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)