Jeremy has decided to share the picture of his incision so you can have an idea of how much had to be done. He was told they removed about 1/3rd of a gallon size jug of tumors and disease. A few people tried to call Jeremy several days after his surgery but he was too exhausted to take calls. He apologizes and will call you back soon. It turned out that the Intra belly chemo gave him a resting heart rate of 106 so talking could get his heart rate up to 140 and he would about pass out. Jeremy had a very rough trip flying back to Idaho. Wheel chairs were needed at all points. When he got to Denver, the attendant with a wheel chair was there and took him to his gate and with still a 2 hour layover he wanted to take the wheel chair away from Jeremy. Jeremy pleaded to keep it so Sharette could move him to places like lunch or the bathroom. After a managment discussion, he left the chair with them. Jeremy has a United club pass and had Sharette take him there. One lady at the club front desk would not allow Jeremy in with Sharette as his medical attendant since Sharette didn't have her own pass. Jeremy was forced out and had to get out of the wheel chair and lay on the floor while moaning until he could get the gas to pass through his stomach. Their flight to Idaho was delayed an hour and by then Jeremy was exhausted. He has almost no memory of the drive to his house and went straight to bed. He is doing much better after being home 1.5 days but still tires quickly. A 5 minute sit down warm shower put him into a 30 minute full body sweat. He sweats through the night having to changing his shirts about every two hours. The good part is his appetite is improving so he is hoping to start to gain weight again. He is 163.5 and ready to get a lot of it back. Although most of his disease was low, some came back more aggressive and he will start FloFox or Oral Chemo in just a few weeks. He is optimistic that this next treatment will squash what few cancer cells remain so he can get back to a normal life.
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After a roller coaster of a night in our hotel room, we met with Holly this morning. Jeremy's vitals were checked as well as his 12 inch incision. It is looking good and healing well. We discussed how his meds were working out, immunizations due to the removal of his spleen, nutrition due to the removal of his gall bladder, and any suggested vitamin supplements. We also received the pathology report and Dr. Loggie's surgery notes.
One of the three lymph nodes that was removed was found to have more aggressive cancer cells compared to everything else which was still found to be low-grade. Therefore, Dr. Loggie recommended Jeremy start chemo treatments in four to six weeks and to continue for six months. Once the chemo is complete, Jeremy will return to Omaha for another MRI and a follow up with Dr. Loggie and Holly. Prognosis is still the same...50-50 on 12 years. However, we are determined to prolong this by continuing to practice our faith, staying fit, eating healthy, and keeping a positive attitude. Still a lot of things to do in this life...personally and with family. Our tickets are confirmed and we should be back home to our boys tomorrow night. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Jeremy is doing good. He got the okay to be discharged to the local area today. We meet with Holly (Dr. Loggie's assistant) tomorrow to discuss everything...surgery, pathology, and future plans. At least tonight he won't be bothered by a nurse every couple hours.
News from Omaha.
Well things were progressing but he has had a setback. Unfortunately he began vomiting on and off yesterday around 5pm which of course is causing him more pain. We thought it was the pain meds, but an abdominal X-Ray showed different. His lower bowels are still not functioning properly. He is back to sips of water and ice chips as well as on the IV to make sure he is getting enough fluids. He also has an NG tube to pump out his stomach. Jeremy said it felt like someone was breaking his nose getting that tube down. Sadly, it took three tries. Doc said could take a couple more days before the bowels cooperate. So glad we are together. Jeremy is still progressing. Doctor put him on a clear liquid diet yesterday and finally was able to move some bowels by the afternoon. Saturday night was a little rough especially when he ran put of his pain meds and it took an hour to get it up from the pharmacy. This morning he tried a few bites of scrambled eggs and was able to keep it down. Of course his digestive system is rebelling because he hasn't had solid food in a week...so it is adding to the pain. Expected to be discharged today, but thankfully the doc decided to keep him another day. They are putting him on oral meds for the pain and anxiety. He will need to take every four hours to stay ahead of the pain. Praying for a good night. We find out tomorrow when we have an appointment to meet with Dr. Loggie and/or Holly.
We have had quite a few visitors in the last few days...some friends from Wichita, Kansas (Rick & Kathy Williams), supervisor from England and longtime friends (Mike and Sherry Bierl {Iowa}), and Jeremy's cousins (Phillip Hezeltine {lives in Omaha} and Buzz/Shelly Kitzhaber {Kansas}. He also had his support team before and after the surgery. Even though the moms have gone back home, their presence here was greatly appreciated. And many thanks to Jenn & family and Rich for keeping the boys healthy and in working order back home. :-) Jeremy was put into his own room yesterday afternoon. His heart rate is quite elevated due to the HIPEC treatment. They are providing meds to help but just a wait and see thing. He is trying to stay comfortable in his hospital bed. The catheter was removed this morning and he is getting up and walking down the halls...even made it up and down a few steps. Still in some pain but is trying to stay ahead of it with the meds. Unfortunately he has not been able to eat any food yet due to his bowels not cooperating. Doctor said he is doing well...everything seems normal. Also that he may be discharged tomorrow or Sunday. Just depends on how things l
Here he is! Less than 24 hours after surgery and he is up walking around. An eight hour difference from the top left picture to the bottom right picture. Looking forward to moving out of ICU and getting some real food.
Jeremy's surgery went very well today. Dr. Loggie said that he got as much of the disease that he could see. Unfortunately there may still be some disease above the liver near the heart but he chose not to bother with that area and due to the type of cancer it should remain dormant if any is there. Jeremy did have his spleen, gall bladder, and the offending appendix removed. In the process of removing his appendix, the doctor had to remove a small portion of his colon. According to the doctor he had plenty colon to stitch back together. He is having his HIPEC chemo treatment as I type this and then will be sewn up and shipped off to ICU where he will remain probably until Thursday. We will talk with the Doctor again after everyone has had some rest to discuss everything again. Thank you all for the thoughts and prayers during his surgery.
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Jeremy & SharetteThey will be providing updates on Jeremy's treatment and prognosis whenever there is news to report. PArchivesy
January 2021
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