When we met with Dr. Tarantolo this morning, he was not ready to recommend stopping treatment altogether. There were several reasons for this. First of all, the MRI of the brain and upper spine area showed there hasn't been any new growth in these areas, so the symptoms Les has been having (unresponsiveness, blank stares, shaky/curled up hands, mumbled/incoherent speech) are not related to the brain cancer.
A few days ago he stopped the Marinol (an appetite stimulant that can make you feel like you are high). After looking at Les's dilantin levels (a drug he's been on to make sure he doesn't have seizures) Dr. T realized they were way too high. This too can make you feel/act like you are drunk. A change to a different med will be made today. The anit-depressant dosage will also be dropped a little. The combination of all these drug related side effects could explain many of Les's recent behaviors. Dr. Tarantolo is hoping by Tuesday everything will be out of his system and Les should be more like himself.
We will look at the issue of continuing treatment next week when we have a clearer picture of what Les is like after being more drug free.
A small wrinkle was added this morning. Looks like after culturing the infection in the parotid gland, it is MRSA...a staph infection. So, a change in the antibiotic was ordered and in the next 36 - 48 hours the swelling, redness and pain should be much better.
Our roller coaster ride continues...thanks for checking.
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Les and family
ReplyDeleteCertainly has not been a good week for you. Hope the change in the drugs will help. Hang in there and take care of each other.
Keeping you in our prayers.
Peggy & Butch
It is truly a roller coaster ride. . . for every high there seems to be a low. It sounds like if they can change some of the drugs Les's quality of life might be improved and then the chemo treatments might not be so devastating. You are in my prayers every morning and evening and in the middle of the night. God doesn't close a door but that he opens a window. . . so trust in his love and guidance. May peace and calm anchor your lives. Connie Sugden
ReplyDeleteI pray it is possible for you to feel God's love around you, with all the people He has placed around you for support. So sorry it is such a tough go for Les and his family at this time. Continuing my prayers . . . with love, Judy Reid
ReplyDeleteThis is not the first time I have heard this about "over medication". Everything Les was doing had to be so scary. I hope & pray that Les is on his way back to his ol' self. Darn medicine!!!! Give your mom a hug for me.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the updates even though it changes moment by moment it is so nice to have the updtes. You are in my daily prayers for God to give the doctors the wisdom they need to make Les's earthly body healed.
Sheri Buck
Nicole and family,
ReplyDeleteI am a quiet friend who daily checks Les' progress. My heart feels your pain! What your loved one is experiencing doesn't seem fair! I guess as I look back over my experience I went through with my dad, each day of our roller coaster ride gave me one more day to hold him, one more day to let him know how much I loved him, and one more day to cherish my time with him. Hang in there! You have so many friends praying for your family to give you strength and carry Les during this difficult time! Hang in there, I KNOW it is not easy! All my love and prayers coming your way,
Patti Long
Your family continues to be in our thoughts and prayers. We are hoping that the change in meds. will be better for Les. Thanks for all of the updates.
ReplyDeleteBarb Murphy
I am glad they found out the infection. Now they can get the antibiotics started to rid of that horrible infection.
ReplyDeletePraying the change in meds and the antibiotics will help Les feel more like himself.
We are still praying hard for him and the rest of your family.
God Bless
The Kasuske Family
Hope the change in meds is the trick. Praying for you all.
ReplyDeleteKayleen
Just adding our thoughts to all of the others out there. There are so many prayers for you for strength and healing and love. God keep you all!
ReplyDelete