USC Day Update

We got in tonight about 5:00 pm. I think we had a good day as far as completing all the things we had to do.

1. Blood draw (problem with pulling blood from port, can infuse through it but can not pull blood) We hope next time the drug that they put in will allow it to work properly.
2. Met with Dr. Lenz. He said he is going to wait to see what the CT looks like from today to determine whether we add Gemzar or move with radiation.
3. Met with pain team at 1:00 pm. They are so nice. We tweaked a few things. Dropped the Phenergen (nausea drug). Keep with MS Contin 30mg/day X 2. PRN Dilaudid.
4. Had CT scan. I pray pray pray it looks good. Should know in a week.

I feel good. We stopped for IN n OUT on the way home. My Mom had made home made soup but I just could not wait. I am glad the stents, CT and Chemo are behind me. I want to just relax for a few weeks. My blood work looks good. My white count is up a little still but liver ALT and AST are good. 34 and 44. My CA19-9 went from 3,500 to 1,900. Bilirubin 2.6 and Alk Phos 150.
The one thing that bugs me is the ascites. Dr. Lenz said to up my dieuretic to 100mg. He said if it gets too uncomfortable he will drain it. He wants to avoid it if possible. I need to eat as much protein as possible to increase my albumin which plays a role and Avastin helps to decrease also (which I have not had in 5 weeks). So my biggest prayer request is for my ascites to go away.

I love you guys so much. You are all so good to me with your love, cards, meals, help with kids. I could go on and on. Have a great weekend! I am going to try to grab Chris away one night since we missed our 11th anniversary because I was in the hospital Jan 20.

Valerie XXOO