Wayne had another chest x-ray on Tuesday and today we found out that the tumor is still shrinking. Yeah! I asked the doctor how long Wayne would have to have chemo--I was hoping for an answer that estimated time--and he said that chemo would continue until the tumor stops shrinking or is gone. It's been three and a half months on this chemo protocol and the tumor has shrunk by way more than half, so I am hoping that in the next three months the tumors will be gone. But with chemo, who knows!
Meanwhile, Wayne had to have all his teeth pulled Monday. He has a raging infection and as the teeth came out, the infection came with them. Because he went to a low income clinic, it was the basic kind of dentistry--no going out, not even and nitrous oxide. So I went in with him and watched while they pulled 17 teeth. Some just almost fell out and others were hard. A number of teeth were rotten and broke when they pulled on them. I don't think it was a fun experience at all, They used a chisel on a number of teeth. But the infection was affecting him, and not just in his mouth. He's been pretty sick since they came out, but he's taking antibiotics and today the oncologist gave him some IV antibiotics. Once that infection clears up, he should be a lot better. He needs to wait six weeks before he gets the dentures to be sure that he is all healed, but once he gets them and gets used to them, he should be much better off. He hasn't been able to eat anything that isn't soft for several months. So he is really looking forward to being able to eat again, and I am looking forward to being able to cook one dinner instead of two!
Even though Wayne is going through so much, his attitude is still positive. Even when he is crawling in bed mid day because he is so tired or feeling so bad, he is able to joke and talk about when he is cured. He is so positive that he is going to beat this that it's infectious. I have hope that he will. Lung cancer statistics show that 10% of stage 4 lung cancer patients will live for longer than five years. I think Wayne is going to be in that 10%.
Wayne, I also believe that you will be in the 10 percentile. Remember that they gave Mom five years and she made it ten. I believe that God will be with us all the way. Hang in there and just think of how good that steak will taste when you get your teeth. In the mean while,get lots of rest to help keep up your strength. Love you lots.
ReplyDeleteDonna,
ReplyDeleteThanks for being such a great cheerleader! Wayne really appreciates all your comments. But where is everybody else?
Those same stats also showed that 40-50% of people with Wayne's diagnosis die within the first eight months. It's been six months and he is nowhere near death. He's just the opposite. He is getting better. So he has already beat 50%! I know he is going to beat the other 40% too.
I just know that I think of you guys daily and you are always in my prayers. Family is the most important thing to me and I don't think people tell each other often enough how much you love them. I am so glad that Glenda,Laurie and Alisa have been close by to help. Hope you have a great day. Love you.
ReplyDeleteJust checking in to see how you are feeling. Hope your ordeal at the dentist has subsided some. I can only imagine the pain you must have been in. Hope you had a nice visit with Carol over the week-end. Wish I could be there with you all. I'll write again soon. Love you.
ReplyDeleteHey, Wayne,
ReplyDeleteSorry I've not been posting here. I hear so much from Barbara through Denise I hadn't looked at the blog for a bit. I am sorry to hear about your teeth, what a nasty ordeal to go through!!Does that mean you have to live on milk shakes and soup for a while?
I am excited for you that your tumors are going away. Is there anything that you need that I can send to you? I have lots of music CDs I could copy for you if I knew which ones you want.
You guys could keep that Montana weather in Montana if you like. It slipped down here and got us down to 5 degrees last night!!
You are in our thoughts and conversation every day. If wishes and hopes were wings, you'd be flying.
Hang in there. It sounds like the doctors are doing all they can for you. Eat your green beans and spinach (blended, of course) and be a good boy....LOL
We love you, our old friend,
John and Denise
Hey Wayne, sorry that you are once agaain in the hospital. Hopefully not for long. Be sure to eat all the food they offer to get your strength back, and when you get home eat even if you don't feel like it. Maybe some green stuff would help your appetite. Good nutrition is of the most importance, of course with a little bit of junk food such as chocolate pudding. When you get your teeth let me know and I will send you some chocolate chip cookies. I know how much you love them. I talked to Carol earlier today and was happy that she was able to come down and visit. Wish I could be ther with you. Hopefully soon. Love you much.
ReplyDeleteHi Wayne, so sorry to hear that you are back in the hospital. We think of you daily and wish we lived closer. Just know that you are wrapped in God's arms. When you need a little extra hug just put your arms around yourself and know it's me giving you a hug. Love to you,
ReplyDeleteHey Wayne, I just talked to Glenda and am glad that you are feeling better today. Keep your positive attitude and you will be home soon. I truly believe in positive thinking, so between us all, things will stay on a positive note. I'm thinking there must be a cute nurse there taking care of you. Only kidding, but remeber humor and laughter is the best medicine, so laugh as often and as much as possible. We love you.
ReplyDelete