Thursday, January 21st

Happy Friday Eve!

Today was a busy one for Dad.  He had a CAT scan, to check his appendix.  He said that if that was inflamed, or infected, that it could be contributing to his maladies.  We shall see.

Tomorrow he will have an endoscopy to see if there is a blockage, or a restriction below his stomach.  This is all stemming from last night's feeding tube insertion.  They had difficulty getting it placed as low as they would like, and want to see why.  Again, possibly related to the appendix.  Although I'm not positive if there's a connection there or not.  I may be getting my stories jumbled.  They are all starting to blur into one big novel of a story!  lol

Due to all these unforseen issues, i.e. the blood infection and malnutrition, we really aren't seeing much concern about his liver at this time.  It's moved down on the priority list.  Some of these other issues may be causing the liver problems, or quite possibly vice versa.  We really haven't talked to his oncologist about this just yet.  All in due time, I'm supposin'.

As for visitors, they are being allowed.  We would ask that there please not be too many at once, or for any length of time.  Two in the room at a time would be best, and for about 15 minutes or so.  He loves seeing everybody, but by the end of the day, he's pretty tired.  Of course the time restraint isn't written in stone.  I'll leave it up to your judgement, as I'm sure you can gauge how he's feeling at the time.  Do note that he is in what is considered isolation.  As you go in, by the door, you will see a package of folded, disposable yellow  (really?  yellow?) gowns.  Please don one of these lovelies before you enter his room.  This is just to keep germies to a minimum.  Then discard before you leave the room in the bin provided.  You all are AWESOME!   I guess it would help to tell you that he is in room 1476 at Virginia Mason Hospital.

That's all for now!  Take care of yourselves --

Leslie :)