So from the last update, the next step was Joe would have a port installed to deliver the chemotherapy. That was scheduled for Monday, Dec. 7th. However, Joe ended up in the emergency room on Friday December 4th because his g-tube (feeding tube) had blood. No ambulance. Joan brought him directly to Brigham and Women's ER. They did numerous tests, including another CT to make sure the tube was ok. Everything was cleaned, and the tube was fine. They were told that some fluid may leak out and there was a barrier type of ointment they could use around the skin area. So after a very, very, very long day.....Joe was able to come home. We went in on Monday Dec 7th to have the port installed. As they were prepping Joe, they did blood work and discovered that his potassium was way too high and they moved Joe over to the emergency room, with paddles! Joan was with Joe the whole time. After a few hours, it was discovered the lab apparently made a mistake! It's now late in the day and chemo is scheduled for the next day, but not without a port. Joan asked them to do it then, and it worked out. Port was installed and about 4-5 hours later, got Joe home.
On Tuesday, Dec 8th, brought Joe in to Dana Farber. He had blood work and met with the Doctor. Talked about the chemo, which doesn't take long, and the side effects associated with the Chemo. He will have chemo 2 weeks in a row, then off a week. And the cycle will keep repeating. Side effects are nausea, bloating, constipation, low blood counts, fever, etc. If fever gets to 100.4, a call goes to the Doctor immediately, regardless of the time of day. So Joe received the chemo as well as some hydration. A few days later, Joe started feeling nauseous and he started medication to stop it. Seems to be working.
This past Tuesday, Dec 15th, Joe went in again for his second chemo treatment of the first round. Had blood work and met with the Doctor again. Joe's white blood cells had a precipitous drop (side effect of chemo). Doctor had to wait to get his neutrophil count (which is a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection) in order to determine whether chemo could proceed. The count has to be at a minimum level, and if too low, it's not safe to do a chemo treatment. The count came in over the threshold, so chemo was on. But, they were going to lower the dose of chemo and Joe would have to come back the next day (at least 22 hours after the chemo) for a booster shot. This shot is to stimulate bone marrow which in turn, increases the white blood cells. He could get bone aches from the shot, and doctor said increase the steroids if that occurs. So Joe had the chemo and a little hydration. Doctor reviewed all Joe's medications (dropped folic acid).For the most part Joe's meds are now the inhalers, steroids, anxiety, pain meds, nausea med, and sodium.
So now 2 days after the chemo (and 1 day after the booster), Joe is doing good. He slept for quite a bit when he got home from the booster shot yesterday. He is nauseous and the meds seem to help out. His G-tube was leaking again today and, luckily, the visiting nurse showed up too. He said he thinks Joe is constipated as his stomach is tender and a bit swollen. He called the GP and left a message about a possible script, or maybe Joan will be lucky enough to give Joe a suppository! The biggest side effect of all the meds Joe is on.....is constipation. He is getting Miralax, but may need something stronger.
Joe now has a Personal Emergency Response System (iSAFE). If he happens to be home alone and has an emergency, he can just press a button and an alert goes out. The company will attempt to talk to Joe (via the unit) and if no response, an ambulance will come to the house. The service will also call Joan, John, Jeannette and Jeffrey at the same time to let them know an ambulance is on the way to the house. Joan will most likely call Tommy and/or Lisa to check on Joe upstairs (if they are home).
Joe has the next two weeks off from any appointments!!! His next treatment is Dec 29th and Jan 6th. Then the 3rd round begins on Jan 19th at which time a CT is scheduled to see if the chemo has killed any cancer cells and/or stopped it from spreading. Keep thinking positive thoughts....and Elwood Strong.
Joan's first selfie is below!
On Tuesday, Dec 8th, brought Joe in to Dana Farber. He had blood work and met with the Doctor. Talked about the chemo, which doesn't take long, and the side effects associated with the Chemo. He will have chemo 2 weeks in a row, then off a week. And the cycle will keep repeating. Side effects are nausea, bloating, constipation, low blood counts, fever, etc. If fever gets to 100.4, a call goes to the Doctor immediately, regardless of the time of day. So Joe received the chemo as well as some hydration. A few days later, Joe started feeling nauseous and he started medication to stop it. Seems to be working.
This past Tuesday, Dec 15th, Joe went in again for his second chemo treatment of the first round. Had blood work and met with the Doctor again. Joe's white blood cells had a precipitous drop (side effect of chemo). Doctor had to wait to get his neutrophil count (which is a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection) in order to determine whether chemo could proceed. The count has to be at a minimum level, and if too low, it's not safe to do a chemo treatment. The count came in over the threshold, so chemo was on. But, they were going to lower the dose of chemo and Joe would have to come back the next day (at least 22 hours after the chemo) for a booster shot. This shot is to stimulate bone marrow which in turn, increases the white blood cells. He could get bone aches from the shot, and doctor said increase the steroids if that occurs. So Joe had the chemo and a little hydration. Doctor reviewed all Joe's medications (dropped folic acid).For the most part Joe's meds are now the inhalers, steroids, anxiety, pain meds, nausea med, and sodium.
So now 2 days after the chemo (and 1 day after the booster), Joe is doing good. He slept for quite a bit when he got home from the booster shot yesterday. He is nauseous and the meds seem to help out. His G-tube was leaking again today and, luckily, the visiting nurse showed up too. He said he thinks Joe is constipated as his stomach is tender and a bit swollen. He called the GP and left a message about a possible script, or maybe Joan will be lucky enough to give Joe a suppository! The biggest side effect of all the meds Joe is on.....is constipation. He is getting Miralax, but may need something stronger.
Joe now has a Personal Emergency Response System (iSAFE). If he happens to be home alone and has an emergency, he can just press a button and an alert goes out. The company will attempt to talk to Joe (via the unit) and if no response, an ambulance will come to the house. The service will also call Joan, John, Jeannette and Jeffrey at the same time to let them know an ambulance is on the way to the house. Joan will most likely call Tommy and/or Lisa to check on Joe upstairs (if they are home).
Joe has the next two weeks off from any appointments!!! His next treatment is Dec 29th and Jan 6th. Then the 3rd round begins on Jan 19th at which time a CT is scheduled to see if the chemo has killed any cancer cells and/or stopped it from spreading. Keep thinking positive thoughts....and Elwood Strong.
Joan's first selfie is below!