Uncle Buddy - How did it go with your brother?

The echo showed that the chemo is starting to affect his heart again. His heart was back up to working between 40-45% but it went down to 35-40% after only 3 chemo treatments with the 5-FU. It was at a lower dose and he only had it intravenously, he didn't take it at home with the pump. The cardiologist also feels that he may have a bolckage in one of the arteries. We went to the oncologist today and she said she's holding off on the chemo until we get things figured out. First they want to see whether the cancer has grown, and if so, is it aggressive. She doesn't think so, but wants to make sure that if he comes off the chemo it won't let the cancer grow too much. So next week he is scheduled for a CT scan. Then he will go to the cardilogist the following week to see whether they should check for a blockage, and if there is one, they may put in a stent. If this improves his heart function, he may be able to go back on the 5-FU. Otherwise, they have to find some alternative chemo med that won't damage the heart so easily. It's all a waiting game. he's feeling good because he hasn't had to deal with the chemo side effects for a couple of weeks. I'm really concerned because he is on a blood thinner and will have to come off of it for a day or two to have the procedure. I'm glad they're being cautious. They felt if they gave him the chemo today they would be damaging the heart even more. She doesn't want him to end up with heart failure.

I just spent this past week with my grandson. My daughter, her husband and my grandson came up to visit and they stayed with us, so I've been in heaven. We are heading down south to see our granddaughter for her 2nd bday. i can't wait. I'm worried with all this going on, though. My sister said she'll take him to the cardiologist but I know more about his condition because I'm more involved. I guess I'll have to call the dr to see what's happening. I need this break.

Dad is upset about all of this. He's worried, which is understandable. 

How have you been doing? How are the speaking assignments going? Thank you for spreading the word. 

Lin

lizard44 said:

Sounds like your brother's docs

seem to be doing a good job of  coordinating his treatment plan.  I hope they can get his heart problems sorted out so he doesn't have to go through too much more pain and aggravation.

I'm glad you've been having an enjoyable break with your family and hope you can make the trip  to visit your granddaugher without too much stress or guilt. You're right- you need this break,  I hope  you can get everything worked out so that you can take it. You really have your hands full.

We'll see how things go. Thankfully, he's not in any pain and is enjoying not having to get the chemo because of the diarrhea. The last dose was hard on his bowels.

My trip is booked, so I am going. My sister is taking him to the cardiologist and I'll call and speak to him to fill him in on what's been going on. They are going to stay at my house to dog sit, so my brother is excited. He loves my dogs. I live on 1.5 acres of land and it's very quiet here, so they enjoy coming here for the peace and quiet. 

I have my hands full, but I am blessed to still have dad and my brother still around. My brother is such a fighter. He refuses to give into the disease and is not letting this get him down.

Lin

Trubrit said:

Darn that heart of his

Well, I guess I should say, darn the Chemo, as that is what is affecting his heart. 

I'm so happy that you got to spend some wonderful time with your daughter, SIL and especially your grandson. What a treat that must have been and a great stress reliever. 

And I hope that you are able to just relax on your upcoming trip. Enjoy that little girl and let your sister take care of brother and dad. 

Your brother sounds like he is a very speical person. Strong and resilient. I will keep him in my prayers. 

Sue - Trubrit

My 2 grandchildren keep me going. They put a smile on my face when I feel down. I wish they lived closer, but I'm fortunate to be able to visit them several times a year.

My poor brother has been through the wringer. The waiting is what drives me crazy. I want everything done yesterday for him, but it all tkes time to figure out. Wednesday is the CT scan, but I have a feeling, unless it grew some more, they may have to do a PET or MRI. I guess the doctors have to go by protocol but I just feel it's taking so long. CT scans seem to be a problem when seeing the liver tumor, but who knows, maybe this time it will show easily and we can move quickly. Through all of this, he still smiles and thinks positively. When my daughter, SIL and grandson came, they visited dad and my brother. He and dad were all smiles holding the baby and watching the baby make sounds and try to crawl. I'm a lucky girl to have such a sweetheart as my brother. 

Lin

Trubrit said:

Thanks Lin

I really hope that the tumour shrank this time. 

How we all hate the waiting game. 

Until Friday, then. 

More than fingers crossed, I'll stick with the prayers. 

Sue - Trubrit

Prayers are greatly appreciated.

NewHere said:

You Have Mine

In my thoughts and prayers for good things.

All the prayers and positive thoughts are appreciated.

Lin

The lung nodules have grown a little bit. My sister took him to the cardiologist today and they feel he has a blockage, so they are doing a catherization with a possible stent. I am still away visiting the children and grandchildren. The cardiologist wants the procedure done Monday. I'm filled with anxiety because I'm down here and he's up north. Please keep him in your prayers. Thank you.

Lin

UncleBuddy said:

update

The lung nodules have grown a little bit. My sister took him to the cardiologist today and they feel he has a blockage, so they are doing a catherization with a possible stent. I am still away visiting the children and grandchildren. The cardiologist wants the procedure done Monday. I'm filled with anxiety because I'm down here and he's up north. Please keep him in your prayers. Thank you.

Lin

I will keep him and you Links in my prayers