Monday, February 23, 2009

Winding Down

Only seven more radiation treatments. And, he is in his final week of chemo. Jayme will surely tell you this has been the longest five weeks of his life (maybe mine as well!), but at least there is a little bit of light coming into focus at the end of some tunnel!

Jayme had minor surgery on Friday to place a feeding tube into his small intestine. All went well, though they kept him in the hospital for 2 days. The nursing care was great and necessary since they had control over the morphine injections! His pain is less and mobility is much better since his discharge from the hospital, even though he has to haul around a feeding pump and pole.

He is more conversational today than I have seen him in weeks. I'll take what I can get since he probably won't feel so good after his dose of Cisplatin chemo today. To jog your memories, that is the "grandaddy" of chemo and the side effects last way too long. I speak from experience from his first dose on January 26th. He will again be hooked up to a portable pump of 5FU chemo today as well, which he will carry around over the next 5 days.

I am hopeful that the feeding tube will alleviate Jayme's stress, worrying about getting down enough calories. As of now the pump runs almost 24 hours a day, but that will decrease by the end of the week as his intake increases. He even put on a few pounds over the weekend.

I have taken a leave of absence from my home health job so I can be home most of the time. However, I will be sneaking out and heading to Lawrence for KU's final 2 home games. Rock Chalk.

6 comments:

  1. Hang in there, Jayme. Stay strong and rest. And don't worry about Quacker State. I'm keeping the ninth floor clean and my favorite resident up here happy. It will be ready for your return.
    Bill

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  2. HEY BRO, I really like reading these blogs and keeping up to date, it was a long weekend to find out how your feeding tube insert went, is it helping and making it easier to get fluids down, I hope so. Have you read any good books lately, if so which titles? Do you remember the Beatles song 8 days a week, well that's what I am working these days. 4 days at the water plant and 4 days doing income taxes, busy but keeps me out of trouble, though I still have time to worry about you and I do. if you see some spelling error I am doing this without my glasses so I am kind of guessing. Focus on the light at the end of the tunnel so you can rest up and build your strength back, I love you and I'll write more latter. #6

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  3. know that my thoughts and prayers are with you! I told Kay to give you a hug, if she didn't.....now you got one! Daphne

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  4. Hang in there Jayme! You're almost there. You're on the home stretch!

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  5. Hey Jayme and Kay...Barb F. gave me this link so I can follow your journey and we can pray more effectively for you. You have been through so much and may at times feel weak and vulnerable, but take heart - Jesus takes over when we're at our weakest. Jesus says in 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness." Lean on Him and He will most assuredly bring hope and peace to your heart.
    In His Love,
    Shelly and Tom Horner
    Philippians 1:3

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  6. Jayme - I think this is a very special thing to share this mountain you are climbing. You are very special to us and a friend now for 9 years and counting in our little world. Our discussions that so easily turn into hour long tirades and talks about great things are the best, and prove to me each time, what you are all about.

    Even though in Seattle, consider we are right next door.

    Let me know if a WMR968 works on top of the mountain after you get to the top...

    Feel your best soon!

    Woody

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