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Aannndddd another ER visit and hospital stay

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Posted 2/20/2022 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
Jeff went back in for chemo and his blood pressure had plummeted and he was running 102 + fever.

They nixed chemo and sent him immediately to the ER.

He was discharged yesterday, although we didn’t really get a lot of answers. His sodium is too low and he was advised to eat more salt. They almost didn’t discharge for this reason, but elected to go ahead and do so with the intentions to closely monitor him via blood work.

His hemoglobin had dropped overnight from 7.6 to 6.9. While in the hospital he received 2 blood transfusions.

His leg weakness and mobility is significantly worse. We are at a loss. There doesn’t appear to be anything left to target in regards to radiation and no one can seem to tell us what’s causing this.

Jeff’s mobility is so profoundly compromised that merely getting in/out of the car and walking the shortest distances is a great struggle. It was heartbreaking leaving the hospital yesterday as the attendant had to literally get Jeff in and situated. He was grossly embarrassed and frustrated to the point of tears.

We are in another holding pattern as we still don’t know if his current treatment regimen is working.

In March they will recheck his PSA values and he’ll have another PET scan. We’ll know then if his cancer is progressing or not.

Unfortunately his last PSA was still trending up and had risen to 210.

I’m the meantime, Jeff lost another dog. We had to say goodbye to their 13.7 year old lab, CJ Girl. She lived a long life full of happiness and love, nonetheless the loss is devastating.

This journey is already hard enough … so much sadness and fear.

~ Stephanie

#teamjeffgallagher
Posted 2/20/2022 7:50 PM (GMT 0)
Stephanie, sorry to hear about going back to the ER. Don’t give up, keep up your support for your husband. Maybe a veteran or more here have more suggestions that might help with the fatigue. In any case you are one of the many wives and daughters that I have read, that have gone above and beyond. Sorry to hear of the loss of your pet. I am sure over the years there have been more than one that you have had to let go. My wife and I have had multiple sets that we have had to let go. It is never easy. My best wishes and hope for better days to come.
Posted 2/20/2022 8:30 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you ❤️
Posted 2/20/2022 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
Have you had anybody look for a spinal compression somewhere? Anytime someone mentions weakness in legs that is where my mind wanders.
Posted 2/20/2022 10:02 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry to read this news, Stephanie. Just reading it can feel overwhelming. It must be very difficult for Jeff to not have the strength to do what he has always been able to do. I hope the Dr.'s can give you all some guidance to at least offer a plan to get Jeff to a better place and higher ground in this battle. In the meantime, I will keep you all in my thoughts.
Michael
Posted 2/20/2022 11:18 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Michael. I’m really worried about him. Something just hasn’t seemed right the last month.
Posted 2/20/2022 11:24 PM (GMT 0)

Stephen S said...
Have you had anybody look for a spinal compression somewhere?

He has had leg weakness since diagnosis. They can’t find the source and it’s just getting worse.

He originally had surgery to remove a tumor from his spine, but that should have affected his hands/arms, not his legs.

He recently went back to see an orthopedic oncology surgeon who identified some problem areas in his hips and femurs, but these issues attributed to his pain, not mobility and not all of it was related to cancer. Evidently he has pretty severe arthritis too.

I will certainly ask again about possible compression. Thank you.
Posted 2/21/2022 12:00 AM (GMT 0)
Miss Stephanie,
My wife and I have a friend who was just diagnosed with liver cancer with mets to the lungs. He has lost considerable weight and looks really tired. This diagnosis is both shocking and terrible at the same time. Our friend was given two months and told to get his affairs in order.

Whenever I read your posts I am touched by the sincere love you show towards Jeff. I am having to live my life with multiple medical condition which have taken a toll on me both physically and mentally. I always thought of myself as a strong person but as I struggle each day I realize having someone to help me makes all the difference in the world. Jeff has this in you Miss Stephanie.

I want to offer my prayers to both you and Jeff. My faith gives me strength and great comfort. I believe there is more to life than what we see with our eyes. I do not want to offend anyone nor cause any trouble with religious references as I know this is frowned upon on the forum. I will add you two to my daily prayer requests.

Always cherish each moment you have with your spouse. Time is the most precious commodity I know of.

God bless you both.
Posted 2/21/2022 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
So sorry Stephanie, no words. All i can say is i hope he, and in turn you, find some relief.
Posted 2/21/2022 1:45 AM (GMT 0)

oceanfisher58 said...
Whenever I read your posts I am touched by the sincere love you show towards Jeff. I am having to live my life with multiple medical condition which have taken a toll on me both physically and mentally. I always thought of myself as a strong person but as I struggle each day I realize having someone to help me makes all the difference in the world. Jeff has this in you Miss Stephanie.

I want to offer my prayers to both you and Jeff.

Thank you so much for your kind words. It means more than you can possibly know.
Posted 2/21/2022 1:47 AM (GMT 0)

Pratoman said...
So sorry Stephanie, no words. All i can say is i hope he, and in turn you, find some relief.

I am forever grateful for your support, thank you.
Posted 2/21/2022 2:46 AM (GMT 0)

Dear Stephanie and Jeff ~~~

I have kept you both uppermost in my thoughts and prayers, each day, since our paths first crossed here.

I took a long walk today at one of my favorite lakes, and had you both in my thoughts.

You both have been through a great deal, in a short matter of months, since diagnosis.

It's a whirlwind - physically, mentally, and emotionally. Yes, a WHIRLWIND!
Shakespeare's storm called "The TEMPEST" ...

Sometimes, the most we can do is to simply focus on the day in front of us. I know in my heart - that's where you are both at right now.

I wish Jeff could reach a plateau of stability in his health. A reprieve from complications. A refuge from side effects. A shelter in the storm ...

You are his steadfast compatriot --- support system --- giver of solace --- and compassionate caregiver.

He needs you now like never before --- but in the midst of that, do take care of yourself, too.

Find time to take that nap --- stop at that corner coffee shop --- and take that walk on a sunny afternoon.

Easier said than done, I know - in the midst of the whirlwind --- but know we all send our collective support to you AND Jeff.

Does Jeff need some healthcare assistance at home? Do not hesitate to enlist assistance, in this time of need.

Injuries and falls are a true concern, with Jeff's medical situation, and even though it's difficult, sometimes you have to enlist help --- some additional "soldiers to manage the fort" ...

Above all else --- you have folks far and wide --- keeping you close in their hearts and thoughts. I am just ONE of those people.

I'm thankful Jeff is out of the hospital. I hope the fever subsides and his mobility stabilizes.

I will keep in touch. That's a promise.

I am thinking of you both tonight, and I am keeping you both close in my thoughts each day.

Strength for tomorrow ...

Sent with caring thoughts to you both ~~~
CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University
Posted 2/21/2022 4:48 AM (GMT 0)
I'm so sorry to read about this latest turn, Stephanie. You and Jeff are in my thoughts.

With hope that you find answers soon,
Melaine

PS. We have a 13 year old dog that IS my husband's heart. She means the world to him. I dread that day more than anything. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Posted 2/21/2022 2:42 PM (GMT 0)

Cyclone-ISU said...


* I wish Jeff could reach a plateau of stability in his health. A reprieve from complications. A refuge from side effects. A shelter in the storm ...

* Does Jeff need some healthcare assistance at home? Do not hesitate to enlist assistance, in this time of need.

CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University

I wish he could catch a break. There has been “something” at every single turn. My heart breaks for him and our children.

I think he does need assistance, but I also think he’s not ready to accept outside help.

He has fallen twice recently. He’s a large man, so it’s not easy to help help, nor are we trained. I’m worried about more serious injury.
Posted 2/21/2022 2:43 PM (GMT 0)

Melaine said...
I'm so sorry to read about this latest turn, Stephanie. You and Jeff are in my thoughts.

With hope that you find answers soon,
Melaine

PS. We have a 13 year old dog that IS my husband's heart. She means the world to him. I dread that day more than anything. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Thank you ❤️
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