I wrote just a day or so ago, but I need to add to that. Yesterday Dave took Derek into PCMC because of a low grade fever and concerns about dehydration and weight loss. Derek hasn't been able to keep any food down, or drink as much as he needs. Signs seem to indicate some damage to his stomach, from the radiation. I'm sure they will look into that. I know that Dave won't allow the next radiation treatment to take place until they have some answers. Today they will give Derek something to help the food stay down. If that fails, they will give him "nutrition" through his IV. (I doubt he has any more weight to lose...) They are also keeping him hydrated, intravenously. Another chemo session is scheduled to take place this week, but we'll see...
I asked Dave how Derek was taking all this, and Dave said, "He never complains."
I feel comforted, knowing that Dave is right there by Derek's side. I feel that he is acting on promptings as he asks questions that haven't been considered or expresses concern over decisions made. He takes personal responsibility for Derek's well-being and makes sure he is informed. Yesterday, Dave stopped the nurse from giving Derek the neupogen that had been ordered, since it was twice the amount usually given. They checked back with the doctor, who changed the order to the correct dosage. They thanked Dave for catching the error. (Dave isn't obnoxious in his questioning. He actually apologizes before he expresses his concerns:).
He said that a doctor came into the room wearing several pagers. She was covering for four other doctors!
Dave has also noticed a difference in the women doctors. Generally, they express more sympathy, take more time, and seem to pay more attention to the details.
Dave will be staying in the Leavitt's apartment this week, so he can be closer to the hospital.
Thanks, Dixie and Anne!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
May 7, 2010
I talked to Derek on the phone and he asked me to "update the blog so people don't think I'm dead". Life has been so busy that I've almost forgotten about this blog. Derek left four weeks ago (can it be that long?) for radiation and chemo treatments at PCMC/LDS Hospital. He and Dave have been staying at Aunt Jan's and Uncle Don's homes throughout this time. At this point, Derek has only 6 more treatments of radiation left (yay!), so he'll be done a week from Monday. After that last treatment, he'll begin his 9th chemo session. After that (around the 19th), he may be able to come home for a week or so.
It's been almost four months since we discovered that Derek had cancer, and during this time of emotional upheaval in our family, we have become more aware of the goodness of people. Our eyes have also been opened to the serious problems that many other people are dealing with. We've realized how true it is that we should "treat everyone as if they are in serious trouble, and you'll be right more than half the time" (Elder Henry B. Eyring).
During these months, we have felt a continual peace overshadowing our home. Although we're concerned, and our prayers have become more earnest, we have never felt panic or fear. We know there is a plan, we know that Heavenly Father is in control, and we have faith that He will do what is best for Derek. We believe, as Grandpa Payne would say, "Good will come of this".
It's been almost four months since we discovered that Derek had cancer, and during this time of emotional upheaval in our family, we have become more aware of the goodness of people. Our eyes have also been opened to the serious problems that many other people are dealing with. We've realized how true it is that we should "treat everyone as if they are in serious trouble, and you'll be right more than half the time" (Elder Henry B. Eyring).
During these months, we have felt a continual peace overshadowing our home. Although we're concerned, and our prayers have become more earnest, we have never felt panic or fear. We know there is a plan, we know that Heavenly Father is in control, and we have faith that He will do what is best for Derek. We believe, as Grandpa Payne would say, "Good will come of this".
Saturday, April 24, 2010
April 24, 2010
Derek's first two weeks of radiation are over; three weeks to go. His chemo treatment that was supposed to happen last week, was postponed because of the sores that seem to always appear after the 3-day regimen. These sores cause such discomfort for him that we were really hoping they would stay away this time. But come they did. Thanks to his Aunt Jan for giving Derek and Dave a home during these weeks, keeping her home sanitary (it always is), preparing healthy meals, and handling all the other stresses that come with this kind of thing. (Of course, being the Relief Society President gives her plenty of practice--or this will push her over the edge).
The radiation treatments take place at LDS hospital for only five minutes a day, and the chemo is administered at Primary Children's through an IV. So, next week when he does the week long chemo, he will be transported to LDS hospital each day for the radiation, then back again to PCMC. This doubling up of treatments will begin this Wednesday.
The good news is, because they postponed the chemo, Derek's immunity level is high, so he can socialize with friends and family. The sores are also going away, allowing him to eat "real" food, instead of drinking everything. He is in good spirits, and we are all doing well.
The radiation treatments take place at LDS hospital for only five minutes a day, and the chemo is administered at Primary Children's through an IV. So, next week when he does the week long chemo, he will be transported to LDS hospital each day for the radiation, then back again to PCMC. This doubling up of treatments will begin this Wednesday.
The good news is, because they postponed the chemo, Derek's immunity level is high, so he can socialize with friends and family. The sores are also going away, allowing him to eat "real" food, instead of drinking everything. He is in good spirits, and we are all doing well.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
April 10, 2010
Home on Friday and off again on Tuesday, this time for six weeks! Derek begins radiation treatments in SLC this week, and since they overlap his chemo treatments, he will have to stay there most of the time. He will be able to attend Church tomorrow (a rare blessing these days).
We are doing well, taking one day at a time, and slowly learning to "cast our burdens at His feet".
Thanks, all you family and friends, for caring about us!
We are doing well, taking one day at a time, and slowly learning to "cast our burdens at His feet".
Thanks, all you family and friends, for caring about us!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
March 28, 2010
Derek and Dave just arrived home today after a week long chemo treatment at Primary's. It is good to have them back! Derek came home with an hearty appetite and a happy heart.
In the last post, I spoke about a surgery to remove the rest of the tumor. However, that has all changed. Derek and Dave met with the team of oncologists and the radiologist to discuss this, and it was suggested that they do radiation to kill the tumor-- no surgery at all. Dave asked the surgeon what he would do if Derek were his son. The surgeon explained the delicate nature of the surgery and the complications resulting from it, and told him that although he enjoyed the challenge, the chances of removing all the cancer was "remote", and they would likely need to do radiation anyway. So, next week, when they return to Primary's for the regular chemo treatment, Derek will also receive 5 days of radiation along with it. The radiation will be just 10 minutes a day for 5 days, and the chemo will be 3 continuous days. The radiation treatments will be over in six weeks, and of course, the chemo will continue as planned (he just finished the 6th out of 14 treatments. Almost half way done!)
On the way home from Salt Lake, the car's engine started acting funny, so they pulled off the freeway and checked under the hood. Dave found a leak in the hose, which (for the past 100 miles) had been spraying gasoline all over the hot engine! They moved away from the car and waited until Dave could safely fix the problem. Through snowstorms, heavy rains, and car problems, Heavenly Father has kept us safe and taken care of our needs. Thanks for your prayers.
In the last post, I spoke about a surgery to remove the rest of the tumor. However, that has all changed. Derek and Dave met with the team of oncologists and the radiologist to discuss this, and it was suggested that they do radiation to kill the tumor-- no surgery at all. Dave asked the surgeon what he would do if Derek were his son. The surgeon explained the delicate nature of the surgery and the complications resulting from it, and told him that although he enjoyed the challenge, the chances of removing all the cancer was "remote", and they would likely need to do radiation anyway. So, next week, when they return to Primary's for the regular chemo treatment, Derek will also receive 5 days of radiation along with it. The radiation will be just 10 minutes a day for 5 days, and the chemo will be 3 continuous days. The radiation treatments will be over in six weeks, and of course, the chemo will continue as planned (he just finished the 6th out of 14 treatments. Almost half way done!)
On the way home from Salt Lake, the car's engine started acting funny, so they pulled off the freeway and checked under the hood. Dave found a leak in the hose, which (for the past 100 miles) had been spraying gasoline all over the hot engine! They moved away from the car and waited until Dave could safely fix the problem. Through snowstorms, heavy rains, and car problems, Heavenly Father has kept us safe and taken care of our needs. Thanks for your prayers.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
March 21, 2010
The past few days have been good ones for Derek (and consequently, our family). He has been feeling well. He attended Church today and enjoyed visiting with ward members and friends. Our ward Relief Society made him a beautiful quilt with personal messages of love and encouragement penned on each block. Derek was surprised and humbled by this act of love. He enjoyed reading the messages, and now it occupies a prominent place on his bed. Thank you, Cedar Meadows Ward!
Thanks, also, to those who have sent messages in the form of letters, cards, phone calls, and other means. You have no idea what a great boost they are for Derek's emotional and spiritual well being.
During these past few days of Spring Break, he has been able to get out and join some of his college age friends, a welcome break from us, I'm sure.
We are grateful for these "good" days. But even through the bad days, we have been blessed with a continual feeling of peace and yes, even happiness.
Tomorrow Dave and Derek will drive back to Primary's for the next chemo treatment (the week long one). They will also meet with the doctors to discuss his upcoming surgery to remove the tumor. This surgery will take place mid April.
"No pain that we suffer, nor trial that we experience is wasted."
--March 2010 Ensign
Thanks, also, to those who have sent messages in the form of letters, cards, phone calls, and other means. You have no idea what a great boost they are for Derek's emotional and spiritual well being.
During these past few days of Spring Break, he has been able to get out and join some of his college age friends, a welcome break from us, I'm sure.
We are grateful for these "good" days. But even through the bad days, we have been blessed with a continual feeling of peace and yes, even happiness.
Tomorrow Dave and Derek will drive back to Primary's for the next chemo treatment (the week long one). They will also meet with the doctors to discuss his upcoming surgery to remove the tumor. This surgery will take place mid April.
"No pain that we suffer, nor trial that we experience is wasted."
--March 2010 Ensign
Sunday, March 14, 2010
March 14, 2010
I know that I just published a new post yesterday, but since some of you have been waiting for news on his current condition, I'll update again.
Derek's white blood cell count has been at zero for the past two days, meaning he has no immunity against infection, illness, etc. This usually happens about 7-10 days after chemo. and it lasts for a few days. That's when we are especially careful. He had been feeling pretty miserable because of side effects, so he asked his dad to give him a blessing so that he would be able to sleep. When Dave performed the blessing, he felt Derek's head and discovered that he had a fever--103 temp.
So, we headed to the ER here in Cedar City. We waited for what seemed like hours before they finally performed the necessary tests. His fever was slowly rising as the infection was taking over, with no white blood cells to stop it. No one seemed to be in a hurry. Medical staff came in and out, doing their thing. When they finally got the results, they rushed through the door with the news, "He's neutropenic!" Dave, who was feeling quite frustrated with the delay, and had repeatedly told them that he had no immunity, replied, "You think?!?"
It is now Sunday night and Derek has been given antibiotics and a blood transfusion. He is looking more alive. (It was a somewhat scary night). Tomorrow he will receive platelets. His fever has gone down and he will hopefully be released in another day or so. I'm sure his regularly scheduled chemo treatment (this Wednesday) will be postponed until he is well and able to eat again.
Tuesday: I'll finish this update. Sunday night Dave and I left Derek alone in the hospital (Cedar) so we could get a good night's sleep. Dave went back in early Monday morning and found that Derek had had a nose bleed in the night, which they couldn't stop because of the low platelets in his body. After futile attempts to stop the bleeding, they called Dixie Medical Center and had someone drive up and deliver the platelets. This was about 2:00 AM.
He is at home now and feeling well, in comparison. It is so good to get him back!
Derek's white blood cell count has been at zero for the past two days, meaning he has no immunity against infection, illness, etc. This usually happens about 7-10 days after chemo. and it lasts for a few days. That's when we are especially careful. He had been feeling pretty miserable because of side effects, so he asked his dad to give him a blessing so that he would be able to sleep. When Dave performed the blessing, he felt Derek's head and discovered that he had a fever--103 temp.
So, we headed to the ER here in Cedar City. We waited for what seemed like hours before they finally performed the necessary tests. His fever was slowly rising as the infection was taking over, with no white blood cells to stop it. No one seemed to be in a hurry. Medical staff came in and out, doing their thing. When they finally got the results, they rushed through the door with the news, "He's neutropenic!" Dave, who was feeling quite frustrated with the delay, and had repeatedly told them that he had no immunity, replied, "You think?!?"
It is now Sunday night and Derek has been given antibiotics and a blood transfusion. He is looking more alive. (It was a somewhat scary night). Tomorrow he will receive platelets. His fever has gone down and he will hopefully be released in another day or so. I'm sure his regularly scheduled chemo treatment (this Wednesday) will be postponed until he is well and able to eat again.
Tuesday: I'll finish this update. Sunday night Dave and I left Derek alone in the hospital (Cedar) so we could get a good night's sleep. Dave went back in early Monday morning and found that Derek had had a nose bleed in the night, which they couldn't stop because of the low platelets in his body. After futile attempts to stop the bleeding, they called Dixie Medical Center and had someone drive up and deliver the platelets. This was about 2:00 AM.
He is at home now and feeling well, in comparison. It is so good to get him back!
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