Fact finding mission

We have had a hectic week with Dr. visits, tests and follow-ups. We meet with one of the potential surgeons on Wednesday, Dr Mansfield. He displayed great knowledge, experience  and a wonderful  “bedside”manner.   He described Daryl’s airway as “attempting to breathe thru a coffee straw.” In order to get a better picture of Daryl’s condition, he needed to obtain additional  tests to determine the best plan of action.   He ordered a contrast MRI, CT and called the Imaging Center himself to arrange, ASAP.  He utilizes a team approach for his patients, adding key players to best treat Daryl.  After we left the initial appointment, Daryl said “this is our guy”. Dr Mansfield will be quarterbacking Team Lu! We will see him again on Monday for the game plan!

Friday we saw Daryl’s primary care physician, for a previously scheduled appointment. Dr Williams had received the update of Daryl’s condition from our Radiation Oncologist. He said, with his sense of humor, “Daryl if you did not have bad luck you would have no luck at all”  He also said ” I thought I would never say this but—-Daryl you need to gain weight!”  Not too often a Dr asks you to gain weight! Laughter is great medicine!

For more fun and excitement, next we went  for Daryl’s contrast MRI and CT. Always enjoyable to people watch in the lobby, maybe next time I will bring an adult beverage to soothe my senses.

Goals:

• Nutrition: tube feedings 3x per day and increased by half can at each feeding!  Daryl is drinking Glucerna and has  gained  5 lbs this week!
• Start new meds of antibiotics, antifungal and steroids.
• Pain is getting under control.  Manage his airway and secretions

Nurse Charlotte is on duty and has everything scheduled! Daryl is a cooperative patient. . . .so far. Nurse Ratchet has not had to make and appearance, but is on standby!

Thank you for all the support and prayers!