Home again

Dave was able to come home this evening after his 3 day course of chemo. He's doing really well and, so far, isn't feeling any side-effects other than being worn out. He even wanted BBQ ribs for dinner, and is glad to be back in his recliner! Sure hope they have a recliner in our hotel room! The care we received at both North Valley Hospital and Kalispell Regional has been wonderful. We really have superb medical care in the Flathead. Thanks to everyone at Kalispell Oncology, also; those gals are amazing.

Admit to Kalispell Regional Medical Center

It's been a pretty busy last few days. Yesterday Home Solutions came over and showed us how to flush out Dave's Hickman catheter, which we will do daily. It went smoothy, so we are now ready to tackle that. This morning we met with Dr. Hunt and had some training in giving Dave shots. He actually gave it to himself - I'm hoping I won't have to undertake that, but if he's too sick to give them to himself, I'll have to step up! After his appointment with Dr. Hunt, Dave was admitted to Kalispell Regional Medical Center to have 3 days of continuous chemotherapy. He was doing good this evening and when I left, Bob DePratu was there visiting, and Molly was just leaving with baby Sully. Those grandchildren sure brighten our days!

Insertion of Hickman

Insertion of the Hickman catheter went well. We had to be at North Valley Hospital at 6:30 a.m. and got home around 11. Dave was really hungry when we got back home (a good sign), so I fixed him and brother Robin sausage gravy, biscuits and eggs. That should fatten him up!! His brother, Richard, also stopped by for a visit, also Molly, Sully, and Stella. It has been a busy day! Dave feels good, just a little sore in the shoulder. Tomorrow we have a little break until 4 p.m. when Home Solutions come over to show us how to flush out the catheter; something we will need to do on a daily basis. Thursday we learn how to give daily shots! These are just a few of the things I am not too crazy about undertaking, but you do what you have to do!!! It's been a long day and now it's dinner time, so I better get with the program!

Busy week

Today, Dave had an appointment with Dr. Hunt, and some lab work. His blood looks good, so tomorrow he will be admitted to North Valley Hospital, as an outpatient, where they will put in his Hickman dual catheter in his chest. I know he isn't really looking forward to it, but he really doesn't complain. It's nice having his brothers around to keep him occupied. His brother, Robin, came up from Missoula today and spent all afternoon with Dave. He will be there tomorrow too, which really is nice for us. All six of Dave's brothers have been just amazing and are undergoing blood work to see if they are a compatible match just in case Dave can't use his own stem cells. Talk about BROTHERLY LOVE!!