5 Feb 08 update

Hi all -

Just a bit more info:

Family news - Uncle Gabriel & Aunt Pilar are supposed to fly out today - not sure if they made it out before the snow storm or not.

Dad News:

Most of this info I have gotten from Connie - Dad gave his doctor's permission to talk to her - needed for family to receive info other then thru the patient. She lucked out & the doc was making rounds as she was visiting so she found out what he was planning and let me know. Here is a semi quick synopsis:

Dad is still in the hospital. They had installed a J-tube for feeding, but after trying an adjustment, they could not get it to work, so they have pulled it out. It was for feeding. Instead, they are using a 'TPN' Cyclic - basically a bag of nutrition, that is run for 13 hours every night - via IV.
Their plan is to use this to fatten him up (or build him back up, that sounds nicer) - he will be able to do that from home. Dad is getting in touch with a visiting nurse and social worker to help him return home. Dad is hoping for a hospital bed at home to keep himself more comfortable.

Once they get him back in better shape they will begin traditional chemo on an outpatient basis.
Con's not sure if they will be able to do the first treatment before he leaves the hospital or not. But she has seen good results with the TPN as far as getting nutrition into patients before.
No definite dates have been set yet for his release or beginning chemo.

The doc has him on an anti-nausea medication that is taken under the tongue. And a liquid form of morphine.
He hasn't been eating solid food, but today he did try some cream of wheat - in a very liquid state.
Con explained to him, the TPN will fulfill his nutritional need, but normally he would still feel hungry. but with the tumor in his stomach, that would tend to cancel the hunger feeling. He responded with 'I have a tumor in my stomach??' So not quite sure what that is about.

I did go visit dad last Friday after the storm cleared out of the streets. con & vic came too - safety in numbers!
From what I hear, Mom is doing well with Helen.

That's the latest I have - please keep passing on info as you receive it.

love -

joules