Good News! Jerry is being released from the University of Iowa hospital this afternoon! He'll be out of there between 2:00 - 3:00 pm this afternoon.
He's feeling better and excited to be out of the hospital at last!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Hospital Information and Good Wishes
So, a few people have asked where Jerry is in the hospital so they can send stuff to him. At this point, he is still at the University of Iowa, but (hopefully) will not be there much longer.
Your best bet on sending cards and such is to send them to our parents house. This way, he is sure to receive them.
Currently, he is in room 6105, Bed 2 in 6 Roy Carver East at the University of Iowa.
Mom and dad's address is:
2292 Highway 965 NE
North Liberty, IA 52317
Your best bet on sending cards and such is to send them to our parents house. This way, he is sure to receive them.
Currently, he is in room 6105, Bed 2 in 6 Roy Carver East at the University of Iowa.
Mom and dad's address is:
2292 Highway 965 NE
North Liberty, IA 52317
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! :)
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! :)
Friday, December 26, 2008
Muddled Up Christmas-But We Prevailed!
I hope everyone had a great Christmas with family and friends yesterday. For those of you in the mid-west that experienced the small rain/ice storm last night- I hope everyone is safe and sound.
Jerry checked into the University of Iowa Hospital yesterday morning as he wasn't feeling very well. He was having a hard time sitting/standing/moving around and getting comfortable, so he determined it was a good idea to check things out. He left for the hospital about 10:30 am.
They told Jerry that he was dehydrated and immediately got fluids into him. They kept him overnight due to some complications that arose in conjunction with the pain medication that he is taking and wanted to run a few tests, observe him and help manage the pain.
So, Christmas was spent a bit differently around here: yes, we had dinner - albeit at 8pm and without mom, dad or Jerry; yes, we opened presents (I think the kids would have melted down if we didn't - all that temptation under the tree). We videotaped it so that mom, dad and Jer could watch it later - not the same, but helps them share it with us. My sisters, Scott and I went up to visit him about 10:30 pm and spread a little Christmas cheer in his room - Christmas tree, Margie's comfy blanket, etc. We also got to experience his fun roommate that apparently doesn't have any teeth (no joke) and likes to complain a lot - and loud. He tied with Nurse Sarah in that category. I think she was 3 doors down and it seemed like she was RIGHT next to us. GEESH.. indoor voices people- sick people trying to sleep. We loved Nurse Jennifer who didn't seem phased by us and was very cool.
Last night they ran a CAT scan of his colon and stomach area and today they are running an ultrasound in that same area just to make sure that everything is ok. He spiked a fever last night, but this morning, his fever was back to normal. He is enjoying getting the stronger pain meds, but ready to feel normal again and be back to his old self. As I believe he put it yesterday: "I'm tired of feeling so tired and ready to be normal again."
Doctors aren't sure if they are going to release him today or tomorrow - all depends on how he is feeling and how the test comes back. They have contacted KUMed to get all of his records sent here so that could help us as well in having another set of eyes checking out what's going on with Jerry.
Spirits were a bit low around here yesterday as we had to adjust to this change in what we hoped would be a great Christmas time together for everyone, but we made it thru. Jerry is resting (somewhat) comfortably in the hospital at the moment and hopefully will get to come home later this afternoon.
More later when we have additional informaiton..... take care.
Jerry checked into the University of Iowa Hospital yesterday morning as he wasn't feeling very well. He was having a hard time sitting/standing/moving around and getting comfortable, so he determined it was a good idea to check things out. He left for the hospital about 10:30 am.
They told Jerry that he was dehydrated and immediately got fluids into him. They kept him overnight due to some complications that arose in conjunction with the pain medication that he is taking and wanted to run a few tests, observe him and help manage the pain.
So, Christmas was spent a bit differently around here: yes, we had dinner - albeit at 8pm and without mom, dad or Jerry; yes, we opened presents (I think the kids would have melted down if we didn't - all that temptation under the tree). We videotaped it so that mom, dad and Jer could watch it later - not the same, but helps them share it with us. My sisters, Scott and I went up to visit him about 10:30 pm and spread a little Christmas cheer in his room - Christmas tree, Margie's comfy blanket, etc. We also got to experience his fun roommate that apparently doesn't have any teeth (no joke) and likes to complain a lot - and loud. He tied with Nurse Sarah in that category. I think she was 3 doors down and it seemed like she was RIGHT next to us. GEESH.. indoor voices people- sick people trying to sleep. We loved Nurse Jennifer who didn't seem phased by us and was very cool.
Last night they ran a CAT scan of his colon and stomach area and today they are running an ultrasound in that same area just to make sure that everything is ok. He spiked a fever last night, but this morning, his fever was back to normal. He is enjoying getting the stronger pain meds, but ready to feel normal again and be back to his old self. As I believe he put it yesterday: "I'm tired of feeling so tired and ready to be normal again."
Doctors aren't sure if they are going to release him today or tomorrow - all depends on how he is feeling and how the test comes back. They have contacted KUMed to get all of his records sent here so that could help us as well in having another set of eyes checking out what's going on with Jerry.
Spirits were a bit low around here yesterday as we had to adjust to this change in what we hoped would be a great Christmas time together for everyone, but we made it thru. Jerry is resting (somewhat) comfortably in the hospital at the moment and hopefully will get to come home later this afternoon.
More later when we have additional informaiton..... take care.
A Note From Jerry
Jerry has a note for everyone that he wanted to share with each and every one of you:
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you so much for your love, friendship and support over the past few weeks. I truly appreciate your phone calls, e-mails, blog comments, offers for anything and thoughts & prayers. Words can not express what everyone's outpouring of love means to me.
Love,
Jerry
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you so much for your love, friendship and support over the past few weeks. I truly appreciate your phone calls, e-mails, blog comments, offers for anything and thoughts & prayers. Words can not express what everyone's outpouring of love means to me.
Love,
Jerry
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Happy Holidays and a update or two..
Hope everyone is getting ready for the holidays and enjoying themselves! It's been a bit since the blog has been updated, and yes, things have been happening - but wanted to let everyone know that we haven't forgotten about you - so here is the latest.
Jerry had another biopsy last Thursday, this time on the tumor itself. We will not have any results back from this untili after the first of the year due to the hoilday and the turn around time on getting results back from the Pathologist. We won't know more on the course of treatment for another week or so. Depending on how the tests come back, and what type of tissue they determine is in the tumor, the course of action will either be Chemo treatments or Radiation treatments- or a slim possiblity of both.
We met with the doctor last Monday, the 15th and he told us why they postponed the surgery... the PET scans came back positive and they saw that the Cancer has spread to his bones. Since then, we've also found out late last week that the Cancer has also decided to spread to his Lymph Nodes (yes, the original tests said those were clear, but upon further reading of the scans, they have found Cancer there as well). So, we now have Cancer in the Liver, the Lymph Nodes and the bones - and a lovely size tumor sitting in the liver and causing some pain as well. All in all, not much fun for Jerry.
Upon asking the doctor what he thought of us getting a second opinion, he was all for it. We have done some research on the Mayo Clinic in Minneapolis and MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX (thanks Tanya!) and it looks like Jerry is leaning towards going to MD Anderson for a second opinion. His thoughts are it's exclusively a Cancer Center, and also seems that he, our father and myself all have people that have either been through there themselves or close relatives that have gone and all have benefited and liked the facility and treatment they received. So, the next step is trying to get an appointment in there and moving forward as quickly as possible.
On the personal side: Jerry, mom and dad all drove back to Iowa last Saturday, the 20th and Jerry is surrounded by family and the kiddies that were super excited to see him. He is resting about the same as he was in KC, and is now on a new pain medication which (he says) seems to help him a lot better - that in conjunction with Tylenol seem to be helping him cope. He has even managed to acquire a test for Diet Coke again (in moderation, but it's there!).
Today he is trying a different method of relaxation: a full body massage! So, we'll see if that helps him out and hopefully, enable him to enjoy the upcoming holidays with a smile of good rest and no pain.
As of now, not sure how long Jerry will stay in North Liberty, IA - all depends on if any doctor appointments pop up, or a need to get to KC or MD Anderson comes sooner than later - but we'll keep you all posted on that.
All in all- we are still in this fight, and stronger than ever! Here's hoping that everyone has a safe, warm and fantastic holidays and we'll "talk" to you soon!
Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukkah & Happy Holidays!
Love,
Us
Jerry had another biopsy last Thursday, this time on the tumor itself. We will not have any results back from this untili after the first of the year due to the hoilday and the turn around time on getting results back from the Pathologist. We won't know more on the course of treatment for another week or so. Depending on how the tests come back, and what type of tissue they determine is in the tumor, the course of action will either be Chemo treatments or Radiation treatments- or a slim possiblity of both.
We met with the doctor last Monday, the 15th and he told us why they postponed the surgery... the PET scans came back positive and they saw that the Cancer has spread to his bones. Since then, we've also found out late last week that the Cancer has also decided to spread to his Lymph Nodes (yes, the original tests said those were clear, but upon further reading of the scans, they have found Cancer there as well). So, we now have Cancer in the Liver, the Lymph Nodes and the bones - and a lovely size tumor sitting in the liver and causing some pain as well. All in all, not much fun for Jerry.
Upon asking the doctor what he thought of us getting a second opinion, he was all for it. We have done some research on the Mayo Clinic in Minneapolis and MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX (thanks Tanya!) and it looks like Jerry is leaning towards going to MD Anderson for a second opinion. His thoughts are it's exclusively a Cancer Center, and also seems that he, our father and myself all have people that have either been through there themselves or close relatives that have gone and all have benefited and liked the facility and treatment they received. So, the next step is trying to get an appointment in there and moving forward as quickly as possible.
On the personal side: Jerry, mom and dad all drove back to Iowa last Saturday, the 20th and Jerry is surrounded by family and the kiddies that were super excited to see him. He is resting about the same as he was in KC, and is now on a new pain medication which (he says) seems to help him a lot better - that in conjunction with Tylenol seem to be helping him cope. He has even managed to acquire a test for Diet Coke again (in moderation, but it's there!).
Today he is trying a different method of relaxation: a full body massage! So, we'll see if that helps him out and hopefully, enable him to enjoy the upcoming holidays with a smile of good rest and no pain.
As of now, not sure how long Jerry will stay in North Liberty, IA - all depends on if any doctor appointments pop up, or a need to get to KC or MD Anderson comes sooner than later - but we'll keep you all posted on that.
All in all- we are still in this fight, and stronger than ever! Here's hoping that everyone has a safe, warm and fantastic holidays and we'll "talk" to you soon!
Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukkah & Happy Holidays!
Love,
Us
Monday, December 15, 2008
And Around the Ring We Go Again..
As many of you probably already saw, we didn't have the surgery for Jerry this morning.
Unfortunately, the PET scan came back this morning and the tumor/Cancer has metastasised in the bones. They have noticed 3 anomalies in the bones and are having the radiologist and oncologist verify the diagnosis. For now, the surgery has been postponed indefinitely.
In the meantime, they will do a biopsy on the tumor to determine what TYPE of tumor is in the liver: A Bile Duct Tumor or a Liver Cell Tumor, or a combination of both. This result will determine the treatment that they do.
For now, they are managing the pain (which is still ever present) and may embolize the tumor to help with the pain and bleeding within it. Most likely, there will be several rounds of Chemotherapy in the future. Radiation MAY be a possiblity, but again, depends on the results from the biopsy.
Nothing will be determined until after the first of the year as it will take time to get pathology results, schedule treatments and get doctor opinions back. We are also looking into obtaining a second opinion.
Lots still up in the air .. but manageable and still positive.
Jerry wants everyone to know that he appreciates the flood of support that he has received from everyone and the positive outflowing of love, friendship and assistance. Please know that he is around at home, however, the next few days he is taking a few "quiet" days to try and process all of this and determine what his next steps will be.
Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Us
Unfortunately, the PET scan came back this morning and the tumor/Cancer has metastasised in the bones. They have noticed 3 anomalies in the bones and are having the radiologist and oncologist verify the diagnosis. For now, the surgery has been postponed indefinitely.
In the meantime, they will do a biopsy on the tumor to determine what TYPE of tumor is in the liver: A Bile Duct Tumor or a Liver Cell Tumor, or a combination of both. This result will determine the treatment that they do.
For now, they are managing the pain (which is still ever present) and may embolize the tumor to help with the pain and bleeding within it. Most likely, there will be several rounds of Chemotherapy in the future. Radiation MAY be a possiblity, but again, depends on the results from the biopsy.
Nothing will be determined until after the first of the year as it will take time to get pathology results, schedule treatments and get doctor opinions back. We are also looking into obtaining a second opinion.
Lots still up in the air .. but manageable and still positive.
Jerry wants everyone to know that he appreciates the flood of support that he has received from everyone and the positive outflowing of love, friendship and assistance. Please know that he is around at home, however, the next few days he is taking a few "quiet" days to try and process all of this and determine what his next steps will be.
Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Us
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