November 11, 2010

Paul looking good on Veterans Day. He was in the Army 20 years and two tours of Vietnam.

Doing so well now!

November 9, 2010.....

Our resident pileated woodpecker!

Visit to oncologist went well today. Ct scan showed Paul still in REMISSION - 43 months since discovery! We are thrilled, of course.

He also saw dentist and she is making him dentures that fit better.

He has gained back the weight he lost but is just right now at 169 to 170.

He will return in a couple months for an xray just to keep eyes on things.

No more VA visits until December - crossing our fingers!

A good day!

Elaine

October 29, 2009

Paul testing our his new lift and scooter for the van. He tried it out twice this week and it is working great for him - breathing better and not getting so tired after appointments, etc.

Yesterday he had his PFT (pulmonary function test) and much improved since last time - February. Pulmonary Doctor is pleased with how he is doing. Losing weight has definitely helped breathing and getting around.

Medications staying the same for the COPD.

Next week is ct scan and oncologist - keeping fingers crossed for the best news!

October 5,2010

Yesterday Paul had his EMG test for neuropathy. The doctor said he has mild neuropathy and should not worry about it. Right now she gave him some Lidocaine cream which helps with the pain in his toes and it is helping a lot.

Paul drove to the VA (that is about 25 miles of city traffic and back. He did just fine. The new van is easy to drive. We stopped for a little lunch/dinner. A good day all around.

This morning his primary care NP called from his vacation to see that he remembered to get his blood test and check the potassium level. They really take good care of him at the VA hospital.

Paul ready to go to the doctors or wherever I will drive him!

We love the van and the lift for the scooter (which he got yesterday) will be installed soon. It will help make his trips to the VA hospital much better as well as parks, malls, etc.

Paul has lost weight but finally gotten his appetite back for most food so he is doing ok. Potassium pills are helping as his was low.

EMG (nerve tests) next Monday to see about his neuropathy and maybe some treatment options.

We are doing ok - one day at a time!

September 19, 2010

Paul was approved for a scooter like this and we bought a minivan yesterday - getting it soon - that will fit inside with a lift. Should make it easier for him to get around stores, hospital, etc.

He is gaining strength but losing weight - today he ate better so soon should be back to better weight.

Nothing much else going on - just enjoying Fall in CNY!!

Next report after some more tests, etc.

Update....September 2, 2010

Well, all is going pretty good as far as cancer is concerned. Paul was in hospital with pneumonia a couple weeks ago and is weak but gaining slowly. He has tried the fentanyl patch for pain in his back for two weeks now and is having too many side effects. Intends to get off the patch as soon as his doctor recommends what to do then - avoiding withdrawal, etc.
We are not enjoying the hot weather and it is suppose to be cooler this weekend.
Ct scan on lungs in November so until then just hanging out and trying to stay on our feet!

July 30, 2010

Here we are at Morgan and Matt's wedding on July 10, 2010...it was very nice!

Today we got the news of the recent ct scan and all remains about same - words of the oncologist.

Last week the NP for cardiology said Paul was "very" stable as far as congestive heart failure and his heart condition!

One day at a time and enjoying this beautiful summer weather.

Next week is my turn at the orthopedic surgeon about a knee replacement!

June 24, 2010

Short update on latest visit to VA. Paul saw cardiologist NP and he says Paul is "stable" as far as CHF is concerned. Pacemaker is now working great. All vitals good.

He saw vascular doctor who operated on his aorta aneursym 4 years ago. Doctor said all is ok and no signs of a new aneursym which sometimes happens about 4 years out.

So - for now - STABLE and under control.

June 10, 2010

Paul had visit to the oncologist this week. All is same. He is scheduling the next ct scan for July 28. Starting his fourth year of lung cancer remission.

Paul also had his eyes checked and is getting new glasses. His pacemaker was adjusted but he went back and had it returned to original setting and feels much better.

Today was my visit to eye surgeon. Corneas ok, small sign of cataracts growing but nothing serious yet.

I guess we are all "tuned up" for now.

I turned 70 last week - not real happy but much better than the alternative.

This is the first rose on our large bush - more to come!

Memorial Day 2010

Another Memorial Day come and gone! I feel fortunate to live in this country where I am free and owe it all to our servicemen and women around the world who have fought for this country and some giving their lives. Some are still fighting and some are fighting for their lives at home through injuries and illnesses acquired in the service of America!

Thanks!

May 17, 2010

Just a picture to show that Paul is doing fine. Pacing himself but doing his "chores".

Trip to Orlando - May 10, 2010

We enjoyed 10 days in Orlando and at Paul's veterans reunion. Paul is now off oxygen and flying Jetblue was the best we have ever experienced.

Paul also has been in remission now over 3 years and counting.

Tomorrow he gets his port replaced as it quit working.

Couple pictures from Orlando...

March 3, 2010

Well, the visit with the cardiologist did not go so well. Paul's heart is not strong enough to do the stent procedure. However, he is doing well with medications so will continue that way and see cardiologist 6 months for new ECG and maybe then they can do the stent. He is breathing much better - main symptom just getting tired faster than usual so slowing down is his only option. He rests a lot but does chores, etc. when he can.

Lung cancer is still stable with little change. That is good news, of course.

We are planning on our vacation end of April to Florida.

One hard thing is cooking and eating low salt but we are working on it. It certainly is helping me too.

This is is favorite hobby and Penny enjoys it too....

February 11, 2010

Just an update on Paul's lung cancer and heart problems. His cancer is still in remission.
Congestive heart failure is stable. His blood pressure is super low but doctor wants it that way as long as he does not feel sick. He is just so very tired.
Next week is NP in cardiology and maybe more medication adjustments, etc.
We are hopeful and looking for Spring.

January 11, 2010 - trip to ER....

Paul was having problems breathing and ankle swelling. Took him to ER and they kept him for tests. Episode of congestive heart failure. January 14 he had a heart catherization and one of his old grafts is 70% clogged. Doctors do not feel a stent is necessary now but maybe in the future. He will have a new ECG in a month.
CT scan showed his lung cancer same - good news!
He is home and getting his strength back - feeling better.