Doctors and a Birthday Outing--Would You Like to Send Greetings?

Friday, March 20, 2009

I met Dad at Memorial Hospital for his appointment with Dr. Barnett, the vein doctor. (Turns out Dr. Barnett and I went to U.T.C. together and double-dated a few times.) He and Dad discussed the history of Dad's venastasis, as well as the original study done five years ago, when the circulation problems originated, and the one from a few weeks back (March 11). The doctor wanted to get an updated thorough study and said he would order one that would cover what the recent one did not.

He applauded what Dad had done so far and agreed the leg didn't look bad. He prescribed Silvadene for the skin and Bagbalm to alternate with it. In further conversation, he recommended Dad take Vicon Forte, which is high in zinc and will help him not only with the veins but also with the cancer.

He told Dad to continue using the above-the-knee compression stocking and take eight-hour breaks from it, to protect his already-compromised skin on that leg. To that he suggested Dad add biker shorts/spandex to help the reflux of the femoral artery. He said Dad was right to elevate the leg as much as possible, especially while sleeping.

Dr. Barnett said Dad should wait a year after his cancer treatment before considering vein surgery. Laser would certainly be an alternative, but the doctor does not do this. He does vein stripping, which is transcutaneous with tiny incisions.

At Dad's visit for labs and a check with Dr. Slabach, the doctor was not overly concerned with Dad's low platelets or hemoglobin. These would have to drop much lower to require a transfusion and interruption of the chemo. He did agree that zinc with selenium would be good to fight Dad's cancer. He said as things stood, Dad could and should continue his baby aspirin to help prevent a blood clot.

Both doctors' visits were encouraging, and we had a little celebration of the first chemo "vacation" with a stop at Erlanger's Starbucks.

On Sunday, Eric, Emily, Steve, and I met Mom and Dad at the Blue Plate. This was our day to celebrate Dad's birthday, as he'll be taking chemotherapy again next Friday and will not feel as well. His appetite, thanks to the Megase, was right on--he enjoyed the appetizer of Blue Plate Chips, his grilled salmon, the corn muffins, and a few bites of the infamous Aretha Frankenstein pudgy pancake. I'm so glad we were all together.

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Dad's official 80th birthday is Sunday, March 29. If you'd like to send him a card, please email me for the address. (Perhaps we can plan a big celebration when he's finished and recovered fully from the chemotherapy.)

kphillipso at aol dot com (spammer prevention)

No Chemo This Week, But Double Dose of Docs Tomorrow

Dad and Mom both must be relieved tomorrow holds no chemotherapy, with its side effects of fatigue and possibly anemia and weight loss. So early in the treatment process, they have many questions for Dr. Slabach at Dad's Friday appointment. Dad will have lab work done, just like all the other Fridays, and he's hoping the results from last week may be better than previously.

Before they head to Erlanger, Dad will see Dr. Barnett at Memorial about the swelling and pain that continues to plague his right leg. Despite the problems, he worked Wednesday and Thursday.

I'll try to post tomorrow after these appointments.

Thank you again for following the journey with us and holding us up in prayer. We appreciate you all!

Back to Work, Then a Reprieve

Dad seemed to enjoy going back to work last week, but I think he was also delighted one of his subs finished his regular gig early and volunteered to work for him yesterday. He's learning to pace himself--well, at least more than he did before.


He's reconciled himself to the fact that his anemia may take not days, but months, to correct. I'm glad to see he's become more flexible, especially since he has less control over some factors in his life and health! A lesson for us all.

Thanks again for all your prayers. We can learn from those in our lives who deal with serious medical issues to treasure what health we have, to be sensitive to people around us who seem irritable or unfriendly--we don't know what they may be facing, and to make the most of our moments today--to do what counts for eternity and what will be remembered and cherished.

First Treatment Was Friday--Life Goes on Monday

Monday, March 2, 2009

Mom drove Dad to his first chemotherapy infusion Friday. He slept late on Saturday and admitted on Sunday that perhaps the advice about avoiding spicy foods--felt like tacos Saturday night--should have been heeded. But fortunately he did not experience nausea as a side effect of the chemo.

With Dad recovering from his treatment over the weekend, he and Mom felt they should not attempt to attend Sherry's mom's funeral. They felt badly that they would miss this opportunity to be with the family, especially Sherry in her need for comfort. The weather turning crazy--Steve and I showed up to a snow-covered cemetery surrounded by slushy side streets, and only the hearse and flower van arrived after the funeral--was another reason it was a good thing they hadn't tried to come.

Gary said all his family would be moving their cars off the steep drive into the street. With all the cancellations, I don't know whether Trey, Ann, and Jack will still have a flight back to Kansas today.

Dad is anemic, so they are working with the oncologist to find the right iron supplement to remedy the problem. Dad insists he'll be back at work today. Hopefully he'll have a good day.