A lot has happened in 4 months

Hi everyone,

It's been almost four monts to the day since my last blog. At the time of that post we were waiting to hear about a new/different procedure at the University of Pittsburgh since Jeff couldn't have any more PHPs at NIH. Well, Tricare, our government insurance program, did not approve the procedure because they considered it experimental. But you know us...we didn't give up. Instead, we followed our instincts and began going through the VA in Baltimore to see if they could help and in fact they tried. They referred us to the University of Maryland who can do the same procedure as the University of Pittsburgh and since it was through the VA, we wouldn't have to get approval from Tricare.

After another round of the ususal testing (CTs, MRIs, Octreotide, etc.), the physicians at the University of Maryland determined that Jeff should have a "systemic" approach to his cancer. The doctor that we spoke to last Tuesday (who was very thorough) explained that Jeff has moderaly active tumors on his right pelvic bone and his shoulder bone. He has other spots (perhaps less active) on his left pelvic bone, in the right hip joint, and the C7 spine. He went on to explain that while they can do the procedure on the liver, it would be in Jeff's best interest if he received other treatment first. Needless to say the information was a little more than upsetting.

Jeff had an appointment with his Navy Oncologist the very next day and after reading the Univ. of MD radiology report, she quickly went into action. She admitted Jeff to Bethesda Naval Hospital on Monday (February 4th) to do some additional testing and is actively working to determine the best course of treatment for Jeff. She explained that there are some new chemotherapy drugs on the market as well as some new research protocols that he may qualify for. I suspect that Jeff will start some form of "systemic" treatment before the end of February since the cancer appears to have become more aggressive than it was originally.

Anyway, so far Jeff's inpatient stay has been just a little rocky but we are VERY glad he is in the hospital being monitored. He was sick over the weekend before being admitted (flu like symptoms) and was very dehydrated. His blood sugar was near 350 at one point today (80-120 is normal) and has both an elevated white blood cell count and higher than normal calcium levels in his urine......most of which is going back to normal with rest and an IV.

It's amazing that after all the low blood sugars we never gave much thought to his blood sugars going the opposite direction. Jeff hasn't felt all that well over the last month or so but because he wasn't having low blood sugar symptoms, we weren't checking his blood sugars on a regular basis. It will be interesting to see if the 350 is just an isolated case (or perhaps just pancakes for breakfast) or if it will continue to happen...anyway, stay tuned.

Well folks, I better run. I will post more information as it becomes available. Jeff thinks he may be home by Saturday but we'll know more in the next day or two.

Oh yea, I forgot to mention that Jeff got a call from Justin on Monday afternoon. It's always such a nice treat to get a call from him especially considering his deployed location. Brit and Brad are doing well under the circumstances and are looking forward to graduation in May.

Linda