December 20, 2008

Garrett had a follow-up CAT Scan on Friday, December 12th in Tampa. The tumors in his liver are continuing to shrink as a result of the two embolizations he had this past summer! At this point, the tumor in his lung has not changed so that is good news too. More great news....he doesn't have to go back for another CAT Scan for SIX months!!!!! What a wonderful Christmas present.

Merry Christmas and a HEALTHY 2009 to everyone!

August 27, 2008

I am sorry it has taken me a while to update the blog. Garrett had an encouraging doctor visit on August 15th! His two embolization procedures were successful and shrank the tumors in his liver significantly. The tumor in his lung hasn't changed so they will continue to monitor that. He does not have to go back to the doctor until December. At that time, they will recheck his blood work, perform another CAT Scan, and follow up with the doctor. We are all very happy about this news!

August 12, 2008

Garrett and Mom are preparing to leave Thursday morning for The Villages. Garrett has a CAT Scan, blood work and an appointment with his Oncologist on Friday in Tampa to see how successful the two embolizations were. Once they see the results of the CAT Scan, they will know what his future treatments will be. Mom is concerned because Garrett has had a cough and hoarse voice since his first embolization. The Oncologist stated at his last appointment that he had another patient whose lung tumor was activated after the embolization. They will be addressing this with the Oncologist this week as well.

July 21, 2008 - 5:00 pm

Garrett was discharged from the hospital around 4:00 pm. His bilirubin count and liver enzymes really didn't decrease but they let him go anyway. I am sure he will have to follow up with more bloodwork in the next couple of days. They are on their way back to The Villages.

July 21, 2008

Garrett is still in the hospital. His bilirubin count and liver enzymes are both high. His liver is not functioning properly to get rid of the toxins from the procedure. This will get better, it just takes some time. The nurse told them that it just means that the liver was "messed with." The procedure took 6 hours this time which is about double compared to when they did the right side in June. They have to wait until the bilirubin and liver enzymes are both decreasing before they can discharge him. They will do another blood test at 3:00 pm today. They should have the results back around 4:30 pm and if they have decreased they will discharge him. He is able to go outside and sit to get some fresh air. Garrett and Mom are both ready to get out of there. Once he is discharged they will be going back to The Villages, Florida so he can recuperate there before traveling home to Georgia. I will update again later once they get the test results back.

July 18, 2008

Garrett has been in a lot of pain since his procedure on Wednesday. His blood liver enzymes are very high, his blood pressure is still high, and he hasn't been able to keep anything down. He did get up today for a short walk but was very weak. This afternoon he had a slight temperature. Unfortunately, these are all common symptons to have after this procedure.

July 16, 2008 - 10:20 PM

Garrett is now in his room. He has been since around 8:00 pm. He is now stabilized. They have a new machine that clamps off the artery internally so they were able to take the catheter out. This "star" staple will stay in. He will now have to stay still on his back for four hours because of the clamp. His back is really bothering him since he has been on his back for 8 hours for the procedure. I did talk with him and with all things considered, he sounded good. Let's hope the morphine does not make him so sick this time and that he and Mom both get a decent night's sleep.

Here is the information for Garrett at the hospital:

Moffitt Cancer Center
12902 Magnolia Drive
Tampa, Florida 33612
Room 509
Room Phone: 813-745-2509

You can call his room telephone number anytime. Please call Mom's cell phone only after 7 pm due to lack of cell phone minutes.

I will update again tomorrow.