Thursday, December 31, 2009

12/31/2009 - Updates from Inga

Hey to all you kind generous souls. Thanks to all who have helped in the past week. I am so grateful. I am sure there will be more to do in the future. Thanks for making it so easy to ask for it. Bless you all.

The pet scan showed some spots in his bones- shoulder blade, spine and hips. This is 'metastatic bone cancer', and is not a 'primary site' bone cancer. It is the esophageal cancer which has spread to his bones. It is possible to cure metastatic bone cancer with chemo and radiation. The oncology nurse reviewed Ken's chart, and did not see any mention of liver or lung cancer metastases, as of this afternoon. They ran an MRI this evening to check the spine and brain. We are waiting on the results of that test.

He got another "pick" for TPN feeding, which is a fluid-based feeding that is fortified with nutrients.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parenteral_nutrition

This is not the "feeding tube" that he will have during chemo. That will go in next week. Looks like he'll remain in the hospital for the weekend at least.

He started radiation today. Because the tumors in the esophagus are present almost throughout the entire length of the esophagus, they do not want to do surgery, yet, (if at all), because of concerns regarding breaching the trachea. This would make Ken very susceptible to pneumonia, which is a complication we don't need. Recent research results and clinic trial studies on esophageal cancer have indicated that patients have better or equal results without surgery, using chemo and radiation only, as they have with surgery.

http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/esophageal

Often, radiation and chemo are used to first shrink the tumors, to make them more operable. Ken is currently scheduled for 28 days of radiation and chemo therapy. We'll see where he's at, at that point.

I'm going up tonight for movie night and oh! he got elevated to whole liquids and cream soups, pudding and stuff like that. Whatever he can tolerate. His drink of choice is currently chocolate milk. Maybe even some tomato soup as an entree, tonight! :)

Enjoy your new years eve. Love to all and we'll talk again tomorrow. -Inga

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

12/30/2009 Update on Ken from Inga

Hi guys! I remembered the thing from yesterday. Yesterday morning Ken had an anxiety attack. Hence, the anti-anxiety drug. When you talk to him he is kind of monotone. It's just the drug. He is still giving the nurses a hard time so his spirits aren't always low. And I'll reiterate, 30 min. visits!

They finally weighed him. He GAINED 4 lbs.!!!!! That was good news! We also made progress on the financial matters, and that is a relief, too.

Radiation begins Jan.4. Once a day for 28 days. They took him down for a CT scan so they can line him up for exactly where the radiation will be focused.

They put in a "pick". That is for drawing blood, giving meds, and administering chemo. So they won't have to stick him anymore for IVs. Feeding tube before he goes home, which may be this weekend. They are going to do radiation and chemo and maybe operate in Feb.

I am off on Friday so I may spend the night w/ him tomorrow. I am going to take my laptop and watch some movies and toast to the end of this crappy year. Maybe he can drink his water out of a champagne glass.

Go to http://www.st-johns.org , and click on the link "Online Ecards", located on the left margin of that home page, to send Kenny a card and/or a note. The Samaritans at St. John's will print your card and hand deliver it to Kenny's room, #870.

Pray for good results on his PET scan tomorrow. Check in tomorrow. Love to all. -Inga L.

Wednesday, 12/30/2009 - Update

Hi everyone,

I'm waiting for this evening's call from Inga, (and maybe even an email), but until then, this is what I know of today's progress with Ken's care:

1. PET Scan was done this morning
2. He will have his first radiation treatment on Monday, if not sooner. This may be accompanied with chemo, too.
3. He will have had a feeding tube inserted prior to the radiation/chemo, which is very good news, as he hasn't had any decent nutrition for over a month, if any at all. ...And this is after several months of great difficulties with eating...

Maybe more info, later this evening.

Laura

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Update from Inga - Tuesday, 12/29/2009

Hey all. This morning was rocky. Oncologist didn't know whether or not they can operate. They have concerns about his trachea. They found spots on his lungs. Doc said "if you live in Illinois you have spots on your lungs." So to worry or not to worry. That seems to be the question. The cat scan did show a hiatal hernia. He gets a PET scan tomorrow.

Gene and Marcy were both up to see him. He got his first bouquet of flowers, and we got him a little stuffed kitty that looks like Ansel.

He really is insistent about not having visitors, so can we limit visits to 1/2 hour if you must see him. He is still vomiting every now and again and he said he hates puking in public. He has so much to think about, he just wants to think.

I'm glad you Wisconsiners, or is the proper word cheeseheads, are coming home. Your parents could use you around. Matthew and Debbie as well.

I am sure there is more I wanted to tell you but that is about it, for me, today.

Kenny Dean - Updates for his family and friends

Hi everybody,

Here is our new blog for Kenny. I will post updates that I receive from Inga on his status and progress, while he's in the hospital. Inga will provide updates directly to me, and I will post them here, for everyone else. Post your questions, if you have any, and we'll try to get you answers, asap. Inga will continue to call folks, as she can, but in case she gets busy, this blog will be a good resource, too.

Thanks!
Laura