This week started out rough. On Sunday, Glenn woke up with a dull ache in his chest. He didn't seem too concerned, and even had some family over for a visit. After several hours it hadn't subsided so, after a quick call to the doctor, Mom took him to the ER. After doing a CT scan, the doctors delivered more horrific news: Glenn had
numerous pulmonary embolisms (blood clots) throughout both lungs. (These are caused by the cancer.) If that wasn't enough, a few had moved and had started causing him excruciating pain. So, he was re-admitted to the hospital. Once we heard the news, Brennan hopped on the next flight to be there with Mom and Glenn. (He has been awesome this week!)
Over the next few days, the doctors ran more tests, mostly to be sure no damage had been done to Glenn's heart and to monitor the clots as they dissipated. He will have to continue twice-daily injections in his stomach for another week, and will also continue with blood thinners to prevent any more clots from forming.
Now for the good news! On Wednesday, Glenn was discharged from the hospital and sent home with a pharmacy of pain killers and blood thinners. On Thursday, Glenn finished his last dose of chemo for this round and his final session of radiation. He now has the next three weeks to rest up and enjoy time with family. He will have a follow-up MRI and the next round of chemo in January.
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Dr Nelson gave Glenn a kiss for being such a sweet patient. |
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Dr. Nelson, Hospitalist |
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The radiation team. |
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Dr. Schultheiss, medical oncologist |
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Dr. Sawyer, radiation oncologist
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Ringing the bell. He's done with radiation!
Ringing the bell three times--I am on my way!
As he finished his treatments, all of Glenn's medical team celebrated and wished him well as he starts the next phase of his treatment. They all have loved having him there, but, as one doctor told him, "Next time, they had better meet up downtown instead of at the hospital." Sounds good to me!
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