May 13, 2015 Update

May 13, 2015

Health Update

Since last update on April 3,2015

Generally these last 2month have kicked me in the “Arse” as the British say.

The side effects for a few days after treatment have been challenging. Different since changed to Camptosar for last three infusions. Very poor energy level after Camptosar for last three infusions. Burning hands. Very dry nasal passages, neuropathy, poor appetite.

Then life got interesting.

April 24^th To ER 2 am as was jaundiced, had temp of 100.5, and white blood count and associated numbers down. Bilirubin count up. Admitted and placed on antibiotics of course. Diagnosed with neutropenic fever.

April 24- Had planned to go to Knoxville, Tennessee today to visit Joyce's cousin, Joan and her family—didn't happen. Very disappointing.

April 26^th Released noon from hospital

^{Of course, chemo postponed.}

^{May 7, Thurs Met with Dr. Reid to prepare for liver duct exam.  “Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography” ERCP. When at the office visit, had me do blood work. My blood was thin. Also did a ultrasound of both legs to check about the blood clot.}

^{May 8th-Friday postponed chemo}

^{May 9th. Scheduled ERCP on Saturday AM. Checked my blood, still too thin. Dr. Reid admitted me to the hospital to supervise getting blood less thin. Got 5 units of plasma, plus antibiotics}

^{Decided it would be less risky if I had a venous umbrella screen to prevent any blood clot moving.}

^{May 10th. Sunday AM Dr. Yanneta installed the screen. I didn't help Joyce much to celebrate  Mother's Day.}

^{May 11th. Monday, Dr. Reid performed ERCP, placed a stent in my liver duct to help drain bile. Decided to learn more of the words to the song They Call me Mellow Yellow by Donavan 1966}

^{May 12th Tuesday- off and on severe abdominal pain. Drowsy}

^{May 13 Still in hospital....liver functions slightly improved Dr. Reid wants to stay in hospital for a few days with better Bilirubin scores. Feeling much better.}

^{May get out Friday, unless Dr. Reid decides to put in tube to liver to drain to outside of body (percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage)}

^{No chemo his week.}

I may write some  blogs  of a brief nature, or post some photos, rather than send an email.

http://itwonthappenthatway.blogspot.com/

The support and encouragement for not only me but Joyce, too, has  been impressive.  If you see her, don't ask how John is doing. Ask how she is doing.

As usual feel free to share with others. Hopefully I encourage others to not hide or be ashamed of cancer.  I often enjoy helping someone.  If you hide your problems, you are denying others the opportunity to feel good about helping someone.

John E. Swank