Jim & Kaye's News

News from early March, 2008

2008-03-05T12:28:00.000-08:00

We don't have great news. My tumor has returned. Surgery and radiation have been ruled out and we're left with some type of clinical study or the chemo and other medication from 2006.

My oncologist (Dr. Kaesberg) is opting for joining a clinical study and we will meet every 3-4 weeks to see if/when I can join. I have to be not taking any other chemo if the clinical study is to start so we'll be in wait and seem mode each 3-4 week period.

Again, Dr. Kaesberg has indicated these are not cures and the overall outlook is not good (5-6 months).

We just found out this morning, but will, obviously, fight with all we've got.

To those family and friends who read this....take care, be safe, and thank you for all your thoughts.

Jim

January, 2008

2008-01-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year every one!

My work disability continues. Dr. Klug (kidney specialist) indicates I'll be off until at least April 1st, 2008. I had a rough three weeks right before New Years, but have had a lot more energy since the first of the year. Now if only the storms would stop. Dr. Klug has started long term disbility paper work which includes data on pancreatic cancer, kidney disease, and coronary problems. Other than those three items, I feel great!

Now you can throw in eye problems. I visited an eye specialist yesterday at UCD and he inicates a growth in my left eye should be removed. He said it may not be cancerous, but that if it is, removing the growth would remove the cancer. I'll probably have that short procedure done some time in late February or early March.

Most of the family will be spending 3-4 days at Disneyland in early February. It's going to be great to feel warm weather.

Work Slowdown

2007-10-10T17:55:00.000-07:00

Once again, it's been quite some time between blogs and I thought I would update those who are interested.

The cancer is still in remission and the next round of blood tests and an MRI will be done later this month. I have a new oncologist (Dr. Kaysberg) who I will see for the first time in late November. We're hoping the very good news continues, but, as always, will be on pins and needles until we hear the results.

I have also been seeing a nephrologist (a kidney doctor) who has recommended I get some total rest. My kidneys were not good before the cancer and they were fried by both the effects of the chemo and radiation. They're both operating at about 30%. The doctor indicates nothing drastic just yet, but he wants me to take a few months (at least) off and get away from the stress of traffic, work, etc. Starting October 11, I will be a house husband and try to do a little paper work for Kaye as she is 'in the field' most of the day. I actually feel pretty good, but am constantly tired (according to the docs, more effects of chemo and radiation). The kidney doc wants me to eat right, get enough exercise, and REST. He indicated a few naps each day would help improve on the 30% number.......not anything major, but not dropping either.

We've planned another trip to Hawaii in early November. This time we're visiting Maui. There will be some golf, some siteseeing, and a lot of laying around the beach.

I'll keep everyone updated after the visit with the oncologist. Keep up your good thoughts while we're in wait mode.

News as of July, 2007

2007-07-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I updated our blog, so here goes.

In general, things have been great since the early part of the year. We've had another trip to Hawaii in mid-February (sort of a post-chemo, post-radiation celebration), both went through the dregs of turning 60, threw our own 60s party, and were completely surprised when Brad and Amy threw us a surprise birthday party at the end of June. Our health has been good. Kaye keeps going like she'll live to be 150. I've been okay....still am constantly exhausted, have some stomach pains, but feel good for the most part.

The medical plans for me are to have blood work and scans done every 3-4 months to make sure Mr. C has not returned. I had blood work done in mid-June and an MRI in late June. I saw both my oncologist and radiologist late this week. The news is very promising. My cancer marker blood test indicated a 6 (first one was a 5). Dr. Lau (filling in for Dr. D'Andre) indicated this is well within the 'normal' range. Also, the MRI scan shows nothing but some rough edges in some of what's left of my pancreas which the docs seem to think is residual effects of the surgery. For the time being, we've started whipering a great word "remission".

This is a happy time. We know the dread will return with the next set of tests in the fall. The docs are also worried about my kidneys (we had to forget about them while fighting a bigger beast).

Kaye and I have agreed every day is a good day and we're going to enjoy each the best we can. With that in mind, we've planned yet another trip to Hawaii in November (right before the Nevada Union playoff run starts.....right Brad?).

Thanks, as always, to our large extended support family. From actual family members, to co-workers, and friends, your kind words and deeds do not go unnoticed.

Latest Medical News

2007-03-08T18:35:00.000-08:00

I know, I know.......it's been some time since I last posted a blog update. Well, here goes. Since my last blog, I've had two stress echo tests, a blood test including those tests for cancer markers, and an MRI scan on both my abdomen and pelvis.

First the bad news.......if you can call it that. I had to have a second stress echo because the first one indicated a part of my upper GI tract now sits in front of the lower part of my heart, thus blocking the image. Yes, Ali, this was confirmed by my cardiologist. Anyway, the second one shows my heart is working just fine.....pre-stress, during stress, and post-stress.

On February 26, I had a follow up visit with my surgeon, Dr. Bold. He looked around, felt my tummy, and pronounced he did not want to see me again. I couldn't thank him enough, but also said I never wanted to see him again either. Great office visit....a lot of laughs. He showed me the results of the cancer marker bloods test..........my CA19-9 count was <5+ which is on the low side of normal!!!!! No cancer to worry about there.

We were dreading today as I had an appointment with my oncologist to review the MRI results. She called me at work this morning to cancel my appointment because she's not feeling well (pregnancy). Dr. D'Andre mentioned the blood test numbers and also mentioned the MRI scan shows nothing abnormal except the fact I had had surgery. Great news for Kaye and I as our year plus of hell may be put on the shelf for awhile. No more blood tests or scans for three months.

I still think something will pop up in the future, but we're still taking each day to it's fullest and just enjoying life, the kids and grand kids.

My never ending thanks to all those friends, family and co-workers at CDA for their unwavering support. You all are tremendous. And I can never repay my love (Kaye) for being my wife, my love, my friend, my advocate, and a giant keeper of the faith during the rough times.

I'll continue to post, and I just hope the good news continues.

Jim

1 Down, 2 To Go

2007-01-22T19:59:00.000-08:00

My last 3 weeks of chemo started last Wednesday (January 17). Dr. D'Andre had indicated I probably wouldn't handle this last round as well as the other rounds last year....and she's been right.

I started feeling some stomach problems Friday night and spent most of the weekend on the couch alternating between shivering and feeling like I was burning up. Things have finally started to settle down, but I'm fearful the final two weeks will just get worse. Even the oncologist said I probably didn't need this last round, but I want to be as sure as I can be that the drugs are doing what they're supposed to do.

I have a drug induced stress-echo scheduled for early in February, will have blood work done and a CT Scan, then we wait and see.

Kaye and I are heading to Hawaii in mid-February for our first R&R in over a year. We're going back to our favoite place on the big island and we're counting the days.

Hopefully, with good reports, my blogs will become less and less frequent. My continued thanks to Gary and Suzanne for suggesting this easy way of communicating.

As always, your thought and prayers do work!

Happy New Year

2006-12-30T16:13:00.000-08:00

I have completed my 25 doses of radiation (done on December 1) and have completed the lower dose of chemo to go along with radiation (also early December). We had an appointment with the oncologist in late December and we're going with the following plan....

Wait untiil mid-January to go through the last of the six rounds of full-strength chemo. The last dose will be done on January 31. At that time, my picc line will also be removed (finally). In early February, there will be blood tests for cancer markers and a baseline CT Scan. We're hopeful those tests will indicate no further growths or abnormalities. We're taking things one day at a time and will be on pins and needles until late February when test results will be given to us.

According to the doctors, it takes up to six weeks for your system to recover from the doses of radiation, and I fit that pattern. I still get tired real easy, can't stay warm, and still have a lot of surface stomach pain (like a huge bruise right under my skin). At least I haven't suffered from any nausea. I am eating well and have put back 19 pounds of the 62 I lost after surgery.

We had a great Christmas and had everyone here on Christmas Eve. Hope you all have had a wonderful Holiday season. We're hoping your new year is filled with health and happiness.

Only Two Radiation Days Left

2006-11-29T17:06:00.000-08:00

I have completed 21 of 23 radiation treatments and will be done Friday, December 1. It becomes more unpleasant with each trip to the UCD Cancer Center, but I'm determined to complete all 23.

I received my last dose of chemo for 2006 this afternoon and once the radiation is complete, I will have the entire month of December free of both radiation and chemo. A very early Merry Christmas!

I still have a round of full chemo left and will have that done in January. Also in January will be the baseline blood tests and baseline CT Scan. As long as the test results remain positive, Kaye and I could not ask for more.

I was scheduled to have a drug induced stress echo test tomorrow, but have cancelled that one until January. With the radiation and chemo, I didn't think I could handle anything else at this point. My stomach is constantly hurting (not nausea, but like an across the stomach bruise right below the skin). I had to get an injection of procrit today while getting the chemo because my anemia has reappeared....thankyou radiation.

Overall, we're expecting December to be a great month. I have put on just enough weight and should feel good by the 24th to play Santa for all the grandkids.

Kaye had her left elbow given the GPS treatment. Both elbows are a little sore, but we're hoping all is improved as we're trying to make plans to re-visit Hawaii again in February. Since before surgery in March, the farthest we've traveled is Grass Valley to the north and Vacaville to the west. It hasn't been fun, but we're almost through a very trying period.

Again, an early wish for a wonderful Christmas to all our family and friends. I'm feeling well enough that Kaye and I will do the cookie/candy thing this year as there are many people expecting goodies. :-)))

Double Your Pleasure

2006-11-01T17:19:00.000-08:00

Radiation treatments were started three days ago. I'm lucky I'm the first patient of the day (7am) as I do not have to wait for anyone. This morning I was putting my shirt back on at 7:15. By having the first treatment of the day, I also get to work pretty early.....not as early as normal, but still pretty early.

The radiation treatments consist of 4 'laser' shots each day. The first is from by back, the second from my left side, the third from my right side (I seem to feel that one), and the last is almost directly over my stomach.

So far, no nausea, but my skin is sore as it feels like I have a giant bruise just under the skin. I'm also constantly tired and we'll just have to see how things go as the treatments (a total of 21-25) start to accumulate effects.

Also today, I had my first 'lower' dosage of chemo. The chemo dosage will be lowered as long as the radiation treatments are done. We had an appointment with the oncologist this morning and she said things still appear to be okay. I have one full-3-week chemo treatment left and she said I would not have to do that until after the first of the year. If I can recover from the combination of radiation and chemo, Christmas should be a fun time. I'm not sure I weigh enough to play Santa again for the grandkids, but we'll see.

Kaye also has some medical news (two tennis elbows). She had the right one worked on yesterday and had what's called GPS (Gravitational Platelet Separation) done. The docs draw blood, spin it in a centrifuge for a period of time, and inject 'the good stuff' into the affected area. This technique has more of a success rate that surgery and the recovery time is much shorter. She's a little sore today, but not bad.

Some non-medical news.....last Saturday I played golf with Jeff, Brad, and Gregg. I wanted to get the boys together due to the upcoming time change, the change in the weather, and the fact I wouldn't know how I would feel getting radiation and chemo together. We had a lot of fun.

As I seem to write with every blog.....I'll try and keep everyone updated a little more often. Also, keep the thoughts and prayers coming.

Good News Day

2006-10-04T16:45:00.000-07:00

The end is nowhere is site, but we have had a couple of days of very encouraging news.

Yesterday (Tuesday) we visited with the radiologist (Dr. Jacob). He wants to start radiation as soon as Round 5 of chemo is done (3-4 weeks). The radiation will be 5 days a week for a total of 21-25 treaments. A weekly infusion of chemo (much lower dose) will accompany the radiation. Once radiation is done, I will go back and finish the last Round of full blown chemo. Dr. Jacob indicated both the CT Scan and MRI did not show anything out of the ordinary. Great news #1.

This morning we visited with the oncologist (Dr. D'Andre) for our monthly check up. Again the scan and MRI news was excellent. Dr. D'Andre also indicated my blood counts for cancer markers are very very low. I asked her to explain her comments from 6 months ago that I had only 9-12 months. She corrected me and indicated those numbers were for someone who had no had surgery. She indicated I could possibly expect 2-3 years before something re-appeared which she still felt it would. Future treatments are dependent upon where the cancer appears. Hopefully, I'll be one of the very very lucky ones that only has to worry about checkups in the future. We'll see, but this was certainly Great news #2 (actually, this may be #1).

Since I slept through the chemo treatment this afternoon, I had to ask the nurse to give me my weekly procrit injection. She said I did not need an injection as my hemoglobin number had finally reached the "normal" zone. F I N A L L Y. My anemia is pretty much gone and my energy/stamina have returned. Great news #4.

One of the guys at CDA had a pre-marriage 2-man best ball tournament on Friday and I was asked to join. It felt great to play all 18 holes......that hadn't happened in months. We didn't finish very well (85), but I had a ball. I felt so good that later that night, Amy, Kaye, and I went to watch Nevada Union (3-1) kick some Granite Bay Grizzlie ass. Another year for me of wearing all of my NU stuff all over Granite Bay just to piss off the locals. The picture above is Brad coaching one of his defensive backs last Friday night.

Please keep the thoughts and prayers coming. Even with all this good news, we've got a long long way to go.

Jim

Tuesday, September 12

2006-09-12T17:45:00.000-07:00

Sorry I'm not a better blog updater. I lose track of how much time has gone on since my last update. I realize some of you only check the blog site and apologize for being a slacker. :-)))

The latest news:

I will have Week 2 of chemo Round 4 tomorrow. That will make 11 treatments with only 7 to go after that. Tomorrow morning I'm having what's called a pick-line inserted as the veins in my lower arms are drying up from the effects of the chemo. The pick-line will be in one of my arms and will make some blood tests and each chemo treatment easier in the sense there will not have to be a lot of poking around to "find a good spot".

I had a CT Scan done a few weeks ago with good results according to Dr. D'Andre. Because of my kidney problems, the scan could not be done with dye so Dr. D'Andre has also ordered an MRI. So far, news is good, no spots or masses and my blood counts regarding cancer markers is very very low.

The plan once chemo is done in mid-November is to take a few weeks off then start a combination of radiation (5 days a week for 5 weeks) and a lower dosage of the same chemo I'm getting now.

According to Dr. D'Andre, once the radiation and chemo are done, I'll be done other than tests every few months. Given there's a very good chance the cancer will reappear, we're taking each day, week, month as a good one. None of the doctors has promised a "miracle cure", but we're fighting the good fight. Kaye continues to be a tower of strength. She does lose it every once in a while, but she has been amazing.

I'm working 5 days a week and only work from home when the chemo gets to me. My boss has been fantastic and is very accomodating when I email her to state "I'm working from home today". My anemia is finally improving to the point I actually have some strength and stamina.....not every day, but a good number of them.

To my GUHS friends, sorry Kaye and I missed what sounded like a great reunion. We sandwiched a day of working in the yard Saturday between a Friday night football game in Grass Valley and Mia's 1st birthday party on Sunday. Since we're not yet sure of longer trips, we did last weekend up right!

Continued thanks for all your thoughts and prayers..........you know me.....not a real religious type, but it's helping.

Jim

Round 3 almost Done

2006-08-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday (8/23) marks the halfway mark for the chemo treatments. After Wednesday, it will be 9 down and 9 to go.

These past two weeks have not been a lot of fun. A lot of tiredness, stomach pains, etc. It use to be Friday was my one bad day. Now it seems to be any day of the week. With my weight loss, they have lessened the chemo dosage a little bit, but that doesn't seem to make much difference as to how I feel.

My cardiologist is still fighting having me stop taking blood thinners long enough to have a port inserted. Problem is the veins in my arms are drying up and it takes the nurses a lot of pokes for blood tests and the chemo itself.

Overall, considering the alternatives, we're coping with what has taken place since April. Kaye has been a trooper and continues to be my best friend, advocate, supporter, and a whole bunch of other things.

On a brighter note, our 17th annual Fantasy Football Draft will be held at the house next Sunday. The NFSFL (North First Street Football League) is still going strong.

Round 2 has been completed

2006-07-31T17:05:00.000-07:00

The second round of chemo was completed last Wednesday. I had been expecting a good 14 day rest period, but last Saturday brought a low-grade fever and an aching in every joint in my body. I spent a lot of couch time on Saturday and Sunday and did not work today for the same reason. I'm finally starting to feel better and should be back at work tomorrow. We had been told this could be one of the side effects of the chemo, but this is the first time something like this has happened.

We had our first appointment with the radiologist last week. They're not 100% sure, but the plan seems to be to finish the current chemo treatments (late November) then switch to a chemo called 5FU and have radiation 5 days a week for 5 weeks. Obviously we're hoping for good news when this is all done, no matter what we have to go through.

Continued thanks for all your thoughts and prayers

2nd round of chemo starts Wednesday

2006-07-10T06:59:00.000-07:00

It was great to have one week off from the Wednesday "cocktails" I had been getting. I still had cramping and tiredness problems, but, overall, last week was a very good week.

During the week, I found a couple of restaurant dishes I could actually dive into. I was joking with Kaye yesterday and told her maybe I would become a vegetarian (hopefully NOT). I can still eat meat, but now it has to be loaded with ketchup, tarter sauce, etc. We're going to try and start using the BBQ for fish as I can stand poultry either.

During my next break (end of this month), we're going to try and travel down South to see Chris and Shelley. Chris is doing much better and is staying with his sister (not too far from where Chris and Shelley live). Chris and Shelley have a multi-storied house and Chris is staying in a single story which makes it much easier to get around. Shelley is back working and trying to pick up the pieces from Chris' accident.

Kaye and I celebrated our 4th anniversary the end of June. My, how time flies. Since we did not do birthday celebrations this years, we didn't do much for our big day either. Since then though, Kaye has "acquired" herself A NON-VOLVO. We have purchased a "certified pre-owned" 2005 BMW 530i. Great car....a lot more room than the Volvo we traded in.

Take care and continued thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

After two weeks of chemo

2006-06-22T16:58:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been lax in updating. My work-daughter (Melissa) reminds me I need to be a little more proactive, so here goes..........

Yesterday (Wed. 6/21) marked the second round of chemo. The cycle has one more week then I get a week's break before starting the second of what will be six cycles. The good news so far is I can tolerate the chemo being IVd at a high rate of speed without too much pain or burning sensation. The guy who has assisted me the first two weeks indicates what I'm getting (Gem-Car) is a lot less toxic than if the drips came a lot slower. The first week caused me a little tiredness by Friday, but no real nausea. Yesterday, I felt starved while getting the chemo, came home and gorged myself, and gave that back to the porcelein Gods about an hour later. I do not attribute that "put back" to the chemo, more on my crappy choices of what food and drink to pour down my body. I'm a little sluggish today, but put in a full days work without any trouble.

Best news today was our visit to my kidney oncologist. This was our first appointment with Dr. Evans (nice guy). He had reviewed the prior MRIs and CT Scans and indicated the weird (but small) cyst in my right kidney had not changed in size. Dr. Evans said he even questioned whether it was cancerous. He indicated he could see some strange growths inside the cyst, but said there are many causes for that, and not all are cancer. He indicated the cyst would be very slow growing (if it ever grows). Here comes the good news..................he will be watching scans other doctors request within the UC system but HE DOESN'T WANT TO SEE ME FOR 18 MONTHS!!!!!!!! Yippee

Can't end this without mentioning health problems for another member of our family. Although Shelly and Chris are not married, they are practically joined at the hip. Monday, Chris was in a motorcycle accident at a track near Bakersfield and is currently in Kern County Hospital. Too many details, but dislocated shoulder, 5 broken ribs, #2 vertebrea broken, pelvia cracked in 3 spots. Shelly and other members of Chris' family are in the process of trying to get him transferred to somewhere nearer to Laguna Beach where they live. While passing on your thoughts and prayers for me, please send a few Chris' way.

Jim

ps...to Melissa (I promise I'll write more often).

Totally tubeless man

2006-06-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

It's hard to write an email and make it "sound" hippy-like, but I am finally "totally tubeless". My last pouch was removed yesterday revealing a less than washboard looking stomach. There's only one way to describe it......my stomach looks like someone with a machine gun had their way with me (not to mention the huge left-to-right upside down smiley face scars from where the incision wash made).

Being "totally tubeless" means I can finally start chemo (next Wednesday). Dr. D' Andre assured Kaye and I there should be no hair loss, should not be much nausea, and should only be tiring from time to time........we'll see.

Now that I don't have things hanging from my chest/tummy, I promised Ali we will start going back to the gym (have I written this before :-))). Anyway, Ali, Kaye and I are going to the gym tonight. Geez, I wonder if my card still works???

Golf, work, tube, and chemo........

2006-06-05T11:17:00.000-07:00

It's 11:15 (early lunch) and I'm blogging from work. Yes, I have returned to CDA on a full time basis (or as long as I can stay awake each day :-))). It's sooo much easier working in familiar surroundings instead of from home where I have no cheat notes and a lot smaller work space.

I not only played golf Saturday (thanks again, Brad), but I finished all 18 holes. It was a best ball scramble so I obviously didn't have to chase all my errant/weak shots, and there were too many to count, but the fact I didn't have to call Kaye to come and get me until the round was over was fantastic. Was I exhausted? Obviously! I had a few naps on Sunday to recover and now the stiffness is setting in, but who cares. Kaye and I plan to go to the gym tonight to resume trying to stay in some kind of shape. Our group finished at 12 under (thanks to Brad, Lou Snavely, and Rex Balder....the man of very long, very straight drives) which was good enough for second place (and we were dumb enough to not buy any mulligans). I really enjoyed the day.

The last drainage tube is still in place. We're assured??? it will come out this Thursday. Because of the tube, the oncologist wants to delay the start of chemo until the tube has been removed. Chemo is now scheduled to start next Wednesday, June 14.

Other than a few doctor scheduling problems and more than a few prescription refill problems, our home has finally returned to some normalcy. I (we) can't wait to move on to the next step.

As the Bartels and James boys used to say............thanks for your support.

Chemo next week

2006-05-30T07:48:00.000-07:00

Finally......chemo treatments start next Monday. I have a schedule of three weeks on and one week off. Right this minute I can't remember how many cycles the treatments last. Also somewhere down the road is radiation. WooHoo....there are only two appointments this week (a chemo prep appointment Wednesday and an appointment with the surgeon on Thursday). As important as the chemo appointment is, I'm more looking forward to the surgeon's appointment as I should get the last drainage tube removed. Wow, being able to bathe when you want, not just when Kaye is available to untie and tie things up, retape the tube entry point, etc. I'm betting she's pretty happy herself. :-)))

Kaye and I worked in the yard Sunday and wore ourselves out. There are many things left to prune, but we had to stop. It felt good to work outside although a few rest periods were 'required'. Yesterday, we had our entire clan over for swimming and a bbq. We had just had a new bbq installed on Friday and once past a minor gas regulator problem, the bbq worked perfectly. To my co-workers......the pool and bbq are ready for you. :-)))

I finally did get the golfs clubs out........pitched and putted around the yard. I hit a few plastic balls with my 3-wood (low line drives slightly hooking to the right.....remember, I play sports as a lefty) and pronounced myself ready to play with Brad in the tournament this Saturday. Actually, my plan is to play as long as I can (there's no meat on my bones) then just ride in the cart and putt when required. Geez, how many mulligans am I going to have to buy before we start???

To all who have replied to one or more of my blogs, called, visited, sent emails (work or home), sent cards..........thank you so much. Kaye and I are amazed at the size of our support group.

Doctor Updates

2006-05-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

We had appointments with both the surgeon and oncologist on Thursday. The surgeon was first....one tube (J-tube) removed...Yippee. The second tube draining the abscess still has to remain for a week or two. The wet-to-dry bandage we were changing everyday is now down to band aid size. I asked about golf (not yet), asked about driving (not until pain pills ar gone), asked about work...AND I CAN START 1/2 DAY FROM HOME NEXT WEEK!

The oncologist recommended waiting until all the tubes are gone before starting chemo. She also wants to review heart stuff with my cardiologist because he's still wanting to place another stent. We'll see who wins. I will be having both chemo and radiation, then we'll see where we are. We're obviously hoping for the best.

Not much more news except I'm going to try and do some light yard work today. I also need to get the clubs out (pitching and putting should be okay) as Brad has me scheduled for a best-ball tournament on June 3rd....I'll be the one dozing off while driving the cart.

Quite a few co-workers visited yesterday....it was great to see you all. Can't wait to get back to seeing you all at 1201 J Street.

Back Home...........AGAIN

2006-05-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

Wow.....what a whirlwind five days. From an early visit (2am) Tuesday to the Sutter-Roseville ER (they turn people around much faster than UC), we left somewhere around 4:30 because fever had subsided...back again at 9am because it was back around 103. We then wait for two days at Sutter because UC had no beds. Finally, around 8pm Wednesday night, I'm transfered to UC. Thursday (nothing happens). Friday, I was promised I would be the first case......well I had the procedure done around 3pm. I know have a second tube that I will have to wear 2-3 weeks. Docs initially said maybe Sunday as a get out day, but we convinced them Satuurday would be nice also. It's great to be home again. I don't want to see UC (or any other hospital) for a long time.

Happy Mother's Day to those desrving of the honor. I miss you all and can't wait to see you. We're having our entire clan here today and I will probably be the only one not joining in the pool.

Jim

The Latest! 5/11

2006-05-11T22:15:00.000-07:00

We have lost a few days, but appreciate all of the kind calls and well wishes that you are sending our way. The flowers and cards are so heart warming. Ya just never stop to think until....

A special thanks to Chris and Mark for tending to the lawns when I wasn't looking....that includes Ali for hitting the front lawn. Thank you Ali for all of your attention to house keeping details, what a relief especially when it was garbage day and I had no clue. Jim will learn later that Ali 'washed' his Mustang...she is hoping to recharge the battery.

Where to start. Monday 2am... 103 fever took us to Sutter Roseville ER. Many hours/days later admitted to hold for transfer to UCD. "Capitated" came up.....not good... but we still had our heads. UCD had no room for us...go figure.....(we have a PPO)...until very late Wednesday. Jim is holding well on antibotics with a small infection near the pancrease...hopefully tomorrow it will be removed and with 1-2 days of observation he will be released. Tonight there was a warm glimmer in his smile... we can see the end of this one soon..(maybe it was just the speghetti dinner). He is most upset about possibably missing Matthew's Birthday party.

IMPORTANT NOTE: I hope to share with all of you later (if you wish) the importance of patient advocacy. I have grown to understand every patient needs someone, at their side, to assure guality of care. Please remember this for all of your loved ones, show up, pay attention to each detail...it does make a difference!

My First Weekend Home

2006-05-07T11:28:00.000-07:00

Everything is "on the mend" here. A little more stamina each day. If my feet would only allow me to get around more (they're still very swollen). Late Friday after noon, my work-daughter (Melissa) and my work-wife (Cathy) visited Kaye and I for about an hour. Nice to stay in touch with the work group. Yesterday (Saturday), I was able to put on a pair of sandles (barely) and Kaye drove me around to three of her construction design job sites....pretty neat stuff. We even stopped at a nasty place (In and Out) and had a bunless cheesburger (well at least part of one). Today I had the pleasure of coaching Kaye how to cut the back lawn. She had obviously manuvered a lawn mower before, but with the slopes and angles....a little bit of muscling upp was needed. Later today (sister-in-law Sunzanne and brother-in-law Gary) will be paying a short visit. It will be good to see them.

Take care to family, friends, and co-workers..............Jim

Home Cooking

2006-05-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

First of all, let me thank all you who wrote, sent cards, flowers, gift,s etc., while I was "out of touch". To see so many of you respond to Kaye's and Jeff's updated posts is very heartwarming. Yes. I'm home and actually feeling pretty good (if napping the day away qualifies for feeling good). I have a good nurse at home and we've become pros at changing what are called wet to dry bandages twice a day. The mountain of pills I'm taking seems to make everything taste the same and it's a struggle to eat much of anything.

I want to thank my Nurse Kaye who has had her own struggles these last 11 days. I know only to well to go through something like this and not be able to help. She's been a trooper. I love her very much.

As far as my work mates who visited me in the hospital, thank you (Jan, Hermia, Lava, Mary and Raj). I was good for me although I may have seemed (and probably was) out of it.

For those of you who want to visit us at home.....it's 8767 Bronson Drive, Granite Bay, 95746.....use mapquest if you need it (916-791-1026).

Geez...I was thinking....I'm sitting here, writing this blog, why don't I log into work and see how things are going..............................just couldn't do it.

Jim

Home at Last

2006-05-01T15:46:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to let you know Jim is home. He was unplugged, unstappled (25), flushed, re-dressed, stripped of tape (he says there is no hair left to pull) de-tubed & released late yesterday afternoon. You can imagine the shock, the freedom -- sunlight, fresh air and the comfort of being home. The reality of living at home without a full nursing staff has been an adjustment. I told the Doctor, when she surprized me with the release info, that I was quite excited to have him home but she better plan on coming with him.....she just laughed... I was worried. I am growing more comfortable but realize I am much better at designing than nursing (I won't be making a career change). The latest is swelling and an irritated nerve in Jim's foot/ankle making it difficult to get around slowly with a walker. This started in the hospital (actually reoccuring condition) which hopefully new medication will minimize. I believe if it wern't for this foot pain he would be moving quite easily. He is very comfortable on a minimal abount of pain meds though he tires very quickly. Amazing to think of his major replumbing 10 days ago and eating what ever (or so they say)....in small quanities. I hope he will soon be up to taking over my post. Thank you all again for your caring and good thoughts! Kaye

4/28 B-Day events

2006-04-28T21:53:00.000-07:00

Happpy Birthday got diluted with confused and grumpy.....seems quite reasonable really, when you consider spending your 59th birthday in the cardiac ward with 25 staples across your stomach and still attached with tubes to constant beepers. Birthday meals started with the nurses bringing him a birthday cupcake....which his family was instrusted to eat and not share with him. His first liquid meal- appropriately .. Italian lemon ice, broth, jello, juice and popcicles. It is amazing to think of his body receiving anything one week after being replumbed. Modern medicine at work. Still, it took me all afternoon to figure out what was off. Jim's irritability became more understandable when I realized the morphine drip had been stopped @ 10am and when asked by the nurse if he had pain he shrugged it off (his pain tolerence is very high). As the day progressed he was waring thin from discomfort. He did'nt realizing he needed to ask for meds. He got drugs and is resting much more comfortably.......now I am envious thinking I could use the same of the same.

Goodnight,
Kaye

Pre Birthday

2006-04-27T22:48:00.000-07:00

The mood of the day is 'real food'....followed by real results. With the flow of 'all bodily fuctions' comes the reward of jello and juice to do a test run of the system. So the B-Day cake will still be in his dreams but there are hints of discharge Sunday or Monday if all works (flows) well. :) :)
He is not ready to take over these posting but wants me to extend to everyone his appreciation for your support, prayers and attention. I gave his a big kiss from all of you tonight....this was a good one....tube free and shaved...WOW !

Wednesday - "Movin on Down"

2006-04-26T20:24:00.000-07:00

It has been the best day of 6..... Jim has been moved from ICU down one floor to 'cardiac care'..... this IS an improvement...huge. He is alert....a little grouchy...... to be expected now that he is aware of all that is happening to him. He had big smiles for Owen and Matthew's visit later this afternoon, Owen and Matt were guarded at first.....he doesn't quite look the same....maybe it is the goatee :). So when asked what he would like for his birthday on Friday.....he paused, seriously thinking....looking at me (the health food troll) and said "chocolate cake with bananas and whip cream filling". Well we all know that this will not be his first food after a week...but nice idea. Amy asked if a picture of a cake would do......he disguestedly agreed. So I am looking for a large paper chocolate cake (that will hold 59 candles) for his wall.

I hope to sign off and pass the torch tomorrow to Jim for his first post.

Keep up the good thoughts and prayers.....they have made a difference...look at the results.
Again, I must express my/our appreciation for support, prayers, and advice we can now move forward to the next phase.
Love Kaye

American Idol

2006-04-25T21:01:00.000-07:00

"Mr. Dal Bon has requested to watch American Idol tonight at 8:00pm on Fox". This was on the dry erase board when I visited this evening. Very funny. Thanks to Ali for mentioning to Jim that AI was going to be on tonight. Jim is going on his 5th night in the ICU, but happy to report that there were no major incidents today. At ~7:30am, Kaye received a nice surprise phone call from the patient himself. He was wondering when she was coming to visit. Given the "sleepy" state he is in currently, being able to ask to make a call was a great feat. The rest of the day he continued to sleep and sleep some more. He does have one less tube than yesterday. Dr. Fitzpatrick stopped by around 5:00pm to give us the latest. Another tube may be removed tonight (he has many) and his stomach drainage tube may come out tomorrow when his bowel functions become active again...sorry had to explain. When this tube comes out, he may be able to eat some food...yeah!! Tomorrow may be the last full day in the ICU. Will continue to update tomorrow.

Seacrest out...

Jeff

Monday 4/24

2006-04-24T21:37:00.000-07:00

Another eventful day. No fever! Great news. All was looking much better until pains started in his left arm radiating to his chest. More test and blood work resulted in a trip to the 'cath lab' to insert two new stynts in his heart to open blockages. One replaced a 1996 stynt that had scare tissue creating a blockage (typical of older stynts). It was also discovered he needs another stynt on the left side of his heart but they will hold until he recovers further from this surgery.
His color is great, and I am quite sure he is content being 'out of it'......maybe not so when he awakes to find that we shaved him... leaving him with a goatee. We all had a good laugh but must wait for his reaction.
More later,
Kaye

Sunday's Update

2006-04-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

There is not much change today. His pain is controled but the fever is persistant so he will remain in ICU. We are hoping for more improvement tomorrow. He has minutes of altertness and fades in and out of sleep. I will remind him later of his many comments...today's made me really laugh. He asked me to bring a bar of soap in for him because the nurses soap is too oiley. Of course I agreed.
Kaye

Saturday Update

2006-04-22T23:24:00.000-07:00

Late yes, but here with a favorable update. It was a long day for Jim, ups & downs with a fever, jaundice and signs of infection. ICU Nurse Ann is incredible... providing Jim all day, minute by minute with meticuleous care. Tonight he is resting comfortably, fever is lower and with a good night there is talk of release tomorrow to a regular room. Through it all he as provided humor and grit.... and an occassional request for "juice"... which use to mean wine but has been reduced to a water swab.

Thank you all for your love, good thoughts and prayers.

Love Kaye

Quick Visit

2006-04-21T22:10:00.000-07:00

Around 8:15pm, Kaye and I were allowed to briefly visit the Commish in the recovery room. He was slightly awake when we arrived, and we were able to talk to him for a little while. He mentioned that he felt cold and wanted to have his back scratched. He then asked to see his nurse because of some pains on his right side. Before we could get the nurse, he went to sleep for a few minutes. I told Kaye that the doctor forgot to fix one thing...his snoring! :) I think the pain was because the Sharks lost their opening playoff game and the Giants lost in the 9th inning again making for a great sports night for his home teams.

To cap off the evening, his nurse said he would be moving to the ICU within the hour which was good to hear.

We will update everyone again tomorrow afternoon or evening.

Jeff (temporary blogger for the commish)

Out of Surgery

2006-04-21T19:42:00.000-07:00

Good Evening,

Around 7:15pm, Dr. Bold came by the waiting area to inform us that Jim (Dad/Commish/Overall great guy) was out of surgery. It lasted almost 10 hours, 2-3 hours longer than planned (see below).

The first part of the surgery was spent removing his gall bladder. It was revealed that the GB was "very inflammed and infected" so getting it out took longer that expected. The doctor said this was the source for ALL of Jim's abdominal discomforts.

Once the unhealthy gall bladder was removed, the doctor was able to check the progression of the cancer first hand vs. the MRI and gave the OK to proceed with the rest of the surgery. The mass was removed. This included several suspect lymph nodes around the pancreas that were was not detectable on the MRI. This was a little alarming to us since the MRI showed one suspect lymph node. Dr. Bold was confident that he removed all areas of concern around the pancreas.

Jim is now in the recovery room and the doctor said family could see him briefly in the next hour or two.

Thanks for all your continued thoughts and prayers.

Until the next update...

Jeff (with Kaye and Amy nearby)

My First Blog

2006-04-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

This is very new to me. Yeah, right...the guy who has worked with computers for the last 35 years. Well, as I've always said, mainframes and minis are not PCs. Enough about that.

The blog is really a way to keep all interested partiies aware of the latest medical news about me. This Friday (April 21), I will be operated on for cancer. In additional to removing the tumor, I will lose my gall bladder, a piece of my stomach, all things related to bile ducts, a piece of my pancreas, a piece of my small intestine (including my duodenum). I think that's all (that's more than enough).

The oncologist performing the surgery (Dr. Richard Bold) has been fantastic. Kaye and I both think he's top notch. He comes very highly recommended in the UCD system and we would agree.

The hospital stay will be 9-10 days followed by some period of time (4-6 weeks) home. Since I can actually work from home, I'm hoping to make that number even smaller.

All our friends, relatives, and workmates have been tremendous. It humbles one to think how many people are "out there" ready to support.

I want to initially thank my brother-in-law, Gary, for suggesting using a blog to keep everyone posted while beating away cancer (which he is in the process of).