Scott's Update

Hi all - March came in like a lion for Scott...he's a sick guy today. But as I type this he is getting more fluids and meds, so I expect by the time we leave he will feel much better... I hope.

I have decided to stay at home with Scott now until the treatment is done, he needs his "home nurse" full-time now.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.

Roxane & Scott

Hi all -

Just got home from the U.

Scott is feeling a bit better now, he rested most of our time there. We seen Dr. Greeno for just a minute and he asked Scott how he felt today...Scott paused..and Dr. Greeno said it's ok to tell me you don't feel that great, then he said , "hey you are at week 4, treatment end is near!".

We did not introduce ourselves, but study patient #2 started treatment today while we were at the clinic...we remember how we felt on that day - so perhaps Judy will have us meet if they want to.

We stopped in Woodbury @ the Arby's on the way home, sat in the sunshine and enjoyed a sandwich. The sun is great but it's cold outside today.

Hanging in there...

Roxane & Scott

Hi all - blogging from the clinic.

Scott was a sick guy again this a.m., radiation went ok, they think he is just dehydrated. So two more bags today, perhaps three if he seems still low after #2.

His stomach has settled down, and is eating and drinking.

He is resting right now and I'm watching Ferris Bueller's Day Off, believe it or not I have never seen it.

Roxane

Hi - we got home about 2:30 today...Scott ended up taking in three liters (bags) of fluids today. He feels better now, he rested a lot at the clinic. He ate a large portion of Mac & Cheese when we got home... it's "holding" ;-)

I will review Ferris Bueller's Day Off....very good and funny, rent it again, I'm sure I am the only person who has not seen it before.

Roxane

Hi everyone - Better a.m. today, Scott ate his breakfast and feels much better. Radiation is done and now he is getting fluids. He is still somewhat dehydrated, so two bags today, and perhaps more if blood pressures show the need.

I'm just hanging out... reading all about Randy Moss and how happy he is now ;-)

Rox

Hi all just got home, Scott was thirsty again so he needed to do the three bags of fluids again today, he is feeling a lot better right now. In fact we stopped quickly for the chocolate shake he wanted on the way home.

Friday's right around the corner....

Roxane

Hi all - at the clinic, radiation is done, went well. Scott does not feel too well though. They have changed around his meds a little, added a couple new ones. They are watching him close, so don't worry, they are definitely on top of things here.

We expect to do the three liters of fluids today again, so probably out of here around 3-ish.

Looking forward to a quiet weekend.

Roxane

Hi all - Well we finally got home about 6 p.m. tonight. Looooooooooong day, they decided to give Scott another 1/2 liter of fluids to help with the weekend (3 1/2 liter total) so the last 1/2 liter was run at 1/2 normal speed, so in at 8 a.m. out at 5 p.m., traffic was not really that bad on the drive home at least.

SO....WEEK FOUR DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We will rest up for week 5 this weekend.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.

Roxane & Scott

Good morning - Scott is just getting up and is feeling well, he had a good night's sleep, almost 12 hours!!! He slept most of the day away yesterday too, so he is allowing a lot of healing to take place I believe.

Not planning too much today, maybe try to take him out for lunch and a movie?? We'll see.

Roxane

Hi everyone - just to let you know we did go out for lunch and a movie. "Hitch" is playing in downtown RF, it was a good story and funny also, a "feel good" flick, so it was perfect. Scott was feeling good, and did fine on our 4 hour "date".

When we got our mail today we got notified of the two appointments used to show the results of treatment. A "CT" scan is set for April 11th, and Endoscopic Ultra Sound for the 15th. So the end of treatment is near for sure, send all thoughts and prayers for results to show we go forward with the surgery and recovery phase. We know you already do...thanks.

Roxane & Scott

Good morning - Nice sunny a.m. here in RF - temperture already is 40 degrees!!

Scott had a good day yesterday and so far is still sleeping this morning, so I'm guessing the new meds we started on Friday really helped with turning things around for him, he is eating & drinking well (though cautiously).

We expect to see the kids today, Ben & Jen & Toby are coming over, and Claire will be here a little later, she's visiting Kyle.

Getting all set for Monday, hoping we are ahead of the "game" this week. Eight more visits @ chemo & radiation, keeping our fingers crossed that nothing changes.

Have a good day everyone.

Roxane & Scott

Hi all - at the clinic now, blood test were good to start treatment today, most numbers are moving down, but still ok to continue treatment. They expect this, so things all seem fine.

Scott is still dehyrated today so perhaps an extra liter of fluids, they will check again before we are done with the usually Monday format. I expect it will be a longer day again.

We had a good weekend. Scott slept well last night, but always gets anxious for these Monday treatments...good news...only one more!!

Roxane

Hi all - I tried to post a blog from the clinic today but was having troubles.

We just got home about 4 pm, three liters of fluids again today. Scott did not sleep well last night, we figure it could be the new meds. We met with Tanya, NP and she suggested a little change in the way we are taking the new drug, so we will try that. Radiation went well. So, Scott is tired today, a little worn out I think.

Off to the U tomorrow again, hopefully a restful night.

Roxane

Hi all @ the clinic, radiation is done for the day. Scott is doing much better today, but he is still dehyrated so 3 liters more fluid again today. Guessing we will be hitting the road for home around 3-ish.

Beautiful sunny day so far, but they are scaring us with perhaps some icy/snowy weather for tomorrows drive in :-(

We both slept well last night and ready to face the rest of the week.

One more week and this phase of treatment will be over :-)

Roxane

Hi all! The following message is from my mom. The Fairview computers were not working for her this morning. Hope you all are well! ~Claire


We had a fine drive in today. We are expecting to get three more liters
of fluids again today. We expect to see Dr. Greeno today sometime also.
Radiation is done and went fine.

Love,
Roxie

Hi all - trouble posting on the "blog" again today.

The good news is Scott is doing well today, he is getting 3 more liters of fluids again though, I think we will be out of here by 3 today. Drive in was good, just messy.

I hope everyone is watching American Idol, I am rooting for Anwar...but there are several good singers this year. Claire and I think the top three will be Anwar - Bo - Nadine. Agree or disagree???

Scott's brother Jim is posting from China...so now the blog has gone around the world :-)

Take Care...one more day - week 5 done!!

Roxane

Hi all - We have not been having too great of a day today. Scott has not been feeling too well since last night, he slept well, but has been feeling low and his stomach has been unsettled, even with all the meds.

His weight has dropped about 5 lbs this week, and his blood pressures are low and his pulse is high at times, so they feel his body is under going perhaps too much stress...the radiation RN said they "could" pull him off radiation Monday if he is not better...so we are in a slight panic.

Our RN today at infusion is trying to set up Scott getting his fluids this weekend in Hudson @ the clinic. So we hope we can do that and keep going next week to the finish line. Scott has to step up on the eating though, even though he is not hungry, but lately it does seem that Thursday's &- Friday's are low days for him, but we think the extra fulids on the weekend are a good idea, so we hope we can get things arranged.

I will keep you posted, he just got done eating a good lunch, so I hope he is turning around for the better as I type this. We expect a long day today, at least 3 liters of fluids.

Roxane

Hi all - Things are looking up now :-)

Dr. Greeno came by and he said they are not concerned any longer about his kidneys, he is changing a med. and taking an additional test to make sure all is well. They have arranged that we will get the additional fluids in Hudson this weekend. Dr. Greeno expects us to keep pushing thorough to Wednesday.

So we are glad, also his last blood pressure came up quite a bit, so that looks a lot better now too.

So we are expecting that Friday will end for the positive, we will be here about 2 more hours to receive all the fluids.

Thanks for sending all those "extra" thoughts....

Snowing here right now, lightly though.

Roxane

Hi all - we went up to Hudson Hospital this a.m., and we are happy to report that Scott's blood pressures were good, so he did NOT need any fluids, so we got to turn around and go right back home.

We don't plan to do too much today just hang around home and rest up for the finish line on Wednesday !!!

:-)

Roxane & Scott

Hi everyone - Scott had a VERY restless night last night. I believe it is a drug he is on, I called to U hospital this a.m. and they recommended that I half dose that med. We went up to Hudson Hospital about 10 a.m. for his blood pressures again today, and they were very good - so no extra fluids needed - we got to turn back around and head back home, which was great!!

Since about 11 a.m. Scott has been sleeping very well, I have been working on the 2004 tax returns, and now have them completed, that is a nice job to have done!!

I expect him to awake soon for a late lunch, he should feel a lot better now I think.

All set for Monday, the last BIG chemo day, I hope radiation is "nice" to us tomorrow ;-)

Hanging in..............Roxane

Hi all - Scott's blood tests were good today again, so things are a go for the chemo today. Blood pressures were low today, so it looks like extra fluids today. Scott's weight is down about 20 lbs. from start of treatment, since his other numbers and tests look good, and the nausea is under control, Scott will keep on pushing thorough, according to Judy, our clinical RN. We still need to see Dr. Lee today @ radiation...we are hoping she will agree.

Actual chemo and radiation will end on Wednesday this week, with us coming up for only the fluids on Thursday and Friday. As the family pharmacist, I will start to "pull back" on several of Scott's meds, so hopefully he will get back to his old self and even gain back a few pounds in the process. Re-evaluation tests the week of April 11th...with results and phase II treatment plan the following week.

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers and encouragement.

Roxane

Hi at the clinic...radiation is done for today...last time tomorrow.

Scott blood pressures are a little low today, so it looks like (maybe) only two liters of fluids, we will see.

Scott's so/so today, but his spirts are good.

Our recheck CT Scan has been moved back a week to April 18th, to allow the full 30 days "rest" after the last radiation treatment.

We are getting excited for tomorrow :-)

Roxane

UPDATE

We are home already!!! Scott just needed 2 liters of fluids today, we were on the road for home by 1:30!! He is tired today though, but he sees the finish line. Our nurse today told us to "plan on" coming back for a few more days to get blood pressures and fluids, perhaps til next Tuesday or so. That's ok news...no more chemo or radiation after tomorrow!!! The next step will be backing off on some of the meds he is taking for side effects from treatment, here's hoping that goes well. :-)

R

Hi all - Scott is getting two liters of fluids today since he gets his last chemo shot. When we leave today they will remove his 24/7 drug (5FU), and he will be "free" of needles and tubing after 38 days!!! Shower time!!!

Radiation went well - 28 visits - done!!! We will see Dr. Lee again after the CT Scan on the 18th of April, she will probably give us results we hope.

So we are very happy today, coming back tomorrow for fluids and blood test. We will see about driving up on Friday...sounds like a snow storm is heading our way...

He did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Roxane

Hi all - Well we went to the clinic and Scott got his blood pressures checked, they asked a few questions, and by the time I got into the clinic, after parking the car, he was ready to go back home.

So a quick trip over and back, if Scott continues to eat and drink plenty of fluids, we won't be heading that way again until March 28th for a check up.

So you will probably not see posts coming across each day for a while, everyday we just expect Scott to feel a little bit better as he eases back from the treatment effects and effects from some of the meds.

I expect to head back to work next week, at least part-time if all goes as planned. So give Scott a call sometime, he's not really much of a talker right now, but that should improve each day also.

Thanks again for all your support you have given us through this first phase, feel free to e-mail. Our addresses are on column to the right.

Happy St. Patty's Day!!
O'Roxane & O'Scott

Hi all - Well the weather people were right this time, not sure how much snow we got here in RF, I would guess 6-8 inches??

Thanks for cleaning off the driveway this a.m. Mark!! :-)

I took Scott for a short drive around town today, on some errands, that did not agree with him, I'm thinking it is because some of the nausea meds are done, and some are being cut back. He's ok now though, he had a small bowl of ice cream and is taking a nap.

We watched a movie last night High Crimes - with Ashley Judd & Morgan Freeman, it was good (2 1/2 *) and suspenseful, with a change up ending...so a good rent. I also watched Jo Lo's movie the other night "Shall We Dance" also starring Richard Gere, so ladies it is worth a watch ;-) - but if I never did see it I would be ok too (* 1/2). Perhaps we will watch "Ray" tonight...look for the review...

Have a good "rest" of the weekend.

Roxane

Hi everyone - Scott seems to be doing better each day. He did have a rough Saturday, Sunday was better though. He has to be very careful with his eating and drinking, the stomach is still very tender, and easily upset, which is NO fun!!!

I just spoke with Scott's clinical nurse Judy. We spoke about how the weekend went, she said everything is normal that is going on. She expected after Wednesday the stomach issues would be much better. Let's hope so!!!!!!!

I plan to run some errands this a.m. and still planning on heading back to the bank (part-time) on Wednesday if all keeps progressing with Scott.

I see some of the "Old Scott" returning more each day, he told me this a.m. that he had a dream that he was eating a meal and having a BIG Diet Coke...he said it seemed so real, and it made him feel so good...I can hardly wait!!

Everyone have a good week. :-)

Roxane

Hi Everybody,
Hope you are all gearing up for Easter, sounds like a good weekend. So far we haven't made any plans, Roxie is back to work as of Wednesday. I'm still having some food issues, but my doctor just changed up some pills on me. Feeling better everyday.
Have a Happy Easter Holiday,
Love Scott and Roxane

Hi all - the appointment went as expected. We just talked about what has been going on with Scott and medications he is on, and what ones we will reduce and/or quit.

Regarding Scott's trouble with his stomach, Tanya, NP suspects that it is a problem with acid reflux, brought on by the radiation most likely, so she just increased a medication. All Scott's blood work looked good, considering he has just been off the chemo/radiation for 11 days.

I was happy to see another gentleman we saw daily while we were going thorough the same treatment for pancreatic cancer. He looked so much better, his wife said he has gained 16 pounds and his first tests show no sign of the tumor, (his tumor was in the opposite end (head), and he had surgery first,) he will soon start the 3rd phase of the additional chemo. I am guessing that the Doc's are watching these guys closely to see how they both fair with different routes of treatment. For sure Scott faired much better with the 5 1/2 weeks of treatment, this poor sole was in the wheelchair some days, and on intervenious feeding a few weeks to get through. He looks and feels "just great" he said.

We look forward to our re-check appointments on April 15th and on the 18th.

Scott seems better each and everyday.

Keep the thoughts and prayers coming.

Roxane & Scott