Al back in hospital

mumphy
mumphy Member Posts: 440
edited March 2014 in Esophageal Cancer #1
Hello everyone,

I had to take Al to the ER last night he woke up from a nap and had a fever of 101.5.
I called the Dr. on call and he said to give him some tylenol. I told him that I didn't feel comfortable with that just looking at him I could tell something wasn't right.

To make a long story short he is very neutropenic. Not enough wbc to fight infection. He is on iv antibiotics and when the Dr.s came in the a.m I wasn't there but the plan is to give him one of several drugs to boost his immune system.

I am so up set. The Dr. said I am taking excellent care of Al and these things happen with
chemo, but as most of you know he just needs a couple more chemos and we will probably be on our way to surgery. I feel like I'm running on a treadmill running and running and getting any place. Or so close and yet so far. I need some extra prayers this week please!!

I personally am very down right now. I need him to get better and stronger and I need for
him to have this surgery. I just don't know how many more set backs I can take. I know tha GOD is with me, I just wish he would cut me a break.

If any of you have had this happen to yourself or as a cargiver could you please give me some feed back.

Thanks,

Kathy (mumphy)

Comments

  • kitten0385
    kitten0385 Member Posts: 248
    #2
    Kathy
    Kathy,

    I am so sorry to hear that Al is in the hospital. However, if he has an infection the best way for him to fight it is with all the antibiotics they will give him in the hospital. I ended up having to go to the ER once after surgery when I couldn't stop throwing up for several days, ended up being due to me coming down off the narcotics, my body just couldn't handle it, but the hospital was able to give me meds to make me feel much better. I know there aren't many words I can tell you to make you feel better about the situation you and Al are in right now, but know that I am here to chat and I will be sending many prayers Al's way in hopes for a quick recovery so he can get back on track with his treatment plan. One of my good friends always tells me that with every step back, there's a few steps forward. You can do this!!!

    Cathy
  • mumphy
    mumphy Member Posts: 440
    #3
    Thanks
    Thanks for your words of encouragement. I know that you're going through you own things right now.

    I's nice to be there for each other.

    Thanks again.
    kath
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #4
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • mumphy
    mumphy Member Posts: 440
    #5
    Thanks
    Thanks Willam for your kind words and prayers.

    GOD BLESS

    KATHY
  • MOE58
    MOE58 Member Posts: 589 Member
    #6
    DONT GIVE UP YET
    Kathy,

    Dont give up yet, this is a good thing it happened now instead of at surgery time, I don't want you to have to go through what we did for Jeff after surgery, as Kitten always says its just a "BUMP" in the road, I know you are patiently waiting for surgery and believe me I was the same way when we found out I wanted it then not 3 months from then, but you have to just be patient, of course thats hard to do at this stage in the game. As the old saying goes everything happens for a reason, and this has happened for a reason, You did the right thing by calling the doctor and insisting that something other than fever was going on, you just know when something isn't right, just like i called the doctor when Jeff was having problems last week on the diahera part, luckly everything came back negative. I want Al to have this surgery just as much as you want him to, I can't wait for you to be able to wear "MY BIG GIRL PANTIES" and "MOE'S SHOES THAT IS RETIRED NOW
    "
    Please keep you chin up and faith strong and he will get stronger for surgery, if you need a friend I am here, you will get through this, and william marshall will always give you something to lift your spirits he did me and he will you.

    (((((((((((((((hug)))))))))))))))))

    Lori aka MOE
  • emg09
    emg09 Member Posts: 228
    #7
    MOE58 said:

    DONT GIVE UP YET
    Kathy,

    Dont give up yet, this is a good thing it happened now instead of at surgery time, I don't want you to have to go through what we did for Jeff after surgery, as Kitten always says its just a "BUMP" in the road, I know you are patiently waiting for surgery and believe me I was the same way when we found out I wanted it then not 3 months from then, but you have to just be patient, of course thats hard to do at this stage in the game. As the old saying goes everything happens for a reason, and this has happened for a reason, You did the right thing by calling the doctor and insisting that something other than fever was going on, you just know when something isn't right, just like i called the doctor when Jeff was having problems last week on the diahera part, luckly everything came back negative. I want Al to have this surgery just as much as you want him to, I can't wait for you to be able to wear "MY BIG GIRL PANTIES" and "MOE'S SHOES THAT IS RETIRED NOW
    "
    Please keep you chin up and faith strong and he will get stronger for surgery, if you need a friend I am here, you will get through this, and william marshall will always give you something to lift your spirits he did me and he will you.

    (((((((((((((((hug)))))))))))))))))

    Lori aka MOE

    You have my extra prayers!!!
    I really hope Al is doing better!!! The bump in the road is such a LARGE bump. I'm afraid my dad is not keeping his faith. He's doing fine, but his patience has run thin. We haven't received his test results yet. The Dr. does believe the chemo drug Irinotecan was the cause of his blockage, so if any of you are on this, please watch closely for cramps, vomitting and diarrhea. I'm not sure what the next step will be for him. He only has the 2 cycles left and then I guess we'll be talking surgery.

    Let us know how Al is doing!!!
    Erika
  • mumphy
    mumphy Member Posts: 440
    #8
    could be doing better
    Hey all,

    Al is still fighting the effects of the chemo. He has c-diff because the chemo is killing all of the good bacteria in his intestines and the bad bacteria is taking over. This can be fixed with medications. His blood counts are still low and now he will need a blood transfusion and medication to help his body make more red blood cells.

    He is in o.k. spirits but I can tell that he's getting tired of all this cramp that comes along with getting the chemo, but the chemo is what eventually be the thing that will save his life. I'm not sure how all of this is going to effect his treatments, all I know is that somehow they are going to figure away to give him the treatments so that he will GOD willing make it to surgery.

    I'm lucky that I like rollercoaters because as you all know this can the ride of your life.

    Thanks everyone for all the prayers and support. I will keep you all posted of his progress.

    May GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU,

    Thanks again

    Kath
  • JaneE2366
    JaneE2366 Member Posts: 289 Member
    #9
    mumphy said:

    could be doing better
    Hey all,

    Al is still fighting the effects of the chemo. He has c-diff because the chemo is killing all of the good bacteria in his intestines and the bad bacteria is taking over. This can be fixed with medications. His blood counts are still low and now he will need a blood transfusion and medication to help his body make more red blood cells.

    He is in o.k. spirits but I can tell that he's getting tired of all this cramp that comes along with getting the chemo, but the chemo is what eventually be the thing that will save his life. I'm not sure how all of this is going to effect his treatments, all I know is that somehow they are going to figure away to give him the treatments so that he will GOD willing make it to surgery.

    I'm lucky that I like rollercoaters because as you all know this can the ride of your life.

    Thanks everyone for all the prayers and support. I will keep you all posted of his progress.

    May GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU,

    Thanks again

    Kath

    prayers
    Kathy,
    Continuing to keep both Al and you in our prayers. Hope Al gets back on the right track so he can eventually have his surgery.
    Jane
  • MOE58
    MOE58 Member Posts: 589 Member
    #10
    mumphy said:

    could be doing better
    Hey all,

    Al is still fighting the effects of the chemo. He has c-diff because the chemo is killing all of the good bacteria in his intestines and the bad bacteria is taking over. This can be fixed with medications. His blood counts are still low and now he will need a blood transfusion and medication to help his body make more red blood cells.

    He is in o.k. spirits but I can tell that he's getting tired of all this cramp that comes along with getting the chemo, but the chemo is what eventually be the thing that will save his life. I'm not sure how all of this is going to effect his treatments, all I know is that somehow they are going to figure away to give him the treatments so that he will GOD willing make it to surgery.

    I'm lucky that I like rollercoaters because as you all know this can the ride of your life.

    Thanks everyone for all the prayers and support. I will keep you all posted of his progress.

    May GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU,

    Thanks again

    Kath

    BE VERY CAREFUL
    Kathy,
    be very careful around your husband because this c-diff is contagious, so bleach things at home, thats what we though Jeff had last week when he was having his problems but it came back negative. Thank goodness.

    Yes I am glad you like rollercoasters, as you go up and down alot, until surgery, hang in there you are on top of the coaster, and before long you will be coming into home with surgery. I know you cant wait.

    Get some rest while you can you will need it I know. You still have a long road ahead of you

    If you need me I am here.

    Love
    Lori
  • mumphy
    mumphy Member Posts: 440
    #11
    MOE58 said:

    BE VERY CAREFUL
    Kathy,
    be very careful around your husband because this c-diff is contagious, so bleach things at home, thats what we though Jeff had last week when he was having his problems but it came back negative. Thank goodness.

    Yes I am glad you like rollercoasters, as you go up and down alot, until surgery, hang in there you are on top of the coaster, and before long you will be coming into home with surgery. I know you cant wait.

    Get some rest while you can you will need it I know. You still have a long road ahead of you

    If you need me I am here.

    Love
    Lori

    Thanks Everyone for your Prayers
    Hi,

    Yes lori I do know about the C-DIFF stuff he has been on an antibiotic for awhile and was
    the diarrhea is almost gone as of last night so by the time he gests home I won't have to worry about it. I have gloves and bleach cleaner here anyway thats all I have been Cleaning with for awhile.

    Now I have to get home and back on schedule.

    Talk soon

    Kath
  • WildGoose7
    WildGoose7 Member Posts: 31
    #12
    mumphy said:

    Thanks Everyone for your Prayers
    Hi,

    Yes lori I do know about the C-DIFF stuff he has been on an antibiotic for awhile and was
    the diarrhea is almost gone as of last night so by the time he gests home I won't have to worry about it. I have gloves and bleach cleaner here anyway thats all I have been Cleaning with for awhile.

    Now I have to get home and back on schedule.

    Talk soon

    Kath

    Have Faith and Confidence
    Kathy and Al

    Remember, there are many of us out here that think and pray daily for those afflicted by this hideous disease, especially your friends here on this discussion board.

    I wish both of you the very best.

    Mike the "Wild Goose"
  • Donna70
    Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
    #13
    mumphy said:

    could be doing better
    Hey all,

    Al is still fighting the effects of the chemo. He has c-diff because the chemo is killing all of the good bacteria in his intestines and the bad bacteria is taking over. This can be fixed with medications. His blood counts are still low and now he will need a blood transfusion and medication to help his body make more red blood cells.

    He is in o.k. spirits but I can tell that he's getting tired of all this cramp that comes along with getting the chemo, but the chemo is what eventually be the thing that will save his life. I'm not sure how all of this is going to effect his treatments, all I know is that somehow they are going to figure away to give him the treatments so that he will GOD willing make it to surgery.

    I'm lucky that I like rollercoaters because as you all know this can the ride of your life.

    Thanks everyone for all the prayers and support. I will keep you all posted of his progress.

    May GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU,

    Thanks again

    Kath

    could be doing better
    Hi Kath,
    I will be keeping you both in my prayers. That is so hard to take you want to finish the darn chemo and get the surgery. This is not esophageal cancer related but my friend with the stage IV lung cancer had to have transfusions and also was put on a special med that boosts your white blood cells and she is the one who is NED right now. It was discouraging for her to have the setbacks but she got thru and Al can too. Al has been thru a lot and c dif for a healthy person is quite the mess. Hope Al feels lots better and they get his cells back up.
    take care,
    Donna70
  • jmstls
    jmstls Member Posts: 9
    #14
    Hi Kathy: My husband, Tom,
    Hi Kathy: My husband, Tom, was also in the hospital for two nights very neutropenic (weird how all of this leads us to a whole new language) after his first round of chemo. After the second round that kept a better eye on it and he ended up getting shots but didn't end up in the hospital. I also insisted after he ran a low grade fever on a Thursday that they give him a prescription for antibiotics. One night he had the shakes and was so cold I had to turn off the air conditioner and open all the windows and it was July in Florida, I thought he was having convulsions. When I called the Doctor he said it was from the shot and was normal. We've found out through all this that the doctors' version of "normal" is definitely not ours. Hopefully he is doing better now. Take care of both of you!!

    Joyce

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