I feel like even though this year has been tough, there is much to be thankful for. So, I find myself again saying Thank You to so many great friends and to our family. We had a great turnout for the toast to Dad on Saturday as we shared some of the H2 Brew. Gotta say - I'm generally not a dark beer drinker, I always left that to Dad, but the H2 Brew was good stuff! If you find yourself downtown in the next few weeks you should stop in and have some.
So, a huge thanks to Marc Gottfried at Morgan Street - we are honored and blessed that you would do this for Dad and your toast was great. Guaranteed he is smiling down on you (and your wicked tattoo that he loved!).
Thanks to Mike Cassimatis for designing a truly incredible logo. And to Ted for his recommendation of a fabulous graphic designer!
Thanks to all who came down. Thanks to those who asked about the event and are still interested in how our family is doing. We are thankful for each and every one of you. Life goes on and it wouldn't be half as much fun without you all!!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
H2 Brew
As many of you know, Marc Gottfried, the Brewmaster at Morgan Street Brewery, approached us at Dad's wake and let us know he wanted to brew a special batch of beer in honor of Dad. We were shocked and truly humbled that he wanted to do this. At the end of that week we went downtown and watched a small portion of the lengthy process that went into making H2 Brew. [Dad signed lots of papers H2 (H squared) since that was his initials. So, Ted Cassimatis came up with the catchy title.]
Well, the beer is now ready for consumption and is available on tap at Morgan Street on the Landing beginning tomorrow. We will be going down on Saturday, 12/5 at 1:00 pm for a late lunch and to raise a pint to Dad (although most of us won't be drinking a full pint since our taste in beer differs greatly from the oatmeal stout beer which was Dad's favorite). I will forego the orange in my beer on Saturday in honor of Dad. If he told me once, he said it a thousand times that he had raised me better than to put fruit in my beer!
This is an open invitation for everyone to head to Morgan Street Brewery. We'd love to see you on Saturday, but if that doesn't work with your schedule, then we hope you get to enjoy some H2 Brew before it's gone!!
Cheers & Happy Holidays!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Rules of the Road...
Many of you have been asking for a list of the '8 Rules of the Road.' This story has become a legend in our circle. When Dad was going to retire, he began training Nick Mantia to take over much of his territory. Nick tells the story way better than I ever could, but basically several of these rules were thrown at Nick by Dad on their first day of riding together to visit customers. The rules are listed below. Rules # 7, 8, and 5 were given to Nick on that first morning. Dad's lucky Nick didn't get out of the car then and run away screaming!!!
Rules of the Road:
Rules of the Road:
- The Hierarchy is - Customer is 1st, John Henry Foster is 2nd, and the vendor is 3rd.
- Don't lie to me.
- Always be on time.
- Do what you say you are going to do.
- I don't deal with assholes.
- When going in to see the customer leave your cell phone in the car.
- If we need gas we'll get some.
- If you have to go to the bathroom, raise your hand and we will stop.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Time for Good News...
The blog has been a bit of a bummer lately, so today we are posting good news! Mom had knee surgery this morning and is feeling great. She was finished and back home by 10:00 a.m. In honor of Dad (and due to the anethesia) she took a huge nap when she got home.
Hopefully, Amy will do a better job of 'watching' her than I did. She was with me when she hurt her knee and Uncle Ray and I had to carry her out of the Village Bar. Guaranteed she wasn't the first person to be carried out of that place!
So, all is well with the Herbsts'...life goes on...and so does the blog. We've spent the last week quoting some of Dad's more memorable lines, so I'll leave you with this one...
'It is what it is!'
Hopefully, Amy will do a better job of 'watching' her than I did. She was with me when she hurt her knee and Uncle Ray and I had to carry her out of the Village Bar. Guaranteed she wasn't the first person to be carried out of that place!
So, all is well with the Herbsts'...life goes on...and so does the blog. We've spent the last week quoting some of Dad's more memorable lines, so I'll leave you with this one...
'It is what it is!'
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Details on Arrangements...
Dad's visitation will be on Tuesday and his funeral and burial on Wednesday. We didn't want to have any conflicts with the scheduled book signing on Monday night. Our family will be at the event on Monday to support Dad, Kevin, and Don's efforts on the FANTASTIC book. You'll love it. We'd love to see you there and we'll raise a pint to Dad! Below are the details for the week:
Monday – The St. Louis Brews Book singing at Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest Ave, 63143, in Maplewood from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
Tuesday – Visitation is at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 350 East Fourth Street, Eureka, MO 63025, click here for map, from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Wednesday – Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 350 East Fourth Street, Eureka, MO 63025, at 11:00 am. Burial following at 1:00 pm at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan Road, St. Louis, MO 63125. Reception in celebration of Dad's life following from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Schlafly Tap Room, 2100 Locust Street, St. Louis, MO 63103.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
"Lighten Up Dutch"
I am sad to say that Dad passed away last night. I'm pretty much at a loss for words this morning. The phrase 'Lighten up Dutch' has been in my mind all morning. Dad told me that about a million times over the last 35 years. Apparently, I got the lionshare of his stubbornness. It is one of my favorite 'Hankisms.' Although I didn't appreciate it most of the times he told me that :)
I'll post the wake and funeral details here when I have them. But, I'll leave you with a few Hankisms. The first is one I'm sure he has thought recently...
Who signed me up for this shit?
I'm just a kid from Dogtown, what do I know?
Don't let the bastards get you down.
I'll post the wake and funeral details here when I have them. But, I'll leave you with a few Hankisms. The first is one I'm sure he has thought recently...
Who signed me up for this shit?
I'm just a kid from Dogtown, what do I know?
Don't let the bastards get you down.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
It's Raining, It's Pouring...
In typical Dad fashion his 4 day hospital stay has now turned into 9 and the end to the stay is not in the immediate future. He has had a roller coaster week, with ups and downs coming in his blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, but never in his attitude. Even when he was in ICU last Saturday he said he felt fine. The good news is, he is not in pain.
The story is very long and involved for what he's been through in the last week, so we'll just play the highlight reel...lots of fluids in...2 gallons of fluid drained off his stomach...started chemo...ICU for 24 hours because of low blood pressure (ironically, this was at the same time the Cardinals lost the series, which would make you think his blood pressure would have gone up)...liver not functioning correctly...had to skip chemo this week because of low platelet counts. The bad news is the fluid from his stomach cavity contained lots of cancer cells, which means it is 'everywhere' according to the doctors. So, what next?
Dad's friend Fr. Anderson came yesterday and gave Dad the sacrament for the sick. Father guaranteed him this doesn't mean the end and he can even get it more than once. When he was finished, Dad asked how long it was good for. Even in his weakened state he is cracking jokes. They hope to get another round of chemo in him soon, to fight off the cancer and get his liver to start functioning properly.
The book signing is still on for Monday night. Dad will be there, although it may be through modern technology. So, come join us and raise a pint to Dad on Monday, October 19th at Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood at 7:00 p.m. He will either be there in person or via Skype. While you are there you can pick up a copy of this book Dad co-authored called 'St. Louis Brews.' It is really a great book (I'm truly not biased) and you can see the cover and a description here: http://www.reedypress.com/
On another note, that is so ridiculous it's almost funny (almost)...Mom torqued her knee and had to make a trip to the orthopedic surgeon and get an mri. They think she tore her meniscus - we'll find out more next week. In the mean time, she stole Dad's walker since she can't bear weight on that leg. Sue's husband Jeff suggested they get a double-walker, similar to the double-strollers for twins. I took a picture of Mom with the walker, but the gesture she was making at me made the photo rank above a G rating, so I didn't post it here. When it rains, it pours....and I'm sitting in the middle of a tsunami. (Did I mention my niece has swine flu...my car broke down...Amy's car broke down...and the list goes on and on.)
The story is very long and involved for what he's been through in the last week, so we'll just play the highlight reel...lots of fluids in...2 gallons of fluid drained off his stomach...started chemo...ICU for 24 hours because of low blood pressure (ironically, this was at the same time the Cardinals lost the series, which would make you think his blood pressure would have gone up)...liver not functioning correctly...had to skip chemo this week because of low platelet counts. The bad news is the fluid from his stomach cavity contained lots of cancer cells, which means it is 'everywhere' according to the doctors. So, what next?
Dad's friend Fr. Anderson came yesterday and gave Dad the sacrament for the sick. Father guaranteed him this doesn't mean the end and he can even get it more than once. When he was finished, Dad asked how long it was good for. Even in his weakened state he is cracking jokes. They hope to get another round of chemo in him soon, to fight off the cancer and get his liver to start functioning properly.
The book signing is still on for Monday night. Dad will be there, although it may be through modern technology. So, come join us and raise a pint to Dad on Monday, October 19th at Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood at 7:00 p.m. He will either be there in person or via Skype. While you are there you can pick up a copy of this book Dad co-authored called 'St. Louis Brews.' It is really a great book (I'm truly not biased) and you can see the cover and a description here: http://www.reedypress.com/
On another note, that is so ridiculous it's almost funny (almost)...Mom torqued her knee and had to make a trip to the orthopedic surgeon and get an mri. They think she tore her meniscus - we'll find out more next week. In the mean time, she stole Dad's walker since she can't bear weight on that leg. Sue's husband Jeff suggested they get a double-walker, similar to the double-strollers for twins. I took a picture of Mom with the walker, but the gesture she was making at me made the photo rank above a G rating, so I didn't post it here. When it rains, it pours....and I'm sitting in the middle of a tsunami. (Did I mention my niece has swine flu...my car broke down...Amy's car broke down...and the list goes on and on.)
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Much has changed...
It has been several weeks since I have updated the blog and much has changed especially in the last few days. Dad has started at an oncologist and the first test they did was a PET scan. This scan shows the location of cancer in the body. The results came back today and were not good. The cancer is spreading very quickly and is now in Dad's liver and lymph nodes. His stomach cavity also has a lot of unexplained fluid.
They admitted him to Missouri Baptist Hospital (Room 1356B) this afternoon to try and resolve a number of issues including the fluid in the stomach, edema in his legs, his lack of strength, and a couple of other general things that as Dad said are 'fu#&ed up' (that's a direct quote). He will probably be in the hospital about 4 days and they'll start chemo while he is there.
We're trying to stay positive, but this news came like a punch to the gut. Dad's internist called to discuss his options and noted that he had quite the battle ahead of him if he chose to fight. Dad said, 'Laying here and doing nothing is not on my to do list, so let's start chemo.' His stubborn nature may just be the key. I guess we're back to hogging up some of the lines to heaven, but if you can throw a few extra prayers Dad's way we'd appreciate it.
On a good note...Dad got to see the final book today (he even signed 100 of them before they took him to the hospital) and he was ecstatic over the final product. Book signing at Schlafly Bottleworks on Monday, October 19th at 7:00 pm - still on tap. I have noticed that in between his major beer events, Dad fills his time at hospitals. I'm wondering if he has a nurse-fettish or if we should just schedule beer things every weekend to keep him on the up and up! Hmmm...
They admitted him to Missouri Baptist Hospital (Room 1356B) this afternoon to try and resolve a number of issues including the fluid in the stomach, edema in his legs, his lack of strength, and a couple of other general things that as Dad said are 'fu#&ed up' (that's a direct quote). He will probably be in the hospital about 4 days and they'll start chemo while he is there.
We're trying to stay positive, but this news came like a punch to the gut. Dad's internist called to discuss his options and noted that he had quite the battle ahead of him if he chose to fight. Dad said, 'Laying here and doing nothing is not on my to do list, so let's start chemo.' His stubborn nature may just be the key. I guess we're back to hogging up some of the lines to heaven, but if you can throw a few extra prayers Dad's way we'd appreciate it.
On a good note...Dad got to see the final book today (he even signed 100 of them before they took him to the hospital) and he was ecstatic over the final product. Book signing at Schlafly Bottleworks on Monday, October 19th at 7:00 pm - still on tap. I have noticed that in between his major beer events, Dad fills his time at hospitals. I'm wondering if he has a nurse-fettish or if we should just schedule beer things every weekend to keep him on the up and up! Hmmm...
Sunday, September 20, 2009
The King of Hop...
Forget the King of Pop, he is old news. The King of Hop is where it's at! It's been a couple of weeks since I've added any info, so we have a few updates...CANvention, ER, Hop in the City. At least his latest trip to the ER was surrounded by fun beer events! First, the minor setback...2 weekends ago Dad had to go to the emergency room. He was running fever and feeling lousy. Turned out to be a couple of infections, but nothing too serious. They released him from the ER, put him on antibiotics and within a few days he was much better.
Friday, September 11th, Mom and Dad, with my Aunt Mary as their personal assistant, drove to Springfield, IL for the 39th CANvention. Dad made it to the Tontine Luncheon and signed in. Thereby keeping his name on the coveted list of those who have attended every CANvention and still in the running for the cans they all contributed the first year. They sadly told me of a friend who didn't make it this year who was in the hospital. Dad was feeling very lucky and was so happy to be there. I believe there are 16 Tontines remaining. Like I said before, it will take more than pancreatic cancer to scratch off his name!
Yesterday on September 19th, Dad was the Honorary Chair of the Hop in the City event at Schlafly Tap Room. This was a huge spirit lifter for him and he did great! They named him The King of Hop, which of course included a crown, sash, and scepter. I've included his picture when he arrived (at the top)...looking good!!
Here's another with the crown. This one cracks me up, because the man has not butt and I caught him while he was pulling up his pants. When they did the 
whipple procedure and took out a good portion of his insides, apparently they did a buttectomy! Wish I could get that done, only without the cancer ;) Genetically, I didn't get his lack of tush!!
whipple procedure and took out a good portion of his insides, apparently they did a buttectomy! Wish I could get that done, only without the cancer ;) Genetically, I didn't get his lack of tush!!Anyway, the day was great, Dad made it about an hour and had good friends, like Beer Dave and the Ohlendorfs, along with the Schlafly crew there. He also had a good family showing with my 2 cousins Roberta and Regina coming along. My friend Jackie Billet went to the wrong Schlafly location or she would have been there too...her luck continues, like the day she got stranded on the side of the Boston Turnpike, but that's a story for another blog entry!! So the King of Hop had lots of love along with hundreds of others cheering for him. It was a great day!
One of the highlights, in my opinion, was the bottles of 'chemotherapy ale' the good people at Schlafly gave to Dad. These were custom labels made just for him. Seriously, can you think of a bigger honor than having your own beer?? I'm totally jealous! Troika did a fantastic job on creating the labels. Troika we think you are amazing!! Here's a link to a picture of the label: http://stlhops.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Henry-bottle.jpg
Thanks again to Tom Schlafly and everyone at both Schlafly locations for showing Dad the love. He was truly honored. Next big beer event...the book release!!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Home Sweet Home...
Mom and Dad made it home on a, thankfully, uneventful flight on Saturday night. They are both so glad to be back at home. Life is getting back to 'normal' and they are happily visiting with friends and family. In fact, this Thursday night, Tyler (my son) and I get the honor of 'babysitting' the old guy. We only agreed to let Mom go out to dinner since Dad now takes his medication by mouth :)
Most of the time, they are both at home and are gladly accepting visitors. If you call ahead, Dad works at planning his naps around his visitors. He loves having a purpose to his day and formulating a good plan. Gives him something to think about besides bugging my Mom for crazy stuff all day. So, for the sanity of both of my parents, please feel free to stop in. Although, Friday they are heading to the CANvention so Dad can sign in at the Tontine luncheon. It will take more than a little pancreatic cancer to eliminate his name from the original list.
Most of the time, they are both at home and are gladly accepting visitors. If you call ahead, Dad works at planning his naps around his visitors. He loves having a purpose to his day and formulating a good plan. Gives him something to think about besides bugging my Mom for crazy stuff all day. So, for the sanity of both of my parents, please feel free to stop in. Although, Friday they are heading to the CANvention so Dad can sign in at the Tontine luncheon. It will take more than a little pancreatic cancer to eliminate his name from the original list.
Friday, September 4, 2009
36 Hours to Takeoff...
While Mom and Dad are counting down the hours until they come home (about 36 from this posting) big things are happening. First, Dad has not only been released from the surgeon, but he is finished with all treatment in CO. Which means he is coming home tube free! What an amazing feeling after having stuff stuck in him for 2 months. Family here is scrambling to get the homestead ready...things like cleaning up the evidence of the last party the neighbors and I had at Mom and Dad's house...I'm suddenly flashing back to high school when they'd go out of town...hmmmm....
The biggest news is thanks to Tom Schlafly and all the other great people at Schlafly, who if I tried to name them all would fail, so we'll lump them all into Schlafly's Greats, Dad has been named the Honorary Chair of their annual Hop in the City event this month. What an incredible honor!!! Come hell, highwater, or being carried in on Denny's (my husband) back, you know that Dad will be there. In Tom's monthly article on the Schlafly website he writes about Dad and this amazing thing they've done for him. I'm a little afraid that when Dad reads the article his head will swell so much that he'll blow his stitches out of his scalp, but it's a risk worth taking. Tom has a way with words. Here's a link to his article: http://schlafly.com/topfermentation.shtml. Thanks from all of the Herbsts to Tom and the Schlafly Greats! We will definitely see you at the event in a few weeks.
The biggest news is thanks to Tom Schlafly and all the other great people at Schlafly, who if I tried to name them all would fail, so we'll lump them all into Schlafly's Greats, Dad has been named the Honorary Chair of their annual Hop in the City event this month. What an incredible honor!!! Come hell, highwater, or being carried in on Denny's (my husband) back, you know that Dad will be there. In Tom's monthly article on the Schlafly website he writes about Dad and this amazing thing they've done for him. I'm a little afraid that when Dad reads the article his head will swell so much that he'll blow his stitches out of his scalp, but it's a risk worth taking. Tom has a way with words. Here's a link to his article: http://schlafly.com/topfermentation.shtml. Thanks from all of the Herbsts to Tom and the Schlafly Greats! We will definitely see you at the event in a few weeks.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Homeward Bound!!!
Finally, the post I've been waiting to write...Dad is coming home. That's right, Mom and Dad are flying back to STL on Saturday night. Dad was released by the surgeon today. He also removed almost all of his bandages and took him off the oxygen. No more carrying his own trendy oxygen bar with him, he now has to breathe the same air the rest of us get. He has his final antibiotic infusion tomorrow and then he will be a free man.
Since he and Mom left for vacation on June 28th it has been quite a trip to Denver. It will be great to have him back home. While the road in front of him is a long one, he will at least be looking at it through his own window in a few days.
Thanks again for everyone's prayers and support! You all are what have gotten he and Mom through the last few months. The blog will continue...I'm sure we'll have some hilarious chemo stories coming your way soon (or something like that)! Let's all pray for an uneventful flight home.
Since he and Mom left for vacation on June 28th it has been quite a trip to Denver. It will be great to have him back home. While the road in front of him is a long one, he will at least be looking at it through his own window in a few days.
Thanks again for everyone's prayers and support! You all are what have gotten he and Mom through the last few months. The blog will continue...I'm sure we'll have some hilarious chemo stories coming your way soon (or something like that)! Let's all pray for an uneventful flight home.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Better Each Day...
Dad's strength is steadily improving each day and this is just the news we were hoping for. He and Mom are hoping to fly home on Saturday. There are a number of arrangements that have to be made in regards to travel accommodations, like oxygen on the plane and just getting Dad to and from the car and the gate. The surgeon should release him when they visit his office later in the week and he will finish his anti-biotic infusions as well. Finally, this all feels like real progress!!!
I've heard from many of you that you appreciate the blog and even find it a bit humorous. I just wanted to say that I'm glad! I'm trying to keep it light since it's such a heavy topic. But, sometimes I can't live up to the pressure to think of anything funny. So, tonight's humorous line at Dad's expense comes from Sue...I spoke to her this weekend and asked how Dad was doing. Sue said, "Well, Mom gave him a haircut and he got a shower. Which is a good thing, because he cleaned up nicely and looks less like a Scary Old Man." Nice!!! I believe the saying goes, 'With friends (family) like this, who needs enemies?'
I've heard from many of you that you appreciate the blog and even find it a bit humorous. I just wanted to say that I'm glad! I'm trying to keep it light since it's such a heavy topic. But, sometimes I can't live up to the pressure to think of anything funny. So, tonight's humorous line at Dad's expense comes from Sue...I spoke to her this weekend and asked how Dad was doing. Sue said, "Well, Mom gave him a haircut and he got a shower. Which is a good thing, because he cleaned up nicely and looks less like a Scary Old Man." Nice!!! I believe the saying goes, 'With friends (family) like this, who needs enemies?'
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The Answer to the Ultimate Question...
Dad is progressing well. He has managed to stay on his feet for 3 straight days...at least when he's not napping! He visited the surgeon today and the drain for his stomach, which has been capped for a week, but was left in 'just in case', was removed. He's visiting an infusion center each day to finish up antibiotics to clear all of the infections from his bizarre night of internal poisoning. He has about a week left of the infusions. He will visit the surgeon again next Thursday and may get released at that point. Which means, Mom and Dad may come home as early as Labor Day weekend. The surgeon also encouraged Dad to increase his food and eat whatever he wanted!!
The Ultimate Question, which Dad posed to the surgeon today, went something like this...
Dad: "I have a question."
Surgeon: "When can you start chemo?"
Dad: "No. When can I have a beer?"
Nice! The Answer...Now. The surgeon even said he could have a couple. Dad expressed some reservations about his tolerance level. So the surgeon's orders were to drink it sitting down. Another head split+blood thinners+alcohol= Bad News!! So, I believe he enjoyed a part of a beer this evening, while chilling on the couch. I'm sure he enjoyed the beer even more when someone else was waiting on him and he got to use the excuse of 'Dr.'s orders.' Life is slowing getting back to normal...
The Ultimate Question, which Dad posed to the surgeon today, went something like this...
Dad: "I have a question."
Surgeon: "When can you start chemo?"
Dad: "No. When can I have a beer?"
Nice! The Answer...Now. The surgeon even said he could have a couple. Dad expressed some reservations about his tolerance level. So the surgeon's orders were to drink it sitting down. Another head split+blood thinners+alcohol= Bad News!! So, I believe he enjoyed a part of a beer this evening, while chilling on the couch. I'm sure he enjoyed the beer even more when someone else was waiting on him and he got to use the excuse of 'Dr.'s orders.' Life is slowing getting back to normal...
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
He's fine today...
In typical fashion, after a bad day Dad is doing fine today. In fact, he said he didn't even have a headache. He must have left his little bit of brains on the sidewalk! If he follows the same pattern he used in the hospital, tomorrow will be a great day and then Thursday he'll probably try to perfect a triple lutz. I promise to post something so that you all will come read the blog and he won't have to try and pull another attention getting stunt.
Thanks to Ted, Nick, & Todd - 3 of Dad's 'sons' who made the trek to Denver today from STL to visit him. Apparently they thought the daughters weren't doing a very good job, so they stepped in to do their part. Their visit was definitely a spirit booster for Dad! Thanks bros.
Thanks to Ted, Nick, & Todd - 3 of Dad's 'sons' who made the trek to Denver today from STL to visit him. Apparently they thought the daughters weren't doing a very good job, so they stepped in to do their part. Their visit was definitely a spirit booster for Dad! Thanks bros.
Monday, August 24, 2009
New theory...
As I noted in my previous post, my Uncle George is in Denver to visit Dad. He is Dad's only brother and wanted to see him after his whirlwind cruise this summer. So, after seeing him for a few short hours and then watching him take the header on the sidewalk, Uncle George has a new theory to add to the mix...
Dad is actually fine and has been smokescreening all of us! Now that he's at Sue's house we were on to him and about to figure out that he was just trying to get some attention, so he took the header to distract us for a while.
I love it! We will add this as Theory #5, to the 4 listed in the previous posting. #6 theory is offered up by my brother-in-law Jeff. His theory is Dad is trying to keep the over-under interesting on if he'll actually make the Tontine Lunch at the Beer Canvention.
Got a theory? We'd love to hear them. Post a comment with your theory on why Stubborn Ol' Dad did a swan dive on the sidewalk today. We'll vote on our favorite and the winner gets a special prize. Be careful what you wish for. You may want to trade in the prize for the box on the floor. Which we'll have to step over to get to Dad and pick him up again...
Dad is actually fine and has been smokescreening all of us! Now that he's at Sue's house we were on to him and about to figure out that he was just trying to get some attention, so he took the header to distract us for a while.
I love it! We will add this as Theory #5, to the 4 listed in the previous posting. #6 theory is offered up by my brother-in-law Jeff. His theory is Dad is trying to keep the over-under interesting on if he'll actually make the Tontine Lunch at the Beer Canvention.
Got a theory? We'd love to hear them. Post a comment with your theory on why Stubborn Ol' Dad did a swan dive on the sidewalk today. We'll vote on our favorite and the winner gets a special prize. Be careful what you wish for. You may want to trade in the prize for the box on the floor. Which we'll have to step over to get to Dad and pick him up again...
Unbelievable...
There are a number of theories floating around about the latest Dad development. First, the news...while trying to walk up the step tonight into Sue's house Dad fell backwards and split his head open. He just left the ER at his favorite hospital with 30 stitches in a z-shaped pattern.
Now the theories...
Now the theories...
- He was so afraid everyone would quit reading this blog, that he did the Nestea plunge on the sidewalk so there would be more news to report. Since his blood thinners have been increased to try and get rid of the blood clot in his arm, you know this looked pretty!
- He figured the ladies at the hospital missed him. As Dad would say, 'What's not to love?' So, he decided to go pay them a visit.
- Since his brother George just arrived in town, he didn't want him to miss out on the excitement they've all been living the past 7 weeks, so he thought he'd give him a first hand experience.
- He wanted a scar from all of his troubles that was visible without taking off his shirt. As my nephew Zach would say, "This will be a great story next time you're in a bar."
As we all know is the case with Dad, this one boils down to his stubbornness, he wouldn't wait for help and tried to do the step by himself. Mom was getting his stuff out of the car and Sue was making him a snack (see there is good news laced in here - he's eating!), but he is still very weak from being in the hospital so long. Crazy dude thinks he's Superman and you know he's frustrated with the inability to just pop up and do it all. Sometimes, no matter how old we are, we insist on learning lessons the hard way.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
And He's Outta There!
After 49 days in the hospital, Dad was released last night!!!!!!!! He and Mom are staying at Sue's house for a couple of weeks. YEAH!!!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Food Glorious Food!!!
I am so happy to report that Dad is continuing his steady stream of good days! He even had real food yesterday...scrambled eggs and fruit. He said it didn't sit too great at first, but the good news is he digested it just fine. The stomach has finally remembered! So, the feeding tube and stomach drain have been off for days and everything is working great.
In an effort to win the "Favorite Daughter" title, Sue brought him a vanilla malt last night. He was in heaven. Although I think that with Amy on vacation in Alaska and me in Missouri, providing a frozen meal when you're the only one in town is cheating! I'm a little disappointed that Dad's love was for sale so cheap. Anyway, Mom always said she loved me best. :)
It looks like he might be released to Sue's on Friday. There are a few small issues that he is still dealing with, like a drain from the incision that is pumping out a lot of goo (yes, that's the medical term), but all things considered he's plugging along. Keep your prayers coming that he's down to 48 hours left in the hospital. That doesn't seem like very long when we consider he's been in there for 47 days. If he goes home on Friday, he'll likely have to stay in Denver for 2 more weeks.
All you beer enthusiasts realize this will put him home in enough time to make the Beer Canvention in Springfield, IL the weekend after Labor Day. He will retain his tontine status. A bit of family history...the BCCA Canvention is always the same week as Sue's birthday. Dad has been going to this canvention since it started 39 years ago. This year is Sue's 39th birthday. So, it looks like Dad will get out of Denver just in the nick of time to avoid yet another of her birthdays :) If she went to a therapist, I'm sure this would be at the top of the discussion list.
Dad has set his goals...the first being the Tontine luncheon at the BCCA...the second being the Hop in the City event at Schlafly later in September. The good people at Schlafly named Dad the Honorary Chair of this event. If he wasn't motivated before, that is truly giving him something to strive for. When he can drink a beer again, you can all guarantee that I will be the one tipping the pint with him and will immediately revert to the Favorite Daughter!!
Special thanks from our family to Bob Gau, Dad's boss for all his years at John Henry Foster, who made the trip to Denver today from STL to visit Dad. You know you are a lucky soul when you can count your boss (or ex-boss) as such a good friend.
In an effort to win the "Favorite Daughter" title, Sue brought him a vanilla malt last night. He was in heaven. Although I think that with Amy on vacation in Alaska and me in Missouri, providing a frozen meal when you're the only one in town is cheating! I'm a little disappointed that Dad's love was for sale so cheap. Anyway, Mom always said she loved me best. :)
It looks like he might be released to Sue's on Friday. There are a few small issues that he is still dealing with, like a drain from the incision that is pumping out a lot of goo (yes, that's the medical term), but all things considered he's plugging along. Keep your prayers coming that he's down to 48 hours left in the hospital. That doesn't seem like very long when we consider he's been in there for 47 days. If he goes home on Friday, he'll likely have to stay in Denver for 2 more weeks.
All you beer enthusiasts realize this will put him home in enough time to make the Beer Canvention in Springfield, IL the weekend after Labor Day. He will retain his tontine status. A bit of family history...the BCCA Canvention is always the same week as Sue's birthday. Dad has been going to this canvention since it started 39 years ago. This year is Sue's 39th birthday. So, it looks like Dad will get out of Denver just in the nick of time to avoid yet another of her birthdays :) If she went to a therapist, I'm sure this would be at the top of the discussion list.
Dad has set his goals...the first being the Tontine luncheon at the BCCA...the second being the Hop in the City event at Schlafly later in September. The good people at Schlafly named Dad the Honorary Chair of this event. If he wasn't motivated before, that is truly giving him something to strive for. When he can drink a beer again, you can all guarantee that I will be the one tipping the pint with him and will immediately revert to the Favorite Daughter!!
Special thanks from our family to Bob Gau, Dad's boss for all his years at John Henry Foster, who made the trip to Denver today from STL to visit Dad. You know you are a lucky soul when you can count your boss (or ex-boss) as such a good friend.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Off the Roller Coaster and On a Roll!
(I stole that title from Ann Sommer - it was too great to pass up. Thanks Ann!)
Yes, this marks Day 4 of good days, but who's counting? Not only is it a good day, it may just be considered a great day as Dad achieved a huge milestone today that he hasn't reached since the Whipple was done on July 10th...the pump on the stomach drain was shut off this morning. This is huge!!!! It means his stomach has remembered its job and kicked in. At least all signs are pointing at this accomplishment.
He has celebrated with coffee, root beer, jello, tea, etc.!!! He is quite literally eating it up. Well maybe just drinking it up. The true test will come through the night. As long as Dad's stomach doesn't throw it in reverse tomorrow will hold even bigger and better things. There's a rumor about thicker liquids and maybe even food.
They hope to release him from the hospital on Thursday. If all goes well he may be released without the feeding tube and stomach drain. This is even better than we have imagined over the last few weeks. Gotta say, Mom and Sue will be thankful for this!! This also means he can come home to St. Louis sooner. We'll keep you posted. Here's to hoping for 5 good days in a row....
Yes, this marks Day 4 of good days, but who's counting? Not only is it a good day, it may just be considered a great day as Dad achieved a huge milestone today that he hasn't reached since the Whipple was done on July 10th...the pump on the stomach drain was shut off this morning. This is huge!!!! It means his stomach has remembered its job and kicked in. At least all signs are pointing at this accomplishment.
He has celebrated with coffee, root beer, jello, tea, etc.!!! He is quite literally eating it up. Well maybe just drinking it up. The true test will come through the night. As long as Dad's stomach doesn't throw it in reverse tomorrow will hold even bigger and better things. There's a rumor about thicker liquids and maybe even food.
They hope to release him from the hospital on Thursday. If all goes well he may be released without the feeding tube and stomach drain. This is even better than we have imagined over the last few weeks. Gotta say, Mom and Sue will be thankful for this!! This also means he can come home to St. Louis sooner. We'll keep you posted. Here's to hoping for 5 good days in a row....
Sunday, August 16, 2009
3 in a Row!!!!
Dad has finally broken the streak! Today makes the third good day in a row. Although there are 5 hours and 10 minutes left in the day, so I hope I'm not jinxing it! There are still some small hurdles to clear, such as the feeding tube has still not been turned back on. But, they let him have some jello (still not beer flavored) and he's drinking things today. Sue said he's powering through it while they're letting him start drinks...cranberry juice, tea, grape juice, and even a Coke!! Not quite a beer, but he's making progress. After 1 month and 5 days of basically no food or drink, he is enjoying every flavor.
They are hoping to release him later this week. Keep your fingers crossed that the upward progress continues and that he actually gets out of the hospital. Today makes 1 month and 14 days since he went to the ER.
I talked to Dad this morning and asked if he wanted to say anything to his dedicated readers. He said to tell everyone "thanks and that I get my sense of humor from him." He's never been much of a phone talker, in fact, I can replay every phone conversation while I was away at college..."Hi Dad!...Hi Kath, how's the weather?...Here's your Mom." He is pretty weak from his extended stay and had difficulty mustering up much of a conversation. So the fact that Dad gave me 2 separate thoughts to pass on to all of you shows how much he appreciates your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes! He is truly a lucky guy.
Sorry that we are hogging one of the prayer lines for so long, but please keep them coming. Looks like he is rounding the corner and on the homestretch, at least in the first leg of this race. Here's to 4 in a row....
They are hoping to release him later this week. Keep your fingers crossed that the upward progress continues and that he actually gets out of the hospital. Today makes 1 month and 14 days since he went to the ER.
I talked to Dad this morning and asked if he wanted to say anything to his dedicated readers. He said to tell everyone "thanks and that I get my sense of humor from him." He's never been much of a phone talker, in fact, I can replay every phone conversation while I was away at college..."Hi Dad!...Hi Kath, how's the weather?...Here's your Mom." He is pretty weak from his extended stay and had difficulty mustering up much of a conversation. So the fact that Dad gave me 2 separate thoughts to pass on to all of you shows how much he appreciates your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes! He is truly a lucky guy.
Sorry that we are hogging one of the prayer lines for so long, but please keep them coming. Looks like he is rounding the corner and on the homestretch, at least in the first leg of this race. Here's to 4 in a row....
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Following the Pattern...
As predicted, yesterday was a better day. Dad got up and moving and was feeling better again. Ileus appears to have worked itself out. Blood clot was down, if not gone all the way. Hopefully today will continue the pattern and be another good day. I'm off to continue the long-standing Herbst tradition of spending the weekend at a soccer tournament. I'll update you all again tonight or tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed that tomorrow breaks the 2 up, 1 down pattern...
Thursday, August 13, 2009
At a Loss...
I really just don't know what to say. I know it's hard to imagine that I am at a loss for words, but it's true. After another couple of good days, Dad has thrown it in reverse again. The old Murphy's Law 'Anything that can go wrong, will,' is now being renamed Henry's Rule. Or maybe we'll name a new scientific theory of ratios after him that has something to do with 2 good, then 1 bad. It appears he is sticking with the pattern of 2 good days and then a retreat. Someone more clever than I can come up with a good name for this.
On Monday and Tuesday he was using words like awesome and great, haven't heard those adjectives since then. Wednesday started a downhill slide. Not only is his stomach not working, but his intestines were heading in the wrong direction on Wednesday night due to a gastric ileus. The man absolutely hates to throw up and he loves to sleep...Wednesday brought a sleepless night of vomiting, so you know he was hating today! They've shut off his feeding tube for 24 hours in the hope that the ileus will go away on its own. So, now add to the list that he'll be hungry. Anyone who has seen Dad have to wait until 12:05 when lunch is supposed to be at noon, knows what a bear he is when he's hungry. Haven't we all felt a little sorry for the waitress who messes up his order? Well, transfer that sympathy to the nurses until that feeding tube gets turned back on. We don't know what the course of action is if the ileus is still present after 24 hours. Guess I'll dive into my medical dictionary and learn some new words...as long as I don't have to type 'stomach surgery and NG tube' again.
In addition to the ileus, they found a small blood clot in his left arm this afternoon. So they're changing his blood thinner meds. You know it's been a bad day when the man who has had 2 strokes is diagnosed with a blood clot and nobody is really worried!!! As he said once before, he's the luckiest unlucky bastard and that pattern is holding true.
If he sticks to his 2 up, 1 down rotation, then tomorrow is a good day. I'll be writing the blog as the friggin' bluebird of happiness. Today I'm just pissed at the unrighteousness of it all. We love you Dad!
Guess I was able to come up with a few things to say :)
On Monday and Tuesday he was using words like awesome and great, haven't heard those adjectives since then. Wednesday started a downhill slide. Not only is his stomach not working, but his intestines were heading in the wrong direction on Wednesday night due to a gastric ileus. The man absolutely hates to throw up and he loves to sleep...Wednesday brought a sleepless night of vomiting, so you know he was hating today! They've shut off his feeding tube for 24 hours in the hope that the ileus will go away on its own. So, now add to the list that he'll be hungry. Anyone who has seen Dad have to wait until 12:05 when lunch is supposed to be at noon, knows what a bear he is when he's hungry. Haven't we all felt a little sorry for the waitress who messes up his order? Well, transfer that sympathy to the nurses until that feeding tube gets turned back on. We don't know what the course of action is if the ileus is still present after 24 hours. Guess I'll dive into my medical dictionary and learn some new words...as long as I don't have to type 'stomach surgery and NG tube' again.
In addition to the ileus, they found a small blood clot in his left arm this afternoon. So they're changing his blood thinner meds. You know it's been a bad day when the man who has had 2 strokes is diagnosed with a blood clot and nobody is really worried!!! As he said once before, he's the luckiest unlucky bastard and that pattern is holding true.
If he sticks to his 2 up, 1 down rotation, then tomorrow is a good day. I'll be writing the blog as the friggin' bluebird of happiness. Today I'm just pissed at the unrighteousness of it all. We love you Dad!
Guess I was able to come up with a few things to say :)
Monday, August 10, 2009
A Great Day!
We're back on the roller coaster and hitting a high today! Here's to hoping it lasts. Dad is out of ICU and back in a regular room. He is in Room 217, which we decided has to have better karma than Room 223 where he's spent the last month. He is feeling the best he has felt in days. The projection is to release him from the hospital on Friday...let's hope he finally does what they tell him :)
Everyone knows Dad's love of all things beer and more than 1 recommendation has been made for hops in his feeding tube, beer in the IV, something to give him the extra push he seems to be missing so far. Since some beer could be considered 'clear liquids' we're challenging his friends in the beer making industry to create a beer flavored jello (this idea courtesy of Keith in Austrailia...yes, we've taken the global approach to his recovery). We are certain this will speed up his recovery and have him home in no time!
Everyone knows Dad's love of all things beer and more than 1 recommendation has been made for hops in his feeding tube, beer in the IV, something to give him the extra push he seems to be missing so far. Since some beer could be considered 'clear liquids' we're challenging his friends in the beer making industry to create a beer flavored jello (this idea courtesy of Keith in Austrailia...yes, we've taken the global approach to his recovery). We are certain this will speed up his recovery and have him home in no time!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
1 Step Forward, but too Many Back...
After making great strides toward being released from the hospital on Friday, including getting to eat some Jello, Saturday brought several huge steps backwards for Dad. It appeared the insertion of the PEG tube was a success on Friday and Dad would be released from the hospital on this upcoming Monday. But on Saturday he began running a bit of a fever. By Saturday night his fever was very high and his heart rate was speeding along at a scary clip. The hospital called Mom about 10 Saturday night to tell her they were moving him to ICU, because his heart wasn't doing what they wanted it to (whatever in the heck that means!). So, Mom, Amy, and Sue separately sped to the hospital to find the old guy not looking so great.
His fever kept increasing and his heart rate was around 155 and they couldn't get it to go down. After running a number of tests through the middle of the night to determine the problem, they called in his surgeon around 3:30 am. Even though Dad was a bit out of it, and really struggling with the heartrate, he still managed to cuss a blue streak when he heard the words 'operating room.' So, much to his dismay, back to the OR he went for a few hours this morning, while the girls had a basically sleepless night. They had to reopen almost the entire incision from the Whipple Procedure (let's all utter a collective 'ouch') and discovered that the PEG tube was leaking internally. In essence, his system was poisoning him and he had an internal infection. So, the surgeon 'washed and scrubbed his insides' and removed the PEG tube. A different type of tube was inserted from his stomach to drain it. As the surgeon said, "the new tube is stitched in so tight I could almost lift him with it." How's that for a yummy thought?
So, now where are we???? After my ridiculously optimistic string of 'hopefullys' on Friday, we'll now go with 'who knows, but here's what we want'... the new stomach drain will allow him to be released from the hospital once he's able to be up and about. He will have to still get the liquid tube feeding for food and empty the stomach drain at home, but he will get to have clear liquids, like coffee (one of his favorites, although not nearly up there with a Schlafly's beer). The bad news, since this was yet another stomach operation, the clock resets on the 10-14 day waiting period for the stomach to start working. He will have to stay in Denver, under the care of his surgeon, until the stomach starts working, so it appears that will be several more weeks.
The 2 questions I'm getting the most are: How is Mom holding up? and How much weight has Dad lost? In a nut shell, the answers are 'pretty good, all things considered' and 'a lot.' I'm more thankful for my sisters than I can say. They are constantly splitting time amongst their own families and the hospital. Mom is staying with Sue and Jeff and I'm thankful she doesn't have to go home by herself at night. Plus, Sue and Jeff are plying Mom with loads of wine and seem to know when it's a 1-glass with dinner or a get-Mom-drunk-and-put-her-to-bed kind of night. In the week I was out there we went through at least 1 case of wine. My niece and nephew's college funds could be in jeopardy if this continues, or they're going to have to switch to Boone's Farm Wine!
Dad is down about 35 pounds since most of you have seen him. We have a longtime joke in our family that Dad, over the years, grew into his ears. I have a feeling his ears are making a huge
proportional comeback. If you don't believe me, check out their wedding picture that I've added to this post. Dad was 20-30 pounds less than he is now when he got married, so they probably don't look quite as huge as they do in this picture. Mom had to have the poofy veil just to compete! Hopefully, the Jello and juice will help him put back on a few pounds, while he bides his time until egg mcmuffins and beer!
His fever kept increasing and his heart rate was around 155 and they couldn't get it to go down. After running a number of tests through the middle of the night to determine the problem, they called in his surgeon around 3:30 am. Even though Dad was a bit out of it, and really struggling with the heartrate, he still managed to cuss a blue streak when he heard the words 'operating room.' So, much to his dismay, back to the OR he went for a few hours this morning, while the girls had a basically sleepless night. They had to reopen almost the entire incision from the Whipple Procedure (let's all utter a collective 'ouch') and discovered that the PEG tube was leaking internally. In essence, his system was poisoning him and he had an internal infection. So, the surgeon 'washed and scrubbed his insides' and removed the PEG tube. A different type of tube was inserted from his stomach to drain it. As the surgeon said, "the new tube is stitched in so tight I could almost lift him with it." How's that for a yummy thought?
So, now where are we???? After my ridiculously optimistic string of 'hopefullys' on Friday, we'll now go with 'who knows, but here's what we want'... the new stomach drain will allow him to be released from the hospital once he's able to be up and about. He will have to still get the liquid tube feeding for food and empty the stomach drain at home, but he will get to have clear liquids, like coffee (one of his favorites, although not nearly up there with a Schlafly's beer). The bad news, since this was yet another stomach operation, the clock resets on the 10-14 day waiting period for the stomach to start working. He will have to stay in Denver, under the care of his surgeon, until the stomach starts working, so it appears that will be several more weeks.
The 2 questions I'm getting the most are: How is Mom holding up? and How much weight has Dad lost? In a nut shell, the answers are 'pretty good, all things considered' and 'a lot.' I'm more thankful for my sisters than I can say. They are constantly splitting time amongst their own families and the hospital. Mom is staying with Sue and Jeff and I'm thankful she doesn't have to go home by herself at night. Plus, Sue and Jeff are plying Mom with loads of wine and seem to know when it's a 1-glass with dinner or a get-Mom-drunk-and-put-her-to-bed kind of night. In the week I was out there we went through at least 1 case of wine. My niece and nephew's college funds could be in jeopardy if this continues, or they're going to have to switch to Boone's Farm Wine!
Dad is down about 35 pounds since most of you have seen him. We have a longtime joke in our family that Dad, over the years, grew into his ears. I have a feeling his ears are making a huge
proportional comeback. If you don't believe me, check out their wedding picture that I've added to this post. Dad was 20-30 pounds less than he is now when he got married, so they probably don't look quite as huge as they do in this picture. Mom had to have the poofy veil just to compete! Hopefully, the Jello and juice will help him put back on a few pounds, while he bides his time until egg mcmuffins and beer!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Stubborn or the Picture of Patience???
I think we all have an immediate answer to this question when it's posed about Dad. Like Mom says, "he can have patience, he just wants it now." So, apparently his stomach is as stubborn as the rest of him...he is literally stubborn through and through! The stomach won't get started doing its job until its good and ready. Therefore, the surgeon is taking a new approach. They are removing the NG tube today (YEAH!!!!!) and putting in a drain in his side to empty the stomach until it starts to fully function. The surgeon says he is making progress, he's just taking his old sweet time. So, this means what?
Dad will actually get released from the hospital, hopefully next Monday. But, he'll have to stay in Denver for about 3 weeks (hopefully) until his stomach starts working. His surgeon will not release him from his care until he can eat and the drain is removed. He still won't be able to eat because it could block the drain and his stomach won't process the food. So, he'll be bottle-fed for 12 hours a night (he's going to be pissed I phrased it like that when he reads this :)) through the existing tube feed. Mom and my sister Sue get to play nurse maid for awhile (suddenly being the only one in St. Louis throughout this process isn't seeming so bad). And to share a little gross family insight, Sue has a wicked gag reflex. She is going to love emptying the bag from the drain. She barfed on her orthodontist getting her braces put on - that was nothing compared to this. Almost wish I could see it :)
I keep using 'hopefully' to describe his timeframes, because we all know he hasn't stuck with any outline they've given him yet. He keeps choosing the 'Off the Board for 50 points' option instead of following directions. Anyone surprised??
Here's looking ahead to Monday and being released from the hospital. He's getting a little frustrated (understandably so) and therefore, we can no longer say he's getting out on good behavior. But, none the less, he's getting out!
Dad will actually get released from the hospital, hopefully next Monday. But, he'll have to stay in Denver for about 3 weeks (hopefully) until his stomach starts working. His surgeon will not release him from his care until he can eat and the drain is removed. He still won't be able to eat because it could block the drain and his stomach won't process the food. So, he'll be bottle-fed for 12 hours a night (he's going to be pissed I phrased it like that when he reads this :)) through the existing tube feed. Mom and my sister Sue get to play nurse maid for awhile (suddenly being the only one in St. Louis throughout this process isn't seeming so bad). And to share a little gross family insight, Sue has a wicked gag reflex. She is going to love emptying the bag from the drain. She barfed on her orthodontist getting her braces put on - that was nothing compared to this. Almost wish I could see it :)
I keep using 'hopefully' to describe his timeframes, because we all know he hasn't stuck with any outline they've given him yet. He keeps choosing the 'Off the Board for 50 points' option instead of following directions. Anyone surprised??
Here's looking ahead to Monday and being released from the hospital. He's getting a little frustrated (understandably so) and therefore, we can no longer say he's getting out on good behavior. But, none the less, he's getting out!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Not taking this lying down....
Well he's sort of not taking this lying down. The good news is Dad is a man on the move! He is wandering the halls of the hospital a few times a day. They have increased his exercise in hopes that it will help the digestive system and the stomach will soon 'remember' its job. So far, not working, but at least he's getting up a bit more. Just hope he remembers to close the back of his hospital gown :)
Dad's also gotten to go outside each day. The word is that the weather in Denver has been spectactular, so they've been parking him in a wheelchair outside for an hour or so each day. [If Dad was writing his own blog, that last sentence would have gone something like this...'So they wheel my sorry ass out to the curb each day.' That's one of his favorite phrases, so I thought I'd sneak it in there.] The fresh air is definitely helping his spirits. He got outside for the first time on August 2nd - a full month after he walked in the doors of the hospital.
The stomach is still not kicking in. The waiting game continues. You know the drill...NG tube and ice chips.
Dad's also gotten to go outside each day. The word is that the weather in Denver has been spectactular, so they've been parking him in a wheelchair outside for an hour or so each day. [If Dad was writing his own blog, that last sentence would have gone something like this...'So they wheel my sorry ass out to the curb each day.' That's one of his favorite phrases, so I thought I'd sneak it in there.] The fresh air is definitely helping his spirits. He got outside for the first time on August 2nd - a full month after he walked in the doors of the hospital.
The stomach is still not kicking in. The waiting game continues. You know the drill...NG tube and ice chips.
Friday, July 31, 2009
No news is good news?
Not sure who came up with the old adage 'no news is good news,' but it's not really true in this case. I haven't been home much this week to update. So, we'll get you all caught up now...
To sum it up...Dad's still stuck at the same spot. Eating ice chips with the NG tube. The stomach has not kicked in and decided to work yet and pump the bile and fluid to his intestine. The surgeon is confident this will happen and he keeps saying the stomach only knows how to do 1 thing - it will remember. But, while it's inflamed after surgery it doesn't always want to pump and may take some time. How long you ask??? Up to 2 weeks.
So, they did a contrast test today and verified that the surgery did work and the stomach is open to the intestine so now we just have to wait for his stomach to decide to do its job. It's been 4 days since surgery, so yes, it could be up to another 10 days before it kicks in. Until it kicks in....ice chips only and NG tube. UGH!!
Mom and Dad are definitely hoping for some good news at the hospital. Got any good news? Add it to the comment spot below. We'll live vicariously through all of you for awhile...I'll go first...the biggest news in our house this week is I purchased a Swiffer vacuum for Tyler (the 8-year old) who now says I'm the greatest Mom in the world and he is vacuuming my floors everyday. The good news is: I am released from vacuuming duty and apparently, Denny and I are raising a sucker!!
To sum it up...Dad's still stuck at the same spot. Eating ice chips with the NG tube. The stomach has not kicked in and decided to work yet and pump the bile and fluid to his intestine. The surgeon is confident this will happen and he keeps saying the stomach only knows how to do 1 thing - it will remember. But, while it's inflamed after surgery it doesn't always want to pump and may take some time. How long you ask??? Up to 2 weeks.
So, they did a contrast test today and verified that the surgery did work and the stomach is open to the intestine so now we just have to wait for his stomach to decide to do its job. It's been 4 days since surgery, so yes, it could be up to another 10 days before it kicks in. Until it kicks in....ice chips only and NG tube. UGH!!
Mom and Dad are definitely hoping for some good news at the hospital. Got any good news? Add it to the comment spot below. We'll live vicariously through all of you for awhile...I'll go first...the biggest news in our house this week is I purchased a Swiffer vacuum for Tyler (the 8-year old) who now says I'm the greatest Mom in the world and he is vacuuming my floors everyday. The good news is: I am released from vacuuming duty and apparently, Denny and I are raising a sucker!!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Stuck in neutral....
So, we were apparently jumping the gun a bit by expecting clear fluids. He hit the brakes yesterday. Apparently Dad loves the roller coaster, because each day that looks great and is a high, is followed by a stomach dropping day of downs. The down day was yesterday. Still stuck with the NG tube...stomach hasn't started 'pumping' yet...still only on ice chips.
When Denver wakes up in a bit, I'll check in and update again. If he's on schedule, it should be an up day, but again he isn't sticking with a normal pattern. Gosh he's stubborn! :)
When Denver wakes up in a bit, I'll check in and update again. If he's on schedule, it should be an up day, but again he isn't sticking with a normal pattern. Gosh he's stubborn! :)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Door # 3 is a Winner!!
I am very happy to report that Dad is doing great today!!! The surgery was a success. I spoke with him this afternoon and he sounded great. His days of toughness training in the Navy have paid off and he hasn't needed any pain meds. The NG tube is now bringing up nothing. Sue laughed and said no wonder the surgeon thought we were all insane when we kept saying the NG tube was bringing up less fluid last week. It was still bringing up tons compared to what was 'normal.' As we've said from the beginning, they'll have to rewrite normal after Dad.
So, huge leaps forward today, and hopefully more this week. Today he resumed the ice chip diet. Tomorrow the NG tube comes out. Dad begged the surgeon to be his first stop in the morning so he can get the tube out early. Tomorrow has the possibility of clear fluids. Who would have thought some apple juice and broth would be so darn exciting?!?
The surgeon also emphasized today that Dad needs to take longer walks and spend more time up in the chair. I figure he is used to that exercise routine - wake up from a nap...take a walk down the hall...take another nap...sit in the chair...take another nap...you get the picture! He should be a seasoned pro at this routine. He'll hopefully be released from the hospital no later than next Monday.
Thanks again for all the prayers and support. They are definitely working.
So, huge leaps forward today, and hopefully more this week. Today he resumed the ice chip diet. Tomorrow the NG tube comes out. Dad begged the surgeon to be his first stop in the morning so he can get the tube out early. Tomorrow has the possibility of clear fluids. Who would have thought some apple juice and broth would be so darn exciting?!?
The surgeon also emphasized today that Dad needs to take longer walks and spend more time up in the chair. I figure he is used to that exercise routine - wake up from a nap...take a walk down the hall...take another nap...sit in the chair...take another nap...you get the picture! He should be a seasoned pro at this routine. He'll hopefully be released from the hospital no later than next Monday.
Thanks again for all the prayers and support. They are definitely working.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Not the best day...
Well, the prize behind door #2 was a dud. Kind of like when people used to win a goat on Let's Make a Deal. The second option given to Dad to correct the stricture was another go at the endoscopy. So, the surgeon tried that approach this afternoon and was not able to open the stricture that way. They brought Dad back to his room for a couple of hours. He had to trade the goat for what was behind operating room curtain #3 (anybody following my 70's game show humor?). The surgeon reopened his incision from the Whipple procedure and had to surgically fix the stricture.
This is where the 'what they actually did' gets foggy. No offense to my mom, but she wasn't real clear on giving me the details. I know how much you all live for these great medical novels that I've been writing, but today you're going to have to be satisfied with a bit simpler version. We know this...they disconnected something and reconnected it somewhere else on his stomach...the surgeon drew a picture and it showed stitches (we don't really know where they were or what was stitched together), but he stitched something that in the picture looks like tubing. So, instead of a descriptive analysis of his treatment that could win me an amateur's award in the medical field, I've had to fall back on being the kid that's relaying you the story similar to a game of telephone.
The good news is, and Mom was very clear on this, the new connection was wide open and looked good. The bad news? The NG tube got put back in for at least 48 hours. Feel free to insert your own Hankism using the 'f' word here, because you know he had some choice things to say about that tube going back in!!!! So, we wait again...back to not even ice chips. That Schlafly beer is going to taste even better when he finally gets to drink it!!!
The waiting game continues. Hopefully, the NG tube will come out in 2 days and he'll be released from the hospital in about another week. By then he will have crossed the 1-month residency mark at Parker Adventist. We're keeping our heads up and trying not to view today as 2 steps backward. If it is, hopefully tomorrow will have 3 going in the other direction. You all know Dad's determination, which is what will pull him through this last week in the hospital, because basically at this point...he's pissed!
This is where the 'what they actually did' gets foggy. No offense to my mom, but she wasn't real clear on giving me the details. I know how much you all live for these great medical novels that I've been writing, but today you're going to have to be satisfied with a bit simpler version. We know this...they disconnected something and reconnected it somewhere else on his stomach...the surgeon drew a picture and it showed stitches (we don't really know where they were or what was stitched together), but he stitched something that in the picture looks like tubing. So, instead of a descriptive analysis of his treatment that could win me an amateur's award in the medical field, I've had to fall back on being the kid that's relaying you the story similar to a game of telephone.
The good news is, and Mom was very clear on this, the new connection was wide open and looked good. The bad news? The NG tube got put back in for at least 48 hours. Feel free to insert your own Hankism using the 'f' word here, because you know he had some choice things to say about that tube going back in!!!! So, we wait again...back to not even ice chips. That Schlafly beer is going to taste even better when he finally gets to drink it!!!
The waiting game continues. Hopefully, the NG tube will come out in 2 days and he'll be released from the hospital in about another week. By then he will have crossed the 1-month residency mark at Parker Adventist. We're keeping our heads up and trying not to view today as 2 steps backward. If it is, hopefully tomorrow will have 3 going in the other direction. You all know Dad's determination, which is what will pull him through this last week in the hospital, because basically at this point...he's pissed!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
The Waiting Game Continues...
First some good news! Celeste came home yesterday and is doing very well. Thank you for all of the prayers.
Dad's progress continues to be much slower. They did the endoscopy on Friday and found that the blockage at the point where the stomach attaches to the intestine is due to a stricture. Basically just swelling and some tissue, nothing serious, but it's still not functioning properly. During the procedure they removed the NG tube, which was the tube through his nose to his stomach that was pumping out the bile. They did not replace the tube. So, on the good side, the tube is finally gone. On the bad side, he's now dealing with nausea and has gotten sick a few times since then.
So, what now??? The first option provided by the surgeon, is apparently not going to happen. This option was that the stricture, which they expanded during the endoscopy, would stay open and it would start to drain. Since he's still getting sick, that didn't work. So, on Monday the surgeon will do the second option, which is to perform another endoscopy and be more aggressive in expanding the stricture (the last endoscopy was done by the GI doctor). If this doesn't work, they'll have to go in and surgically remove some of the tissue blocking the drainage. That would be option 3. Obviously we are all hoping that what's behind door #2 will be the winner.
Still nothing besides ice chips. Hopefully, Monday will bring better news. We'll keep you posted.
Kathy
Dad's progress continues to be much slower. They did the endoscopy on Friday and found that the blockage at the point where the stomach attaches to the intestine is due to a stricture. Basically just swelling and some tissue, nothing serious, but it's still not functioning properly. During the procedure they removed the NG tube, which was the tube through his nose to his stomach that was pumping out the bile. They did not replace the tube. So, on the good side, the tube is finally gone. On the bad side, he's now dealing with nausea and has gotten sick a few times since then.
So, what now??? The first option provided by the surgeon, is apparently not going to happen. This option was that the stricture, which they expanded during the endoscopy, would stay open and it would start to drain. Since he's still getting sick, that didn't work. So, on Monday the surgeon will do the second option, which is to perform another endoscopy and be more aggressive in expanding the stricture (the last endoscopy was done by the GI doctor). If this doesn't work, they'll have to go in and surgically remove some of the tissue blocking the drainage. That would be option 3. Obviously we are all hoping that what's behind door #2 will be the winner.
Still nothing besides ice chips. Hopefully, Monday will bring better news. We'll keep you posted.
Kathy
Friday, July 24, 2009
Third Update on Dad (Henry Herbst)
Our first 2 updates made it sound like Dad would be in the hospital a maximum of 10 days. Here it is Day 14 Post-op and he's still in the hospital. While the man can be a freight train when he sets his mind to things, he also tends to want to set his own pace. So, I guess he's decided to not listen to the doctors after all. He's making progress, but it's slow.
The main problem at the moment is he is still producing too much bile from his stomach. He had a couple of tests yesterday that show an enlarged area at the top of his intestine where it comes from his stomach. This blockage won't let the goop leave his stomach, so they are having to pump it out. Basically, the train isn't leaving the station in the right direction. They will be doing an endoscopy this afternoon to see what the problem is. They think it just may be inflammation from surgery, but it could be something more serious like a kink.
All of this means he still has the tube through his nose, down his throat, and into his stomach. While he's tolerated it all pretty well, he's losing his good humor about that tube. (Fill in your own 'Hankism' here about what he's saying to the nurses). He is making other progress. He hasn't been on any pain meds since last Thursday...he is taking longer walks each day...and more and more tubes are being removed. But, at the moment, he is still only allowed ice chips to eat. He gets 1/2 cup of ice chips over a 24 hour period. When I think of the volume of food I've eaten over the last 2 weeks and compare it to his 2 cups of ice chips, I'm feeling kind of bad for the guy.
I will update this site again this weekend when we know more. In the mean time, he's hanging in there and still hanging out at Parker Adventist Hospital.
For those of you asking about my niece Celeste's surgery, her post is listed below.
The main problem at the moment is he is still producing too much bile from his stomach. He had a couple of tests yesterday that show an enlarged area at the top of his intestine where it comes from his stomach. This blockage won't let the goop leave his stomach, so they are having to pump it out. Basically, the train isn't leaving the station in the right direction. They will be doing an endoscopy this afternoon to see what the problem is. They think it just may be inflammation from surgery, but it could be something more serious like a kink.
All of this means he still has the tube through his nose, down his throat, and into his stomach. While he's tolerated it all pretty well, he's losing his good humor about that tube. (Fill in your own 'Hankism' here about what he's saying to the nurses). He is making other progress. He hasn't been on any pain meds since last Thursday...he is taking longer walks each day...and more and more tubes are being removed. But, at the moment, he is still only allowed ice chips to eat. He gets 1/2 cup of ice chips over a 24 hour period. When I think of the volume of food I've eaten over the last 2 weeks and compare it to his 2 cups of ice chips, I'm feeling kind of bad for the guy.
I will update this site again this weekend when we know more. In the mean time, he's hanging in there and still hanging out at Parker Adventist Hospital.
For those of you asking about my niece Celeste's surgery, her post is listed below.
Celeste...
For the past few weeks, my 9-year old niece Celeste has been struggling with her blood disorder. Her blood has been breaking down quickly and she has needed a few transfusions. The doctors were planning on taking out her spleen (which is the 'cure' for this disorder) in a few weeks when she was on break from school and after a few immunizations that are ideal to get while the spleen is still in. She got the immunizations, but they weren't able to wait any longer to take out the spleen. In the past few days her blood was breaking down too quickly. So, surgery was scheduled for this Thursday (yesterday).
There was some discussion that they would remove her gall bladder as well, since gall stones can be common with this disorder. But, they were not convinced she has any gall stones, although the ultrasound showed a little ‘stuff.’ The doctor believed that to be more fluid-like than stone-like. So, Thursday they did the surgery laprascopically and only removed her spleen.
During the procedure her spleen was VERY enlarged and difficult to remove. There was a scary moment during the procedure when an artery was nicked and she bled for about 10 minutes losing at least a ¼ of her blood. But, the surgeon was giving her blood during the procedure to compensate and there are no ill effects. She’ll be in the hospital until tomorrow, but in typical kid fashion they say she’s bouncing back already. She’ll be back home in Castle Rock by Sunday.
Thanks for all of the extra prayers for Celeste!
During the procedure her spleen was VERY enlarged and difficult to remove. There was a scary moment during the procedure when an artery was nicked and she bled for about 10 minutes losing at least a ¼ of her blood. But, the surgeon was giving her blood during the procedure to compensate and there are no ill effects. She’ll be in the hospital until tomorrow, but in typical kid fashion they say she’s bouncing back already. She’ll be back home in Castle Rock by Sunday.
Thanks for all of the extra prayers for Celeste!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Dad (Henry Herbst) - Second Update
This post is the second update on Dad that we sent out, via e-mail, on Thursday, July 16, 2009
Dear Family and Friends,
Again, thank you to each of you for the prayers, kind thoughts, well wishes, cards, and flowers. We are milking up all of it! The delivery man at the hospital brought a stack of cards today and said ‘Hi Henry. See you tomorrow.’ You know Dad was loving that! He doesn’t care where he’s the most popular, as long as he retains the title. So, for the moment, he is the Parker Adventist Resident Comedian…which is a good sign that he is in good spirits.
Since Sunday, much has happened, while at the same time some things are slow. It has kind of been a 2 steps forward, 1 step back sort of week, but the good thing is we’re making progress. More tubes have been removed, although he’s still on a feeding tube. Tomorrow’s goal is ice chips!!! Like I said, baby steps.
Hospital Stay
He had some issues with his blood pressure this week and passed out 3 of the 4 times he got out of bed in a 24 hour period. He figured out very quickly how to get about 20 nurses and doctors in his room. Again, he won the popularity contest on the second floor. Although his nurse told him if he wanted more attention to just ask. Those incidents were a step backward, but today the blood pressure was spot-on and he took a very long walk down the hall…2 steps forward. We are still unsure when he will be released from the hospital. He has a number of goals that have to be achieved before they will let him out. Things like eating and drinking. We are guessing he’ll be released sometime next week.
Prognosis
The pathology report was not quite what we expected after the surgery. While the ‘margins’ around the tumor were clean, including the tail of the pancreas, 7 of the 14 lymph nodes that were removed did have cancer. The cancer type was pancreatic ductal carcinoma. It is the adeno form of cancer that can move quickly (hence the spread to the lymph nodes). It is called ductal because it started in the ducts. So, what does all this mean?
He will definitely be undergoing chemotherapy, since they have to treat the system. They are not recommending radiation. They are optimistic that they removed all of the cancer, but you never know if any sneaky cells got elsewhere in his system and are moving to a different part of the body. The bad news of the day was he has an 80% chance of the cancer recurring someday, 70% chance if he does chemo. But, in typical Dad fashion, he said, “Not a problem, we’ll be in the 20%.”
Next Steps
Mom and Dad will be heading back to St. Louis probably near the end of the month. He has a few weeks before he needs to start chemo and he needs to heal some more from the Whipple Procedure. He will start with an oncologist in St. Louis and probably begin with a PET Scan to determine if the cancer is in any other organs. If that test is negative, he’ll start about 6 months of chemo. If that test shows cancer somewhere else he’ll start a whole new treatment and a whole new series of these ridiculously long updates! Pray like hell that the PET Scan shows good results!
At this point, we are still playing a bit of the waiting game…waiting for ice chips, food, and more tubes to be removed. Then we’ll move on to waiting for a trip home, a new oncologist, and chemo. Shortly after that we’ll finally be at the point that we’re waiting in the drive-thru at McDonald’s for an egg mcmuffin and at the bar at Schlafly’s for an APA.
Much thanks and love to each of you for your prayers and concern. He is truly lucky to have so many good friends in his life. Come visit when he gets home, Mom will surely be driving him crazy by then!
Love,
Kathy (Daughter #3)
DISCLAIMER…I have no medical training and don’t even know if some of this stuff is spelled correctly. Be careful if you google any of the medical terms listed above. It will probably bring back results for things like breast augmentation and plumbing.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Dad (Henry Herbst) - First Update
This is the first update we sent, via e-mail, on Sunday, July 12, 2009...
Dear Family & Friends,
First of all, a heartfelt thanks to each of you for your concern and prayers. Sorry to send out a mass e-mail to update each of you, but this is the best way to get all of the information to everyone. Feel free to forward this message to anyone who may be interested and just respond if you have any questions. I’ll be spending the week in the hospital room and can relay all messages. But a word of warning, he’s returning to his spunky self and you will probably get a sarcastic response.
History
Mom & Dad came out to Denver on Sunday, June 28th to visit Amy, Sue and the grandkids (son-in-laws too) and Dad was feeling a little under the weather. Tired, a little lethargic, and his coloring wasn’t great. By Thursday, he was unbelievably jaundiced and really feeling bad. He went to the emergency room swearing he had altitude sickness. We kept telling him that didn’t make you turn yellow, but he wouldn’t listen to us :) So, they ran a series of tests with the assumption it was Hepatitis A, as his symptoms were leaning to that diagnosis. The blood tests were negative for hepatitis, and an ultrasound showed a mass on the head of his pancreas.
The mass was blocking the bile duct that connects the liver to the small intestine. With the bile duct blocked, his body wasn’t able to get the waste to the intestines and it was backing up, hence the jaundiced skin. By this time his bilirubin counts (what makes your skin look jaundice) was 12 times the normal amount. They admitted him to the hospital until they could study the mass and drain the bile.
The next day, they performed an endoscopy (camera down the throat to the intestines/pancreas area) to determine what the mass/blockage was. They found a number of areas of concern where the intestines were inflamed and they could see the mass, but not reach it for a biopsy. Because of Dad’s strokes in 1996, he is on blood thinners and they were unable to push the scope past the inflamed areas to get a biopsy on the mass or even to put a stint in the bile duct and open it up. So the waiting game began…4 days of waiting before they would do a more invasive procedure while they waited for the blood thinners to leave his system.
Monday they went in to Dad’s liver through his stomach and were able to drain the liver (we’ll definitely skip the details here, it was NOT pretty). During this procedure they were able to get a brush biopsy of the mass….more waiting.
Thursday brought the diagnosis we were most fearful of. Dad has pancreatic cancer. There are rare cases when pancreatic cancer is resectable (operable). It has to be caught before it has spread, be contained in the head of the pancreas, and not surround a specific blood vessel to the intestines. From the tests they ran it appeared that his cancer was resectable. So, in typical Hank fashion, he bribed the surgeon with Schlafly beer and front row Cardinals tickets and got an appointment to do the surgery the next morning.
Surgery
On Friday morning they called his name for surgery. He told them he was not Henry Herbst, but Tom Sullivan and he was here for his breast implants. They weren’t fooled and we are happy to report that they proceeded with the operation and his breasts are the same size. The surgery is called the Whipple Procedure. The waiting game began again. The hope this time was that they would complete the procedure and not open him up and decide the cancer was not resectable and zip him back up. The good news came an hour and a half into surgery when the nurse came out to tell Mom they were proceeding with the Whipple. The tumor was contained in the head of the pancreas and they were able to remove the entire tumor, along with 40% of his pancreas, 1 foot of his small intestine, his gall bladder, the bottom half of his stomach, etc. The cancer had not spread outside of the tumor, including no lymph node involvement. The tissue around the tumor was tested and found to be cancer free!!!!! The surgery was a grueling 7 hours, although Dad obviously got to sleep through it all – talk about your power naps!
He was moved to ICU on Friday afternoon and expected to be there for 3 days. Since the man doesn’t slow down for much, in typical fashion, he was moved out of ICU in 24 hours and put in a regular room on Saturday afternoon. He was very glad to get out of there. The machines kept him up all night and as he has repeatedly said, “That place sucks, people are dying in there.”
So, it’s Sunday afternoon….Each day more drains, wires, monitors are removed. Thankfully the epidural giving him pain medicine will be in for a few more days. He is slowly returning to normal…whatever that is and keeping the nursing staff on their toes.
Next Steps
The pathology reports on the tumor should come the first half of this week. At that point they’ll know what type of cancer it was and what follow up treatment will be necessary. He may need chemo, but it does not look like any radiation will be necessary. Dad will be in the hospital for about a week. As his system begins to learn its new route they will slowly introduce food and water. Right now all his nourishment is through a feeding tube. The man is dying for an egg mcmuffin and a cup of coffee, but that will have to wait. He and Mom will be staying in Denver another week or so after he is released for follow ups with the surgeon before returning to St. Louis. He still has a long road to recovery, but has made huge steps in a short amount of time.
Looks like he dodged another bullet and as he said, “I’m the luckiest unlucky bastard around.”
Dad is bunking in Parker Adventist Hospital.
Thanks again for all your love and prayers. We appreciate them and all of you more than words can say.
Here’s to drinks of water, egg mcmuffins, and the return to Schlafly’s for an APA in the near future.
Love,
Kathy (Daughter #3)
Dear Family & Friends,
First of all, a heartfelt thanks to each of you for your concern and prayers. Sorry to send out a mass e-mail to update each of you, but this is the best way to get all of the information to everyone. Feel free to forward this message to anyone who may be interested and just respond if you have any questions. I’ll be spending the week in the hospital room and can relay all messages. But a word of warning, he’s returning to his spunky self and you will probably get a sarcastic response.
History
Mom & Dad came out to Denver on Sunday, June 28th to visit Amy, Sue and the grandkids (son-in-laws too) and Dad was feeling a little under the weather. Tired, a little lethargic, and his coloring wasn’t great. By Thursday, he was unbelievably jaundiced and really feeling bad. He went to the emergency room swearing he had altitude sickness. We kept telling him that didn’t make you turn yellow, but he wouldn’t listen to us :) So, they ran a series of tests with the assumption it was Hepatitis A, as his symptoms were leaning to that diagnosis. The blood tests were negative for hepatitis, and an ultrasound showed a mass on the head of his pancreas.
The mass was blocking the bile duct that connects the liver to the small intestine. With the bile duct blocked, his body wasn’t able to get the waste to the intestines and it was backing up, hence the jaundiced skin. By this time his bilirubin counts (what makes your skin look jaundice) was 12 times the normal amount. They admitted him to the hospital until they could study the mass and drain the bile.
The next day, they performed an endoscopy (camera down the throat to the intestines/pancreas area) to determine what the mass/blockage was. They found a number of areas of concern where the intestines were inflamed and they could see the mass, but not reach it for a biopsy. Because of Dad’s strokes in 1996, he is on blood thinners and they were unable to push the scope past the inflamed areas to get a biopsy on the mass or even to put a stint in the bile duct and open it up. So the waiting game began…4 days of waiting before they would do a more invasive procedure while they waited for the blood thinners to leave his system.
Monday they went in to Dad’s liver through his stomach and were able to drain the liver (we’ll definitely skip the details here, it was NOT pretty). During this procedure they were able to get a brush biopsy of the mass….more waiting.
Thursday brought the diagnosis we were most fearful of. Dad has pancreatic cancer. There are rare cases when pancreatic cancer is resectable (operable). It has to be caught before it has spread, be contained in the head of the pancreas, and not surround a specific blood vessel to the intestines. From the tests they ran it appeared that his cancer was resectable. So, in typical Hank fashion, he bribed the surgeon with Schlafly beer and front row Cardinals tickets and got an appointment to do the surgery the next morning.
Surgery
On Friday morning they called his name for surgery. He told them he was not Henry Herbst, but Tom Sullivan and he was here for his breast implants. They weren’t fooled and we are happy to report that they proceeded with the operation and his breasts are the same size. The surgery is called the Whipple Procedure. The waiting game began again. The hope this time was that they would complete the procedure and not open him up and decide the cancer was not resectable and zip him back up. The good news came an hour and a half into surgery when the nurse came out to tell Mom they were proceeding with the Whipple. The tumor was contained in the head of the pancreas and they were able to remove the entire tumor, along with 40% of his pancreas, 1 foot of his small intestine, his gall bladder, the bottom half of his stomach, etc. The cancer had not spread outside of the tumor, including no lymph node involvement. The tissue around the tumor was tested and found to be cancer free!!!!! The surgery was a grueling 7 hours, although Dad obviously got to sleep through it all – talk about your power naps!
He was moved to ICU on Friday afternoon and expected to be there for 3 days. Since the man doesn’t slow down for much, in typical fashion, he was moved out of ICU in 24 hours and put in a regular room on Saturday afternoon. He was very glad to get out of there. The machines kept him up all night and as he has repeatedly said, “That place sucks, people are dying in there.”
So, it’s Sunday afternoon….Each day more drains, wires, monitors are removed. Thankfully the epidural giving him pain medicine will be in for a few more days. He is slowly returning to normal…whatever that is and keeping the nursing staff on their toes.
Next Steps
The pathology reports on the tumor should come the first half of this week. At that point they’ll know what type of cancer it was and what follow up treatment will be necessary. He may need chemo, but it does not look like any radiation will be necessary. Dad will be in the hospital for about a week. As his system begins to learn its new route they will slowly introduce food and water. Right now all his nourishment is through a feeding tube. The man is dying for an egg mcmuffin and a cup of coffee, but that will have to wait. He and Mom will be staying in Denver another week or so after he is released for follow ups with the surgeon before returning to St. Louis. He still has a long road to recovery, but has made huge steps in a short amount of time.
Looks like he dodged another bullet and as he said, “I’m the luckiest unlucky bastard around.”
Dad is bunking in Parker Adventist Hospital.
Thanks again for all your love and prayers. We appreciate them and all of you more than words can say.
Here’s to drinks of water, egg mcmuffins, and the return to Schlafly’s for an APA in the near future.
Love,
Kathy (Daughter #3)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
