The road to 56

It has been awhile since I have updated the blog but many things have been happening. I attempted to summarize the most recent events:

1. According to Dr. Kossman and Dr. Mansfield, Daryl “flunked” the chemo. Which means it did work, some but was not to a great extent. Therfore, he NOW qualifies for Immunotherapy! This is what they wanted to start initially, but insurance will not cover to you have failed other treatments. The immunotherapy drug Daryl will be on is Optdivo. It has very good results in breast cancer and head an neck cancers. It does not have the side effects of chemo or take as long to infuse. He will go every two weeks for about an hour and a half.
2. The g-tube saga continues! On 5/27, Daryl g-tube began leaking blood around the site. After several dressing changes, we decided to go to the hospital. They did admit Daryl, and gave him a couple of units of blood. They did replace his g-tube on Friday, but we still had leakage. Next up Monday . . . .
3. We suggested a few options, bigger tube ( they do not have a bigger size), place a new g-tube site or have just a j-tube. We discuss all these options with our hospitalist, Dr. Lai and the IR department. The consensus was a new g-tube site. Daryl was very surprised to have Jason Knott stop by on Monday for a visit. Jason was in town and an appointment finished early, so he drove down from Oceanside to see Daryl and then was driving back to Orange County for his next appointment.( that is crazy for SoCal traffic) A true friend to make the effort and the look on Daryls face was priceless!!
4. Monday. . . .Yes another twist on the  road to 56. Daryl can only have his Immunotherapy via outpatient. As a result, he need to be discharged from the hospital Monday to be able to have the Immunotherapy on Tuesday. Several discussions about the g-tube, and plans put in place  for a readmit on Tuesday after treatment. The main priority is to have the Immunotherapy!
5. Tuesday – Immunotherapy done in 1.5 hours! Had the dietician and the NP stop by. Now the trick to get Daryl readmitted for the g-tube. I could write  book on this fiasco, but  it would require a chess board with all the options and Bobby Fisher.  I will sum it up to say the only way to be readmitted was thru the ER and they potential would not admit for a g-tube.
6. Since we are on the number six, Daryl’s Uncle Ted and Aunt Lyn were able to come visit us from Virginia. We had a lovely visit and they saw many sites of San Diego! Uncle Ted had a health concern, so they stayed a few days at the Casa de Lu “mini’ hospital. We were thankful that they made a safe trip back to Virginia

May 30th was Daryl’s 56th birthday or as he likes to say the 57th year of life! We celebrated with family and had a Menchies ice cream cake! Daryl has been able to eat a little more, which I can only imagine the pleasure of eating food! He also receive a special Dodger gift, courtesy of the Dan Lawton magic!  The picture at the top was taken one year ago in Yosemite. Our lives have dramatically changed, but we have faith that God has a plan and we can return to Yosemite next year to celebrate!

We are blessed to have so many friends and family supporting us! We love all of you and thank you for all the prayers, blessings and support!  Love Daryl and Charlotte