Well, Fred came home today. He is on his portable pumping thing. It seems to be working just fine. All of the apprehension he had about coming home is gone. We had the Home Healthcare nurse come to do an intake. I feel confident that he is in good hands. Okay, a couple of those hands belong to Lois and that might give reason for concern--but there you have it!
We just need to figure some things out but is that not life?
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Latest
Fred will come home tomorrow, Thursday. His equipment wasn't ready and so everything should be in place by tomorrow afternoon.
Not much else to report.
Not much else to report.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Latest news
Well, we have a plan! Fred should come home tomorrow afternoon after his radiation treatment. The decision is up to him. If at any time he feels uncomfortable about taking that step he can stay where he is until he is comfortable.
We will have home health care in place. He will be on a machine that releases extra pain meds as he needs them. There will be nurses to help out.
The pain hopefully will lessen as the radiation continues and then he can get off the pump.
Will keep you all up to date!
We will have home health care in place. He will be on a machine that releases extra pain meds as he needs them. There will be nurses to help out.
The pain hopefully will lessen as the radiation continues and then he can get off the pump.
Will keep you all up to date!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Christmas, kids and hospitals
Christmas morning dawned with about 4 inches if water in our basement. Todd and Lois went to work with our high boots, pump and hose. Todd took charge and Lois took off.
Fred seemed a little bit better. Over the day he was visited by all of our kids and grandkids. The kids have met both doctors and are very pleased and comfortable with them.
This morning all of the Cambio grandkids showed up at Penney's to have their picture taken. They were very cooperative and we have some lovely pictures.
Then we went to the hospital. Fred was in good spirits and moving more. That is one of the keys to him successfully coming home.
No real updates on his condition other than the above. I will keep you all posted.
Fred seemed a little bit better. Over the day he was visited by all of our kids and grandkids. The kids have met both doctors and are very pleased and comfortable with them.
This morning all of the Cambio grandkids showed up at Penney's to have their picture taken. They were very cooperative and we have some lovely pictures.
Then we went to the hospital. Fred was in good spirits and moving more. That is one of the keys to him successfully coming home.
No real updates on his condition other than the above. I will keep you all posted.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Eve
Well, this Christmas Eve has not been like any other in our family history. Fred is still in hospital and still in a goodly amount of pain. If he doesn't move his body he is at a level 3 but if he moves at all he shoots up to level 8. This is getting really old.
We have devised a plan. We are shooting to spring him on Monday or Tuesday. If we coordinate everything he can have his radiation and then go home. Hospice will give us a machine that will dispense one of the pain meds through his port--and it is portable. We will try to have him do some walking around the hospital so that he can build up some sort of endurance.
I have talked to my dear friend and former boss. He is a case manager for Hospice. Dean will be Fred's case manager through the rough times. We could not ask for better.
I am thankful that we have been surrounded by such a wonderful bunch of friends and family. The friends are so dear that they have moved into the "family" category.
Fred is a very proud Father of four very special children. They have been super. The wives of the boys are just as great! Everyone is taking care of all of the "stuff" and Lois is able to concentrate on her sweetheart!
Merry Christmas to you and to all a good night!
We have devised a plan. We are shooting to spring him on Monday or Tuesday. If we coordinate everything he can have his radiation and then go home. Hospice will give us a machine that will dispense one of the pain meds through his port--and it is portable. We will try to have him do some walking around the hospital so that he can build up some sort of endurance.
I have talked to my dear friend and former boss. He is a case manager for Hospice. Dean will be Fred's case manager through the rough times. We could not ask for better.
I am thankful that we have been surrounded by such a wonderful bunch of friends and family. The friends are so dear that they have moved into the "family" category.
Fred is a very proud Father of four very special children. They have been super. The wives of the boys are just as great! Everyone is taking care of all of the "stuff" and Lois is able to concentrate on her sweetheart!
Merry Christmas to you and to all a good night!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Wednesday's news
Fred is still in hospital. He had his second radiation treatment today. His oncologist told him that his cancer was spreading and that chemo will be stopped. He will now just be treated for pain.
At this point he would be content just getting rid of the pain.
He probably won't be home for Christmas Day. For Fred and his family--just get rid of the pain!
When Nathan and I left him this evening his pain level was at about a 3 (10 being the worst). Hopefully he will be at that level for a while.
A pain management doc has been called in for a consult. Let's hope he has some great insight!
At this point he would be content just getting rid of the pain.
He probably won't be home for Christmas Day. For Fred and his family--just get rid of the pain!
When Nathan and I left him this evening his pain level was at about a 3 (10 being the worst). Hopefully he will be at that level for a while.
A pain management doc has been called in for a consult. Let's hope he has some great insight!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Tuesday's news
Fred had his first radiation treatment today. It was hard on him. He had to lay flat on the table and he had to cough and relieve himself at the same time. All of that was really a drain. Also, it left him in pain.
No date for release as of yet. When the pain is under control he will be home. He says nothing about wanting to be home so I believe he is hurting enough. When he mentions going home I know he will be feeling better.
Nathan is at home and helping Lois in all sorts of ways.
No date for release as of yet. When the pain is under control he will be home. He says nothing about wanting to be home so I believe he is hurting enough. When he mentions going home I know he will be feeling better.
Nathan is at home and helping Lois in all sorts of ways.
Monday
Fred went to be fitted in the morning for a mold of his body for the radiation. That turned out to be quite a painful ordeal for him. However, back in his room the pain med took effect and he was better.
He gets his first radiation treatment Tuesday. Going home is not certain. The doctor wants his pain level to be around a 1-3. He only gets that low if he stays still. Moving starts everything going again.
Nathan and Tina arrived and stopped in to see Opa. Nathan is staying at Casa de Cambio and Tina and the kids at the Troha's.
Todd and family arrive Christmas Eve--Matthew and his family Christmas Day. There will be bodies all over the place Christmas night. Very crowded but an absolute delight!
He gets his first radiation treatment Tuesday. Going home is not certain. The doctor wants his pain level to be around a 1-3. He only gets that low if he stays still. Moving starts everything going again.
Nathan and Tina arrived and stopped in to see Opa. Nathan is staying at Casa de Cambio and Tina and the kids at the Troha's.
Todd and family arrive Christmas Eve--Matthew and his family Christmas Day. There will be bodies all over the place Christmas night. Very crowded but an absolute delight!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Sunday's News
Today was a good day!
The drugs have taken effect and Fred looks so much better. Todd brought Oscar to visit his Opa. Nothing like a cute 1 1/2 year old to brighten ones day. However, good drugs help much more.
Tomorrow morning he should be having his first radiation treatment. Hopefully/prayerfully it will relieve him of pain. The doctor is also going to transition him to an outpatient drug.
The drugs have taken effect and Fred looks so much better. Todd brought Oscar to visit his Opa. Nothing like a cute 1 1/2 year old to brighten ones day. However, good drugs help much more.
Tomorrow morning he should be having his first radiation treatment. Hopefully/prayerfully it will relieve him of pain. The doctor is also going to transition him to an outpatient drug.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
The Latest
Yesterday Fred went to St. Catherine's hospital. His pain was severe and his doctor wanted him admitted so that something could be done to relieve him.
He had a CAT scan last night. Most probably will start some radiation on Monday to try to shrink the tumor causing him so much discomfort.
Actually, he was relieved to go to hospital because they have "better" drugs.
Okay for now; Todd is coming with his family today. He will put the oven in order (Please God) and visit his dad.
I will try to keep this up to date but without Fred to instruct--its a crap shoot
He had a CAT scan last night. Most probably will start some radiation on Monday to try to shrink the tumor causing him so much discomfort.
Actually, he was relieved to go to hospital because they have "better" drugs.
Okay for now; Todd is coming with his family today. He will put the oven in order (Please God) and visit his dad.
I will try to keep this up to date but without Fred to instruct--its a crap shoot
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
This morning was lovely with snow falling--if you don't have to get out of the driveway. However, the snow was cleared , we got out just fine.
Fred had an appointment with his doc and treatment to follow. His pain meds were increased and he will have a transfusion tomorrow morning. Hopefully this will make him more comfortable.
Our weekend was spent in Madison at the Von Huene's. They are such good friends. Not only do we have "our own room" but now we have a new bed!
At any rate, Fred enjoyed a very relaxed and comfortable weekend. Todd came for dinner on Friday and Mary Jennifer and her dogs spent Sat. and Sun. with us.
Georgette and Lee Gardella have given Fred some info on some "cutting edge" treatment for lung cancer patients. Dr. Hadar is aware of that type of treatment and is looking into Fred's prospects. He plans to talk to the docs at Mass General.
Okay, this is not as technical a report as one Fred would do--but it is more current than Fred would do-----------that's why we love him!
Fred had an appointment with his doc and treatment to follow. His pain meds were increased and he will have a transfusion tomorrow morning. Hopefully this will make him more comfortable.
Our weekend was spent in Madison at the Von Huene's. They are such good friends. Not only do we have "our own room" but now we have a new bed!
At any rate, Fred enjoyed a very relaxed and comfortable weekend. Todd came for dinner on Friday and Mary Jennifer and her dogs spent Sat. and Sun. with us.
Georgette and Lee Gardella have given Fred some info on some "cutting edge" treatment for lung cancer patients. Dr. Hadar is aware of that type of treatment and is looking into Fred's prospects. He plans to talk to the docs at Mass General.
Okay, this is not as technical a report as one Fred would do--but it is more current than Fred would do-----------that's why we love him!
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