This afternoon Dave went back to the hospital radiology unit to have his feeding tube site checked. It's been causing him some pain lately and seemed to be at it's worst yesterday. Initially Dave thought the pain was from the stitches being removed improperly a few weeks ago, which left a tiny pin (suture anchor) embedded in his chest cavity. (See December 31st's post.)
He saw the doctor today and and was told that the pain likely wasn't from the suture anchor. They gave Dave a number of needles (always with the needles!) to freeze the area, and the doctor tried to externally locate and extract the pin, but it was too deep below the surface of the skin and they had to leave it in. They're still hoping it works it's way out itself. They told Dave the pain is actually from what's called 'granulation tissue' at the tube entry site where the wound is trying to heal itself. (Granulation tissue is an overgrowth of healing tissue that has only a very thin lining of skin, and it's very painful.) They cauterized it and hopefully that fixes the problem.
Once the freezing wore off it was quite painful for him, so Dave is back taking Tylenol 3's this evening. Actually, Dave hasn't been taking any pain med's since the day after chemo started, almost 2 weeks ago. He's been feeling better and hasn't seemed to need them - until yesterday.
Despite being on chemo therapy for 12 days now, Dave still has great appetite and constantly tells me that he's starving! (Chemotherapy is supposed to decrease your appetite.) We've also found that he's able to eat a lot more 'solid' food then he used to. We'll have to ask his oncologist why this might be. We're thankful that he's still feeling this good!
Around noon today Dave took Brady over to visit a friend and they walked the dogs through the Coves. (For those of you unfamiliar with London, this is a unique little gem in South London. See The Coves website.) This is great that he still feels up to this, as it's important to keep active and get some fresh air. And of course the dogs loved it too!
Have a great week! Dave loves hearing your positive feedback, so keep it coming!
Val
5 comments:
I understand as a nurse what is going on in your journey with regards to treatment and various experiences and frankly I am excited and surprised to see God so at work in you Dave. These prayers are the most powerful medication. What a difference to what I expected to read. Wow and keep on keeping on.
Mike and I love you guys so much and you are getting prayed for from out here in Alberta too.
Colleen Jolicoeur
Hi Dave and Val, I just want you to know that we are praying for you daily. We have been through the process of dealing with a tumor this year and our thoughts are with you. We are around the corner should you need anything. Best wishes. -John Gutteridge
What a great idea .. the Coves are great! It would be beautiful down there, like a Winter Wonderland.
Keep up the activity, eating, doing what you're doing, and you will beat this terrible disease!!
Dave and Val .. you guys are in my thoughts and prayers.
Judie Webb
Hi Dave , Hi Val..
I have been thinking about both of you a lot. Well, since this is a public post, I am just going to say that.
I tried to call, but it keeps saying that customer is unavailable. But then, you must have had so many calls going through..
Nikolas says hi as well and he thought maybe we could help and walk the dog sometimes? Let us know. Hope he wouldn't eat Anique, eh?:) Our neighbours have the same dog (just female) and I have walked her before and managed:)Or we could help with something else?
Please let me know,
Katerina
Hello Dave and Val:
Mike Hoy gave me your name, and we have been praying for you my hubby and I. Your story is all too familiar to us, we have put out prayers before for others. So we want to pray for you and with you both. That is a wonderful picture on your blog with the dog, he's a handsome fellow (the dog) ha ha and of course the kayaker. We need to be upbeat in our prayers and look forward to better days. So even though you don't know us it doesn't really matter, we shall keep reading your blog and comment from time to time. Its good to see you kayaking, what a great sport. For now continue to see the best and brightest in each day, it is a blessing.
Wendy and Fred
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