karenulijohn

We received the best news ever yesterday during our visit with Dr. Graves.  We were directed into his office, and after shaking hands all round, and his commenting on how good Harvey looked, he sat down and began to interpret the pathology report relating to Harvey’s surgery.  He explained that the specimen showed features consistent with pre-operative treatment of chemotherapy and radiation, including ulceration and regression.  There was a small focus of residual adenocarcinoma, consisting of a single gland measuring less than 1.0 mm.  These findings correspond to a Tumor Regression Grade of 1.   TRG 1 was defined as complete regression (=fibrosis without detectable tissue of tumor).  Translating that into layman’s terms, He Is Cured!!!  Dr. Graves said that Harvey’s response to the radiation/chemo regimen was remarkable, and his recovery from the surgery is phenomenal.  He must have asked Harvey two or three times if he was really 80 years old.  He then said, “I ought to use you as my Poster Child.”  Dr. Graves checked the incisions and commented that he could eat whatever he wants, being aware that, if it doesn’t want to go down, stop eating it.  He even suggested having a glass of wine to celebrate.  The only follow up is a CAT scan four months hence.  Apart from that, Dr. Graves wished us a Happy Christmas with hand shakes all round.

As we walked out into the hallway, we embraced and I got tearful.  I don’t think either of us was consciously awaiting the pathology report, but, nonetheless, we were relieved and elated.  We made our way to the car, and once on the road, put in a call to our daughter, Dawn.  Since it was her birthday yesterday, we were excited to give her this special gift.  As we explained the findings, I could hear in her voice that she was tearful also.  This has been a stressful time for all of us, and the relief that we feel is immeasurable.  We have so much to be thankful for this season, mainly family and friends who have kept us close in their thoughts and prayers.  How can we say “Thank You” enough?  Your cards and phone calls have inspired and encouraged us so that we were able to “keep it together.”

Our job now is to get back to normal.  That means eating properly and getting some exercise, and socializing a little bit more each day.  On our way home yesterday, we stopped at the Waffle Barn, our favorite “go to” restaurant, and had a great big waffle each, smothered in butter and syrup.  Harvey ate almost every bit of it, and I felt so proud of him.  Last night for dinner, he made it through a bowl of spaghetti.  His weight bottomed out last week at 163 lbs.  As of this morning, it is 165, which is the trajectory that we want.  I am determined to get my “chubby hubby” back!

It has been about ten days since last I posted to this site.  As I reflect on those ten days, each day has been much the same as the one before in regard to Harvey’s recovery, where daily changes are minimal.  We have been fortunate to have a visiting nurse attending him twice a week, as well as a physical therapist and a registered dietician.  I have continued in my role as CWN taking vitals each morning and giving injections twice a day.  I have a spreadsheet on which I record the data so that when the “real” nurse (RN) comes, she can be brought up to date on his progress.  Over this period, Harvey’s wounds have healed almost completely.  No dressings need to be changed, and he is able to shower without concern about getting those areas wet.

The Registered Dietician came to visit Thursday, a week ago.  I was very happy to see her and to get her input on how Harvey can eat nutritiously on a liquid diet.  His weight has dropped by ten pounds since leaving the hospital.  I realize he was well hydrated while in the hospital, but now, at 165 lbs, that is too low for a guy his size.  Before we even got started, I told her that we need to set realistic and achievable goals relating to calories and protein intake.  She agreed and gave us ideas on how to take in 1000 calories and 60g of protein a day.  We are now logging everything he eats, and I’m happy to say, he has exceeded his goals over the past five days.  Beginning on Friday, he will be transitioning to soft foods which will, hopefully, allow him to take in more calories and, subsequently, gain back some weight.  We will be meeting with the RD again tomorrow in order to educate ourselves on what constitutes “soft” foods, and how to build balanced, daily meal plans.

Last Wednesday, we had a follow up appointment with the Nurse Practitioner in our Primary Care Physician’s office.  Traci recommended that Harvey transition from Levonox injections to Eliquis tablets.  We decided to continue the injections until Harvey is eating soft foods to help with digestion of a tablet.  Not only that, but our copay was over $300 for a 30 day supply of Levonox, and I hate to see it go to waste.  We hope we will be able to give the three remaining boxes to some group who serves those who may be unable to afford Levonox.  This coming Monday, we will see Dr. Graves, the surgeon.  We are looking forward to that visit!

Not enough energy seems to be Harvey’s main complaint.  Of course, he forgets that it hasn’t even been two weeks since he was discharged from the hospital after major abdominal surgery.  In general, he is making very good progress; it just isn’t fast enough for him.  He has begun to receive visitors, and has ventured outside for short walks in the neighborhood.  Harvey attended church this past Sunday to support me in my new role conducting the church choir, and also to hear my trio sing during the service.  We did not stay for the entire service, and as we were leaving the sanctuary, Harvey seemed to be shuffling rather than walking.  I asked him if he was all right.  Under his breath, he whispered “I’m trying to keep my trousers up!”  Against his wishes, I went out today and bought him a new pair of dress slacks in a more suitable size.  He is confident that one pair of jeans and one pair of dress pants will be enough to serve him in the short term.