TREATMENT

After seeing Dr. Boehme on Tuesday, Dave was again admitted to the hospital - this time for chemotherapy. It is an inpatient treatment with high dose chemo drugs which will take 3 days to administer. The plan is to continue treatment once every 3-4 wks with the hope to put him into remission or at least control the growth of the cancer and free him of pain. He is doing quite well as far as side-effects from the drugs, although the treatment has caused him with a lot of psychosis (confusion.) After the treatment, the confusion will clear. Dave has gone through this phase with each hospitalization, including his stem cell transplant in Seattle, so it isn't anything new. He doesn't remember any of this after treatment, so that is a blessing. His discharge date is July 4th, but he will stay in an extra day if his "head hasn't cleared" by that time. Please continue those prayers coming, he's a fighter!

BACK HOME

Dave came home yesterday about 5 p.m. Unfortunately, the biopsy was lymphoma, which wasn't a surprise to us at all. It looks like more chemo, and we have an appointment with Dr. Boehme tomorrow morning. Am not sure if they will start chemo the same day or not. When they get that mass shrunk down, the pressure in his abdomen will be relieved and, hopefully, he will be able to eat better and be pain-free. Please continue the prayers, it's a tough road right now. Thank you.

BETTER DAY, BUT STILL IN HOSPITAL

I had to work today, so I only spent the evening with Dave. He did have other company though, so that helped the day pass a little faster. He definitely has regained his sense of humor, telling the doctor that I have coffee with the squirrels in the morning that's why I wasn't there! He is definitely processing better, if we could only get him to eat and be more comfortable. I did coax him into having some milk with Instant Breakfast this evening. They will be starting him on an appetite stimulizer too. His blood work looked pretty good this morning, and they will check it again tomorrow. It is possible that the pain is from his biopsy site where he may have a small "bleed". Please pray for continued strength so he can come home!!! He's got a lawn to mow!!! (Just kidding)

STILL IN HOSPITAL

Dave had a rough night. The pain meds (we think) have caused quite a bit of confusion. The pain has returned, but with his confusion it's hard to tell to what degree. His abdominal x-ray didn't show anything unusual with the stent and it's doing its job. He still doesn't want to eat much, but we are hoping that tomorrow is better. I expect the doctor(s) to call me tomorrow so we can figure something out, as I have to go to work. We haven't gotten the biopsy results back yet. He will have visitors tomorrow to keep me posted. Please pray for a good day tomorrow.

HOSPITAL DAY 3

Things went well today with the insertion of the stent; his pain is relieved!!! He also had a biopsy of the soft tissue that was pressing on the ureter; we won't know the results of that for a few days. Dave is feeling better now that the pain has subsided. It looks like he will be discharged tomorrow. Let's pray this soft tissue isn't more active lymphoma. Thank you everyone.

BACK IN HOSPITAL

Because of constant severe side pain and vomiting, Dave was admitted yesterday to North Valley Hospital. This morning a CTscan was done of his right kidney and showed a blockage of the ureter going to that kidney. He was transferred to Kalispell Regional Hospital where he will undergo a stent placement in the ureter to open it up. That should stop the pain. He will also have a biopsy of the "soft tissue" which is causing the problem to determine exactly what it is. Please keep Dave in your prayers. I will try my best to keep the blog updated. Thanks, everyone. Thank you also to the person who sent over a housekeeper to clean our home while I was at the hospital. YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THAT HAS MEANT to both Dave and I.

MEDICATION PROBLEMS

It has been a tough week for Dave. He had been put on Dilaudid for pain control, and that really took the wind out of his sails. Not only was he totally confused, but his appetite plummeted and he became very weak. After going off that medication, he was put on Lortab which didn't due too much to help the pain until he doubled the dose (with an okay from the doctor). That seemed to help a lot. The pain has gotten much better and he didn't have to take any pain medication today at all, until this evening before he went to bed. He felt better today and actually looked better with a little more energy. He did gain a few lbs. (after losing again), so that was encouraging too. With the pain better and his energy level improving, we are looking forward to some great days ahead. His next PET/CT will be the middle of July - so let's pray extra-hard that this last round of radiation took care of the mass that has been so stubborn. Tomorrow we plan to attend the "Relay for Life" which will be at the high school track. Thanks everyone for your support through all of this. It has made such a difference in our journey!

BEAUTY

This is what I was able to enjoy this morning looking out my window at work! There were 3 bedded down; what a beautiful sight.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?????

HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY

It's official, Dave has hit 60! He's doing better than expected after his recent set-back. He's eating well and goes every morning for coffee with the "guys". He is also working towards his retirement. This is a birthday to remember as it's snowing outside and, also, our 10th grandchild, Jack Henry Sipe was born this a.m. weighing over 10 lbs. It is also my brother's 50th birthday! What a day!