We were happy to find out the CAT scan did not reveal any need for surgery. That was the concern Friday and Saturday, as a possible explanation for the pain was the tumor in Paul's abdomen was obstructing his bowel.
Why he's experiencing the pain isn't fully explained, but it is a relief he does not need surgery and while in the hospital, he's been hooked up to morphine which is taking care of the pain without any side effects. He's also on a very comfortable air bed which he appreciates!
They also gave him a shot of heparin, as his right ankle is swollen and a blood clot is a potential cause of that.
Paul has received more attention than he may want at the hospital, however - he is more comfortable than he has been in a few days, and Steph and all can rest a little easier knowing he's being monitored (every hour all night long!)
Steph camped out at the hospital Friday night, but she did go to Larimore Saturday night for a good rest. We are thankful that the hospital is not far away!
Paul will have another x-ray today of his chest area to check out an air pocket outside his lung. They speculated that when his right lung was drained air somehow got in before the drainage site closed.
His second round of chemo was to begin Monday, but it has been delayed one week in order to take care of the pain issue.
Thank you for your continued support. There have been many Christmas elves busily helping out Paul, Steph, Emma, and Sarah - working on the back room, moving out the snow from the driveway, meals, cards, phone calls, and texts. Mom appreciates the cards and visits as well - she will always be happy to brew a pot of coffee and David has been keeping her supplied with cookies and brownies to share! Many, many thanks.
The morphine sounds like an excellent idea.
ReplyDeleteComfort is so important and to be pain free helps your mind to relax as well as your body.
Hope sleep is coming a bit easier to you all now. Thinking about you. x x
Steph here......The Morphine works WAY better than the Oxy..They promised to keep him on at home in one form or another. He is so much more himself now.The dry wit and sarcasm are back!!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear Paul is more comfortable and sleeping on air. I hope his appetite is strong when Christmas comes along. Hoping all of you girls can get good rest as well.
ReplyDelete