And I'm sorry to hear about your BIL.  We have a close friend who is seeing a hematologist this coming week, as he may have MM.  So sad how many of us have to deal with this crap.

    Big hugs to you all, AA

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    LindaK. said:

    Doing OK

    Still in patient, he was told this morning he could be released tonight, tomorrow or Saturday.  He's itching to get home.  I have been trying to work half days and run back and forth, finally hit a wall last night and slept until 9 am today.  He developed c-diff (which he had in January also) so that has delayed things.  Flagyl they are giving him orally upsets his stomach, so he's been taking it easy on clear liquids last 2 days.  Today they are letting him have full liquids to see how he tolerates them.  I'm hoping they will help settle his stomach and the meds won't affect too badly.  They put him on an antibiotic cocktail in the ED, which can both cause and cure c-diff.  Oncologist said anti-nausea meds given with chemo can cause bowel obstruction.  When he had one last year it was from the extreme constipation from the oxaliplatin.

    Looking forward to getting home for some real rest.  My BIL is in patient on the floor and room right below my husband now for 15-30 days for his stem cell transplant for myeloma.  I was able to visit him twice last night, standing near the door and not touching anything.

    The staff and care there has really eased my mind.  He has a new nickname up there, the "mad sh%ter"  ha ha

    Linda

    How is everything going, Linda

    I hope your husband was able to be released from the hospital and things are looking up. 

    Have been thinking of you both. 

  • LindaK.
    LindaK. Member Posts: 506 Member
    Looking up

    He was released Friday afternoon, SO glad to get home.  He started having massive diarrhea about every hour.  We were worried about dehydration again, but kept up with liquids.  After calling onc and checking his bp, we settled in for the night.  Diarrhea frequency has subsided but still going on.  Taking flagyl for the c-diff so no imodium is allowed.  Did even better last night, slept about 6 hours straight.  Mostly tired today, which our anniversary!  We didn't do much, just enjoyed being home and a sunny but cool day here.  

    Appt. Wed for bloodwork and possible chemo still on.  We'll see what happens.

    Meanwhile my BIL feeling worse each day since starting his stem cell transplant , poor guy stuck there for 15-30 days.  Myhubby can't visit because of c-diff but I will see him Wed.  There are so many suffering so I am counting my blessings for good days like this.

    Thanks.,  Linda

  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    Only the Best to You:)

    Nothing but the best of wishes to you both!

    -Craig

  • LindaK.
    LindaK. Member Posts: 506 Member
    Sundanceh said:

    Only the Best to You:)

    Nothing but the best of wishes to you both!

    -Craig

    So good to see your name Craig!

    Thanks for checking in.  How are you doing???  We miss you here

    Linda

  • annalexandria
    annalexandria Member Posts: 2,571 Member
    LindaK. said:

    Looking up

    He was released Friday afternoon, SO glad to get home.  He started having massive diarrhea about every hour.  We were worried about dehydration again, but kept up with liquids.  After calling onc and checking his bp, we settled in for the night.  Diarrhea frequency has subsided but still going on.  Taking flagyl for the c-diff so no imodium is allowed.  Did even better last night, slept about 6 hours straight.  Mostly tired today, which our anniversary!  We didn't do much, just enjoyed being home and a sunny but cool day here.  

    Appt. Wed for bloodwork and possible chemo still on.  We'll see what happens.

    Meanwhile my BIL feeling worse each day since starting his stem cell transplant , poor guy stuck there for 15-30 days.  Myhubby can't visit because of c-diff but I will see him Wed.  There are so many suffering so I am counting my blessings for good days like this.

    Thanks.,  Linda

    Glad he's home

    but but so sorry he has c-diff.  That stuff is awful.

    If immodium is out, what about lomotil?  That always worked way better for me. 

  • LindaK.
    LindaK. Member Posts: 506 Member

    Glad he's home

    but but so sorry he has c-diff.  That stuff is awful.

    If immodium is out, what about lomotil?  That always worked way better for me. 

    No meds to bind you up

    They want all that nasty infection OUT.  Dr. said taking immodium while taking flagyl can cause a deadly condition.