Sunday Update

George started the day uncomfortable again, and so the rate of his continues Dilaudid drip was increased. His Red Blood Cell count has also dropped, and so he received another unit of blood. He is feeling a little better now getting settled in for the night. We don't have the exact time for the nerve block procedure yet, however I'll tweet when we know.
George was encouraged by the support he received today, but tired. Thanks to Chris for taking the early shift, and helping me out today.
~Donna

Saturday Update

George was unable to get the nerve block today. The GI doctor was available however, the unavailability of the Anesthesiologist was the issue. The GI Doctor will attempt to get it coordinated for Sunday however, we were told it may not happen until Monday. Until the block is done, George will continue on the PCA to control his pain.
The Ultrasound was done, and they did find a clot in Georges lower left leg. He was started on a Heparin drip for now, and will be changed to a drug that us given by injection when he goes home.
Our prayer is for good pain control and that the block can be done Sunday.

~Donna

Pain......

George has had a dramatic increase in pain this last week. He has been unable to find a position that is comfortable to sleep. On Thurday night he was up all night, and by morning not only was he still in pain (even with medication) his feet were swollen. After informing Dr. W it was decided he would be admitted for pain control, and to rule out any clots in the lower legs.
Last night after the first dose of IV pain medication he was feeling much more comfortable. I came home late and her was feeling very loopy and tried form the meds. His night was not pain free, and were still working on adjustments of the dose to achieve comfort.
The plan is for him to be transported over to UCLA's main Hospital in Westwood to undergo a
procedure done that blocks the nerves surrounding the Pancreases. The block is done via endoscopic scope so he will be out for the procedure. As of a few minutes ago we are still waiting for a time, as he is being added on to the schedule. He is also having an ultrasound on the legs to check for any clots.
I will update later today after the procedure. George appreciates all the messages, but please understand that he is so out of it from the pain medications that responding to text or
messages is just not possible. I'm sure Sunday or Monday will be better.

~Donna

TPN

George has now been receiving the TPN for almost a week, and we are starting to get into a routine. He is never ready to be hooked up in the evening, and looks forward to being disconnected every morning.
For the most part I have been handling most of the process everyday, and we are grateful to have a few  nurse friends who have offered to help out. Thanks to Diane V. (friend and fellow CHLA RN), who came to  prepare the TPN and connect him the other night while I was at work. It is very comforting knowing we have such great support close by.
We continue with the goal of weight gain for George, and more energy.

Resting and Waiting

On Monday afternoon we met with George's oncologist. It was decided that George needed to get more rest and nutritional support before considering additional chemo options. The stent is working, however, but George is limited to a soft diet for now. His weight loss in the hospital was significant, and we will be adding TPN to his regiment to help add calories. The process will take another day or so to set up, but he should start by the end of the week. We will meet with Dr.Wainberg again in two weeks to further discuss if the clinical trail in an option.