Thank you all for the comforting words, cyber hugs, prayers and positive thoughts after my last post. I've been with hubby at the hospital most of the week. I read four books and crocheted five wash/dish cloths while I was there. I also watched the nurses and aides, questioned a few things and made sure hubby received good care. ( I really feel sorry for folks who don't have a patient advocate). Hubby is home now and although he is still very ill we do have some good news.
Took him to ER on Thurs, Aug 31. and he was admitted.
He was discharged on the evening of Sep. 6 for the scheduled PET scan on Sep 7.
They put in feeding tube because he had been unable to eat and drink (dehydrated and weak and weight loss, dysphagia, orthostasis) and put him on oxygen and breathing treatments 3 times per day because he could not breathe and oxygen levels were below 90 and an antibiotic for bronchitis.
They put in feeding tube because he had been unable to eat and drink (dehydrated and weak and weight loss, dysphagia, orthostasis) and put him on oxygen and breathing treatments 3 times per day because he could not breathe and oxygen levels were below 90 and an antibiotic for bronchitis.
Before I took him to ER:
An Aug 30. Swallow Test revealed he has been aspirating more than he is able to swallow. PEG tube recommended.
Aug 24 CT scan revealed bronchiectasis and mass on lung to be followed up by PET scan scheduled for Sep 7 and kidney lesion to be followed up with renal ultrasound.
Swallow problems are a side effect of oropharyngeal cancer and radiation 18 years ago. Breathing problems new and probably from lung mass hopefully not lung cancer but if it is now he has feeding tube and some nutrition. He has been losing weight and unable to eat much of anything for two months.
After he had the swallow test and I saw test and talked to speech pathologist she said she was recommending to doc that he get PEG tube right away. Then I got run around from doc and surgeon office because 3 day weekend coming up so with no chance of getting the poor guy some nutrition I chose to take him to ER. That was the right choice. He didn't even have a long wait time (10 minutes). They took him in right away, thank goodness.
He was discharged on the evening of August 6 so he could get to a PET scan (outpatient) previously scheduled for the morning of September 7. The PET scan was to follow up on the lung mass found on the CT scan. Dr. called late yesterday to tell us the good news that it is not lung cancer but probably damage from chronic aspiration.
He will probably live the rest of his life with the feeding tube for nutrition but he's all right with that. Dr will discuss more about the bronchiectasis and jaw bone necrosis and further esophageal dilations (already had four in last year) and chronic kidney disease stage 3 and BPH next week.
I am thankful he can breathe, get nutrition and does not have to worry about battling lung cancer. I guess he might be stuck with me for awhile!
Again, thank you all for the comforting words, cyber hugs, prayers and positive thoughts after my last post. I sure "know" a lot of truly awesome caring people! And you've helped me move forward. Thank you. I'll pay it forward.
Wishing you all a fabulous day!
