Update on My Husband

B&H1997 · Experienced user Joined: 13 Jun 2008 Posts: 59

I wanted to give an update on my husband Harvey's condition:

Tuesday I took Harvey to Scottsdale as planned to see to have a CT done and a mask made for his Novalis treatments. Once we returned home his left arm started to swell and I had to take him to the ER. He has a DVT (blood clot) in his upper arm. They can not give him anticoagulants (blood thinners) due to his brain tumors. It would cause his brain to hemorrhage. So they said to keep it elevated and put warm packs on it and PRAY it goes away. Of course we also have to watch and make sure it does not break up and travel to his lung and create a Pulmonary Embolism. His Dr said it is less likely when the clot is in the upper extremities. But another fear just the same. As of this morning the swelling has come down some.

After talking with his Dr on Wednesday about the clot and the proposed treatment, Harvey has decided to go ahead and continue with the Novalis treatments. He will start his treatments this coming Monday. He will have them for 5 consecutive days, Monday-Friday. The main target being his visual cortex area which is where his biggest tumor is. Right now the tumor is 3.4 cm x 2.3 cm x 2.3 cm. They will also try to target the other larger tumors in the same area. According to the MRI he had done last week, he has multiple intracranial masses in the left cerebral hemispere.

Right now Harvey continues to be very weak and sleeps most of the day. Due to the steriods, he continues to have a huge appetite thank God, and wants to eat all hours of the day and night Smile

Yesterday morning at 4:30 a.m. he wanted to go to IHOP's, so I put him in the car and took a wheel chair and off we went Smile

It was very difficult to get him in and out of the car but he enjoyed it and that is all that matters Laughing

I just pray to God that doing these treatments do not make him even weaker then he already is. Rolling Eyes

Thank you all for being here to listen andf for your thoughtful and kind replies.

Regards,

Bernice
_________________
Husband was diagnosed 6-5-08 with Stage IIIA Lung Cancer- NSCLC- Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

January 24, 2009 diagnosed Stage 4, Mets to Brain.

Passed away June 19, 2009 surrounded by his loving family.

pbj11 · Site Admin Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 2400

Hi Bernice,

Thanks for popping in with an update. I'm sorry to hear about the darn complications for Harvey. Nothing ever is easy on this trip, is it?

I LOVE the spunk and odd things you two are doing. LOL -- reminds me of my husband and I. Have wheelchair, will travel! IHOP at 4:30 in the morning -- that is one you'll remember always. Laughing

YOU are a wonderful care giver Bernice. God bless you both!!

I'm hoping for the best with the Novalis treatment. Please DO keep us posted and know that we are always here for you too.

Big hugs,
PBJ
_________________
Husband diagnosed with NSCLC Stage IV. (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) Fought & lived 2 1/2 years with multiple lines of treatment.

Post describing our battle: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=7026&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

B&H1997 · Experienced user Joined: 13 Jun 2008 Posts: 59

Yesterday my husband had a very bad day and was having some mild seizures and his blood sugar kept going up into the 400 range. It is really difficult to deal with all the side effectsa of the steriods, but without them we would have much bigger problems.

This morning my daughter and I where trying to get Harvey into the van to go to Scottsdale for his first Novalis treatment, but he was just so weak that he fell INTO the car. I had to call 911 so they could get him up and into the house. Harvey has decided not to go through any more treatments.

We contacted his oncologist and he said it is time to call in Hospice. The oncologist said he has anywhere from two weeks to two months to live. Probably sooner than later because his brain mets are growing pretty quickly and he is so very weak. We all thank God everyday that Harvey has no pain.

"Everyday is a Gift"

Bernice
_________________
Husband was diagnosed 6-5-08 with Stage IIIA Lung Cancer- NSCLC- Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

January 24, 2009 diagnosed Stage 4, Mets to Brain.

Passed away June 19, 2009 surrounded by his loving family.

melkissa · Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 11:26 pm Post subject: Re: Update on My Husband

I am so sorry to see the newest update. Be comforted that Hospice is an amazing organization and they will surely make his remaining days as comfortable as possible. Huge HUGS!!!
_________________
My dad was diag w/nsclc stage 4 & mets to spine & hips on 11/08 at age 43. Large mass on R lung & collapsed L lung. No surgery so chemo & rad 5d/wk. No results. 4/09 rushed to the hospital b/c breathing issues. Hooked up to o2 & treated for infection. Released when o2 levels were good w/help from Hospice at home. In Hospice as of 6/2/09. Passed 6/10/09. Missing you forever daddy.

Tera · Senior User Joined: 31 Dec 2007 Posts: 279

Berniece, I am so sorry to hear of Harvey's progress. My mom too didn't have any pain and if it is any comfort to you and Harvey, she never did have too much pain. Hospice is wonderful and they will ensure Harvey is kept comfortable. My prayers are with you both.

maryaz · Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 12:55 am Post subject: Re: Update on My Husband

Bernice; I am so sorry to read your recent update. I will have you and Harvey in my thoughts and prayers. I hope he can stay pain free. God Bless You for taking such good care of him. This is never easy.
_________________
Mary

Husband is 67 year old Male
NSCLC - Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Chemo and Radiation Treatments together
Allergic reactions to Taxol and Taxotere.
The Story: http://www.cancerforums.net/about9079.html

Joey Gal · Regular Joined: 30 May 2009 Posts: 35

Bernice,

Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking and praying for you,Harvey and your daughter. I too hope Harvey stays pain free.
Take care of yourself.

Joey
_________________
Joey Gal

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