The docs ordered a CAT scan of his chest this morning. They've been trying to figure out why he's had a fever (101). The scan showed that he has several blood clots in his lungs. They are keeping him in the hospital for a couple more days to give him heprin to help clear out the clots. When he goes home he will be on some oral pill that is not as strong but will work similar to heprin.
The biopsy results varified that dad does have pancreatic cancer. He will be starting chemotherapy soon. Right now they're waiting for his oncologist to give the thumbs up. The concern was about his fever. It may delay treatment of the cancer. The chemo will be in a pill form taken once a week.
Mom said that dad has eaten quite well today. She got to the hospital pretty early this morning so she could be there when any of the doctors showed up. She's been sitting there and making sure he eats as much as she can convince him to eat. She got him an ensure drink that he liked. Concentrated and easy to digest boost of nutrition. They will be sending a diatitian in to see if anything else needs to be done to keep proper nutrition in him.
My sister and 2 of her kids and one of her grandson's are sneaking (driving) out to be with mom as I type this. Mom doesn't know - thank goodness. She would find some goofy reason to object to anyone coming out (she doesn't like to be a burden). I find a great deal of peace to know that she will be there for mom's sanity. I can't imagine being the sole caretaker of dad with such a huge "project" underway without having someone physically there to voice concerns to. Phone calls are good but not nearly as good as being there. Also, my sister has a LOT of experience in hospitals (one family member or another). She comes up with questions for the docs that most people would never think of to ask. What a relief for all of us to have her there.
1 comment:
I'm so glad to hear about your sister going.
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