Armed Guards-never a good sign

Last night we managed to get Jerry moved to a different room and away from Mr. Gummy his room mate. He was able to enjoy a quiet night alone in a room with no other patients around him.

Today, brought freezing rain, colder temps, some updated news and a new roommate for Jer.

First, the doctor came in and updated everyone. They are STILL waiting on stuff from KU (darn bad timing with the holidays) and hope to have stuff by Monday. They are trying to get Jerry's pain managed and under control so they can send him home. At this point, that is why they are keeping him in the hospital - to manage his pain. They are going to try him on a pill part time today and try to wean him off the stronger pain meds he is currently on. If he can tolerate that, make it thru the night and tomorrow morning, then they will send him home with the pain pill to manage on his own.

Tomorrow or Monday, the University Oncology team is supposed to come talk with him about treatment options, next steps and whether they think any additional tests should be run at this point before starting any kind of treatment. He is still looking at checking out MD Anderson, however, now he is considering the UofI as a treatment center too. Gma Margie and the Doctor both said they have an excellent new state of the art Cancer Center that has achieved great results and is known throughout the nation (in fact, Dr. Shadette his KC doc said UoI is an excellent option). So, more options to weigh and figure out and decide what to do. At least at UoI, he can be surrounded more easily by family and friends and have the familarity of home. All in all, it will depend on where Jerry feels more comfortable and where he can get the best treatment.

Grandma Margie also looked at his films and said they look good and that she feels very positive on how the doctors are treating him and that the outlook could be very good for him. She said that depending on what the cancer turns out to be, with his age group; the criteria that he already falls into - he could have an 80-90% survival rate. (we LOVED to hear THAT). Always nice to have a family member in the medical profession that can look at these and tell us like it is. :)

This afternoon, Jerry got a room mate in his new room. We all went downstairs to allow JR to nap for a bit, and upon returning, he has a suite mate. Not just your average suite mate mind you- a patient under guard. Appears our little Jerry's room mate is a criminal of some kind. There were two armed guards in the room (one was HUUUUGE, like Walter Payton huge). Not sure at this point if the guards will have to remain 24/7, what the crime is or anything else - but ... seems we got him away from Mr. Gummy complainer and now he has to deal with armed guards and a criminal in Bed #1. YEAHHHH!! At least he has the window bed and can facec it lying on his good side.

Thus far, today has been a good day for Jerry. He has taken a shower, shaved and is resting comfortably. He's able to sit up and just has a healthier color about him. He said both last night, and today that he hasn't felt this good in weeks- right on pain meds! :)