I hope everyone had a great holidays and spend lots of time with family.
Jerry is back in Kansas City as of last Friday. He had an appointment at KU Med and we are slowing, but surely moving forward with things.
They have decided to do yet another biopsy to remove more tissue from the tumor and/or lymph nodes so they can determine just what kind of Cancer we are fighting here. To date, the tissue samples they have are too small, and they can not determine just what type of Cancer Jerry has. Sooo.. Tuesday, Jerry goes in for another Biopsy at KU Med. Friday will show us the results and hopefully give us the answer we are all waiting for: what type of Cancer we need to kick butt on.
MD Anderson has finally started responding to us and they have received all of the records on Jerry. I've spoken to them a few times and they are now in the process of reviewing his case to determine if he is eligible (DUH, yes) and what treatment they can offer. I should hear from by end of this week on a date that Jerry can get down there and get something started.
The hurry up and waiting is brutal!
Jerry and mom are both in KC at the moment. No plans to return to Iowa in the near future.. but hoping to head down to Texas ASAP. He has his moments of pain and weakness, but for the most part, is doing really well. Mom is trying to keep his strength up so that when the time comes, he'll be ready to begin whatever treatment the doctors say is best for him. Attitudes seem to be on the positive side for the most part as well.
Lanie is Lanie thru all this. I think she is aware something's going on, and all the new people in/out are definitely throwing her off, but she got some new toys for Christmas and those seem to revive her spirits as well.
For those of you that want to visit him- please call Mom first to see if he's up for it. Also, if you or anyone around you is or has been sick recently - we ask that you please stay clear of him so as not to possibly get him sick. We don't need that to fight as well right now.
Talk to you all soon!
Sherri
Monday, January 5, 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy (almost) New Year
Happy New Year's Eve to everyone. Jerry is resting comfortably at mom & dad's house and looks way better than he has in days. His spirits are high and his attitude is great- he even has an appetite!
He'll be staying in Iowa until tomorrow mid-day where he will then head back to KC for an appt on Friday at KU Med.
We are working feverishly to get him an appointment at MD Anderson next week (or ASAP if can't be next week). Between Tanya and I, we'll get him in there lickety split! Shoot, if nothing else, the doctor's offices will be so annoyed with our frequent calling, they will jump all over getting him scheduled just so we'll stop calling (our Master Plan is working!).
We have gathered a lot of good information on travel, lodging and Cancer assistance programs that should help us out once he gets down to Texas.
We hope everyone has a safe New Years Eve tonight. Be safe, happy and we'll talk to you in the New Year. :)
He'll be staying in Iowa until tomorrow mid-day where he will then head back to KC for an appt on Friday at KU Med.
We are working feverishly to get him an appointment at MD Anderson next week (or ASAP if can't be next week). Between Tanya and I, we'll get him in there lickety split! Shoot, if nothing else, the doctor's offices will be so annoyed with our frequent calling, they will jump all over getting him scheduled just so we'll stop calling (our Master Plan is working!).
We have gathered a lot of good information on travel, lodging and Cancer assistance programs that should help us out once he gets down to Texas.
We hope everyone has a safe New Years Eve tonight. Be safe, happy and we'll talk to you in the New Year. :)
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Contact Info
Since it's been awhile since we posted this information, I thought I'd put it back on the blog for easier reference if anyone needs it.
If you need to contact any of us, please use the following numbers:
Marilyn (mom)
(319) 331-6162
Sherri (sister)
(310) 595-4045
If you need to contact any of us, please use the following numbers:
Marilyn (mom)
(319) 331-6162
Sherri (sister)
(310) 595-4045
Heading Home
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!
He's feeling better and excited to be out of the hospital at last!
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.
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