Jason’s estimated 20 minute follow-up appointment with the ophthalmologist the day after Christmas turned out to be 4-1/2 hours. But what they were able to accomplish in that time was amazing, because all of the clinics were really still closed for the holiday. He did an ultrasound of Jason’s eye which showed that the tumor had grown since October. He brought in a senior ophthalmologist for consultation and they decided that radiation was the next step to hopefully shrink the tumor and stop the pain.
We called Debby and let her know what was happening and the entire family came in and shared the rest of the day with us. This gave Jason and Debby much needed support during this trying decision making. We even had a little time between mask making and first treatment to sample “Café Anderson” with the few that had not yet eaten there.
It took the senior ophthalmologist almost an hour and many many phone calls before she was able to reach the right on-call emergency radiologist to get treatment started immediately. She was very frustrated and embarrassed that it took so long and was very close to calling the hospital administrator to complain about the service. This threat resulted with the heard of nuclear medicine coming in to see Jason and get his treatment started. This is just one more example that shows the dedication of the hospital staff, both of the ophthalmologists were supposed to be off earlier to start their own holidays but stuck around to insure Jason got the treatment he needed.
They first made the mask used to position his head for the very exacting radiation treatment. It looks like a white mesh grid in the shape of his head. They then did a CT scan with the mask still on him to determine exactly where they were going to aim the radiation. As Debby said, the actual treatments take about 15-20 minutes. To start with, he’ll get radiation treatment every day for 5 days. During the first 2 treatments he fell asleep – could be all the pain medication had something to do with that. Terry and I took Jason to his third treatment this morning. Jason’s treatment today went smooth and quick. He said each day his eye is feeling a little better, with what he classed as 8 out of 10 on Christmas Day he now says is about a 2, so that’s very encouraging. Tomorrow will be a very busy day with blood tests, an appointment his oncologist Dr. Kim, an appointment with the ophthalmologist, and radiation treatment. Somewhere in there we have to get Terry to the airport.
Debby’s out of commission today – she’s really tired with a painful cough and feeling like there is fluid in her lungs. She slept most of the day. She woke up as Jason began a nap and we watched “Momma Mia”, not a Jason type of film. Later she told us she was feeling very ill. She has all the symptoms of a bad case of the flu. We are now giving her Emergen-C and Airbourne as advised by a pharmacist. She is staying away from Jason and wearing a mask to help keep him well.
Tonight we attempted to duplicate Lorren’s corn-potato soup, it turned out to be very good!
Mom and Dad
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4 comments:
I am so sad you are not feeling well, Debby, but it is good to hear that the radiation seems to be helping Jason. Just remeber lots of rest and I will be thinking of you guys. Love and miss you lots.
Terry and Marjorie,
I am so glad you are there to take care of Debby and Jason right now. Debby, you get tons of rest and maybe try the Rodney Yee relaxation meditation at the beginning of the yoga DVD when you are feeling better. You had an extremely intense and stressful week. Give yourself a little break. I am very happy to call insurance (or anyone else) on your behalf. Just let me know if you need to delegate anything.
So glad that the radiation is helping with the pain. Our friend that had cancer in the back of her mouth had a whole body cast from her chest and up! It gives her great memories to see how far she has come! Jason's cast will be a good momentum when he's doing better to have on the wall too!!!
So sorry you guys didn't have the type of Christmas that you had planned on, but at least alot of your family was there to help out and give lots of support and love!!! I know that Joe left this am to help out, so hopefully Debby can get back to being healthy and be there for Jason again, and not have to wear a mask or get worse her self!!!
You guys are all amazing, please let us know if we can do anything!!!!!!for you guys anytime!!! Much Love for all of you guys!!! The Woods
Dear Team Jensen: We sure enjoyed our time with you and were glad that we could add some family support. Debby, I hope you are feeling much better! Thank you for our Christmas gifts. Of course the best gift was being able to be with you. Jason, we are praying for you and the T cells.
Love, Lorren & Cora
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