tubeless in seattle? (Page 2 of 3)

Well, we wasted a beautiful day driving to Pittsburgh. I really don't like it when a Dr. asks you why you are there after spending time and money sending a boatload of info ahead of the appointment. We weren't really planning on switching Drs. anyway but really wanted some insight into these abscess issues and I don't think that was even discussed. He's just sure the cancer is back due to the rising ca19 and threw a lot of cold water on the whole transplant idea. Tom says he doesn't have cancer in his liver anymore so I think I'll choose to believe him. I honestly think he knows what's going on just as well as anyone else. It is an interesting difference between surgeons vs. medical( internists). I prefer the surgeons approach personally. They seem like they run a tighter ship. Anyway, he will get his stents removed on Nov 10th and hopefully will not have any complications.I guess we will just keep putting out the fires as they pop up. As others have said before, "it is what it is!" Right now things are going well so we'll enjoy these times and not worry.       Mary

Hi Mary. I think you had a beautiful drive with Tom on a beautiful day and it verified to you that you are doing good with the doctor you have. You may have always wondered and now that security is a good feeling. Guess all doctors are not created equal! Good luck to Tom for November 10th and just keep your fire hose ready but hope you don't have to use it too often.

Tom is driving to Columbus( by himself) tomorrow for bloodwork and MRI. I guess this has been scheduled since his hospital stay in Sept but no one bothered to let us know until Fri. If I had known, we would not have gone to Pa but I was worried that they weren't following up at OSU. This is the problem with big University hospitals. You have residents writing the discharge orders and they don't always get things straight. I've always been pretty involved and called, e-mailed etc but have kind of backed off lately so I wasn't being such a pest and now we are not getting communications straight. This shows that it is often necessary to be a pest in order to keep on top of things. Hopefully his bloodwork will have improved but I expect his ca19 to still be high. His liver is a mess right now along with swelling and inflammation in his duodenum. He even had stones that they had to sweep out of his ducts in Sept so I think we shouldn't expect miracles. I honestly don't even worry about it anymore. It's just the way it's going to be from now on. 4 1/2 years now of basically really good health with a few bumps here and there- we've been incredibly lucky regardless of the future. I just hope they don't bum him out too much because they will probably tell him they think the cancer is back. Of course they have been saying that for over a year and still can't see a thing.
Here's hoping our old truck makes it to Columbus and back!! We've been car shopping but I can't bring myself to make a car payment again! It's been 10 years without one and it's been great! Happy Sunday everyone!!   Mary

Mary....safe travels to Tom.  I am hoping for the  old truck to hang in there.  I agree in that keeping track of everything entailing healthcare for a loved one truly can be overwhelming.  I have to do some research, but I know that there are some helpful tips and hints including, printable forms for this overwhelming task.  I will post it again.  Of course, you have accumulated so much knowledge, it might be better just to ask you. 
I am crossing my fingers for good news coming your way.  This includes the word "stable," as it has taken on a new meaning on this site.
Best wishes,
Marion

Mary,
I love your 'attitude of gratitude' expressed in your posting. I continue to pray that you and Tom will have many more years for which to express gratitude. And of course I'm praying now for Tom to get good news today...

Betsy,
Any change in your situation? I'm awaiting good news from you...

God Bless!
bob

Tom is doing well. His MRI was good, the abcesses appear to be gone and bloodwork is good. We won't know about the ca19 for a day or so.  Next appointment in 6 months if all goes well with stent removal, etc. Thanks all, Mary

Mary,

Terrifico news! Just shows Tom is as good a runner as your old truck!

I always say, there is no car like an old RUNNING car. In July I bought a brand new 18 year old car. When I called the insurance, I think the lady thought I was crazy. It has manual windows and door locks and some of the door handles are broken but I think if I am giving someone a ride, they ought to do a little work.

Patty

Mary......Congratulations on both; Tom's great report and the truck returning safely with him.  I am hoping for things to settle down a bit now.  No crops for the winter; does that mean you can relax and take it easy?
Best wishes,
Marion

Thanks all.
Patty,
  I love the idea of your "new" 18 year old car. My daughter, who helps the economy greatly by buying new vehicles every few years commented about Tom and I not taking care of our vehicles very well. I said, Are you kidding? Every vehicle we own has almost 200,000 miles on it. We have to take care of them to keep them going that long. I can't help it that they rust and the doors and windows quit working!! Ha! In fact our hold cargo van that I called "the tank", that we used to haul plants to market etc., just died last summer with 227.000 miles on it. It was the best vehicle ever, never cost us a dime other than regular maintenance. That will probably never happen again.
Marion,
   Yes ,we are done for a few months. We're going away for a few days this weekend ( renting a car) and then he'll have his ERCP and I guess a colonoscopy at the same time next week.That caused some joking with the Doc yesterday I guess. Which comes first ...oh I won't go there!
Betsy,
  I am really glad you are feeling better. It's amazing how your body recovers if it just has time to heal. It usually takes Tom 2-3 weeks to get back to normal after a procedure, ecspecially if there is some infection. Best wishes for a successful "glueing". You are the first person I've ever read about having that done. I really hope it works and you'll have to let us know how they actually do it. It sounds very interesting.
          Happy election day all. I am SO happy this will be over. We have worn out our remote muting political ads on TV. I quit answering the phone yesterday, we got so many calls. 
                            Take care, Mary

Hi Betsy,
Yes we are going Weds. I imagine they will take the 2 he has in,out and put one back in for a few months. He still show signs of blockage as far as his bloodwork goes so I'm actually hoping they do put one in. I really don't want him to get sick over the holidays. His ca19 has come down to around 2200. That is still very high but at least it's not 3500!! You've got to be grateful for anything positive, as you know!! I hope things go well for you soon too. Wouldn't it be great to have all of these problems solved before the new year?!! I hope so! Take care, Mary

Mary we are so very happy that Tom is doing so well. Now you can enjoy your Thanksgiving!