25 years and she still loves me

Let me start by saying I am one of the most blessed men in the world.  Yesterday, Lori and I celebrated our 25^th wedding anniversary.  We were planning a shindig for this weekend but the recent events have caused us to reschedule the shindig for the 26^th wedding anniversary.  Why am I blessed?  For starters she has put up with me for 25 years (even patient with me now that I am grumpy) and knowing that I am not feeling well she was content to sit and catch up on Survivor with me as our 25^th anniversary evening out….. plus numerous other reasons.  I certainly out kicked my coverage when she agreed to marry me.

Recovery is gonna take some time.  I am feeling stronger, I can walk a couple blocks when I have a walking partner, but this is not something I am going to be able to muscle through.  The surgery scar is healing and I am learning about having a bag attached to me but I require time, nutrition and rest.

I went to see both the surgery team doctors and the Oncology doctor on Monday.  Scott, who is Dr. Nagamoto’s PA said things are healing great and removed a bunch of metal staples… kinda weird how many there were and I didn’t know or could tell. I’ll go back next Wednesday for another check up on the healing.

Then I went to see Dr. McGregor who is the oncology Dr.  She let me know what stage I was diagnosed (Stage 3) It is stage 3 because of 2 things.  They could see the cancer tumor from outside the colon wall and they found a cancer mass just outside the colon wall that may have been a lymph node at one point. She/we have decided that May 14^th will be the start of the 12 rounds of Chemo therapy that I will go through.  I am not completely sure how it all works but she explained I get to sit in a chair for 6+ hours every other Wednesday while they pump FolFox into me. Then I go home with a carry pump and Thursday more is pumped in.  Friday they remove the pump. Then Saturday and Sunday I get sick.  Back to work on Monday. Can’t really say I am looking forward to the every other week spa treatment I am about to go through.

I am choosing to go through Chemo because the chance of a reoccurrence is reduced by about 50%... I’ll take those odds. Chance of reoccurrence after going through Chemo is reduced to 15-19%.  I am going to work to be one of the 80%ers that do not have a re-occurrence.

I am steadily reducing my need for pain killers so my brain is getting clearer but it is still foggy some times.  I am going stir crazy and ready to do something else. My butt hurts a little from sitting so much the last few weeks. I am so grateful for the friends in this community…. As I type this a friend is out walking Bono.  He has been going stir crazy with me and needs to burn off energy or …. Else. (high energy dog, cooped up with slow moving man … not a good combo)

In case you are wondering when you see me.  So far I have dropped about 35 pounds overall. I checked in at 271 then ballooned up in the hospital to 280lbs.  On Monday I was 235 and I am pretty sure I am still dropping.  We are trying to stop the weight loss but my appetite has not returned yet so I am forcing myself to eat. There are easier ways to lose weight.

I really do hope to see you soon. Drop in and say hi if you have the chance.

Dave

Home by my self ... like a big boy.

Healing at home and I am feeling stronger every day.  I am still on the hospital sleep pattern so long stretches of sleep are rare. The 16 days in the hospital were a tough reconditioning of the mind as well as a reconditioning and fixing of the body. Last night, I asked Lori to help me move the IV pole so I could get up…. We left the IV pole back at the hospital… I got a little Swiss cheese holes in the head right now. That pole was like a ball and chain and I almost believed it was permanently attached … reconditioning of the mind.

How am I currently? Well during the second surgery Dr. Nagamoto installed an ileostomy bag which I am learning to take care of by myself. So I have that baggage.  It is not permanent and will be removed after I have completed Chemotherapy.  Reversing the bag will include another couple night stay in the hospital.  I also have a very ugly looking wound that Lori is learning how to change the dressing. There is a nurse that stops by to teach her for the next couple days. I have a tough time looking at the wound from my angle, but brave Lori is putting her feelings aside and taking care of me like a champ.  The nurse is there just in case Lori stumbles…. She won’t, she’s tough.

Monday we will go in to see Dr. Nagamoto, who will probably remove some staples.  We will then go and meet with Dr. Kim McGregor who will be my oncologist. The Cancer has been cut out but we want to make sure it doesn’t come back and that it has not spread to other parts…. Pretty sure it hasn’t but we are gonna make sure. She will determine when and how long the Chemo therapy will go on.  Her initial guess was anywhere from 3-6 months. We’ll know more on Monday.

What am I eating? … nothing sounds good but I do have a few things that seem to be more enjoyable than others.  Fresh Fruit especially strawberries and melons (Cantaloupe, Honeydew & Water Melon)  I have had peanut butter toast and tuna fish with pickles seems to sit right for now.  a little chicken. You my friends have been bringing food over to make it easier on my family, thank you.

Lori and her friends want you to know about this site https://mycancercircle.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/716126/ they are using to help organize Lori.  You’ll need to request to be a member of the group so it may take a day to turn it around but Lori is checking this when she gets home from work.

If you want to stop by I am here at home catching up on my soap operas … yea right! You may catch me getting ready to walk to the street and back … baby steps. or next week the streets of College Hill neighborhood.

Gotta go, “Days of somebody’s children” is on

Dave

Finally Home- April 15

After 16 days of showing my privates to everyone that walked into the room, I am finally home sitting in my chair and gonna sleep for more that 45 minutes at a time tonight. This is really me writing this, not my beautiful wife, Lori, trying to make out my mumbling sentences of what was going on that day.  I am home bound for a while but feel strong.... but now I am tired.  I will tell you all more later ... probably tomorrow when I am a little more rested.

Tomorrow we begin the task of healing and preparing for what is next.

Love to you all
Dave

Port- April 13

So the Port went well this morning.  My left shoulder is a bit sore but that is normal. The port means NO MORE POKING and quick easy access to medicine. The ER nurse can find some other dead guy to find a vein, I'm set with this cool new IV port / #Borg

Loved all the visitors!
Dave

TV - not a chance

April 12
From Dave -
I got the news from the CT scan that they could not see in significant pools to drain from my abdomen and my white blood cell count is improving.  The CT scan didn't show anything they could attack specifically. My earliest release date would be Tuesday and tomorrow I am getting a stint.
I don't have time to even relax and watch TV.  They keep me busy.  Here is my day.....
6:00 Pretty good nights sleep because I took a sleeping pill.  Gives me weird dreams right after I take it and I still had two hours of prodding, poking and checking but otherwise it really worked!
6:30 Up, potty and bag.  Talk to CNA about Eddyville
6:45am - tried to read an article
6:50am - "Dexter" shows up and takes his three vials of blood
6:50am - Nurses shift changes so we talk about yesterday and today.  We set our goals. New nurse hasn't come by yet.
7:10 - Try to read that article again.
7:30 - CNA arrives earlier than expected.  So I get my blood pressure, my heart rate, my teperature taken.  Check to make sure all my vitals are okay and everything is functioning properly.
7:55 - Nursing student arrives and does all the checks and has me breath for her in my little contraption.
8:15 - Doctor and one of the students show up to check on me.  Take some bandages off, discussion of what's to come today.
8:30 - My nurse and the student start to change my bandages now that the doctors have inspected them.
8:55 - I decide I'm going to shave and washcloth myself clean.  I order breakfast first and it arrives before I am done shaving.
9:20 - Lori arrives and I am hungry.  My Uncle calls.  I am hungry.
10:00 - I'm expanding my walk today to go from "C" all the way down to "A" elevator.  The night shift nurse had found a pair of pants so I actually feel like I am walking in style now, not some skirt.  It is much more comfortable.
11:30 - Rested in chair, so now time to change bag and potty, stuff like that.  Nurse tells me that I have to stop eating because I am getting a port.  No big deal but I was surprised.  I won't have to keep getting poked now.
11:45 - Lori leaves
1:15 Turns out it is Sunday from Midnight I can't eat
12:00 - Nurse needs a vital count check.  So I move from the chair to the bed.  I get poked, prodded and breath exercises.
12:35 - I think I'm going to finally read my article
12:37 - The wrecking crew walks in.  All of his students, physicians assistant, my nurse and her student so 8 people in the room.  Everybody wants to see the scar.  Dr. Nakamoto also explains why he will put the port in first thing Sunday morning.  It'll heal up and be pretty easy to use going forward.  I ask him if there's a version that comes with an MP3 Jack (don't think he gets it)
1:15 - I order lunch, tuna on rye, honeydew melon slice and start to read that article while I wait for it to arrive.
1:25 - The student nurse walks in to talk about HER lunch, she also gave me my painkillers (because I am still in a lot of pain)
1:45 read my article, watch the latest episode of surviving Jack, break one of the staples from laughing so hard.
2:30 - finished my lunch and rest in the chair
3:15 - Brooke comes with her taxes, she puts me to work (Lori falls asleep in my bed)
4:25 - Lori shampoos my hair WHEW, (while Brooke actually falls asleep in my bed), we put fresh clothes on and do the big walk again down the "A" elevator and back three times.
4:50 - Brooke and Lori leave to pick up Elizabeth
5:00 - I sit down to write this note.
5:35 - Maybe I can get a second article in today!

OH AND I CAN HAVE LOTS OF VISITORS SUNDAY.

BEST,
Dave

CT Scan April 11

6:30pm April 11 - Dave goes in for another CT scan to see why his white blood cell count is not going down.  He will probably have more fluid pockets drained.  Please pray for all infection to disappear.

Dr Smiled

April 10
Doctor Nagamoto smiled with the news that David's white blood cell count is going down.  He was also happy that Davids fever is gone.

 David really wants visitors any time on FRIDAY.  He is feeling so much better and is bored.

Brooke will be with him all day and you can say hi to her too.

Lori

Fluid Drained on a Sunny Day

April 9, 10:00pm

The procedure today went really well.  We drained some fluid out of a pocket in my abdomen using the assistance of a CT Scan.  I felt the results immediately with relief from the pressure.

I got to stay awake for this one because they wanted to know when they bumped a sensitive spot.  "Sensitive" is putting it nicely, the 2' needle that inserts the tubes has a very sharp end, and when an organ gets poked I nearly elevated off the table. Instinctively, my thumb was looking for the black dot of pain relief, but I wouldn't get that until I got back to my room.  The really cool part is they set up the video so I could watch the needle roaming around inside, trying to find the bad stuff left over from my "cavity wash"

Had some great folks visit me which was really nice.  Brooke is coming home tomorrow night and staying through the weekend.
Thanks for praying and walking my dog and all the other incredible things you've done for me and my family.

Dr. Nagamoto won't commit to my release time but we are hopeful for this weekend.

Love,
Dave

Bump in the Road

From Dave
9:30pm go to sleep
10:30 given Oxycodon
12:00 Vitals taken, go potty
1:30 Nurse gives me something through IV
2:00 Pain wakes me, press the black dot
Restless until 3am
3:15 Pain dot
3:25 Carlynn takes vitals
3:50 CNA comes in, wakes me to say no more water I'm now in pre-op
4:35 Dreaming goood but woke for Reglan pull.  pressed the Black dot
5:30 alarm on IV goes off to announce completion of Reglan
        Also decide time to potty, Paula takes the opportunity to change linens
5:45 "Dexter" shows up to collect his 3 vials of blood for the day
        Don't think I'm going back to sleep this time
Good Morning Everyone

Update: You know that vein they had to dig out of my arm? Well, the nurse came in to check on it this morning just before a friend arrived. She left and Steve came in. we were chatting, and I was retelling the story of the "Hunt for the Red vien" when I look down and notice the bandage around my elbow and gauze was a cool color of pink. I didn't remember it was pink when they put it on... then I noticed that the IV was out and I was "leaking" blood... quite a bit. I Paged the nurse, Steve also went and got her, who saw what was happening and re-inserted the IV tube back onto the needle that was dangling out of my arm.  GROSS. everything is well and that is why they don't stick the IV in the elbows. They love the hand, but that ER nurse couldn't gouge one in ... so the easy target was used until I can get my potassium back up.

Finding the Good in the Bad

April 8 Finding the Good in the Bad

This is Lori again.  Dave's white blood cell count was getting worse so he is seeing an Intervention Radiologist tomorrow morning at 7:00am.  David tells me not to worry because he is glad there are still options to help him heal.  He will not need to go under anesthesiology but will get 3-5 tubes put in various places in his abdomen where the CT scan indicated there were pockets of fluid. He may have bacteria growing that the antibiotics are not able to obliterate.  He was given a different kind of antiobiotic today as well.
Dave is eating more, walking more and sleeping less.  He will probably not get out until Saturday now because they need to monitor his drains.  He has found the good in the bad.  He will tell me about all the nice people in the hospital and amazing friends he has!  He tells me how lucky he is to have a loving family.  He is feeling very very very loved and very very very grateful.

How are we doing?  Today we cried, but we also laughed.

My sister sent me this encouraging note.  It is Philippians 4:6 reworded a little.......

When something in your life or thoughts makes you anxious, come to Me and talk about it.  Bring Me your prayer and petition with thanksgiving, saying, "Thank You, Jesus, for this opportunity to trust You more."
Though the lessons of trust that I send to you come wrapped in difficulties, the benefits far outweigh the cost.


How can you help?  I am out of ideas right now but these are a few that you can never do enough of.

1.  Walk my dog.  Text me for instructions 541-231-2685

2.  Frozen meals on my front porch well labeled.  Frozen soup in small containers for Dave.

3.  Pick Brooke up from school in Walla Walla on Fridays at 2pm and take her back Sundays at 2pm.  Call her for details. 541-602-6105

Tomorrow Dave wants to do the blog. Smiles

Healing Gardens

This is Lori - I wasn't able to spend as much time with Dave today as I am now working full time with At Home Properties.  Connor and Elizabeth took their dad outside to the Healing Gardens at Good Samaritan. Dave also had more visitors today which was a welcome change for him.
I Just tucked him in and came home for the night.  It took nearly two hours to find a vein because his last IV failed at 8:30pm.  They think it is the Potassium.  Pray that this IV lasts until he is released because he is pretty bruised up. Had to get an ER nurse to come up and insert the IV. "She can find a vien in a dead guy." 

Yes - visitors tomorrow.

Thank you everyone for the prayers, meals, dog walks, thoughtful presents, blue nails, cards and hugs !

April 7

Note from Dave...
I've been here seven days.  Been a difficult week.  Tired but am on the mend.  I will fill you in on more details when I get home which night be as early as Wednesday afternoon.  Had my first breakfast of 6Tbls cream of wheat, 1/2 cup raspberry smoothy.  They will send me home as soon as I can eat more.
Thanks to all of you for supporting me and my family.  Keep us in your prayers.  Dave


This is Lori.  Dave's color is better and he is staying awake for longer and longer periods of time.  Doctors are watching his white blood cell count as it is up to 15.  He is on antibiotics so we are hoping that helps with any infections his body is trying to fight.
He threw up last night which was traumatic.  He is determined to get better though and so today will keep trying a tablespoon of this or that for nutrients.
He has nearly made the switch to oxycodone every four hours and off the self-medicating black button.  He has had 2 days of Physical Therapy and wants to go sit outside this afternoon.

Visitors and cards are welcome.  Please check-in at the nursing station first.  Rm 2407

Chasing the Pain

April 5

Dave was awake more today.  He slept so well last night that he got behind with his pain clicker!  He worked with the staff all day formulating a pain management plan so that doesn't happen tonight.

His temperature still runs high and he has not had more than one cup of apple juice.

He walked 50 yards with a walker today.

Visitors are allowed tomorrow for 15 minutes at a time.  Check in at the nurses station first.  He said he was actually bored a little today.

Thanks for all the hugs, prayers and get well wishes !

Yard Fairy

Thank you to who ever came and took away the branches (and did a bunch of other stuff too).  The only description I got out of Elizabeth is that you have white hair.  That really narrows it down !

It was busy in the hospital today.
1. Discharge Planner Counseling
2. Dr. Nagamoto and his team of assistants.  He says Dave is back on track.
3. Physical Therapist
4. WOC nurse consultation

NOT in that order necessarily, but it was a productive good day.  Tomorrow should be able to unhook three things. No spiked fevers so started on liquids. Took a walk and endured a sponge bath.  Exhausted so still not accepting visitors (per Lori).

How you can help?

1.  Walk my dog.  Text me for instructions 541-231-2685

2.  Frozen meals on my front porch well labeled.  Frozen soup in small containers for Dave.

3.  Pick Brooke up from school in Walla Walla on Fridays at 2pm and take her back Sundays at 2pm.  Call her for details. 541-602-6105


NEVER WANT TO MOVE FROM CORVALLIS.  LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH !!!!

April 4

This is Lori.  I just checked with the nurse and Dave got sleep last night.  His temperature and heart rate are under control.  Visitors can come to the waiting room but not to his room.  There are snacks for the Hodgert Team there on the Fridge.  Tell the nurses to tell him you stopped by.  He likes cards in his room but there is no room for flowers.  He will be in the hospital through next week.

How you can help?

1.  Walk my dog.  Text me for instructions 541-231-2685

2.  Frozen meals on my front porch well labeled.  Frozen soup in small containers for Dave.

4.  High quality Temper Pedic California King cotton sheets and mattress cover (white)

5.  Pick Brooke up from school in Walla Walla on Fridays at 2pm and take her back Sundays at 2pm.  Call her for details. 541-602-6105

6. Pray - Pray - Pray

April 3 HIGH pain

Lori here.  I stayed at the hospital from midnight to 8am.  This is what I "think" I know after pumping the nurses and doctors for information.  I know he is in good hands and all his needs are immediately addressed.


David was a 15 on a scale from 1-10 beginning last night at 9:30pm (per David).  Dr. Nagamoto did an emergency surgery after trying to treat the pain and fever ... instead of waiting for the morning.he seemed concerned and made the decision he couldn't wait. The surgery team was finally prepped, and around 1:30am, when they wheeled him off. he had started shaking and couldn't stop. His temperature, heart rate and blood pressure were extremely high. They had to open him up from the pelvic bone to mid tummy to find the cause of the infection before they were able to sew it up.  They cleaned up all leakage in his gut and rinsed him out three times.  He will be on a level of high antibiotics.  He will be on an ice-chip diet for two days.  It will take up to three days for his digestive system to begin to work.

Surgery lasted three hours and he is now on the second floor 2-southwest.  NO Visitors BUT there is a nice waiting room next to his room.  Tell the nurses you are just hanging out and would like an update on our patient.

David now has what he hopes is a Temporary 3-12 month Ileoscopy (look it up) 

What Is an Ileostomy? | American Cancer Society
He will be in the hospital through next week  (read the blog everyday to see if visiting is allowed)
He will need Chemo for possible stage 4 Colon Cancer beginning in mid-May. (google treatment options because I have no idea)

I know you send up a prayer whenever you look at your blue toe-nails.  (Many of you have done this to show support and it has been fun to get your texts)

In all this shock, we smile because God gives us the ability to see the good amist the tragedy.  He is so good.

Leak at point of resection

Hello Again,
Please pray.  Dave is going back into surgery, it's 10pm they are assembling the team until ?.  Dr Nagamoto saw a infection on the Ct-scan.

Lori

April 2

Yo-Yo Day                                
This is Lori.  Dave was on his phone and I-pad today so he was feeling the best yet until he became nauseous early afternoon.  He felt good again until 7pm when he threw up again.

He is not taking visitors for the duration of his stay.  They moved him to the second floor to monitor his heart rate and temperature.  They also took an X-Ray and CT scan and more blood work.

The test for the lymph nodes came back.  The cancer was so close to the lining of the wall, he may need Chemo.  We wait again.

What can you do?  Pray that he does not have an infection because that would mean going back to surgery and an even longer recovery.  His high temperature and raising pulse point us to infection.  He is in good hands tonight and I know Dr Nagamoto will check on him first thing in the morning.

We as a family are stressed so please understand when we refer you to the blog.  It is hard for me and the kids to talk about it without crying and sometimes we just need to focus on school and work etc.

What can you do? Pray because it works!  Prayer gives us great peace !  You don't have to e-mail me or text me or facebook me that you are praying because I know you are !  The Hodgert's have the BEST Friends and loving FAMILY in the whole wide WORLD !

God is good !

APRIL 1

TEAM HODGERT


This is Lori.  I made the mistake of asking the nurse what meds Dave has taken.  He is on Reglan (makes the digestive system kick-in) IV Tylenol, Lactate Ingers (for hydration), Colace (stool softener), Lobonox (blood thinner, Toradol (non-narcotic anti-inflammatory), Protonix (helps with gurd), Potassium and occasional Oxicodon (for extreme pain).

But... how is he doing ?  He has been taking strolls and is off oxygen.  He was switched to a solid liquid diet like ice-cream and cream of wheat but chooses not to eat.  He does not feel good.  He may need to stay a little longer than expected.  I am worried about infection but he is in good hands and I will know more tomorrow night.
How is Lori, Brooke, Connor and Elizabeth?  Exhausted and ready to get back to "normal".  We have enjoyed the extra company of two Japanese students from Tokyo and family staying with us to help out this week. Having them has been a great distraction and much appreciated support !

How can you help ?
The apple limbs and branches in my front yard could disappear (borrow our trailer)
Frozen low sodium soups in small amounts for Dave to eat the next three weeks (leave on porch labeled )
Take my dog for walks in the morning (text me for instructions 541-231-2685)

GO TEAM