Good morning everyone – the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and Dad is eating a Popsicle for breakfast!
Last night went well. Dad put in some earplugs, covered his eyes with a blindfold, and the nurse guarded his door to let him get some uninterrupted sleep.
The MRI showed a bowel obstruction, but nothing significant regarding tumors or increased peritoneal fluids. Bowel obstructions can happen with abdominal surgeries, even laparoscopic ones. With regular movement and time, the bowels typically settle and fix themselves. Based on the existing irritation and distention of the bowels, they are not settling in like they should. This is reducing the actual movement of bowels. The tumors and cancerous growth are also providing constriction and is likely contributing to the obstruction.
Fortunately there is an endless supply of “plan B’s” so, Dads nurse just placed a nasogastric tube which is a small suction tube that goes through his nose into his stomach. This particular plan b is designed to remove the air and fluids from his intestines above the obstruction. This should provide significant relief and also allow the intestines to settle in, untwist, and begin doing their job again. This process was uncomfortable, but is already improving overall abdominal comfort.
The endoscopy has been cancelled for now as this plan b is in progress. One of the doctors spoke with us this morning and explained the priorities for now. The doctor is also bringing Dads team together for a meeting each day, and now that we have a better understanding of the situation the team is able to provide a more comprehensive plan.
Whether Dad moves forward with endoscopy or surgery next is yet to be determined based on the motility of the bowels later today. Either way, a port / central line is being placed today and Dad will be started on IV nutrition tomorrow since he has not been able to eat for several days. The port will be useful for many things as we move forward, including chemo.
We are going to be setting some new world records as we walk laps around the 5th floor south tower today 🙂 I’m not sure we will be fast enough to go to Rio, but.. Speaking of sports there was a moving speech last night if any of you watched the ESPY’s. Craig Sager was presented with the Jimmy V award for perseverance. Please take 5 minutes to listen to this speech and consider its implications. My brother, Jeremy, has taken a spiritual lead for our family and is doing wonders to bring positivity and hope to the situation. We ask that you would listen to Craig Sagers speech, Pray, and embrace each moment of life for the beauty that it is.
Hope and Love,
Richard
The Upside of Down - an update on hope, love, and oncology 