Paul Updates

Aug 27th and 29th visits -

As Barbara V has told you all, Trap is in a living facility attached to the hospital. This is a positive move as he has even better care without the constant bothersome visits from the learning staff. As Barb mentioned, and I saw as well, his first day at the new spot (Wednesday) was a bit hard on him, however he rose to the occasion. Alot going on.

Today (29th) was a productive day. I arrived a half hour after Barb left just after a dose of pain reduction medicine. Trap was in a rather a good mood and we spoke frankly. His gut is huge with fluids, very uncomfortable, and his urology staff didn't want to drain it before the holiday for reasons I was not quite sure. Screw that! Sooooooooo, I met with the chief oncologist and the the premier liver surgeon, Dr. White, to discuss a better plan. After a long session, it was agreed that that a Lavine shunt should be applied into Trap. Basically a tube that recycles his fluids into his system, rather than depositing them in his gut for draining and waste. This will be a constant relief to his fluid build up, and retains his bodily protiens that are leaving him when he has a mere cavity drain. After a meeting with Trap, he agreed, and we will give them a definite answer Monday. Many positives, little negatives. Better mobility, retaining of proteins, hopefully better appetite, less intrusions into body, more ambulatory, no more build up of fluids, better strength build up, and better muscle retention.

By the way, overall systemic results are still heading in a positive direction. His cell phone is off more because he wants a bit more rest, but keep trying. He loves to hear from his many friends and supporters.

His chemo is being upped quite a bit tomorrow for the pills and the med port application next week. Attack!

Love,
Paul