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| Deb in her hospital bed in our back lounge |
Deb started her fourth and final week of radiotherapy today. Sam came with us on the visit today. A side effect of the steroids is to cause Deb's face to swell up. The face mask that she has to wear to secure her to the table during RT has therefore become tighter and tighter. The RT staff have made some adjustments but they are limited in what they can do and still retain accurate positioning for the radiation treatment. Because of the tightness of the mask Deb felt she couldn't breath and again the treatment had to be stopped to give her time to recover.
We saw Dr Sanghera after RT treatment. He said that if the mask became too tight to carry on we could have another mask made. Deb said she only had 4 sessions of RT to go and she would try and finish them using the existing mask. We discussed how Deb had been over the past week. Following the increase in steroids last weekend Deb has not had any headaches or other significant effects from the tumour. However she continues to be very tired and weak. I guess she sleeps about 50% of the time. We are now living fully downstairs, although Deb did go upstairs once during the week to have a shower. We will see Dr Sanghera in 2 weeks time. Next MRI scan to take place in 4 to 6 weeks.
It has been a busy week. Here are some of my notes:
2/10 - RT am. Visit from Emma District Nursing Team. Checked Deb - bed sores dry skin etc. Carried out assessment. Need: hospital bed, mobile commode, slide sheet, pads, personal care ( arrange for rapid response team to visit to wash Deb), will arrange assessment by OT and physio team. Phone call from Lindsey St Giles Hospice - visit next week for assessment.. Visit in evening from Rapid response team.
3/10 - RT am. Visit from RR team in evening - changed Deb and put her to bed - no wash.
4/10 - RT pm. Bed and other equipment delivered.Deb had shower in morning. RR team no wash. Cherry and Martin made dinner in evening.
5/10 - Visit from Liz and Chris. GP Dr Garbutt made house call - discussed end of live plan. Social services called will visit next week ( this lot will take over from RR team.). RT pm + Liz and Chris. All appointments next week in morning 8.45 or 9. Visit from Occupational/Physio Therapy team. They thought with additional equipment Deb could get upstairs for showering. They will provide - bed levers, zimmer frame, perching stool, bath lift, handrail + grab rails. All should be installed by the end of the week. RR team. Sam home for weekend.
6/10 - Deb very tired. Most of day in bed. RR team
7/17 - Dinner provided by Jenny and Patrick. RR team
The radiotherapy is getting more and more difficult for Deb. The trip to the hospital itself is a bit of an ordeal. The tiredness caused by the treatment, and particularly the tightness of the mask are both significant issues for Deb. Still only 4 more sessions left and it is all over. Will post again soon
3 comments:
Thanks for the update Chris, you must be exhausted. Tell Deb we are thinking of her and also of you Sam and Kate. Sending love and hugs x Jo and boys
Yes thanks for taking the time to keep us updated. Love to you all x
Chris, it's been some time since we spoke, is it possible we could come over and visit?
Having read recent posts, we understand that it may be difficult so we'll wait for you to let us know. Love to Deb, you and and your family. Chris & Maggie
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