Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Goodbye
We had to say goodbye to Lee this Tuesday, October 16 @ 2:04 a.m. He was surrounded by family and many prayers.
Monday, October 15, 2018
Duke and more
It is very difficult to post a blog tonight because Lee is very sick. Currently he is in the medical intensive care unit at Duke Hospital.
Last Tuesday, Oct. 10 he was administered a new chemotherapy drug. It was new only to Lee. On Wednesday afternoon he began to get very sick with intestinal problems. I called Duke Oncology and was told to give Imodium AD and clear liquids. By morning he seemed fine, and requested some applesauce and dry toast . One bite determined he could not eat, and within the hour was rolling in mid-abdominal pain. I called Duke again . We were told to go immediateliy to the nearest ER.
After completing the day in the ER, we learned he had pancreatitis. He was admitted to Frye to control pain, rest and evaluate his condition. After 24 hours he was transferred to Duke by ambulance, and admitted to ICU.
Now after having been at Duke 24+ hours this is what know:
1. Pancreatitis
2. Septicemia ( e-Coli And 2 other types)
3. A blocked gallbladder and cbdx
4. Beginning kidney failure
5. Confused and Dissoriented at times
6. Obstruction middle lobe cancerous lung
We also know that all this is the result of the very powerful chemotherapy. It is apparent that all his vital organs are struggling to survive.
Lee loves loves life .. Each morning he begins the day with thankfulness for yet, another day. He then prays for another one.
Thank you for your commitment to prayer during
Our difficult day and the ones ahead.
More later....................................Brenda
Last Tuesday, Oct. 10 he was administered a new chemotherapy drug. It was new only to Lee. On Wednesday afternoon he began to get very sick with intestinal problems. I called Duke Oncology and was told to give Imodium AD and clear liquids. By morning he seemed fine, and requested some applesauce and dry toast . One bite determined he could not eat, and within the hour was rolling in mid-abdominal pain. I called Duke again . We were told to go immediateliy to the nearest ER.
After completing the day in the ER, we learned he had pancreatitis. He was admitted to Frye to control pain, rest and evaluate his condition. After 24 hours he was transferred to Duke by ambulance, and admitted to ICU.
Now after having been at Duke 24+ hours this is what know:
1. Pancreatitis
2. Septicemia ( e-Coli And 2 other types)
3. A blocked gallbladder and cbdx
4. Beginning kidney failure
5. Confused and Dissoriented at times
6. Obstruction middle lobe cancerous lung
We also know that all this is the result of the very powerful chemotherapy. It is apparent that all his vital organs are struggling to survive.
Lee loves loves life .. Each morning he begins the day with thankfulness for yet, another day. He then prays for another one.
Thank you for your commitment to prayer during
Our difficult day and the ones ahead.
More later....................................Brenda
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
Duke Visit and PET scan yesterday
This is an update for Lee with a report of the PET scan on October 2. We have to admit that we both had mixed feelings concerning the unknown events that could possibly unfold. Lee's increasing fatigue had advanced to the point of having to ambulate with the aid of the rolator. The recliner for sleep was beginning to become a major part of his day. In addition, his appetite had waned and food had become something he did not look forward to. So it was in light of those negatives that we left for Duke as we tried to prepare ourselves for the worst while praying for some good answers.
Praise the Lord! The report from the PET was good! The scan showed there was NO cancer anywhere else in Lee's body and the cancer had not moved or spread into his lung any more. The report was a bit strange and difficult for us to follow but after the two radiologist answered all our questions we could begin to understand their description of the scan. In layman's terms it essentially means that the cancer cells inside the tumor have been completely killed by the chemo drugs; however in the process the tumor size had somehow "expanded" and there are tumor cells on the outside of the tumor that need to be eradicated. Imagine an egg where the inside has been destroyed, expanded the shell and still has some cancer on the shell.
This report was encouraging and we were told that there will NOT be radiation because it would hurt the existing good lung and it would make Lee very sick. It was recommended that Lee continue another session with chemo, but with another drug. He will do one session every three weeks and each session will last one hour. Sons , Lee Jr., Todd, and Doug will continue taking turns to go with their Dad as they have been doing so faithfully since this began last March. We are blessed to have them!
We are grateful that we were able to attend Lee's high school class reunion on September 22. He had decided earlier that he was too tired to go, but on the day before he worked hard to regain some strength and enjoyed seeing all his friends. A big thank-you to all those who helped make that evening very special for him!
Now, we just need to pray for Lee to regain his appetite and some energy! As our SS class at First Baptist keeps reminding us.........Lee is such a trooper!
More Later........................................Brenda
Praise the Lord! The report from the PET was good! The scan showed there was NO cancer anywhere else in Lee's body and the cancer had not moved or spread into his lung any more. The report was a bit strange and difficult for us to follow but after the two radiologist answered all our questions we could begin to understand their description of the scan. In layman's terms it essentially means that the cancer cells inside the tumor have been completely killed by the chemo drugs; however in the process the tumor size had somehow "expanded" and there are tumor cells on the outside of the tumor that need to be eradicated. Imagine an egg where the inside has been destroyed, expanded the shell and still has some cancer on the shell.
This report was encouraging and we were told that there will NOT be radiation because it would hurt the existing good lung and it would make Lee very sick. It was recommended that Lee continue another session with chemo, but with another drug. He will do one session every three weeks and each session will last one hour. Sons , Lee Jr., Todd, and Doug will continue taking turns to go with their Dad as they have been doing so faithfully since this began last March. We are blessed to have them!
We are grateful that we were able to attend Lee's high school class reunion on September 22. He had decided earlier that he was too tired to go, but on the day before he worked hard to regain some strength and enjoyed seeing all his friends. A big thank-you to all those who helped make that evening very special for him!
Now, we just need to pray for Lee to regain his appetite and some energy! As our SS class at First Baptist keeps reminding us.........Lee is such a trooper!
More Later........................................Brenda
Friday, September 21, 2018
CT Scan on Sept. 18
Once again, Lee and I were positively anticipating the CT Scan of his lung in that we were hoping to once again be told that the cancer was reducing. That was not the report we received. In fact, as it turned out, we really did not get a report.
The pictures of the CT scan were shared by the oncologist and the report was that the scan was too obliterated to even see the tumor, much less be able to identify the size. The question now is, what was causing the inability to view the lesion on the lung. According to the doctor who explained the image, they are not sure. It could be fluid on the lung or something else which no one seemed to want to speculate at that point.
So in view of that report, The chemotherapy that was scheduled for that afternoon was canceled and Lee has now been scheduled for a PET scan in two weeks, on October 2. We have been told that the PET will give a more in-depth view and should answer all our questions. He will also have an appointment at that time with the radiation physician. This was very confusing because Lee had been told in June that the tumor had diminished in size, and radiation was not part of the future plan because it would create too much scarring of his lung.
Not only are we both very confused, we are disappointed. The only positive thing going for Lee right now is that without any chemotherapy for the next two weeks or more we are hoping he might regain some strength and appetite. I believe he had reached the point in his treatment when it had become imperative for him to rest and take a break.
I wish I could write a more positive blog today, but I really do not know what his future is at this time in his therapy. I will ask you for your continued prayers in this overwhelming assault on Lee's body. Please pray that he will be able to regain some strength and appetite. I ask you to pray for me and the children so that we will continue to help Lee in his fight by keeping a positive attitude and showing an abundance of love that we all have for him.
More Later........................................Brenda
The pictures of the CT scan were shared by the oncologist and the report was that the scan was too obliterated to even see the tumor, much less be able to identify the size. The question now is, what was causing the inability to view the lesion on the lung. According to the doctor who explained the image, they are not sure. It could be fluid on the lung or something else which no one seemed to want to speculate at that point.
So in view of that report, The chemotherapy that was scheduled for that afternoon was canceled and Lee has now been scheduled for a PET scan in two weeks, on October 2. We have been told that the PET will give a more in-depth view and should answer all our questions. He will also have an appointment at that time with the radiation physician. This was very confusing because Lee had been told in June that the tumor had diminished in size, and radiation was not part of the future plan because it would create too much scarring of his lung.
Not only are we both very confused, we are disappointed. The only positive thing going for Lee right now is that without any chemotherapy for the next two weeks or more we are hoping he might regain some strength and appetite. I believe he had reached the point in his treatment when it had become imperative for him to rest and take a break.
I wish I could write a more positive blog today, but I really do not know what his future is at this time in his therapy. I will ask you for your continued prayers in this overwhelming assault on Lee's body. Please pray that he will be able to regain some strength and appetite. I ask you to pray for me and the children so that we will continue to help Lee in his fight by keeping a positive attitude and showing an abundance of love that we all have for him.
More Later........................................Brenda
Monday, September 17, 2018
Delinquent Me
Delinquent meaning one who has failed in their duty to follow through on an obligation ( BLOG) would be named Brenda. I am a month behind in keeping you up to date regarding happenings around Lee and his chemotherapy treatments.
I suppose one reason I have not written the blog is because he has had some really hard days during the entire month of August and as of today. In the beginning the chemo treatments after day three caused a lot of fatigue that lasted about three days and then he quickly recovered. At that time there was mild nausea, but no loss of appetite. Things begin to change by the end of July and all of August. It was then that the nausea, even though mild, was interfering with his appetite. Food no longer tasted as it once did. He had to force himself to eat most of his meals. Breakfast seemed to be the easiest one and he could consume more food in the early hours. Lunch changed to liquids only, usually instant breakfast supplemented with ice cream. Gatorade was encouraged in the afternoons along with a sometimes snack of peanut butter cracker. The evening meal became his choice of whatever he thought he could eat. Prior to each meal, he began to say "keep the portions small". His weight loss has begun to become more obvious.
In addition to the food issue, Lee began to sleep more and more. He retires each evening around 9-10, or sometimes earlier. It is never later. He sleeps until 8:30-9:30 each morning. Those 12 hour nights are in addition to the 4-5 hours accumulated during the day. I find myself waking him during the day and reminding him to move around, walk and/try to drink more fluids.
As you can imagine, this schedule is making him weaker. He does try to go a few places and we continue to enjoy our Sunday School on Sunday mornings. He can still drive his truck, and enjoys short trips around the neighborhood. On good days, he still has lunch with his buddies at Shorty's Short Stop about 2-3 miles from our house.
Tomorrow, September 18, I will go with him and his son, Lee Jr. to Duke oncology. He is scheduled for a CT scan of his lung. He will spent some time with his oncologist and I would like to be there for the report. It will be another long day that begins at 9:30 and ends around 9:30. I am fortunate to have Lee Jr. along with us to do the driving. I can probably rest on the way home. Unfortunately, I am still dealing with a knee that needs surgery. I have been waiting on this CT report before I make a decision as to the date.
We are praying that the tumor has once again reduced in size and that Lee can take a much needed break from the chemotherapy. I will send another blog later this week.
More Later....................................................Brenda
I suppose one reason I have not written the blog is because he has had some really hard days during the entire month of August and as of today. In the beginning the chemo treatments after day three caused a lot of fatigue that lasted about three days and then he quickly recovered. At that time there was mild nausea, but no loss of appetite. Things begin to change by the end of July and all of August. It was then that the nausea, even though mild, was interfering with his appetite. Food no longer tasted as it once did. He had to force himself to eat most of his meals. Breakfast seemed to be the easiest one and he could consume more food in the early hours. Lunch changed to liquids only, usually instant breakfast supplemented with ice cream. Gatorade was encouraged in the afternoons along with a sometimes snack of peanut butter cracker. The evening meal became his choice of whatever he thought he could eat. Prior to each meal, he began to say "keep the portions small". His weight loss has begun to become more obvious.
In addition to the food issue, Lee began to sleep more and more. He retires each evening around 9-10, or sometimes earlier. It is never later. He sleeps until 8:30-9:30 each morning. Those 12 hour nights are in addition to the 4-5 hours accumulated during the day. I find myself waking him during the day and reminding him to move around, walk and/try to drink more fluids.
As you can imagine, this schedule is making him weaker. He does try to go a few places and we continue to enjoy our Sunday School on Sunday mornings. He can still drive his truck, and enjoys short trips around the neighborhood. On good days, he still has lunch with his buddies at Shorty's Short Stop about 2-3 miles from our house.
Tomorrow, September 18, I will go with him and his son, Lee Jr. to Duke oncology. He is scheduled for a CT scan of his lung. He will spent some time with his oncologist and I would like to be there for the report. It will be another long day that begins at 9:30 and ends around 9:30. I am fortunate to have Lee Jr. along with us to do the driving. I can probably rest on the way home. Unfortunately, I am still dealing with a knee that needs surgery. I have been waiting on this CT report before I make a decision as to the date.
We are praying that the tumor has once again reduced in size and that Lee can take a much needed break from the chemotherapy. I will send another blog later this week.
More Later....................................................Brenda
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Pulmonary Appointment
Yesterday, August 13, was Lee's assigned appointment for a check-up with the Pulmonary doctor, commonly referred to as the transplant doctor. It is necessary from time to time for him to continue those check-ups along with the other scheduled appointments with the oncology doctors.
It does get a bit confusing when we and they try very hard to coordinate appointments along with the oncology one. I suppose the long 3-hour drive to and from Durham engages those of the medical profession to try to help us reduce our travel times by putting them all on the same day. It does reduce travel time, however it makes for a very long and tiring day for lee. We are always thankful for their help in this matter.
The appointment yesterday was just pulmonary and it was with Lee's favorite doctor that he has had for the past three years. His demeanor is one of patience and calm. This works favorably with Lee, especially in the event he has to face another crisis. Lee had the usual clinic day beginning with labs, x-ray, respiratory function tests and finally, a visit with his doctor to learn all the results from the tests done earlier.
The good news is that all tests were within the expected range for Lee based on his tests this past year. The respiratory function test was down a few points, but not enough to warrant further investigation at this time. He was given a prescription for Flonase for a nasal drainage that is causing his cough. The persistent cough he has had for months is not from his lung.
He and son, Lee, Jr had begun their day by leaving at the early hour of 5;15 a.m. but were able to complete the clinic visit around 11;00. They had lunch in Burlington and were home by 3:00. All in all, it was a good day. We are thankful for the good reports from the clinic visit.
Lee returns to oncology clinic next week on Wednesday, August 22. He continues to have chemo every other week. Another CT scan of his lung will be done on September 18. We are hoping the chemotherapy will change to be more tolerable or completed for Lee.
More later.......................................................Brenda
It does get a bit confusing when we and they try very hard to coordinate appointments along with the oncology one. I suppose the long 3-hour drive to and from Durham engages those of the medical profession to try to help us reduce our travel times by putting them all on the same day. It does reduce travel time, however it makes for a very long and tiring day for lee. We are always thankful for their help in this matter.
The appointment yesterday was just pulmonary and it was with Lee's favorite doctor that he has had for the past three years. His demeanor is one of patience and calm. This works favorably with Lee, especially in the event he has to face another crisis. Lee had the usual clinic day beginning with labs, x-ray, respiratory function tests and finally, a visit with his doctor to learn all the results from the tests done earlier.
The good news is that all tests were within the expected range for Lee based on his tests this past year. The respiratory function test was down a few points, but not enough to warrant further investigation at this time. He was given a prescription for Flonase for a nasal drainage that is causing his cough. The persistent cough he has had for months is not from his lung.
He and son, Lee, Jr had begun their day by leaving at the early hour of 5;15 a.m. but were able to complete the clinic visit around 11;00. They had lunch in Burlington and were home by 3:00. All in all, it was a good day. We are thankful for the good reports from the clinic visit.
Lee returns to oncology clinic next week on Wednesday, August 22. He continues to have chemo every other week. Another CT scan of his lung will be done on September 18. We are hoping the chemotherapy will change to be more tolerable or completed for Lee.
More later.......................................................Brenda
Monday, July 30, 2018
Moving Forward!
Moving Forward may seem like an out of place title because there are so many days when Lee feels like he is making no progress and somehow moving backward. Today he is into the fifth day post chemotherapy as of Wednesday, July 25. The past two sessions of therapy seemed to attack his body harder than the ones previously. This extreme fatigue begins on the third day and at first lasted about three days. Unfortunately, the days of lethargy and fatigue have now stretched into a week or more. It seems as though he begins to recoup just in time to return for another therapy session that will knock him off his feet once again.
He will continue to return to Duke every other week for his drugs and right now he is on schedule for another CT scan on September 18. We are praying the results from the future scan will show as much progress in reducing the size of the tumor as the one done in June. I have said before that Lee Kanipe is the strongest man I have ever known, both in his physical stamina and his mental determination to excel and to win at any and all obstacles that come his way. As we pray together each morning to begin the day, Lee's prayer is that he asks for another day. He is not greedy in his request, he is thankful for yesterday, today and sends a request for just another day.
That is what I mean by the title of this blog. No matter what the circumstances that surround us, particularly Lee, he is always moving forward toward another day to face. In spite of a future full of questions, Lee continues to take care of his family. He has become a teacher of sorts, making sure that each of us know and understand so many of the things he has taught us over the years. I told him I needed to write a short book of "grandadisims" because everything he does is the best and the right way! We have begun to collect some of those as they are remembered.
So it is that today I will make that fresh peach pie from the large delicious peaches that Lee purchased on Saturday from the local fruit growers in the Vale area. We will begin planning a time to can tomatoes and maybe green beans from another local farmer. This, another day, will move forward as on all those past days when we have enjoyed the summer months.
More Later............................................................Brenda
He will continue to return to Duke every other week for his drugs and right now he is on schedule for another CT scan on September 18. We are praying the results from the future scan will show as much progress in reducing the size of the tumor as the one done in June. I have said before that Lee Kanipe is the strongest man I have ever known, both in his physical stamina and his mental determination to excel and to win at any and all obstacles that come his way. As we pray together each morning to begin the day, Lee's prayer is that he asks for another day. He is not greedy in his request, he is thankful for yesterday, today and sends a request for just another day.
That is what I mean by the title of this blog. No matter what the circumstances that surround us, particularly Lee, he is always moving forward toward another day to face. In spite of a future full of questions, Lee continues to take care of his family. He has become a teacher of sorts, making sure that each of us know and understand so many of the things he has taught us over the years. I told him I needed to write a short book of "grandadisims" because everything he does is the best and the right way! We have begun to collect some of those as they are remembered.
So it is that today I will make that fresh peach pie from the large delicious peaches that Lee purchased on Saturday from the local fruit growers in the Vale area. We will begin planning a time to can tomatoes and maybe green beans from another local farmer. This, another day, will move forward as on all those past days when we have enjoyed the summer months.
More Later............................................................Brenda
Friday, July 13, 2018
Beach Time!
Whenever Lee and I were given his schedule for chemotherapy last March, we were aware that our chance of having any beach time was almost a zero. We resigned ourselves to that fact and determined that we would place our priority on the treatment plan and put everything else on hold.
In the beginning we prepared ourselves for all the downsides of treating a malignancy, especially one that inhabited the only breathable lung that Lee has to survive. With our new schedules and all the treatments, we settled in and accepted the realization that this would be our first summer in over twenty years with no beach vacation with our family.
Well, it seems that our "Miracle Man", named Lee, surprised us once again! The previous report that I shared with you showing the shrinkage of his tumor allowed us the opportunity to once again have our traditional beach vacation with our children and grandchildren. Even though we have for the past eight years been unable to fit all 24 of us into our beach house, we have managed to work two beach trips to accommodate all. We are trying to do that again this year.
We spent the entire week of the fourth with the Kanipe kids and most of the grandkids. Now that the older ones are married with children of their own, we find that the division is necessary once again because even Lee's children and grandchildren are now too large in numbers to all gather under one roof. We are hoping for an opportunity to do the same during the middle of August when we will meet with my daughter's family.
So........how was our week.......... I just want you to know that for a full week, Lee and I were treated like royalty. All the meals were planned and prepared by the children. We are so fortunate to have daughters-in-laws who are amazing cooks. In addition, the sons and grandsons had an all-day excursion of deep-sea fishing and returned with enough mahi-mahi, and mackeral fish for quite a few meals during our week. Lee and I, meantime, were quite lazy. We spent a lot of leisure time catching up on some books we enjoyed reading, and some great porch sitting. Lee always enjoys visiting all our neighbors and was especially glad to continue his tradition of sharing the big box of home-grown tomatoes we always bring. All the others enjoyed sunny days on the beach with picnics. Unfortunately, my lame knee and Lee's skin cancer kept us away from that area.
I was able to continue the "girls" tradition with lunch at the Frying Pan in Southport, followed by a movie. I had to eliminate our usual shopping excursion due to the knee, but I thoroughly enjoyed their sharing of purchases when the three of them returned loaded with Belk bags after a 7-hour trip. I was rewarded with each of them modeling their purchases for my pleasure! It reminded me of the times when my daughter would do the same as a teen! It was a delightful evening.
Once again, we were able to celebrate all those July birthdays, which has now become a beach tradition since we have four of them. Lee thoroughly enjoyed the boys fishing stories and especially has boasted as he has shared the pictures. Aaaah, the joys of being a Grandaddy!
There is one small downsize to our week. Lee began to have some pain in his right side (donor side) on the drive down to the beach. Remembering that he had lifted a 40 lb bag of dog food the day before we departed, we decided that he probably pulled a muscle. He did say that it only hurt when he took a very deep breath. Even though I remembered this as a classic symptom of Pleurisy, and mentioned it to him...........well, you know Lee...........wait and see.
And we waited the entire week. The pain did not go away, and since he had no fever and all the other possible symptoms I did not keep insisting Urgent Care as I had in the first day there.
We arrived home on Saturday and the following Monday we contacted his lung coordinator at Duke and she arranged for him to have a chest x-ray when he returned on Wednesday, July 11 for an oncology appointment.
The results of the x-ray showed a mild, more inflammatory than infective, Pleurisy. He is now on a two-week regime of one oral antibiotic. So far he feels good and today is out and about with a visit to his truck's dealership to try to get his horn repaired. He has learned to get any tasks accomplished before the "third day" post chemo.
We also returned home to the generosity of our good friend, Ted Cable who brought over an abundance of vegetables from his garden which included green beans, tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. I now have pickled cucumbers on my kitchen counter: 4 quarts vinegar pickles (Lee's favorite), 2 quarts bread & butter, and 1 quart dill spears! We are enjoying the tomatoes in all their variations! Thank-you Ted!
It is amazing that in spite of all the changing, and sometimes chaotic happenings that surround us, we are blessed with friends and family who make that extra effort to bring us back to normal again. We are truly blessed and we continue to be thankful each and every day.
More Later......................................................Brenda
In the beginning we prepared ourselves for all the downsides of treating a malignancy, especially one that inhabited the only breathable lung that Lee has to survive. With our new schedules and all the treatments, we settled in and accepted the realization that this would be our first summer in over twenty years with no beach vacation with our family.
Well, it seems that our "Miracle Man", named Lee, surprised us once again! The previous report that I shared with you showing the shrinkage of his tumor allowed us the opportunity to once again have our traditional beach vacation with our children and grandchildren. Even though we have for the past eight years been unable to fit all 24 of us into our beach house, we have managed to work two beach trips to accommodate all. We are trying to do that again this year.
We spent the entire week of the fourth with the Kanipe kids and most of the grandkids. Now that the older ones are married with children of their own, we find that the division is necessary once again because even Lee's children and grandchildren are now too large in numbers to all gather under one roof. We are hoping for an opportunity to do the same during the middle of August when we will meet with my daughter's family.
So........how was our week.......... I just want you to know that for a full week, Lee and I were treated like royalty. All the meals were planned and prepared by the children. We are so fortunate to have daughters-in-laws who are amazing cooks. In addition, the sons and grandsons had an all-day excursion of deep-sea fishing and returned with enough mahi-mahi, and mackeral fish for quite a few meals during our week. Lee and I, meantime, were quite lazy. We spent a lot of leisure time catching up on some books we enjoyed reading, and some great porch sitting. Lee always enjoys visiting all our neighbors and was especially glad to continue his tradition of sharing the big box of home-grown tomatoes we always bring. All the others enjoyed sunny days on the beach with picnics. Unfortunately, my lame knee and Lee's skin cancer kept us away from that area.
I was able to continue the "girls" tradition with lunch at the Frying Pan in Southport, followed by a movie. I had to eliminate our usual shopping excursion due to the knee, but I thoroughly enjoyed their sharing of purchases when the three of them returned loaded with Belk bags after a 7-hour trip. I was rewarded with each of them modeling their purchases for my pleasure! It reminded me of the times when my daughter would do the same as a teen! It was a delightful evening.
Once again, we were able to celebrate all those July birthdays, which has now become a beach tradition since we have four of them. Lee thoroughly enjoyed the boys fishing stories and especially has boasted as he has shared the pictures. Aaaah, the joys of being a Grandaddy!
There is one small downsize to our week. Lee began to have some pain in his right side (donor side) on the drive down to the beach. Remembering that he had lifted a 40 lb bag of dog food the day before we departed, we decided that he probably pulled a muscle. He did say that it only hurt when he took a very deep breath. Even though I remembered this as a classic symptom of Pleurisy, and mentioned it to him...........well, you know Lee...........wait and see.
And we waited the entire week. The pain did not go away, and since he had no fever and all the other possible symptoms I did not keep insisting Urgent Care as I had in the first day there.
We arrived home on Saturday and the following Monday we contacted his lung coordinator at Duke and she arranged for him to have a chest x-ray when he returned on Wednesday, July 11 for an oncology appointment.
The results of the x-ray showed a mild, more inflammatory than infective, Pleurisy. He is now on a two-week regime of one oral antibiotic. So far he feels good and today is out and about with a visit to his truck's dealership to try to get his horn repaired. He has learned to get any tasks accomplished before the "third day" post chemo.
We also returned home to the generosity of our good friend, Ted Cable who brought over an abundance of vegetables from his garden which included green beans, tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. I now have pickled cucumbers on my kitchen counter: 4 quarts vinegar pickles (Lee's favorite), 2 quarts bread & butter, and 1 quart dill spears! We are enjoying the tomatoes in all their variations! Thank-you Ted!
It is amazing that in spite of all the changing, and sometimes chaotic happenings that surround us, we are blessed with friends and family who make that extra effort to bring us back to normal again. We are truly blessed and we continue to be thankful each and every day.
More Later......................................................Brenda
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
WOW O WOW!!!!
Praise be! We just got the report of Lee's CT scan from the oncology doctor, The scan shows that Lee's tumor has reduced 50%. Praise be to God! The doctor said that this was unusual because most people did not reduce by that percentage after 6 treatments. Lee will continue for another six treatments and then another scan. They also said they would probably not have to do the radiation because it would scar his lung.
Since his treatments are every two weeks, the therapy will most likely extend until the middle of September before another CT scan. It is so good to know that radiation is most likely not going to be part of his therapy. We had been told originally that it would follow the chemo and that there would most likely be ten weeks with radiation therapy each day Monday-Friday. We were debating how we could handle that at Duke. So.......as of now, that may be something we do not have to be concerned about.
Lee's youngest son, Doug came up last night, and they left at 6:00 this morning for the long drive and long day at Duke. Today is Doug's birthday and I am so glad they get to spend it together! I told Doug that this had to be the best Birthday present! He agreed! It is hard for me and the children to contain our excitement upon hearing this great report. Now let's continue praying for that tumor to shrink, shrink,. shrink!
Thank you for all your prayers, concerns, cards and phone calls. We feel your love and your support has been encouraging.
More Later...................................................Brenda
Since his treatments are every two weeks, the therapy will most likely extend until the middle of September before another CT scan. It is so good to know that radiation is most likely not going to be part of his therapy. We had been told originally that it would follow the chemo and that there would most likely be ten weeks with radiation therapy each day Monday-Friday. We were debating how we could handle that at Duke. So.......as of now, that may be something we do not have to be concerned about.
Lee's youngest son, Doug came up last night, and they left at 6:00 this morning for the long drive and long day at Duke. Today is Doug's birthday and I am so glad they get to spend it together! I told Doug that this had to be the best Birthday present! He agreed! It is hard for me and the children to contain our excitement upon hearing this great report. Now let's continue praying for that tumor to shrink, shrink,. shrink!
Thank you for all your prayers, concerns, cards and phone calls. We feel your love and your support has been encouraging.
More Later...................................................Brenda
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Turning Point
Once again I begin this blog with an apology for my late entry. It was not all my fault since our Wi Fi has been functioning on again and off again lately. Finally, two experts from AT &T replaced the router. It seems we had one that would no longer connect. A sick router, they said. Anyway, now that I am up to speed, I may be more dependable.
The title of this blog is aptly named "Turning Point" because one week from today, on June 19, Lee will have a CT scan of his lung to determine several things. (1) Are there any changes in the tumor?
(2) Is the tumor larger?, (3) smaller? (4) metastatic?. The answers to these important questions will be addressed by the oncology doctors and they will then meet with Lee to discuss the continuing course of treatment.
This, of course would include several possibilities: (1) continue the same course of treatment for x-number of weeks to continue to shrink the tumor (2) try another form of chemotherapy (3) the tumor has shrunk and may begin radiation with specifics to time.
I, of course, am only speculating as to what may or may not occur. We are praying that the tumor has responded to the chemotherapy and has reduced its size so that radiation will now be an option. My personal observations have been on the positive side because (1) He is not short of breath, which might indicate that the tumor has NOT increased in size, (2) He does not cough a lot and does not cough up blood (3) He does not complain of any pain, that might indicate tumor growth.
Again, these are my opinions and not those of any of the medical persons at Duke. We continue on with our lives as much as normal. We have enjoyed special time with friends and family and we are looking ahead to our family beach vacation over the week of the 4th of July. We are grateful that family will be with us during that time because at this stage of our lives we are limited with physical activity and must depend on them to help. I am still dealing with a knee that needs to be replaced. Even though I had the Synvisc injection last week, I have not had any relief.
We are all looking toward June 19, with great anticipation for good news regarding Lee's progress. This will also be the birthday of his youngest son, Doug, who will take him to Duke. Let's pray that on this special day for both of them there will be a wonderful celebration!
More Later........................................Brenda
The title of this blog is aptly named "Turning Point" because one week from today, on June 19, Lee will have a CT scan of his lung to determine several things. (1) Are there any changes in the tumor?
(2) Is the tumor larger?, (3) smaller? (4) metastatic?. The answers to these important questions will be addressed by the oncology doctors and they will then meet with Lee to discuss the continuing course of treatment.
This, of course would include several possibilities: (1) continue the same course of treatment for x-number of weeks to continue to shrink the tumor (2) try another form of chemotherapy (3) the tumor has shrunk and may begin radiation with specifics to time.
I, of course, am only speculating as to what may or may not occur. We are praying that the tumor has responded to the chemotherapy and has reduced its size so that radiation will now be an option. My personal observations have been on the positive side because (1) He is not short of breath, which might indicate that the tumor has NOT increased in size, (2) He does not cough a lot and does not cough up blood (3) He does not complain of any pain, that might indicate tumor growth.
Again, these are my opinions and not those of any of the medical persons at Duke. We continue on with our lives as much as normal. We have enjoyed special time with friends and family and we are looking ahead to our family beach vacation over the week of the 4th of July. We are grateful that family will be with us during that time because at this stage of our lives we are limited with physical activity and must depend on them to help. I am still dealing with a knee that needs to be replaced. Even though I had the Synvisc injection last week, I have not had any relief.
We are all looking toward June 19, with great anticipation for good news regarding Lee's progress. This will also be the birthday of his youngest son, Doug, who will take him to Duke. Let's pray that on this special day for both of them there will be a wonderful celebration!
More Later........................................Brenda
Friday, May 25, 2018
A Busy Week!
It has been a busy week for both of us. I suppose that explains my tardiness in sending out this blog.
Lee had another treatment this past Monday, at which time he did get two of the treatment medications. Fortunately his platelet count was adequate ( still a little low at 163), but not too low for the chemo drugs.
I have been amazed at the ability of his body to adjust to these strong and toxic medications. Over the years we have heard the depressing stories of extreme nausea, fatigue and changes in platelet, white and red blood cells and hemoglobin. At this stage of the treatment, Lee has had very little nausea. During the first two days he may feel a little indigestion at which time he will take the anti-nausea medication and within a short while is relieved. He has now learned to deal with the fatigue that settles in around the third day and lasts three-to four days. He works very hard to keep active and not give into his desire to settle into the recliner and sleep. He was told to keep moving as much as possible during hose days. It seems to be working in his favor.
He is enjoying having grandson John home from State for the summer. John and his family live next door and conveniently close for their partnership in various chores each has planned for John's time here. This has been a great motivator for Lee to get up earlier in the mornings to meet with John and begin to tackle these tasks. Yesterday they spent the day doing several power-washing chores. Today they plan to work with John's carpentry. He loves to build furniture and has promised his sister he will build her a kitchen table to her specifications.. He is showing surprising talent in this field.
We are now approaching the busy month of June. May is ending with birthdays for Lee, Chris L. and Chris K. Michaela graduated from UNC Chapel Hill and is now back home with parents in Morganton. She is eager to begin her Masters program at Lenoir Rhyne. June begins with birthdays, high school graduations, Father's day and the beginning of beach time for our family. This is also the month that Lee will celebrate his eighth year with the donor lung. Yes! Eight years on June 23!
Even though there have been multiple complications these past eight years, such as rejection, lung infections, atrial fibrillation and now cancer, there have also been many blessed times when we have been so grateful to have Lee with us. As a family we continue to depend on his expertise in so many ways. He is the person we all turn to as the "fixer". Nothing stays broken if Lee is here. He is also the person we consult in serious decision-making because we have learned that he does not make an irrational or impulsive decision. His forethought and loving insights have been depended upon by all of us.
This week we received a gift from one of our transplant couples.. We met them during the early weeks of Lee's transplant, and have remained close friends these past eight years. The gift was a "Blessings Jar." We are to write down our daily blessings and put them on the enclosed small card into the jar. It is a reminder that in spite of another "bump in the road", there are always blessings along the way.
Thank you dear friends for that reminder, your friendship and love is another blessing that goes into the Blessing Jar!
More Later.............................................Brenda
Lee had another treatment this past Monday, at which time he did get two of the treatment medications. Fortunately his platelet count was adequate ( still a little low at 163), but not too low for the chemo drugs.
I have been amazed at the ability of his body to adjust to these strong and toxic medications. Over the years we have heard the depressing stories of extreme nausea, fatigue and changes in platelet, white and red blood cells and hemoglobin. At this stage of the treatment, Lee has had very little nausea. During the first two days he may feel a little indigestion at which time he will take the anti-nausea medication and within a short while is relieved. He has now learned to deal with the fatigue that settles in around the third day and lasts three-to four days. He works very hard to keep active and not give into his desire to settle into the recliner and sleep. He was told to keep moving as much as possible during hose days. It seems to be working in his favor.
He is enjoying having grandson John home from State for the summer. John and his family live next door and conveniently close for their partnership in various chores each has planned for John's time here. This has been a great motivator for Lee to get up earlier in the mornings to meet with John and begin to tackle these tasks. Yesterday they spent the day doing several power-washing chores. Today they plan to work with John's carpentry. He loves to build furniture and has promised his sister he will build her a kitchen table to her specifications.. He is showing surprising talent in this field.
We are now approaching the busy month of June. May is ending with birthdays for Lee, Chris L. and Chris K. Michaela graduated from UNC Chapel Hill and is now back home with parents in Morganton. She is eager to begin her Masters program at Lenoir Rhyne. June begins with birthdays, high school graduations, Father's day and the beginning of beach time for our family. This is also the month that Lee will celebrate his eighth year with the donor lung. Yes! Eight years on June 23!
Even though there have been multiple complications these past eight years, such as rejection, lung infections, atrial fibrillation and now cancer, there have also been many blessed times when we have been so grateful to have Lee with us. As a family we continue to depend on his expertise in so many ways. He is the person we all turn to as the "fixer". Nothing stays broken if Lee is here. He is also the person we consult in serious decision-making because we have learned that he does not make an irrational or impulsive decision. His forethought and loving insights have been depended upon by all of us.
This week we received a gift from one of our transplant couples.. We met them during the early weeks of Lee's transplant, and have remained close friends these past eight years. The gift was a "Blessings Jar." We are to write down our daily blessings and put them on the enclosed small card into the jar. It is a reminder that in spite of another "bump in the road", there are always blessings along the way.
Thank you dear friends for that reminder, your friendship and love is another blessing that goes into the Blessing Jar!
More Later.............................................Brenda
Friday, May 11, 2018
Moving Forward, treatment #4
Sorry bloggers for the late blog. Our internet service has not been cooperating this week, and I am hoping this window of time will allow me to finish this blog.
Lee and son, Todd, left early Monday morning for a full day at Duke to include a pulmonary transplant visit along with his oncology day. The pulmonary visit began at 9:00 a.m. which required that Lee and Todd begin their long day of travel at 6:00 a.m.
The pulmonary visit was good. His labs were still in the expected range and his pulmonary function tests were down slightly, but not enough to warrant further investigation. This is a breathing test that is done routinely on all clinic visits for post-lung transplant patients. It may be the first indication of lung rejection, at which time it is customary to follow-up with a bronchoscopy and biopsy. Fortunately for Lee, this was not necessary. The chest x-ray will be followed in about a month with a CT. It is too soon to judge the size of the tumor in his donor lung.
The remainder of the day was spent in the Oncology clinic. Labs done earlier that morning did show that his platelets had dropped from 289K to 113K. One chemotherapy drug was given and appointments were made for another visit in two weeks. They were finished around 4:30. This was good because it allowed time for the two of them to have supper at Lee's favorite cafeteria in Statesville, K & W. They arrived home around 8:15 p.m.
As it seems to be the customary reaction to the treatment, Lee felt fine Tuesday and Wednesday. He was able to be out and about, and his appetite was almost normal. Thursday ( the third day again), I noticed a drop in his appetite, more naps in his recliner, and that he was very quiet. I have learned to judge his discomfort level by his more tranquil nature. He has never verbally complained; he just gets very quiet. It is during those times when I make my own assessment that he is probably experiencing some level of discomfort. This usually lasts two to four days, depending on whether he had one or two drugs on the preceding Monday. So far, after only one drug on Monday he is already recovering and is more energetic today. He also reported that he did not have the severe night sweats last night. He usually has these Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
As I write, he has already gone in his truck to run several errands. You cannot keep a GOOD MAN DOWN!
Please accept our gratitude for the phone calls, cards and visits to Lee. Your support continues to give both of us a continued connection to all of you and it helps us to accept the limitations that illness imposes on both of us. We ask for prayers for the success of the chemotherapy in shrinking the tumor.
More Later.......................................................................Brenda
Lee and son, Todd, left early Monday morning for a full day at Duke to include a pulmonary transplant visit along with his oncology day. The pulmonary visit began at 9:00 a.m. which required that Lee and Todd begin their long day of travel at 6:00 a.m.
The pulmonary visit was good. His labs were still in the expected range and his pulmonary function tests were down slightly, but not enough to warrant further investigation. This is a breathing test that is done routinely on all clinic visits for post-lung transplant patients. It may be the first indication of lung rejection, at which time it is customary to follow-up with a bronchoscopy and biopsy. Fortunately for Lee, this was not necessary. The chest x-ray will be followed in about a month with a CT. It is too soon to judge the size of the tumor in his donor lung.
The remainder of the day was spent in the Oncology clinic. Labs done earlier that morning did show that his platelets had dropped from 289K to 113K. One chemotherapy drug was given and appointments were made for another visit in two weeks. They were finished around 4:30. This was good because it allowed time for the two of them to have supper at Lee's favorite cafeteria in Statesville, K & W. They arrived home around 8:15 p.m.
As it seems to be the customary reaction to the treatment, Lee felt fine Tuesday and Wednesday. He was able to be out and about, and his appetite was almost normal. Thursday ( the third day again), I noticed a drop in his appetite, more naps in his recliner, and that he was very quiet. I have learned to judge his discomfort level by his more tranquil nature. He has never verbally complained; he just gets very quiet. It is during those times when I make my own assessment that he is probably experiencing some level of discomfort. This usually lasts two to four days, depending on whether he had one or two drugs on the preceding Monday. So far, after only one drug on Monday he is already recovering and is more energetic today. He also reported that he did not have the severe night sweats last night. He usually has these Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
As I write, he has already gone in his truck to run several errands. You cannot keep a GOOD MAN DOWN!
Please accept our gratitude for the phone calls, cards and visits to Lee. Your support continues to give both of us a continued connection to all of you and it helps us to accept the limitations that illness imposes on both of us. We ask for prayers for the success of the chemotherapy in shrinking the tumor.
More Later.......................................................................Brenda
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Double-Dose Chemo
Yesterday Lee left for Duke along with his youngest son, Doug who came down on Sunday from Radford, Virginia. They left around 8:30 Monday morning with rain and weather forecast for flood watches. His first appointment at the oncology clinic was for the initial 11:30 Labs. Fortunately, things were running slightly ahead of schedule so there was time for Lee and Doug to have lunch at the Sub-Way area in the cafeteria of the clinic.
His next appointment was with his assigned PA who presented him with a very good lab report. His Platelet count had risen from the low of 113K to 289K, which was even higher than before the beginning of the chemo drugs. All of the labs were within a normal range. I can only surmise from this that Lee still has a very strong body. He amazes all the health-care professionals with his ability to keep returning to a better, and healthier state. That has to be true, because very few people could have faced all the assault on their bodies such as he has while continuing to maintain an almost normal lifestyle!
Lee has always attributed this super-human feat to his background in sports, especially football. Even today he will tell you that a "winner never quits, and a quitter never wins!" He just picks himself up and continues to win and never quits!
Yesterday he was able to take the double-dose of two chemotherapy drugs. He was pre-medicated prior to the treatment with anti-nausea drugs and allowed to wait thirty minutes before the I.V.. Each chemo drug was given I.V and separately. The entire procedure lasted approximately two hours. Currently, he will be maintained on two drugs one week, skip a week, one drug the next week then skip a week, etc......A scan of his body may be done after the sixth treatment. So far, he has had only three treatments. We will be anxious to see if there is tumor shrinkage at a later time.
Today, he has felt very well. There has been no nausea or fatigue. We wait for that on the third day! He does, however continue to have some voice issues with his larynx that is probably the result of some damage to his vocal cords from the biopsy six weeks ago. He will see a local ENT doctor next week.
Thank you all for your continued support, and for your prayers,
More Later.........................................................................................Brenda
His next appointment was with his assigned PA who presented him with a very good lab report. His Platelet count had risen from the low of 113K to 289K, which was even higher than before the beginning of the chemo drugs. All of the labs were within a normal range. I can only surmise from this that Lee still has a very strong body. He amazes all the health-care professionals with his ability to keep returning to a better, and healthier state. That has to be true, because very few people could have faced all the assault on their bodies such as he has while continuing to maintain an almost normal lifestyle!
Lee has always attributed this super-human feat to his background in sports, especially football. Even today he will tell you that a "winner never quits, and a quitter never wins!" He just picks himself up and continues to win and never quits!
Yesterday he was able to take the double-dose of two chemotherapy drugs. He was pre-medicated prior to the treatment with anti-nausea drugs and allowed to wait thirty minutes before the I.V.. Each chemo drug was given I.V and separately. The entire procedure lasted approximately two hours. Currently, he will be maintained on two drugs one week, skip a week, one drug the next week then skip a week, etc......A scan of his body may be done after the sixth treatment. So far, he has had only three treatments. We will be anxious to see if there is tumor shrinkage at a later time.
Today, he has felt very well. There has been no nausea or fatigue. We wait for that on the third day! He does, however continue to have some voice issues with his larynx that is probably the result of some damage to his vocal cords from the biopsy six weeks ago. He will see a local ENT doctor next week.
Thank you all for your continued support, and for your prayers,
More Later.........................................................................................Brenda
Friday, April 13, 2018
The Third day
We are beginning to notice a pattern post- chemo treatment. Lee had one chemo drug for one hour on Monday, April 9. He felt energetic and was without nausea or loss of appetite until Wednesday evening. He says no nausea, but he was very tired Wednesday night. Thursday morning the fatigue was more pronounced. I told him to go ahead and relax for the day. He spent most of the morning and early afternoon in the recliner reading a book loaned to him by a good friend.
His appetite was good enough for breakfast of bacon, eggs, biscuits & fig preserves (one of his favorites) on this day, Thursday. Lunch did not appeal to him and that could have been from the large breakfast. He did manage an ensure and later some gatorade. He was able to supervise some yard work by a young energetic boy who is a wonderful worker. Lee was very pleased with the way he trimmed the Nandina bushes, the Crepe Myrtles, and the pear tree. He weeded all my flower beds and then scrubbed the carport and washed the dog house! Wow!
Lee was able to keep a dental appointment @ 4:00. After resting for an hour, he did eat a good supper. By 10:00 he was in the bed and we were both hoping for a better day today. Our experience so far, is otherwise. There are usually 2-3 bad days following the 3rd. Day post chemo.
Today, Friday, the 13th, we are watching a cough that started on Wednesday. He said he thought it was the pollen because he had been out and about on Tuesday and Wednesday. The cough has continued today, and he now admits that it is a deep cough coming from his lung. If it continues, we will contact Duke. So far no fever, and not coughing up any suspicious junk. It could be that the pollen is aggravating the cough, but another pneumonia cannot be completely ruled out.
We ask for your continued prayers and support as Lee braves this battle with cancer. Please pray for the Duke oncology team in such a way that they will be successful in all the decisions they make for Lee's ability to reduce the size of the tumor and prepare him for radiation sometime this summer.
I also ask for your prayers on my behalf so I may administer the care here at home to the best advantage for his recovery.
There is no chemo scheduled for Monday. We are hoping for time for platelet count to continue to go up and that he will have a little more time to recoup before the next chemo.
More later................................Brenda
His appetite was good enough for breakfast of bacon, eggs, biscuits & fig preserves (one of his favorites) on this day, Thursday. Lunch did not appeal to him and that could have been from the large breakfast. He did manage an ensure and later some gatorade. He was able to supervise some yard work by a young energetic boy who is a wonderful worker. Lee was very pleased with the way he trimmed the Nandina bushes, the Crepe Myrtles, and the pear tree. He weeded all my flower beds and then scrubbed the carport and washed the dog house! Wow!
Lee was able to keep a dental appointment @ 4:00. After resting for an hour, he did eat a good supper. By 10:00 he was in the bed and we were both hoping for a better day today. Our experience so far, is otherwise. There are usually 2-3 bad days following the 3rd. Day post chemo.
Today, Friday, the 13th, we are watching a cough that started on Wednesday. He said he thought it was the pollen because he had been out and about on Tuesday and Wednesday. The cough has continued today, and he now admits that it is a deep cough coming from his lung. If it continues, we will contact Duke. So far no fever, and not coughing up any suspicious junk. It could be that the pollen is aggravating the cough, but another pneumonia cannot be completely ruled out.
We ask for your continued prayers and support as Lee braves this battle with cancer. Please pray for the Duke oncology team in such a way that they will be successful in all the decisions they make for Lee's ability to reduce the size of the tumor and prepare him for radiation sometime this summer.
I also ask for your prayers on my behalf so I may administer the care here at home to the best advantage for his recovery.
There is no chemo scheduled for Monday. We are hoping for time for platelet count to continue to go up and that he will have a little more time to recoup before the next chemo.
More later................................Brenda
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
The Second Chemo for Lee
This past Monday, April 9th, promised to be another unusually cold and drizzly April day. Even though the travels to Duke are long and sometimes a bit furious with traffic, Lee and his son, Lee Jr. were glad they did not have to leave until 8:15 to keep an 11:30 appointment. They were both looking forward to maybe a shorter day since Lee would be getting one chemo infusion instead of two.
Unfortunately, that was not to be. It seems that everything on the schedule was delayed. The first appointment with the lab at 11:30 was delayed by 45 minutes until approximately 12:15. That worked O.K. since it still gave them both time for lunch before the 1:30 appointment with the PA.
The PA was running a bit behind schedule and had to consult the physician before counseling Lee, especially in regard to his platelet count. It was higher, but still low when compared to the fact that his had been 208 on March 26 prior to chemotherapy.
The PA discussed all labs, along with other important issues such as diet and increased caloric and protein intake. Lee's platelet count that had been 90 the previous week was now up to 113. That increase was enough to allow him to receive one of the chemo drugs but not two as had been discussed at an earlier date.After the PA consulted the chemotherapy doctor, it was decided that it would be in the best interest for Lee to go onto an alternating schedule as in every other week, and also alternating the drugs., So, for the time being, this is how it looks:
Yesterday: One chemo drug
Next week: Skip
3rd week: two chemo drugs
4th week: Skip
He will continue that pattern for the time being. All of this, of course, will depend on how well his platelet count is doing and will also allow for any complications that Lee might encounter. It may change on any given week; however, if he is able to continue the pattern above, he may continue his chemotherapy into June
Lee did well with his chemotherapy infusion and he and Lee Jr. were able to leave by 5:30. It takes a while to retrieve the car from valet, so they were finally on the road by 6.00 p.m.to begin the long 3-hour drive home. By this time they were both very tired and hungry so a stop at the K&W in Burlington was a must and greatly contributed to their renewed energy. They arrived home around 9:45 p.m.
Lee Jr., Todd and Doug have all volunteered to drive their Dad to all Chemo sessions. I am so grateful to each of them. Lee tells me how much he enjoys the one-on-one time with each of his sons. This has truly been a treasure for Lee as he is enjoying those very special conversations. In addition, they have given me the gift of rest.
Today I can say that Lee has had an excellent day. He had a good night's sleep, and enjoyed a high- caloric and protein breakfast of french toast. He had lunch at his usual hang-out here in the country, Shorty's Short Stop, and enjoyed seeing some of his neighborhood buddies. I saw him briefly around 1:30 as he was preparing to meet with one of his friends and help him gather a swarm of bees! Yes! Lee is doing just fine!
More later..........................................................................Brenda
.
Unfortunately, that was not to be. It seems that everything on the schedule was delayed. The first appointment with the lab at 11:30 was delayed by 45 minutes until approximately 12:15. That worked O.K. since it still gave them both time for lunch before the 1:30 appointment with the PA.
The PA was running a bit behind schedule and had to consult the physician before counseling Lee, especially in regard to his platelet count. It was higher, but still low when compared to the fact that his had been 208 on March 26 prior to chemotherapy.
The PA discussed all labs, along with other important issues such as diet and increased caloric and protein intake. Lee's platelet count that had been 90 the previous week was now up to 113. That increase was enough to allow him to receive one of the chemo drugs but not two as had been discussed at an earlier date.After the PA consulted the chemotherapy doctor, it was decided that it would be in the best interest for Lee to go onto an alternating schedule as in every other week, and also alternating the drugs., So, for the time being, this is how it looks:
Yesterday: One chemo drug
Next week: Skip
3rd week: two chemo drugs
4th week: Skip
He will continue that pattern for the time being. All of this, of course, will depend on how well his platelet count is doing and will also allow for any complications that Lee might encounter. It may change on any given week; however, if he is able to continue the pattern above, he may continue his chemotherapy into June
Lee did well with his chemotherapy infusion and he and Lee Jr. were able to leave by 5:30. It takes a while to retrieve the car from valet, so they were finally on the road by 6.00 p.m.to begin the long 3-hour drive home. By this time they were both very tired and hungry so a stop at the K&W in Burlington was a must and greatly contributed to their renewed energy. They arrived home around 9:45 p.m.
Lee Jr., Todd and Doug have all volunteered to drive their Dad to all Chemo sessions. I am so grateful to each of them. Lee tells me how much he enjoys the one-on-one time with each of his sons. This has truly been a treasure for Lee as he is enjoying those very special conversations. In addition, they have given me the gift of rest.
Today I can say that Lee has had an excellent day. He had a good night's sleep, and enjoyed a high- caloric and protein breakfast of french toast. He had lunch at his usual hang-out here in the country, Shorty's Short Stop, and enjoyed seeing some of his neighborhood buddies. I saw him briefly around 1:30 as he was preparing to meet with one of his friends and help him gather a swarm of bees! Yes! Lee is doing just fine!
More later..........................................................................Brenda
.
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Changing schedules
One of the things we are learning about this new journey with Lee is that his schedule is subject to change. He kept his early appointment at Duke on Monday, April 2. Son Todd came down on the night of Easter Sunday so they could both leave by 6:30 Monday morning. They were able to meet the demand of arriving by 9:10 to keep the appointed lab.
A complete blood count is imperative during chemotherapy, and it must be done on the morning of the infusion of the drugs. There is a waiting period of about an hour and then Lee meets with his assigned PA to receive the lab results, and her physical assessment of him. After that a decision may be made as to the type of chemotherapy he should receive for that day.
On this particular Monday, Lee's platelet count was 90. (that is 90 K). Normal platelet count is 350K or above. It is the standard of measurement at Duke to delay Chemotherapy if the platelet count is below 100.
Lee had decided several days before this appointment to ask the infusion team to remove his PICC line that had been in place since March 5. This line was established for the sole purpose of administering I.V. antibiotics at home upon his discharge on March 6. After a candid discussion with the home-health provider and the risks involved with keeping the line in, Lee decided to have it out.
Lee and Todd had a small lunch at the café in the cancer center, then returned for the removal of the PICC line. To date we are observing the site and all is well.
Yesterday he felt very good and was out and about most of the day. His good friend, a retired farmer in our neighborhood kept him occupied all afternoon. He was happy at the end of the day. It was quite a contrast in comparison to the week before when he had received two chemo drugs that unfortunately made him restless at night with night sweats and some mild nausea during the day. Fatigue became an issue later during the week. His appetite was poor and he supplemented his diet with nourishing high-protein drinks several times a day.
We are both concerned that he continues to lose weight. He has lost about nine pounds in the past two months in spite of trying to eat and supplement his diet. We both understand that this is yet another toll the cancer takes on your body.
In spite of all the changes Lee has had to endure these past almost eight years post lung transplant, the cancer appears to be the one that will require the biggest battle. I am convinced that Lee will tackle this fight the same as he has always done. He will use his defense tactics and strategy that he learned long ago on the football field. I also know that he will not give up as long as there is a shred of fight left in him.
So....blogger friends, I am depending on you to support Lee's defense team. Please drop a card, or make that phone call. It takes a family, friends, a neighborhood, a village to fight cancer. I know I can count on all of you. Any information can be obtained via the children, or me.
Thanks,...................................................................................more later, Brenda
A complete blood count is imperative during chemotherapy, and it must be done on the morning of the infusion of the drugs. There is a waiting period of about an hour and then Lee meets with his assigned PA to receive the lab results, and her physical assessment of him. After that a decision may be made as to the type of chemotherapy he should receive for that day.
On this particular Monday, Lee's platelet count was 90. (that is 90 K). Normal platelet count is 350K or above. It is the standard of measurement at Duke to delay Chemotherapy if the platelet count is below 100.
Lee had decided several days before this appointment to ask the infusion team to remove his PICC line that had been in place since March 5. This line was established for the sole purpose of administering I.V. antibiotics at home upon his discharge on March 6. After a candid discussion with the home-health provider and the risks involved with keeping the line in, Lee decided to have it out.
Lee and Todd had a small lunch at the café in the cancer center, then returned for the removal of the PICC line. To date we are observing the site and all is well.
Yesterday he felt very good and was out and about most of the day. His good friend, a retired farmer in our neighborhood kept him occupied all afternoon. He was happy at the end of the day. It was quite a contrast in comparison to the week before when he had received two chemo drugs that unfortunately made him restless at night with night sweats and some mild nausea during the day. Fatigue became an issue later during the week. His appetite was poor and he supplemented his diet with nourishing high-protein drinks several times a day.
We are both concerned that he continues to lose weight. He has lost about nine pounds in the past two months in spite of trying to eat and supplement his diet. We both understand that this is yet another toll the cancer takes on your body.
In spite of all the changes Lee has had to endure these past almost eight years post lung transplant, the cancer appears to be the one that will require the biggest battle. I am convinced that Lee will tackle this fight the same as he has always done. He will use his defense tactics and strategy that he learned long ago on the football field. I also know that he will not give up as long as there is a shred of fight left in him.
So....blogger friends, I am depending on you to support Lee's defense team. Please drop a card, or make that phone call. It takes a family, friends, a neighborhood, a village to fight cancer. I know I can count on all of you. Any information can be obtained via the children, or me.
Thanks,...................................................................................more later, Brenda
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
The next chapter / cancer
Yesterday was Lee 's first chemotherapy treatment at the cancer center, Duke . Even though he and I had used the past month knowing the inevitable was to happen, Lee entered this new phase of treatment like the trooper he always is. He had decided and accepted that his major battle had to be fought. One week prior to his scheduled appointment, he consulted a dear friend who had completed chemo last year. As she shared her story and experience, she also provided encouragement in a positive and compassionate manner. After talking and enjoying her visit, he visibly became relaxed. I knew then that he was ready to face this new unknown.
My apologies blogger friends, I may need to give some of you who did not get my FB message, a bit more information:
Lee had a routine transplant clinic visit on February 6, 2018. At that time the chest x-Ray revealed a suspicious shadow in the middle lobe of his DONOR lung. Further scans & surgical consults confirmed an inoperable squamous cell cancer, approximately the size of a small egg. Arrangements were made for oncology consultation. Unfortunately, two weeks prior to his appointment, he became very ill with high fever, chills & coughing up blood. He had pneumonia & was hospitalized @ Duke for a week. Treatment with IV antibiotic therapy continued at home for one week. Oncology consultation began on March. 6.
The good news is that there is no metastasis anywhere in his body. All scans were normal and so were the lymph nodes. Praise!!!!!
The goal of chemotherapy is to reduce size of the tumor and then begin radiation. The chemo treatments will require regular day trips to Durham. Our wonderful children have taken upon themselves to carry their Dad back and forth to Duke, providing some rest for me.
We count ourselves blest to have a loving family committed to this new pause of our journey.
We continue to ask for your prayers, for Lee to maintain his strength, for me to stay strong, for our children & grandchildren to continue their loving support of a special Grandaddy, & for those doctors, nurses & providers at Duke to be led in their knowledge that will provide the best of care.
So...........stay with us bloggers. We anticipate a long Spring and Summer.
My apologies blogger friends, I may need to give some of you who did not get my FB message, a bit more information:
Lee had a routine transplant clinic visit on February 6, 2018. At that time the chest x-Ray revealed a suspicious shadow in the middle lobe of his DONOR lung. Further scans & surgical consults confirmed an inoperable squamous cell cancer, approximately the size of a small egg. Arrangements were made for oncology consultation. Unfortunately, two weeks prior to his appointment, he became very ill with high fever, chills & coughing up blood. He had pneumonia & was hospitalized @ Duke for a week. Treatment with IV antibiotic therapy continued at home for one week. Oncology consultation began on March. 6.
The good news is that there is no metastasis anywhere in his body. All scans were normal and so were the lymph nodes. Praise!!!!!
The goal of chemotherapy is to reduce size of the tumor and then begin radiation. The chemo treatments will require regular day trips to Durham. Our wonderful children have taken upon themselves to carry their Dad back and forth to Duke, providing some rest for me.
We count ourselves blest to have a loving family committed to this new pause of our journey.
We continue to ask for your prayers, for Lee to maintain his strength, for me to stay strong, for our children & grandchildren to continue their loving support of a special Grandaddy, & for those doctors, nurses & providers at Duke to be led in their knowledge that will provide the best of care.
So...........stay with us bloggers. We anticipate a long Spring and Summer.
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