Jeff is awake, alert and doing well this evening after his second PHP at NIH. This round of treatment went similiar to the first but this time the doctors were able to give Jeff the whole dose of chemo instead of just 2/3. The filters still had a problem but they were able to run the "circuit" at a higher flow rate and for 10 minutes this time instead of 7 as they did previously. Jeff didn't retain as much fluid this time around and his nausia from the anesthesia was much milder. He spent his afternoon sleeping comfortable...and snoring loudly. I stood guard over his bed and refused to let anyone wake him since it's the first time I've seen him sleep so soundly in what seems like months. Dr. Drennan just removed the catheters from Jeff's leg and neck about 30 minutes ago and he's had his first few sips of water before I left his ICU room to let everyone know what's going on. Although he wasn't sitting up as early as the last time, I think the rest did him some good. We are planning on watching American Idol together this evening and by morning he should be sitting up and eating normally.
In case I haven't mentioned it yet, Dr. Pingpank wants to do the surgery to remove the pancreatic tumors before the next PHP/Chemo treatment. Dr. Pinkpank (the surgeon who heads up the protocol that Jeff is on) and I discussed the surgery at length today and he does not believe that it will have to be too invasive. He said Jeff could expect to spend about 7 days in the hospital and that he would be up walking and eating normally before going home. Within a couple of weeks after the surgery he should be able to return to work with limited hours.
Wife #2 arrived on the scene last Saturday with Charlie (her favorite pooch) in tow to help manage the Minghella household while we're here. Mike (Sharon's real husband) and Mr. Bill (Sharon's father-in-law) came to visit for a few days also and we were able to have a nice visit before they headed back to PA yesterday. For those of you who haven't seen the Jeff's new hair doo (or lack of it), please be sure to scroll down and check out the handsome man I'm married to :)
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5 comments:
Wow, sure wish I could be there to see and talk to you guys. Linda, if you get the chance, please let me know when it is ok to call Jeff. I don't want to catch him off guard. It really is nice to see the friends and family providing the support you are receiving. Jeff is such a good person and I'm proud to have lived around both of you in the past. Please keep us all informed. Keep the faith Jeff, Love you brother. Talk to you soon. Ronny, Cindy and Austin Fort
Great News!!! Our prayers are being answered! Linda, you're doing a great job keeping everyone up to date. Thanks so much for taking time out of, what must be, a very hectic schedule. And, you're right, Jeff is very handsome with his "New Doo"! Jeff, keep up the good work and get back home! We all miss you so much when you're in the hospital. And, PS, I knew Lisa would get kicked off American Idol. Bucky will have to be next!
Love ya both, Gina
Jeff,
Excellent news! We are hoping your recovery from this latest round of Chemo is quick and comfortable.
Rob & Lisa
P.S. Bucky's not going anywhere next week on the Country Theme Week. Good bye Ace!
Yo Cuz!
The picture is amazing! You look so much like your father! I promise I will send the picture of when you were little soon. You look like "nibbles" again! Not only are you extremely handsome but the bravest man I know! It has been an incredible journey for you and I am so proud of your determination. I brag about you to everyone!
Keep Smiling!
I love you!
Kathy
PS. Hugs and Kisses to Linda, Brad, Brit and Justin!
Sounds very positive my friend. Now don't go getting all fired up lying in bed, have anything you need available at the push of a button by watching the final four games. Take it easy, rest and relaxation is what you need. You can always read the sports page or watch the 2300 news to get the scores. American Idol????
Love ya Bro, Stevie
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