Marching Orders

It has now been a second week of delay on resuming the chemo.

It has finally happened, they don't ask for my name at the pharmacist. I would rather be known at the local pub.

Yet another specialist has entered the narrative. Yesterday we met with Dr. Narayen at Digestive Disease Associates P.A. One of his colleagues was suggested to us, but given the time sensitive need to get in to a gastroenterologist and her unavailability until February, we took the appointment we could get. Dr. N turned out to be impressive in skill and ability to explain what he thinks is going on. He was confident that the intestines were not completely blocked and that there is an as yet unidentified a mass on the lower right side of the abdomen. Immediate marching orders: 1) Liquid diet only!; 2) Stop taking some of the over-the-counter laxatives, they can cause more pressure on the system and bring about the rupture that would be disasterous; 3) Ease back on the pain meds, they aggrivate the blockage; 4) Get an abdominal X-Ray in the next few days; and 5) Come back next Tuesday. Surgery is prettty much not an option. The goal is to get the chemo started again. It's a plan.

My parents stopped by yesterday. Mom brought the ingredients for chicken soup and got busy in the kitchen.

Margo did all of the set-up of the TPN last night. I had taught her how two nights earlier and this time, all I had to do was sit back and watch. Faina appreciated the new skill set.

Some of the next big things coming up: The first Shabbat dinner with and for our guest Emmalene. Getting through the weekend. Tuesday appointments - Dr. Schulick (Hopkins), Dr. N., and Dr. K. Going from there.