For the last three days Doug has been able to eat normally; he even gained a pound. This is a huge relief, and I am very thankful. There is no explanation for the sudden change. I attribute it to all the prayers being said for us.
I really don't think this 'stomach' problem has anything to do with the myeloma. Hopefully the EUS will shed light on what is going on.
All these ups and downs are like a roller coaster ride, and not a fun one. I think I am being taught patience and endurance. Both Doug and I have learned so much over the course of this journey - lessons that will benefit us in the long run. And these lessons will allow us to help others too.
Blessings to all.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
Waiting for EUS
We finally got the EUS (endoscopic ultrasound) scheduled. Doug called the gastroenterology office three times to ask about it and make sure we hadn't fallen through the cracks. It isn't until April 12. A long time to wait. In the last few days, Doug has had that "feeling" in the upper abdomen again. If he eats too much he feels bloated and uncomfortable. He still has an appetite but eats smaller amounts. He is losing weight; good thing he had a few extra pounds to start with.
This could be something relatively simple like a stricture of some kind. But we both know it could be more serious. We are not borrowing trouble, but we are not looking through rose colored glasses either.
Waiting when you really want something to happen is so hard!
Every day we put our trust in Christ, and we have His Peace.
This could be something relatively simple like a stricture of some kind. But we both know it could be more serious. We are not borrowing trouble, but we are not looking through rose colored glasses either.
Waiting when you really want something to happen is so hard!
Every day we put our trust in Christ, and we have His Peace.
Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now,
and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will
help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
Matt 6:34 The
Message Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Gastroenterologist visit
Today we had the consult with the gastroenterologist specialist in Colorado Springs. Since Doug is feeling back to 'normal' now, the doc couldn't begin to say what was wrong. But he did say the ultrasound report should not have used the word "obstruction". He said if there had really been a true obstruction, Doug would have ended up in the ER and been very very sick. He feels it could have been a stricture of some kind.
The gastroenterologist said that testing would be a good idea, to rule out anything serious, since there was some dilation of the bile duct and pancreatic ducts. We agree. The doc laid out choices, starting with the least invasive - MRI. Doug can't have that due to his pacemaker. Next choice was CT scan with contrast. Doug can't tolerate contrast due to compromised kidney function. That leaves "upper endoscopic ultrasound" known as EUS. He said this is the gold standard test but it is invasive so they usually do the other tests first.
Think of colonoscopy, with differences. After IV sedation, a tube called an endoscope is inserted via the mouth. On the end of the endoscope is a camera and an ultrasound transducer. Images are more accurate and detailed than traditional ultrasound because the transducer is close to the organs.
Only two physicians out of this speciality group do the EUS, so we have to wait for it to be scheduled. That's okay.
The gastroenterologist said that testing would be a good idea, to rule out anything serious, since there was some dilation of the bile duct and pancreatic ducts. We agree. The doc laid out choices, starting with the least invasive - MRI. Doug can't have that due to his pacemaker. Next choice was CT scan with contrast. Doug can't tolerate contrast due to compromised kidney function. That leaves "upper endoscopic ultrasound" known as EUS. He said this is the gold standard test but it is invasive so they usually do the other tests first.
Think of colonoscopy, with differences. After IV sedation, a tube called an endoscope is inserted via the mouth. On the end of the endoscope is a camera and an ultrasound transducer. Images are more accurate and detailed than traditional ultrasound because the transducer is close to the organs.
Only two physicians out of this speciality group do the EUS, so we have to wait for it to be scheduled. That's okay.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Feeling Better
Starting the last two days, Doug is feeling a lot better. His blood pressure has stabilized and the discomfort is less. He is going on short walks with me. We think maybe the obstruction is resolving on its own - hope so!
We didn't get in with the gastroenterologist who comes to Salida, but we do have an appointment with one in Colorado Springs, for next week. Even though Doug is doing so much better, we will keep that appointment.
In trying to get an appointment, we learned that before one even gets an appointment with a specialist, the insurance company has to pre-approve it. I remember the days when physicians used to run medical care. And prescription drugs were not advertised on TV. I even remember when it was unethical for lawyers and physicians to advertise their services.
Doug had a repeat CBC blood test on Monday - his counts are up enough to start back on chemo.
Love to all.
We didn't get in with the gastroenterologist who comes to Salida, but we do have an appointment with one in Colorado Springs, for next week. Even though Doug is doing so much better, we will keep that appointment.
In trying to get an appointment, we learned that before one even gets an appointment with a specialist, the insurance company has to pre-approve it. I remember the days when physicians used to run medical care. And prescription drugs were not advertised on TV. I even remember when it was unethical for lawyers and physicians to advertise their services.
Doug had a repeat CBC blood test on Monday - his counts are up enough to start back on chemo.
Love to all.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Biliary Obstruction
We got the ultrasound results today: "biliary obstruction within the head of the pancreas."
The common bile duct carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine. The duct goes through the head of the pancreas. A stone might cause an obstruction, but Doug had his gallbladder out serveral years ago.
We are being referred to a gastroenterologist, but his office was closed on Friday afternoon. We should get a call on Monday to schedule a consult. We think surgery may be needed.
Meanwhile Doug feels "crummy" but is not in real pain. He also has mild pancreatitis. A couple of years ago he had severe pancreatitis which was intensely painful, so I'm very glad he doesn't feel as bad as he did then.
His blood pressure is better: 94/54 today. His color is better.
For now, he's laying low and eating a low fat diet. He's lost 10 pounds over the last two weeks, but he was a bit overweight to start.
This is a detour on the myeloma journey!
The common bile duct carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine. The duct goes through the head of the pancreas. A stone might cause an obstruction, but Doug had his gallbladder out serveral years ago.
We are being referred to a gastroenterologist, but his office was closed on Friday afternoon. We should get a call on Monday to schedule a consult. We think surgery may be needed.
Meanwhile Doug feels "crummy" but is not in real pain. He also has mild pancreatitis. A couple of years ago he had severe pancreatitis which was intensely painful, so I'm very glad he doesn't feel as bad as he did then.
His blood pressure is better: 94/54 today. His color is better.
For now, he's laying low and eating a low fat diet. He's lost 10 pounds over the last two weeks, but he was a bit overweight to start.
This is a detour on the myeloma journey!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Waiting
Doug had the abdominal ultrasound done this morning. We'll probably have to wait until the appointment Friday to get the results - unless something serious is found, in which case I hope we get a phone call.
He hasn't had any more dizzy spells, but he avoids standing up for more than a few minutes. I can see a slight yellowish cast to his skin now, but the whites of his eyes are still white. He is not having pain, but what he describes as a 'tight, lumpish' feeling in the upper abdomen. The blood tests did not indicate liver problems, so that makes me feel a bit better.
Waiting is hard. Doug and I both have learned to focus on staying calm, but it's not always easy.
Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares what happens to you. 1 Peter 5:7
He hasn't had any more dizzy spells, but he avoids standing up for more than a few minutes. I can see a slight yellowish cast to his skin now, but the whites of his eyes are still white. He is not having pain, but what he describes as a 'tight, lumpish' feeling in the upper abdomen. The blood tests did not indicate liver problems, so that makes me feel a bit better.
Waiting is hard. Doug and I both have learned to focus on staying calm, but it's not always easy.
Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares what happens to you. 1 Peter 5:7
Monday, February 27, 2012
Not feeling good
We came home from Texas two weeks early. Got home Friday, after two and a half days travel, 950 miles. Doug drove most of the way, including a day of high winds, in spite of feeling lousy. I can't seem to drive more than an hour on straight flat highways - I get real drowsy and would probably cause a wreck. So it was by God's grace that we got home safely.
The last couple of weeks, Doug has not been feeling good. A variety of symptoms, including dizzy spells and upper abdominal discomfort. At first we thought we'd be able to stay for our grandson's Air Force graduation, but as he got worse, we decided to head for home while we still could. Getting stuck in Texas with a medical crisis is not high on our agenda.
Today Doug saw our Family Nurse Practitioner. I really wanted him to get a good overall check, and not go to the oncologist just yet. Don't want that specialist tunnel vision when the symptoms are vague.
Blood work shows Doug is anemic - no surprise there. Blood pressure was 70/50. A lot of blood counts were low, some possibly due to chemo. The FNP lowered the dose of Coreg which should help the BP. She ordered an ultrasound of the abdomen which we will get Wed. So we don't know yet just what is going on.
Meanwhile we are very glad to be home, close to familiar doctors and friends. I am sad to miss Ryan's graduation, but our son will be going and promises to take photos.
Update: the oncology office called this afternoon. On the basis of the low blood counts and the way Doug is feeling, the oncologist wants to hold off on the Revlimid for one week and repeat the blood test in a week.
The last couple of weeks, Doug has not been feeling good. A variety of symptoms, including dizzy spells and upper abdominal discomfort. At first we thought we'd be able to stay for our grandson's Air Force graduation, but as he got worse, we decided to head for home while we still could. Getting stuck in Texas with a medical crisis is not high on our agenda.
Today Doug saw our Family Nurse Practitioner. I really wanted him to get a good overall check, and not go to the oncologist just yet. Don't want that specialist tunnel vision when the symptoms are vague.
Blood work shows Doug is anemic - no surprise there. Blood pressure was 70/50. A lot of blood counts were low, some possibly due to chemo. The FNP lowered the dose of Coreg which should help the BP. She ordered an ultrasound of the abdomen which we will get Wed. So we don't know yet just what is going on.
Meanwhile we are very glad to be home, close to familiar doctors and friends. I am sad to miss Ryan's graduation, but our son will be going and promises to take photos.
Update: the oncology office called this afternoon. On the basis of the low blood counts and the way Doug is feeling, the oncologist wants to hold off on the Revlimid for one week and repeat the blood test in a week.
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