Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Dad went back to UCSF today for his 3 week treatment. He's in a "semi" private room which is not the most comfortable for him, but as soon as he goes neutropenic they'll switch him to a private room for the rest of his stay.

Becky is up and all moved in as of last Wednesday! And, she started her new job this week. That should make it easier on the both of them. 

I didn't see dad during his last home stay, but he said he's gained a little weight, is feeling much better, and his skin is starting to tighten a little and his muscle tone is firming up. He's far from looking like the beefcake he was, but he'll get there in time.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Dad went back to UCSF last Saturday for his 36 hour treatment. We were hoping that since he's feeling so much better and stronger that maybe this stay will actually be 3 to 5 days and not 7 like last time. He started the drip on Saturday night at midnight and was done by Monday at noon when they started the Rescue treatments. He got his blood results yesterday and they came back at .69 and they need to be around .05 before he can be released. The nurses thought he'd be ready to go by Thursday.

Well, he got his results today, and they were at .06! He was just waiting for the Dr. to make his rounds and give the official go ahead for his release. Only 4 days this time!!! Much, much better!

I was unable to pick him up this time but the Gridleys were in Yuba City when Becky called and offered to go straight down to get him. So, he'll be home sometime early this evening. I plan on going over tonight to re-do his med chart and set up his cell phone to alert him to take his meds on time.

He's doing much better these days and is getting stronger and more active. I hope this continues, but his next two rounds of treatment are 3 weeks each and quite a bit different, so we'll see how he fares.

Jen

Friday, September 3, 2010

Dad has been home since Wednesday and has had Nancy, Craig and Doug both staying at his house keeping him company. Nancy goes home today and Craig and Doug will be here thru Sunday. Dad doesn't have to report back to UCSF until Friday or later, so he'll be home by himself all week. So, if you're reading this, feel free to give him a call and stop by!!!

Nancy took some pictures this week so I thought I'd post a couple of our favorites here for you.

Jen

Driving?! Watch out folks, they've let him loose!

Dad with Lucy - she loves him! So flirty!

Dad and me - every pound he loses, I gain... 

Typical...

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Dad is still at UCSF and will be for at least another day. Although his 36 hour chemo drip has been finished since sometime last week, his blood levels aren't responding like they should. They want his toxin levels to drop to .05 and they are at .09 today. It has only been dropping about .02 to .03 per day. They are trying to help flush his system with a drip but it's not working like they'd hoped.

Nan has been here since late Sunday night and hung out with me helping me with re-upholstering some cushions and waiting for dad to get released so we could go get him. I've loved the help, but it was time for her to take the drive down to see dad since he's not coming home like we'd hoped. So she'll be there today and tonight and will be on hand for the next two days if he does get released.

Jen

UPDATE: Although the levels are not what the Doctors like, they said it was low enough and they agreed to let dad go home today. Yippee! He and Nan are on their way back to Paradise now.