Thursday, August 15, 2024
Last Night's Sleep
6 hr 10 min
6 hr 10 min
Today's Forecast
Today: Sunny. High 29°C. Humidex 34°C. UV index 7 or high.
Tonight: Clear. Low 16°C.
Air Quality: 3 - Low Risk
Air Quality: 3 - Low Risk
Today's Journal
1:00 pm - Walker Family Cancer Centre appointment with oncologist Dr. Tharmabala. She is subbing for Dr. Vandermeer. We need to be at the hospital by 12:30 am.
The doctor explained the results of the special CT scan that Dennis had on Monday night. The lung tumor and the enlarged lymph nodes are pressing against the diaphragm, which affects the lower end of the windpipe, which in turn adds to the weeziness and shortness of breath because the passageway is restricted.
Furthermore it shows that he now has fibrosis in parts of both of his lungs, along with quite a bit of scar tissue. Apparently, as pulmonary fibrosis gets worse over time, it may lead to serious problems such as blood clots in the lungs, a collapsed lung or lung infections. Dennis has had all of the above and they think perhaps the fibrosis has been there for quite a while, at least since last summer when he had the high dose radiation treatments.
With fibrosis the damaged parts of the lungs become inflexible, they cannot expand and contract, which means they cannot absorb and distribute oxygen to the rest of the body. Certain medications can be used to try to slow the worsening of scarring.
They are not sure if the immunotherapy treatments could actually be making the fibrosis worse. So they are going to hold off on further treatment until they get this sorted out. The oncologist wants him to stop taking the water pill, and she's putting him on a high dose steroid for 5 days. There are some potential side effects. The most common ones are trouble sleeping, waking up in the middle of the night with a burst of energy and being really hungry, and possibly confusion. A rare, but potential side effect, is psychosis, in which I have to either call an ambulance immediately or take him to the ER. 🥺
They are also going to have him see a respirologist to see how that specialist would suggest to treat the problem. There is no cure for fibrosis but they want to and try to ensure that it doesn't spread to the rest of the lungs.
Furthermore it shows that he now has fibrosis in parts of both of his lungs, along with quite a bit of scar tissue. Apparently, as pulmonary fibrosis gets worse over time, it may lead to serious problems such as blood clots in the lungs, a collapsed lung or lung infections. Dennis has had all of the above and they think perhaps the fibrosis has been there for quite a while, at least since last summer when he had the high dose radiation treatments.
With fibrosis the damaged parts of the lungs become inflexible, they cannot expand and contract, which means they cannot absorb and distribute oxygen to the rest of the body. Certain medications can be used to try to slow the worsening of scarring.
They are not sure if the immunotherapy treatments could actually be making the fibrosis worse. So they are going to hold off on further treatment until they get this sorted out. The oncologist wants him to stop taking the water pill, and she's putting him on a high dose steroid for 5 days. There are some potential side effects. The most common ones are trouble sleeping, waking up in the middle of the night with a burst of energy and being really hungry, and possibly confusion. A rare, but potential side effect, is psychosis, in which I have to either call an ambulance immediately or take him to the ER. 🥺
They are also going to have him see a respirologist to see how that specialist would suggest to treat the problem. There is no cure for fibrosis but they want to and try to ensure that it doesn't spread to the rest of the lungs.
Today's Daily Affirmations
* I am in touch with who I truly am.
* I open my heart to love once again.
* I am on the path to a new beginning.
* I am living up to my best self.
* Things are consistently going well in my life.
* I welcome every opportunity to learn new things.
* I am leaving behind old ways of thinking.
* My healing progress is worth acknowledging.
Today's Exercise
"Yardwork" various
? minutes / ? steps
? minutes / ? steps
Today's Total Steps:
7956
