Re: Somewhat of an update...

[Guest guest]

Donelle,

You and Glenn are awesome! YOu are both showing great spirit and endurance.

I'm glad you took the time to enjoy each other and the new " home " . Hoping

you get lots of long enjoyment from it!

Sheila

[Guest guest]

WOW You are a busy bee aren't you?! So glad you two are having some FUN!!

Don't give up all they were able to tell Phil when he started was that the

colon cancer would buy him 8 months more than the pancreatic cancer they

thought he had.

Look at him now. B e realistically optimistic.

What liver specialist did you try?

Hopkins is great but truthfully Pittsburgh is really the cutting edge

for this. Priscila please correct me if that is wrong. My thoughts are they

would do the FUDR (cousin to 5FU)

via liver pump. The varicose veins are the big concern and possibly the

reason they couldn't do it.

Pumps are still experimental medicine BUT at Pittsburgh they are seeing a

lot of success with it so research it if you think it is a viable option.

Here's the information on Dr. Geller for you and any other interested people

Narice

A. Geller, MD

P. Harbison Assistant Professor

of Surgery

4C Falk Medical Building

3601 Fifth Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Phone: (412) 648-3200

Toll Free: 1-877-640-ORGN (6746)

Fax:

E-mail: _gellerda@..._ (mailto:gellerda@...)

Education and Training:

Dr. Geller is P. Harbison Assistant Professor of Surgery at the

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Geller, a liver

transplantation

surgeon, has performed numerous transplants and has been involved in the

training of transplant fellows. His current clinical interests center on liver

transplantation and liver tumor resections for malignancies.

Dr. Geller earned his medical degree at Northwestern University Medical

School, Chicago, Illinois. He served his residency in general surgery at

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a

fellowship

in transplantation surgery at the E. Starzl Transplantation Institute.

He joined the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in July of 1998.

Clinical and Cognitive Interests:

Dr. Geller holds a medical license in Pennsylvania and medical staff

privileges at UPMC Presbyterian. He currently serves as a consultant to the

Bayer

National Surgery Advisory Board. Dr. Geller is a member of numerous

professional and scientific societies including the Society of University

Surgeons,

Surgical Infection Society, and the Association for Academic Surgery. He also

holds an associate fellowship in the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Geller has published nearly 80 research papers and 66 original articles;

he has given nearly 60 presentations. His current research interests include

transcriptional gene regulation of the human iNOS (inducible nitric oxide

synthase) gene, molecular mechanisms of liver injury, and gene therapy in the

liver transplant setting. He has been awarded three research-related patents

-- as co-inventor in isolation, preparation, and production of a human iNOS

clone and for investigational treatments for wound healing and

transplant-associated vasculopathy using the iNOS gene.

Dr. Geller has received numerous honors for his outstanding research. These

include the H.A. Clowes, Jr., MD, FACS, Memorial Research Career

Development Award from the American College of Surgeons, the Society of

University

Surgeons/Ethicon Research Fellowship Award, and the Doris B Maxwell Award

for Outstanding Research During Surgical Residency. Dr. Geller’s contribution

in molecular cloning and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase from

human liver cells was honored as one of the National Academy of Science’s

Featured Hot Papers in 1995. Dr. Geller also received ASTP Ortho-Biotech

Transplant Fellows Workshop Best Abstract Award, NIH R29 FIRST Award. He holds

an

endowed position as P. Harbison Assistant Professor of Surgery and was

recently awarded the ph Susman Memorial Award from the Surgical Infection

Society for the Most Outstanding Manuscript.

Dr. Geller serves as reviewer for a number of national and international

journals including Hepatology, Archives of Surgery, Journal of Surgical

Research, Journal of Clinical Investigation, and the European Journal of

Pharmacology.

Selected Publications:

de Vera ME, Shapiro RA, Nussler AK, Mudgett JS, RL, SM,

Billiar TR, Geller DA. Transcriptional regulation of human inducible nitric

oxide

synthase (NOS2) gene by cytokines: initial analysis of the human NOS2

promoter. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1996, 93:1054.

BS, de Vera ME, Ganster RW, Wang Q, Shapiro RA, Billiar TR, Geller

DA. A novel NF-?B enhancer element regulates cytokine induction of the human

inducible nitric oxide synthase gene promoter. J Biol Chem, 1998, 273:15148.

Geller DA, Billiar TR. Molecular biology of nitric oxide synthases. Cancer

Met Rev, 1998, 17:7.

Chia SH, Geller DA, Kibbe M, Watkins SC, Fung JJ, Starzl TE, Murase N.

Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer to liver grafts: an important method to

maximize infectivity. Transplantation, 1998, 66:1545.

Geller DA, Dodson SF, Corry RJ. Pancreas Transplantation – Methods of

Procurement. In Current Opinion in Organ Transplantation. Lippincott

Wilkins, Philadelphia, In Press, 1997.

..

[Guest guest]

WOW You are a busy bee aren't you?! So glad you two are having some FUN!!

Don't give up all they were able to tell Phil when he started was that the

colon cancer would buy him 8 months more than the pancreatic cancer they

thought he had.

Look at him now. B e realistically optimistic.

What liver specialist did you try?

Hopkins is great but truthfully Pittsburgh is really the cutting edge

for this. Priscila please correct me if that is wrong. My thoughts are they

would do the FUDR (cousin to 5FU)

via liver pump. The varicose veins are the big concern and possibly the

reason they couldn't do it.

Pumps are still experimental medicine BUT at Pittsburgh they are seeing a

lot of success with it so research it if you think it is a viable option.

Here's the information on Dr. Geller for you and any other interested people

Narice

A. Geller, MD

P. Harbison Assistant Professor

of Surgery

4C Falk Medical Building

3601 Fifth Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Phone: (412) 648-3200

Toll Free: 1-877-640-ORGN (6746)

Fax:

E-mail: _gellerda@..._ (mailto:gellerda@...)

Education and Training:

Dr. Geller is P. Harbison Assistant Professor of Surgery at the

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Geller, a liver

transplantation

surgeon, has performed numerous transplants and has been involved in the

training of transplant fellows. His current clinical interests center on liver

transplantation and liver tumor resections for malignancies.

Dr. Geller earned his medical degree at Northwestern University Medical

School, Chicago, Illinois. He served his residency in general surgery at

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a

fellowship

in transplantation surgery at the E. Starzl Transplantation Institute.

He joined the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in July of 1998.

Clinical and Cognitive Interests:

Dr. Geller holds a medical license in Pennsylvania and medical staff

privileges at UPMC Presbyterian. He currently serves as a consultant to the

Bayer

National Surgery Advisory Board. Dr. Geller is a member of numerous

professional and scientific societies including the Society of University

Surgeons,

Surgical Infection Society, and the Association for Academic Surgery. He also

holds an associate fellowship in the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Geller has published nearly 80 research papers and 66 original articles;

he has given nearly 60 presentations. His current research interests include

transcriptional gene regulation of the human iNOS (inducible nitric oxide

synthase) gene, molecular mechanisms of liver injury, and gene therapy in the

liver transplant setting. He has been awarded three research-related patents

-- as co-inventor in isolation, preparation, and production of a human iNOS

clone and for investigational treatments for wound healing and

transplant-associated vasculopathy using the iNOS gene.

Dr. Geller has received numerous honors for his outstanding research. These

include the H.A. Clowes, Jr., MD, FACS, Memorial Research Career

Development Award from the American College of Surgeons, the Society of

University

Surgeons/Ethicon Research Fellowship Award, and the Doris B Maxwell Award

for Outstanding Research During Surgical Residency. Dr. Geller’s contribution

in molecular cloning and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase from

human liver cells was honored as one of the National Academy of Science’s

Featured Hot Papers in 1995. Dr. Geller also received ASTP Ortho-Biotech

Transplant Fellows Workshop Best Abstract Award, NIH R29 FIRST Award. He holds

an

endowed position as P. Harbison Assistant Professor of Surgery and was

recently awarded the ph Susman Memorial Award from the Surgical Infection

Society for the Most Outstanding Manuscript.

Dr. Geller serves as reviewer for a number of national and international

journals including Hepatology, Archives of Surgery, Journal of Surgical

Research, Journal of Clinical Investigation, and the European Journal of

Pharmacology.

Selected Publications:

de Vera ME, Shapiro RA, Nussler AK, Mudgett JS, RL, SM,

Billiar TR, Geller DA. Transcriptional regulation of human inducible nitric

oxide

synthase (NOS2) gene by cytokines: initial analysis of the human NOS2

promoter. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1996, 93:1054.

BS, de Vera ME, Ganster RW, Wang Q, Shapiro RA, Billiar TR, Geller

DA. A novel NF-?B enhancer element regulates cytokine induction of the human

inducible nitric oxide synthase gene promoter. J Biol Chem, 1998, 273:15148.

Geller DA, Billiar TR. Molecular biology of nitric oxide synthases. Cancer

Met Rev, 1998, 17:7.

Chia SH, Geller DA, Kibbe M, Watkins SC, Fung JJ, Starzl TE, Murase N.

Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer to liver grafts: an important method to

maximize infectivity. Transplantation, 1998, 66:1545.

Geller DA, Dodson SF, Corry RJ. Pancreas Transplantation – Methods of

Procurement. In Current Opinion in Organ Transplantation. Lippincott

Wilkins, Philadelphia, In Press, 1997.

..

[Guest guest]

oh Donelle, glad that you and Glen were able to get away in the lovely

new 5th Wheel. I always thought we would do that one day, but we just

couldn't afford it. We would have had to sell the house to get one. Oh

well. I just may get me a little camper van and head down the road one

of these days. Watch out for the little old lady in the camper van, she

might be dangerous LOL...

Well I am praying for miracles here, but you are right quality of life

is the key here and you have to consider your options and make decisions

based on that information. But we will continue to pray and hope for

the very best for both of you. Is hard to be realistic but sometime it

needs to be done. Take Care God Bless and Big Big hugs for you both.

Jolene

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

((((((((((Donelle)))))))))))(((((Glen)))

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy that you all were able to get out and have

fun!!

I dont think your giving up by the way , just trying to come to terms.

which in itself is hard to do.

You sound like you need a bottle of Clairol , hmm what color shall we choose??

I think I am going to go with Red lol ,

We are doing pretty good here Joe is having issues with Neuropathy bad enough we

called the onc today and they are prescribing him Neurontin to see if that

helps.

Dani goes in Tuesday morn for her surgery she is suppose to be there from

2-14days depending on how she does.

Life a tad UGH right now

Thinking about you and Glenn daily

Deb

Grandmommyandme@... wrote:

Hi everyone!!!

I've been reading and keeping up with all o f you and continue to pray for

each and every one daily.

Glenn has been on an unplanned chemo vacation for almost 2 months now,

trying to get the Malignant Ascites under some kind of control. It would be

nice

if they had a plan...and maybe the plan right now is to get him in better

physical shape which is happening slowly.

Glenn bought a beautiful 5th wheel travel trailer and traded the Harley in

on it. He was " sad " for several days, but hadn't been strong enough to ride

it for months and months. I think he made a wise decision and hopefully we

will get a little more use out of the camper.

We went to a beautiful campground last weekend and Glenn did really well.

He is so weak that it took lots of time and my patience to level the trailer

and he had to use all the strength he's got to get up and down doing the

leveling. Had a hard time climbing the 3 steps up in to the camper, but I

think

moving around some is good for him, too... before he gets so weak, he can't

do anything. He's lost most of his muscle mass.

We had an appt. with the Gastro Dr. last Thurs. before we left for the wkn.

and he disagrees with the Liver Specialist. Lordy, Lordy!!! He does agree

that Glenn should watch his sodium intake and fluid intake for now. The Liver

Spec. told us " No Surgeon would do the shunt surgery on Glenn " ....those were

his words. Shunt surgery is 1 in 3 chance!!!

Gastro Dr. says he believes it has to be done and should be done and can be

done...and there is great risk. But the " malignant Ascites " and Paracentesis

(draining of the fluid from the tummy) on a weekly basis or more is taking

all his nutrition. He is eating well now, since he hasn't had chemo for

almost 2 mos. b/c of the Ascites, but he isn't gaining an ounce and still

losing,

b/c of the diarhhea and draining of fluids. The results of the PET/CT Scan

indicate 60-70% of the liver is tumor (so I'm guessing the chemo quit working

or else it has spread viciously in the last few weeks...we see Onc. on

Monday, the 11th) Gastro Dr. told him if he HAD to guess at life span, he

would

say at the very, very most 18 months. Glenn told him he had bought a 5th wheel

travel trailer and the dr. said " Good, I think you should do whatever you

want to do at this point " and " I think you should eat steak every night, b/c

you need lots of protein " . The draining of fluids is taking all his protein

and nutrients, etc. from his body.

We are use to traveling on a fairly regular basis and haven't been anywhere

since last Sept., so we really, really enjoyed the trip last weekend!!! Even

if it was only 30 miles from home. Looking at 4 different walls was

wonderful!!! The 5th wheel is very beautiful with all the amenities of home

including a/c, microwave, stove, oven, shower, 32 " tv, and surround sound

stereo.

It's not really " camping " like I did when my boys were younger...tent

camping!!! We didn't really do anything special...oh, we went to Wal-Mart one

day...LOL I forgot the pastry brush for bbq-ing. LOL And that was his thrill

for

the weekend..BBQ-ing. I bought a condo about 3 yrs ago and we can't BBQ

here and we've both missed it tremendously.

He was pretty exhausted (and so was I) packing our new " home " for the first

time (I took doubles of anything I had in the house and put in the camper so

I won't have to pack and unpack each trip), driving and towing the trailer

and then setting it up, so I could unpack and arrange our new " home " ...he was

so excited, tho, he didn't sleep but did lie on the couch, watch tv, marvel at

his new purchase and rest. He only had one really bad episode of nausea and

feeling really bad enough to lie down and take a nap to " make it go away " .

He did really well, actually.... I would only go an hour away from the house,

b/c if someone had to come and get us, I didn't want to be 2-3 hrs. away!!!

It's soooo very nice to have him awake more often and eating, cooking and

functioning somewhat, but I know this is all a false scenario..the worst is yet

to come. I'm not being pessimistic, but rather realistic...and trying to

deal with it as best I can w/o appearing to " give up " . I have tons of

questions for the Onc. on Monday and we won't give up unless we have to. I

asked

him tonite what he thought he would do if Onc. wants to start him back on

chemo...he " doesn't think he will do it " . And, you know what, I can hardly

blame

him. His quality of life was horrific on chemo coupled with the Ascites.

We'll see what the Onc. says on Monday, but if it will only extend his life a

couple months, I'm not sure it's worth it. Of course, his will to live and

fight a little more may kick in... who knows. And it has to be his choice, of

course. The Varices banding in the esophogus was done again about 2 wks.

ago and this time only one was bleeding, so that's a great improvement!!!

Amazing what happens when you take the meds given to you, huh?? Being just a

little fascious here!!

Enough for now... I have some orders to pack and then get some sleep. Back

to work today after 6 days off and trying to play catch up really zapped me

today!!! My secretary and receptionist did only what they had to do and that

wasn't much!!! So I didn't have much of their work to proof, sign and get in

the mail. But plenty of undone stuff to get them moving on!!! And several

clients who were unhappy cause things weren't happening on their cases!!!

Blamed it all on the long weekend!!! Hope you had a great 4th of July...oh, we

watched the fireworks (from N.Y) in the comfort of our new air conditioned

34 ft. " home " on wheels... on the TV and no traffic getting to and from...LOL

I know, I know... I'm doing fine...really, I am!! Thanks for your

concern... I'm just very busy and so tired of worrying and wondering....

Just

trying to live one day at a time and do the best I can. I truly wish I were a

little younger, a little less chubby and in better physical condition, which I

have vowed to attempt to do. I'm going to need all the strength I can get to

help Glenn get through this, but we are and will fight as hard as we can!!!

Lots of hugs and prayers, Donelle

Caregiver to Glenn

[Guest guest]

((((((((((Donelle)))))))))))(((((Glen)))

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy that you all were able to get out and have

fun!!

I dont think your giving up by the way , just trying to come to terms.

which in itself is hard to do.

You sound like you need a bottle of Clairol , hmm what color shall we choose??

I think I am going to go with Red lol ,

We are doing pretty good here Joe is having issues with Neuropathy bad enough we

called the onc today and they are prescribing him Neurontin to see if that

helps.

Dani goes in Tuesday morn for her surgery she is suppose to be there from

2-14days depending on how she does.

Life a tad UGH right now

Thinking about you and Glenn daily

Deb

Grandmommyandme@... wrote:

Hi everyone!!!

I've been reading and keeping up with all o f you and continue to pray for

each and every one daily.

Glenn has been on an unplanned chemo vacation for almost 2 months now,

trying to get the Malignant Ascites under some kind of control. It would be

nice

if they had a plan...and maybe the plan right now is to get him in better

physical shape which is happening slowly.

Glenn bought a beautiful 5th wheel travel trailer and traded the Harley in

on it. He was " sad " for several days, but hadn't been strong enough to ride

it for months and months. I think he made a wise decision and hopefully we

will get a little more use out of the camper.

We went to a beautiful campground last weekend and Glenn did really well.

He is so weak that it took lots of time and my patience to level the trailer

and he had to use all the strength he's got to get up and down doing the

leveling. Had a hard time climbing the 3 steps up in to the camper, but I

think

moving around some is good for him, too... before he gets so weak, he can't

do anything. He's lost most of his muscle mass.

We had an appt. with the Gastro Dr. last Thurs. before we left for the wkn.

and he disagrees with the Liver Specialist. Lordy, Lordy!!! He does agree

that Glenn should watch his sodium intake and fluid intake for now. The Liver

Spec. told us " No Surgeon would do the shunt surgery on Glenn " ....those were

his words. Shunt surgery is 1 in 3 chance!!!

Gastro Dr. says he believes it has to be done and should be done and can be

done...and there is great risk. But the " malignant Ascites " and Paracentesis

(draining of the fluid from the tummy) on a weekly basis or more is taking

all his nutrition. He is eating well now, since he hasn't had chemo for

almost 2 mos. b/c of the Ascites, but he isn't gaining an ounce and still

losing,

b/c of the diarhhea and draining of fluids. The results of the PET/CT Scan

indicate 60-70% of the liver is tumor (so I'm guessing the chemo quit working

or else it has spread viciously in the last few weeks...we see Onc. on

Monday, the 11th) Gastro Dr. told him if he HAD to guess at life span, he

would

say at the very, very most 18 months. Glenn told him he had bought a 5th wheel

travel trailer and the dr. said " Good, I think you should do whatever you

want to do at this point " and " I think you should eat steak every night, b/c

you need lots of protein " . The draining of fluids is taking all his protein

and nutrients, etc. from his body.

We are use to traveling on a fairly regular basis and haven't been anywhere

since last Sept., so we really, really enjoyed the trip last weekend!!! Even

if it was only 30 miles from home. Looking at 4 different walls was

wonderful!!! The 5th wheel is very beautiful with all the amenities of home

including a/c, microwave, stove, oven, shower, 32 " tv, and surround sound

stereo.

It's not really " camping " like I did when my boys were younger...tent

camping!!! We didn't really do anything special...oh, we went to Wal-Mart one

day...LOL I forgot the pastry brush for bbq-ing. LOL And that was his thrill

for

the weekend..BBQ-ing. I bought a condo about 3 yrs ago and we can't BBQ

here and we've both missed it tremendously.

He was pretty exhausted (and so was I) packing our new " home " for the first

time (I took doubles of anything I had in the house and put in the camper so

I won't have to pack and unpack each trip), driving and towing the trailer

and then setting it up, so I could unpack and arrange our new " home " ...he was

so excited, tho, he didn't sleep but did lie on the couch, watch tv, marvel at

his new purchase and rest. He only had one really bad episode of nausea and

feeling really bad enough to lie down and take a nap to " make it go away " .

He did really well, actually.... I would only go an hour away from the house,

b/c if someone had to come and get us, I didn't want to be 2-3 hrs. away!!!

It's soooo very nice to have him awake more often and eating, cooking and

functioning somewhat, but I know this is all a false scenario..the worst is yet

to come. I'm not being pessimistic, but rather realistic...and trying to

deal with it as best I can w/o appearing to " give up " . I have tons of

questions for the Onc. on Monday and we won't give up unless we have to. I

asked

him tonite what he thought he would do if Onc. wants to start him back on

chemo...he " doesn't think he will do it " . And, you know what, I can hardly

blame

him. His quality of life was horrific on chemo coupled with the Ascites.

We'll see what the Onc. says on Monday, but if it will only extend his life a

couple months, I'm not sure it's worth it. Of course, his will to live and

fight a little more may kick in... who knows. And it has to be his choice, of

course. The Varices banding in the esophogus was done again about 2 wks.

ago and this time only one was bleeding, so that's a great improvement!!!

Amazing what happens when you take the meds given to you, huh?? Being just a

little fascious here!!

Enough for now... I have some orders to pack and then get some sleep. Back

to work today after 6 days off and trying to play catch up really zapped me

today!!! My secretary and receptionist did only what they had to do and that

wasn't much!!! So I didn't have much of their work to proof, sign and get in

the mail. But plenty of undone stuff to get them moving on!!! And several

clients who were unhappy cause things weren't happening on their cases!!!

Blamed it all on the long weekend!!! Hope you had a great 4th of July...oh, we

watched the fireworks (from N.Y) in the comfort of our new air conditioned

34 ft. " home " on wheels... on the TV and no traffic getting to and from...LOL

I know, I know... I'm doing fine...really, I am!! Thanks for your

concern... I'm just very busy and so tired of worrying and wondering....

Just

trying to live one day at a time and do the best I can. I truly wish I were a

little younger, a little less chubby and in better physical condition, which I

have vowed to attempt to do. I'm going to need all the strength I can get to

help Glenn get through this, but we are and will fight as hard as we can!!!

Lots of hugs and prayers, Donelle

Caregiver to Glenn

[Guest guest]

Will be praying for Dani.

By the way the neuropathy does lessen.

Karima

Re: Somewhat of an update...

((((((((((Donelle)))))))))))(((((Glen)))

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy that you all were able to get out and have

fun!!

I dont think your giving up by the way , just trying to come to terms.

which in itself is hard to do.

You sound like you need a bottle of Clairol , hmm what color shall we choose??

I think I am going to go with Red lol ,

We are doing pretty good here Joe is having issues with Neuropathy bad enough

we called the onc today and they are prescribing him Neurontin to see if that

helps.

Dani goes in Tuesday morn for her surgery she is suppose to be there from

2-14days depending on how she does.

Life a tad UGH right now

Thinking about you and Glenn daily

Deb

Grandmommyandme@... wrote:

Hi everyone!!!

I've been reading and keeping up with all o f you and continue to pray for

each and every one daily.

Glenn has been on an unplanned chemo vacation for almost 2 months now,

trying to get the Malignant Ascites under some kind of control. It would be

nice

if they had a plan...and maybe the plan right now is to get him in better

physical shape which is happening slowly.

Glenn bought a beautiful 5th wheel travel trailer and traded the Harley in

on it. He was " sad " for several days, but hadn't been strong enough to ride

it for months and months. I think he made a wise decision and hopefully we

will get a little more use out of the camper.

We went to a beautiful campground last weekend and Glenn did really well.

He is so weak that it took lots of time and my patience to level the trailer

and he had to use all the strength he's got to get up and down doing the

leveling. Had a hard time climbing the 3 steps up in to the camper, but I

think

moving around some is good for him, too... before he gets so weak, he can't

do anything. He's lost most of his muscle mass.

We had an appt. with the Gastro Dr. last Thurs. before we left for the wkn.

and he disagrees with the Liver Specialist. Lordy, Lordy!!! He does agree

that Glenn should watch his sodium intake and fluid intake for now. The

Liver

Spec. told us " No Surgeon would do the shunt surgery on Glenn " ....those were

his words. Shunt surgery is 1 in 3 chance!!!

Gastro Dr. says he believes it has to be done and should be done and can be

done...and there is great risk. But the " malignant Ascites " and Paracentesis

(draining of the fluid from the tummy) on a weekly basis or more is taking

all his nutrition. He is eating well now, since he hasn't had chemo for

almost 2 mos. b/c of the Ascites, but he isn't gaining an ounce and still

losing,

b/c of the diarhhea and draining of fluids. The results of the PET/CT Scan

indicate 60-70% of the liver is tumor (so I'm guessing the chemo quit working

or else it has spread viciously in the last few weeks...we see Onc. on

Monday, the 11th) Gastro Dr. told him if he HAD to guess at life span, he

would

say at the very, very most 18 months. Glenn told him he had bought a 5th

wheel

travel trailer and the dr. said " Good, I think you should do whatever you

want to do at this point " and " I think you should eat steak every night, b/c

you need lots of protein " . The draining of fluids is taking all his protein

and nutrients, etc. from his body.

We are use to traveling on a fairly regular basis and haven't been anywhere

since last Sept., so we really, really enjoyed the trip last weekend!!! Even

if it was only 30 miles from home. Looking at 4 different walls was

wonderful!!! The 5th wheel is very beautiful with all the amenities of home

including a/c, microwave, stove, oven, shower, 32 " tv, and surround sound

stereo.

It's not really " camping " like I did when my boys were younger...tent

camping!!! We didn't really do anything special...oh, we went to Wal-Mart

one

day...LOL I forgot the pastry brush for bbq-ing. LOL And that was his

thrill for

the weekend..BBQ-ing. I bought a condo about 3 yrs ago and we can't BBQ

here and we've both missed it tremendously.

He was pretty exhausted (and so was I) packing our new " home " for the first

time (I took doubles of anything I had in the house and put in the camper so

I won't have to pack and unpack each trip), driving and towing the trailer

and then setting it up, so I could unpack and arrange our new " home " ...he was

so excited, tho, he didn't sleep but did lie on the couch, watch tv, marvel

at

his new purchase and rest. He only had one really bad episode of nausea and

feeling really bad enough to lie down and take a nap to " make it go away " .

He did really well, actually.... I would only go an hour away from the house,

b/c if someone had to come and get us, I didn't want to be 2-3 hrs. away!!!

It's soooo very nice to have him awake more often and eating, cooking and

functioning somewhat, but I know this is all a false scenario..the worst is

yet

to come. I'm not being pessimistic, but rather realistic...and trying to

deal with it as best I can w/o appearing to " give up " . I have tons of

questions for the Onc. on Monday and we won't give up unless we have to. I

asked

him tonite what he thought he would do if Onc. wants to start him back on

chemo...he " doesn't think he will do it " . And, you know what, I can hardly

blame

him. His quality of life was horrific on chemo coupled with the Ascites.

We'll see what the Onc. says on Monday, but if it will only extend his life a

couple months, I'm not sure it's worth it. Of course, his will to live and

fight a little more may kick in... who knows. And it has to be his choice,

of

course. The Varices banding in the esophogus was done again about 2 wks.

ago and this time only one was bleeding, so that's a great improvement!!!

Amazing what happens when you take the meds given to you, huh?? Being just

a

little fascious here!!

Enough for now... I have some orders to pack and then get some sleep. Back

to work today after 6 days off and trying to play catch up really zapped me

today!!! My secretary and receptionist did only what they had to do and that

wasn't much!!! So I didn't have much of their work to proof, sign and get in

the mail. But plenty of undone stuff to get them moving on!!! And several

clients who were unhappy cause things weren't happening on their cases!!!

Blamed it all on the long weekend!!! Hope you had a great 4th of July...oh,

we

watched the fireworks (from N.Y) in the comfort of our new air conditioned

34 ft. " home " on wheels... on the TV and no traffic getting to and from...LOL

I know, I know... I'm doing fine...really, I am!! Thanks for your

concern... I'm just very busy and so tired of worrying and wondering....

Just

trying to live one day at a time and do the best I can. I truly wish I were

a

little younger, a little less chubby and in better physical condition, which

I

have vowed to attempt to do. I'm going to need all the strength I can get to

help Glenn get through this, but we are and will fight as hard as we can!!!

Lots of hugs and prayers, Donelle

Caregiver to Glenn

[Guest guest]

Thanks Karima could use all the prayers we can get ,

Odd thing about the neuropathy both Joe and Dani has it!!!

Joe is of course from his chemo , Dani's is from the syrinx in her spinal canal.

Dani spilled pop on Joe's foot earlier this week pop slipped out of her hand (

the numb hand ) ,

The EXACT same thing happened to Joe last night except it was my foot lol.

Anyone have a carpet cleaner?

We try to laugh about it some , like how Daddy and Dani are SOOOO much alike

right down to their neuropathy.

Its either that or cry ya know?

Deb

Barbara Gari karima1@...> wrote:

Will be praying for Dani.

By the way the neuropathy does lessen.

Karima

Re: Somewhat of an update...

((((((((((Donelle)))))))))))(((((Glen)))

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy that you all were able to get out and have

fun!!

I dont think your giving up by the way , just trying to come to terms.

which in itself is hard to do.

You sound like you need a bottle of Clairol , hmm what color shall we choose??

I think I am going to go with Red lol ,

We are doing pretty good here Joe is having issues with Neuropathy bad enough

we called the onc today and they are prescribing him Neurontin to see if that

helps.

Dani goes in Tuesday morn for her surgery she is suppose to be there from

2-14days depending on how she does.

Life a tad UGH right now

Thinking about you and Glenn daily

Deb

Grandmommyandme@... wrote:

Hi everyone!!!

I've been reading and keeping up with all o f you and continue to pray for

each and every one daily.

Glenn has been on an unplanned chemo vacation for almost 2 months now,

trying to get the Malignant Ascites under some kind of control. It would be

nice

if they had a plan...and maybe the plan right now is to get him in better

physical shape which is happening slowly.

Glenn bought a beautiful 5th wheel travel trailer and traded the Harley in

on it. He was " sad " for several days, but hadn't been strong enough to ride

it for months and months. I think he made a wise decision and hopefully we

will get a little more use out of the camper.

We went to a beautiful campground last weekend and Glenn did really well.

He is so weak that it took lots of time and my patience to level the trailer

and he had to use all the strength he's got to get up and down doing the

leveling. Had a hard time climbing the 3 steps up in to the camper, but I

think

moving around some is good for him, too... before he gets so weak, he can't

do anything. He's lost most of his muscle mass.

We had an appt. with the Gastro Dr. last Thurs. before we left for the wkn.

and he disagrees with the Liver Specialist. Lordy, Lordy!!! He does agree

that Glenn should watch his sodium intake and fluid intake for now. The

Liver

Spec. told us " No Surgeon would do the shunt surgery on Glenn " ....those were

his words. Shunt surgery is 1 in 3 chance!!!

Gastro Dr. says he believes it has to be done and should be done and can be

done...and there is great risk. But the " malignant Ascites " and Paracentesis

(draining of the fluid from the tummy) on a weekly basis or more is taking

all his nutrition. He is eating well now, since he hasn't had chemo for

almost 2 mos. b/c of the Ascites, but he isn't gaining an ounce and still

losing,

b/c of the diarhhea and draining of fluids. The results of the PET/CT Scan

indicate 60-70% of the liver is tumor (so I'm guessing the chemo quit working

or else it has spread viciously in the last few weeks...we see Onc. on

Monday, the 11th) Gastro Dr. told him if he HAD to guess at life span, he

would

say at the very, very most 18 months. Glenn told him he had bought a 5th

wheel

travel trailer and the dr. said " Good, I think you should do whatever you

want to do at this point " and " I think you should eat steak every night, b/c

you need lots of protein " . The draining of fluids is taking all his protein

and nutrients, etc. from his body.

We are use to traveling on a fairly regular basis and haven't been anywhere

since last Sept., so we really, really enjoyed the trip last weekend!!! Even

if it was only 30 miles from home. Looking at 4 different walls was

wonderful!!! The 5th wheel is very beautiful with all the amenities of home

including a/c, microwave, stove, oven, shower, 32 " tv, and surround sound

stereo.

It's not really " camping " like I did when my boys were younger...tent

camping!!! We didn't really do anything special...oh, we went to Wal-Mart

one

day...LOL I forgot the pastry brush for bbq-ing. LOL And that was his

thrill for

the weekend..BBQ-ing. I bought a condo about 3 yrs ago and we can't BBQ

here and we've both missed it tremendously.

He was pretty exhausted (and so was I) packing our new " home " for the first

time (I took doubles of anything I had in the house and put in the camper so

I won't have to pack and unpack each trip), driving and towing the trailer

and then setting it up, so I could unpack and arrange our new " home " ...he was

so excited, tho, he didn't sleep but did lie on the couch, watch tv, marvel

at

his new purchase and rest. He only had one really bad episode of nausea and

feeling really bad enough to lie down and take a nap to " make it go away " .

He did really well, actually.... I would only go an hour away from the house,

b/c if someone had to come and get us, I didn't want to be 2-3 hrs. away!!!

It's soooo very nice to have him awake more often and eating, cooking and

functioning somewhat, but I know this is all a false scenario..the worst is

yet

to come. I'm not being pessimistic, but rather realistic...and trying to

deal with it as best I can w/o appearing to " give up " . I have tons of

questions for the Onc. on Monday and we won't give up unless we have to. I

asked

him tonite what he thought he would do if Onc. wants to start him back on

chemo...he " doesn't think he will do it " . And, you know what, I can hardly

blame

him. His quality of life was horrific on chemo coupled with the Ascites.

We'll see what the Onc. says on Monday, but if it will only extend his life a

couple months, I'm not sure it's worth it. Of course, his will to live and

fight a little more may kick in... who knows. And it has to be his choice,

of

course. The Varices banding in the esophogus was done again about 2 wks.

ago and this time only one was bleeding, so that's a great improvement!!!

Amazing what happens when you take the meds given to you, huh?? Being just

a

little fascious here!!

Enough for now... I have some orders to pack and then get some sleep. Back

to work today after 6 days off and trying to play catch up really zapped me

today!!! My secretary and receptionist did only what they had to do and that

wasn't much!!! So I didn't have much of their work to proof, sign and get in

the mail. But plenty of undone stuff to get them moving on!!! And several

clients who were unhappy cause things weren't happening on their cases!!!

Blamed it all on the long weekend!!! Hope you had a great 4th of July...oh,

we

watched the fireworks (from N.Y) in the comfort of our new air conditioned

34 ft. " home " on wheels... on the TV and no traffic getting to and from...LOL

I know, I know... I'm doing fine...really, I am!! Thanks for your

concern... I'm just very busy and so tired of worrying and wondering....

Just

trying to live one day at a time and do the best I can. I truly wish I were

a

little younger, a little less chubby and in better physical condition, which

I

have vowed to attempt to do. I'm going to need all the strength I can get to

help Glenn get through this, but we are and will fight as hard as we can!!!

Lots of hugs and prayers, Donelle

Caregiver to Glenn

[Guest guest]

My pithy comment is: so long as we are laughing or crying, we are

breathing...so lets do bothh~~~~~~

Re: Somewhat of an update...

((((((((((Donelle)))))))))))(((((Glen)))

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy that you all were able to get out and have

fun!!

I dont think your giving up by the way , just trying to come to terms.

which in itself is hard to do.

You sound like you need a bottle of Clairol , hmm what color shall we

choose??

I think I am going to go with Red lol ,

We are doing pretty good here Joe is having issues with Neuropathy bad

enough we called the onc today and they are prescribing him Neurontin to see if

that helps.

Dani goes in Tuesday morn for her surgery she is suppose to be there from

2-14days depending on how she does.

Life a tad UGH right now

Thinking about you and Glenn daily

Deb

Grandmommyandme@... wrote:

Hi everyone!!!

I've been reading and keeping up with all o f you and continue to pray for

each and every one daily.

Glenn has been on an unplanned chemo vacation for almost 2 months now,

trying to get the Malignant Ascites under some kind of control. It would

be nice

if they had a plan...and maybe the plan right now is to get him in better

physical shape which is happening slowly.

Glenn bought a beautiful 5th wheel travel trailer and traded the Harley in

on it. He was " sad " for several days, but hadn't been strong enough to

ride

it for months and months. I think he made a wise decision and hopefully we

will get a little more use out of the camper.

We went to a beautiful campground last weekend and Glenn did really well.

He is so weak that it took lots of time and my patience to level the

trailer

and he had to use all the strength he's got to get up and down doing the

leveling. Had a hard time climbing the 3 steps up in to the camper, but I

think

moving around some is good for him, too... before he gets so weak, he can't

do anything. He's lost most of his muscle mass.

We had an appt. with the Gastro Dr. last Thurs. before we left for the wkn.

and he disagrees with the Liver Specialist. Lordy, Lordy!!! He does agree

that Glenn should watch his sodium intake and fluid intake for now. The

Liver

Spec. told us " No Surgeon would do the shunt surgery on Glenn " ....those

were

his words. Shunt surgery is 1 in 3 chance!!!

Gastro Dr. says he believes it has to be done and should be done and can be

done...and there is great risk. But the " malignant Ascites " and

Paracentesis

(draining of the fluid from the tummy) on a weekly basis or more is taking

all his nutrition. He is eating well now, since he hasn't had chemo for

almost 2 mos. b/c of the Ascites, but he isn't gaining an ounce and still

losing,

b/c of the diarhhea and draining of fluids. The results of the PET/CT Scan

indicate 60-70% of the liver is tumor (so I'm guessing the chemo quit

working

or else it has spread viciously in the last few weeks...we see Onc. on

Monday, the 11th) Gastro Dr. told him if he HAD to guess at life span, he

would

say at the very, very most 18 months. Glenn told him he had bought a 5th

wheel

travel trailer and the dr. said " Good, I think you should do whatever you

want to do at this point " and " I think you should eat steak every night,

b/c

you need lots of protein " . The draining of fluids is taking all his

protein

and nutrients, etc. from his body.

We are use to traveling on a fairly regular basis and haven't been anywhere

since last Sept., so we really, really enjoyed the trip last weekend!!!

Even

if it was only 30 miles from home. Looking at 4 different walls was

wonderful!!! The 5th wheel is very beautiful with all the amenities of home

including a/c, microwave, stove, oven, shower, 32 " tv, and surround sound

stereo.

It's not really " camping " like I did when my boys were younger...tent

camping!!! We didn't really do anything special...oh, we went to Wal-Mart

one

day...LOL I forgot the pastry brush for bbq-ing. LOL And that was his

thrill for

the weekend..BBQ-ing. I bought a condo about 3 yrs ago and we can't BBQ

here and we've both missed it tremendously.

He was pretty exhausted (and so was I) packing our new " home " for the first

time (I took doubles of anything I had in the house and put in the camper

so

I won't have to pack and unpack each trip), driving and towing the trailer

and then setting it up, so I could unpack and arrange our new " home " ...he

was

so excited, tho, he didn't sleep but did lie on the couch, watch tv, marvel

at

his new purchase and rest. He only had one really bad episode of nausea

and

feeling really bad enough to lie down and take a nap to " make it go away " .

He did really well, actually.... I would only go an hour away from the

house,

b/c if someone had to come and get us, I didn't want to be 2-3 hrs. away!!!

It's soooo very nice to have him awake more often and eating, cooking and

functioning somewhat, but I know this is all a false scenario..the worst is

yet

to come. I'm not being pessimistic, but rather realistic...and trying to

deal with it as best I can w/o appearing to " give up " . I have tons of

questions for the Onc. on Monday and we won't give up unless we have to.

I asked

him tonite what he thought he would do if Onc. wants to start him back on

chemo...he " doesn't think he will do it " . And, you know what, I can hardly

blame

him. His quality of life was horrific on chemo coupled with the Ascites.

We'll see what the Onc. says on Monday, but if it will only extend his life

a

couple months, I'm not sure it's worth it. Of course, his will to live and

fight a little more may kick in... who knows. And it has to be his choice,

of

course. The Varices banding in the esophogus was done again about 2 wks.

ago and this time only one was bleeding, so that's a great improvement!!!

Amazing what happens when you take the meds given to you, huh?? Being

just a

little fascious here!!

Enough for now... I have some orders to pack and then get some sleep. Back

to work today after 6 days off and trying to play catch up really zapped me

today!!! My secretary and receptionist did only what they had to do and

that

wasn't much!!! So I didn't have much of their work to proof, sign and get

in

the mail. But plenty of undone stuff to get them moving on!!! And several

clients who were unhappy cause things weren't happening on their cases!!!

Blamed it all on the long weekend!!! Hope you had a great 4th of

July...oh, we

watched the fireworks (from N.Y) in the comfort of our new air conditioned

34 ft. " home " on wheels... on the TV and no traffic getting to and

from...LOL

I know, I know... I'm doing fine...really, I am!! Thanks for your

concern... I'm just very busy and so tired of worrying and wondering....

Just

trying to live one day at a time and do the best I can. I truly wish I

were a

little younger, a little less chubby and in better physical condition,

which I

have vowed to attempt to do. I'm going to need all the strength I can get

to

help Glenn get through this, but we are and will fight as hard as we can!!!

Lots of hugs and prayers, Donelle

Caregiver to Glenn