Confections For Cats

From The Notebook 3-13-14 (written by Diane) 1:30 Pain Team came in. Dr. Knight very happy w/how he looks.     - no changes to pain regimen. Texts between Mom and Diane Tell Mat if he wants any outside  food to let me know. I was thinking of picking up  some cauliflower, carrots, and broccoli from Golden Corral. Sent March 13 (1/2) Hey Mat suggested that I go home and said he didn’t mind being alone for awhile (working on paper work for next couple of hours). I  am starting to crash so (2/2) I’m leaving now. Danielle  will be here around 4ish. All docs said all is good and he looks good. Notes caught up. Rec’d March 13 I’m only 15 minutes out. Sent March 13 Perfect! Rec’d March 13 Continued From The Notebook (written by Me) 3:00 - here - massage therapist was here.  (part of the palliative team) worked out co-pays (will write a separate post about this) 4:00 Physical Therapist - good

Texts between me and Diane. He’s in the most pain I’ve seen in a while. Sent March 12 Why More?….just being moved around and port etc? Rec’d March 12 Took lots of fluid off of right lung. Sent March 12 Sorry I’m running a little behind, Danielle and Dan came over. I’m leaving now. Rec’d March 12 Ok Sent March 12 If Mat becomes overly sedated acting or very confused….let the nurse know. Sent March 12 Yes, she explained what to look for. Rec’d March 12 Did he do ok last night? Sent March 12 Was very stressed by chemo but did good. A tiny nausea but alerted nurse and meds helped immediately. Team came by…no new orders except phy therapy to come. Rec’d March 13 Help him get up and walk. Great. I am finishing laundry getting cleaned up. Then to post office and quick stop at my parents. Sent March 13 Arpie said to bring all medical bills to you.  Remember to ask me for them. Sent March

From Mathew’s medical records. Actual chemo doses. 3/12/14 ETOPOSIDE  etoposide + sodium chloride 0.9% DOSE: 100 mg, IVPB Q 24 hr. Dose rate  555 mL/hr infuse over 1 hr IFOSFAMIDE ifosfamide + sodium chlorida 0.9%  DOSE:  1,900 mg IVPB, Q 24 hr, Dose rate  588 mL/hr infuse over 1 hr. MESNA I am not going to go over the doses because it changes with the day and the chemo being given. It continues to run after the last chemo. Again, it is to protect his bladder. 10 mg of Dexamethasone by IV to prevent nausea Also for nausea or vomiting: Ondansetron Prochlorperazine Promethazine There were other medications for the following: pain anxiety antibiotics itching (from high bilirubin) to bind the bilirubin (3 of these) stool softener diuretic acid suppression indigestion prevent blood from being too thin Imagine a soccer ball inserted into your abdomen, maybe it needs to be smushed around in order to make it fit. Think

First Chemo continued    3/12/14 From The Notebook written by Mom If nauseous can give more meds. Dexamethasone Zofran Chemo goes to all fast-growing cells including white blood cells. in 10 days white blood cells will be at the lowest point. -100.4 or higher is a fever -red blood cells can drop, typical to get a transfusion. AE - 5 days VAC outpatient Let Dr know if he becomes very confused or sedated. Mesna to keep the bladder from bleeding. At home: Neupogen - daily shot to protect against low white blood count After VAC  1 shot Neulasta Dexamethasone  - 2 times a day for 3 days VAC  Doxorubicin - can cause toxicity to the heart.                                - may cause neuropathy - let Dr know.  - constipation My brother, Hank was in Florida during this time to see his new grandbaby. He stopped to visit my parents and then called to see if Mat would mind if he stopped by the hospital for a visit on his way to t