The past couple of weeks have not been fun. I have been exhausted and totally out of breath. After several tests, it was decided that I needed another blood transfusion. I went in on Friday and was admitted to HMC. I checked in at 10 AM and was released at 7:15 PM. The longest transfusion that I have heard of to date. I seem to feel better, but I am scheduled for a Pulmonary Function Test, a Blood Test and a visit with the doctor next Friday. The doctor seems to be concerned that my blood counts are not low enough for my shortness of breath.
More to come come next week.
THANKS for the thoughts and Prayers
Dan
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Trying Weeks
After two visits to the ER at HMC, they finally conceded that I was receiving too much chemo.
They told me to stop my xeloda meds until further notice.
In the meantime, I have had three "bad" blood tests. On last Thursday I was told that "my blood numbers were in the toilet". The next two tests were not as good as that one.
My cell counts are so low that I have basically been housebound since I can not come in contact with people for fear of infection.
I go back on the 27th for another blood test. If not good, I suspect a transfusion.
In the meantime, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to my bride Patricia.
COULD not get through this without YOU.
They told me to stop my xeloda meds until further notice.
In the meantime, I have had three "bad" blood tests. On last Thursday I was told that "my blood numbers were in the toilet". The next two tests were not as good as that one.
My cell counts are so low that I have basically been housebound since I can not come in contact with people for fear of infection.
I go back on the 27th for another blood test. If not good, I suspect a transfusion.
In the meantime, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to my bride Patricia.
COULD not get through this without YOU.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Interesting Week
On Wednesday, I went for blood work and we had a visit with Dr Jiang. The visit went really well, I looked and felt great and the doctor was impressed and decided that we should keep on with the chemo schedule.
THEN - On Wednesday evening I had some dinner and took my pills (xeloda).
I was immediately weak in the knees, short of breath and dizzy. I could not stand up or walk across the room without holding on to furniture. Went to bed real early thinking that a good night's sleep was needed. Did not sleep. Conditions did not improve on Thursday and the breathing was getting worse, I could not talk for a minute and a half without gasping for air. Tried to get a good night's sleep with no luck.
On Friday morning I called my contact at HMC only to find out that she started a ten day vacation on Friday. Her backup called me and we discussed my condition. My thought was to stop all chemo for three weeks (when we see the doctor again). She told me that she would discuss this with the oncology staff and get back to me. She called back and told me to get to an emergency room immediately to check for any life threatening symptoms and I was not permitted to drive. If I wanted, she would dispatch an ambulance from Hershey, but I could go to any ER I wanted.
I called my wonderful wife Patricia, who immediately left work. We went to HMC since that is who had all of my records.
After a chest X-Ray, EKC, CT Scan and blood was drawn, we waited.
All tests came back negative except the blood work. That showed a low blood count. The decision was made to transfuse me with two units of blood.
So we spent from 11:30 Am to 7:45 PM in the ER, but I must admit that I have been feeling better since the visit. I have resumed my pills with no symptoms.
Thank you ALL for the thoughts and prayers
Dan & Patricia
THEN - On Wednesday evening I had some dinner and took my pills (xeloda).
I was immediately weak in the knees, short of breath and dizzy. I could not stand up or walk across the room without holding on to furniture. Went to bed real early thinking that a good night's sleep was needed. Did not sleep. Conditions did not improve on Thursday and the breathing was getting worse, I could not talk for a minute and a half without gasping for air. Tried to get a good night's sleep with no luck.
On Friday morning I called my contact at HMC only to find out that she started a ten day vacation on Friday. Her backup called me and we discussed my condition. My thought was to stop all chemo for three weeks (when we see the doctor again). She told me that she would discuss this with the oncology staff and get back to me. She called back and told me to get to an emergency room immediately to check for any life threatening symptoms and I was not permitted to drive. If I wanted, she would dispatch an ambulance from Hershey, but I could go to any ER I wanted.
I called my wonderful wife Patricia, who immediately left work. We went to HMC since that is who had all of my records.
After a chest X-Ray, EKC, CT Scan and blood was drawn, we waited.
All tests came back negative except the blood work. That showed a low blood count. The decision was made to transfuse me with two units of blood.
So we spent from 11:30 Am to 7:45 PM in the ER, but I must admit that I have been feeling better since the visit. I have resumed my pills with no symptoms.
Thank you ALL for the thoughts and prayers
Dan & Patricia
Monday, December 21, 2009
Chemo 12-21-09
As Frank Sinatra would sing 'Nice and Easy Does It"
Had the chemo with absolutely NO issues.
Only different thing is that Danny and myself were both there at the same tme. He did not have chemo, just his doctor visit that was GOOD. He will continue on tomorrow.
Sorry (or GLAD) for the somewhat boring post.
MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Dan & Patricia
Had the chemo with absolutely NO issues.
Only different thing is that Danny and myself were both there at the same tme. He did not have chemo, just his doctor visit that was GOOD. He will continue on tomorrow.
Sorry (or GLAD) for the somewhat boring post.
MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Dan & Patricia
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Amazing Story 12-17-09
I was in a store in Harrisburg PA called The Catholic Shop.
I was looking at auto visor clips of St Christopher, Sacred Heart etc, when an elderly lady comes up beside me, also looking at clips.
She suddenly grabs my arm, asks me for my first name and after I told her she said "I don't know what your issue is, but I will pray for you Daniel"
I then told her my and my son's issues and she hugged me and repeated that she will pray for us.
God does work in different ways.
I was looking at auto visor clips of St Christopher, Sacred Heart etc, when an elderly lady comes up beside me, also looking at clips.
She suddenly grabs my arm, asks me for my first name and after I told her she said "I don't know what your issue is, but I will pray for you Daniel"
I then told her my and my son's issues and she hugged me and repeated that she will pray for us.
God does work in different ways.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Doctor Visit 12-16-09
We met with Dr Jiang today.
My echocardiogram was good, no signs of any heart problems.
My CTScan was also good. The growth in the esophagus is about the same, no bigger and no smaller. I guess I'll take that.
The good news was that the lymph nodes are "tiny" to quote the good doctor.
I will start the chemo regimen again on Monday. Both the direct infusion and the pills.
All in all a pretty good meeting.
Just came back from the community room at our local Giant Supermarket where the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society was meeting to plan next year's fundraising and events.
The keynote speaker was Danny and he did a GREAT job. I was crying!!!
Merry Christmas to ALL
Dan & Patricia
My echocardiogram was good, no signs of any heart problems.
My CTScan was also good. The growth in the esophagus is about the same, no bigger and no smaller. I guess I'll take that.
The good news was that the lymph nodes are "tiny" to quote the good doctor.
I will start the chemo regimen again on Monday. Both the direct infusion and the pills.
All in all a pretty good meeting.
Just came back from the community room at our local Giant Supermarket where the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society was meeting to plan next year's fundraising and events.
The keynote speaker was Danny and he did a GREAT job. I was crying!!!
Merry Christmas to ALL
Dan & Patricia
Thursday, December 3, 2009
News on Danny
Dan's doctor said today that things look GOOD. His biopsy came back clean and he is on to stage 4 of his treatment. Could not have received a better outlook. He also thanked Dan for being a great patient and being educated.
Peace & Love to ALL
Dan
Peace & Love to ALL
Dan
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