Alvin - update: I'm Alvin's wife... - Advanced Prostate...

Advanced Prostate Cancer

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Alvin - update

Alvin735 profile image
48 Replies

I'm Alvin's wife posting under Alvin to give you an update on the roller coaster that Alvin has been through since his surgery on May 7th. I wrote this up for him as he does not remember much of what has happened to him while in ICU (6 weeks).

Went in on Thursday, May 7th for surgery to his C5,6,7 to remove a tumor pressing on his nerves and open up the space between his vertebrae on his upper spine. Surgery went well, however, they had a hard time getting him off the ventilator. Surgery itself was approximately 3 hours.

Sunday his blood pressure dropped and oxygen concentration was low, heart rate skyrocketed. Diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. Started on Heparin drip.

Couple days later, his blood levels dropped to critical. Thinking that his cancer med, Lynparza, was the true cause of his blood level problem, it was stopped on May 13th. He was given several plasma infusions. When that didn’t solve it, he was given two blood transfusions. First transfusion was Sunday, May 17th. Within 40 minutes of it, got very cold, couldn’t breathe, heart rate skyrocketed and his temp went way up. All the doctors came in and gave him Benadryl in his IV, several other drugs and stopped the transfusion. Bone marrow biopsy was done on Monday, May 18th. Additional transfusion was given on May 28th, but prior they gave him Benadryl and other drugs to prevent another reaction. Couple more plasma infusions happened for a couple days.

Swallowing has become a problem (either has become or always was since the operation, but not identified). Found an article saying that Dysplasia has a possibility of happening even with posterior cervical surgery. Could have been from them having a hard time taking the ventilator out of his throat after surgery. No one knows for sure. NG tube placed.

Major infection has been found in his right lung. Did a CT scan and then CT scan with contrast that showed a lung abscess as well as pneumonia. Thursday, May 27th the chest tube was placed. Infection in both the sack around his lungs and his lungs itself. Hooked up to a pump that draws the infection out and it was draining some thick nasty puss.

Monday, June 1, CT scan shows that the chest tube is not draining all the infection because it was too thick and not breaking up. Tuesday, June 2nd started putting some med directly into his chest tube to help break up the infection and allow it to drain. Did that on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning. By Thursday morning, it looked like more blood was coming out of the tube than infection. Docs closed his chest tube on Sunday, June 7th and took it out on Monday, June 8th.

Swallowing test on Monday, June 8th was failed. PEG tube was planned on being put in … however, his colon is located over his stomach so this group won’t do it. Next group won’t either due to his hernia. General surgery group is the one that has to do it because they have to move his colon probably to put it in. PEG tube was placed on Tuesday, June 16th. On June 17th they took out the PICC line. I questioned this as I thought he was to be on IV antibiotics for awhile still. On the morning of Thursday, June 18th … they replaced the PICC line.

Transferred to Inpatient rehab on Thursday, June 18th. On Saturday night/Sunday morning, June 20-21, got a call from rehab saying he fell while trying to get out of the bed and they found him on the floor. Started complaining that his arm tingled and it was hard to lift it up shortly after getting to rehab … Dr. said she thought it was because he was in bed for 6 weeks and it was weak. Unable to move his arm at all by the second week at rehab. Swallow test passed on Wednesday, July 1 and was given permission to eat anything, just no straws. Thursday, July 2nd he was released from rehab with home health. He is on IV antibiotics until July 29th. Pneumonia still present and coughing up brown phlegm.

Appointment with PCa Dr on Tuesday, July 7th. PSA 11; he referred him to a Neurologist Oncologist that he works with because of the problems with his arm and right side. Appointment with him on Friday, July 9th.

Neurologist Oncologist did an amazing amount of time examining him. Right side very weak. Said it was an immediate need to do an MRI. Since he is unable to lay his head/neck flat due to excruciating pain, having to do the MRI under anesthesia. Ended up having to be admitted to the hospital to get the “emergency mri”. And … the monitoring machine they needed to put on him while in the tube wasn’t working and unable to find another one that did. Could not do the MRI – will be doing it week of 7/13 as soon as the machine is fixed or they can find another location to do it.

As of right now, Alvin has balance problems, no ability to lift his right arm, right leg is very weak and has to use a walker and have me holding onto him to steady him. Left arm works, but unable to lift it past shoulder level. His skin is very thin and has bruises everywhere. Any slight prick makes him bleed and hurts more than it should. Hopefully we will get answers next week after the MRI .... but Doctors don't seem very optimistic at this point. :-(

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Alvin735 profile image
Alvin735
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48 Replies
LearnAll profile image
LearnAll

Praying to God to give you serenity to cope up with this very difficult situation in your life. You are a brave person. Best wishes.

Alvin735 profile image
Alvin735 in reply to LearnAll

Thank you. Every prayer is appreciated.

in reply to LearnAll

🙏

So I am here at my local church volunteering to disinfect various things after Mass, and I read this. So much suffering. I just want to let you know that I dropped to my knees and prayed for relief for your husband and family.

Alvin735 profile image
Alvin735 in reply to

Thank you very much. We appreciate every prayer given, we have been listening to Christian meditations often during this time and it does help.

in reply to

🙏 Me too!

noirhole profile image
noirhole

He is a fighter. Hope to you all!

TheTopBanana profile image
TheTopBanana

I wish with all of my heart that Alvin will feel better!

DarkEnergy profile image
DarkEnergy

Talk about an amazing Warrior taking incoming from the front line for all of us! Bless you Alvin and wife, I'm dug into the trenches, hope the fight realizes in health improvements...

Tall_Allen profile image
Tall_Allen

Wow- he has been through the wringer! I pray this has a good resolution.

6 weeks in the icu? Oh my god! He’s a miracle to survive that . Thank you for sharing this. It is a tuff read . It is almost unbelievable how badly our bodies can go wrong ... Will he be able to come home ? I’m praying for you to take good care of self while you’re fighting for him

.. He needs you more than even . Thank God for those that stand with us by our side through the hell . May God shine Mercy on you both 🙏 Scott 😩

Alvin735 profile image
Alvin735 in reply to

Thank you. He's been home for about 6 days. It is nice to have him here and not in the hospital or inpatient rehab. This week we will hopefully find out what is causing him so much pain/weakness/inability to move his arm. If it is another tumor on his spine, I'm not sure he can take another operation at this point, and actually doubt if the drs would do one on him anyway.

in reply to Alvin735

It will be good to know .. 🙏praying for improvement .

jtspitfire profile image
jtspitfire

Please take some comfort knowing that you have unconditional support from so many of us on this forum. God bless.

Alvin735 profile image
Alvin735 in reply to jtspitfire

thank you

treedown profile image
treedown

🙏

Brackenridge profile image
Brackenridge

Prayers for you and Alvin - you’re in my thoughts.

ucladany profile image
ucladany

Praying for Alvin and you. May our Lord touch Alvin with HIS healing hands.

dmt1121 profile image
dmt1121

With all you have both been through, you must be exhausted. The number of directions that the doctors have been pursuing makes my head swim.

You have done a great job navigating a ship through a hurricane! All you can do is make sure his doctors spend the time with you to explain the situation in detail, so as to give you enough information to ask your questions about their approach.

It seems like there may be multiple health issues they are trying to get a handle on. Hopefully they will be able to get your husband's systems back in balance and figure out the total picture of what's happening.

I will be thinking about you both and pray for a resolution that returns your husband to better health.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Alvin735 profile image
Alvin735 in reply to dmt1121

Yes, he does have multiple issues right now. COPD, pneumonia etc. PCa doctor said his PSA is only 11 ... but that the cancer is probably sick right now too .... his body has made it a hostile environment for the cancer as well as everything else!

in reply to Alvin735

Ouch

Haniff profile image
Haniff

Praying for his well being and when possible do a reflection on all that has taken place since May 7. Sometimes things and processes gets lost when we are just moving along trying to help him.

My very best to you and Alvin, keep the faith and stay strong.

🙏

Haniff

NevsMates profile image
NevsMates

You are amazing. Very best wishes. You deserve a positive outcome.

Rmurchu profile image
Rmurchu

My God , you guys have been through hell , this sounds so troubling and exhausting , I can only hope that the worst is behind him and that you both can find some peace soon. You both need a brake from the hospital , I am praying 🧎‍♀️ that things will get better soon. Please take care of yourself , lots ❤️ and strength Being sent your way xxx

Alicat1 profile image
Alicat1

Very sory to hear of all the difficulties you both have been through. Thinking of you and I hope the situation improves.

Bodysculpture profile image
Bodysculpture

Alvin will be included in my prayers so are you and his family

Where there is life there is a chance

Let's keep the faith no matter how bleak things may seem

in reply to Bodysculpture

🙏

Newyork6264 profile image
Newyork6264

Prayers to you and Alvin.

dadzone43 profile image
dadzone43

What a sorrowful pathway you and Alvin have walked and continue to walk. We grieve with you.

Yank66 profile image
Yank66

Prayers for you both. While it’s never easy, this is such a difficult time to be ill or to have a loved one who is ill. You must be exhausted! Stay strong.

Curehunter profile image
Curehunter

May God continue to give you strength to help you through this and for Alvin to get better. Keep the faith; you will get through this and get to see happier times.

Cmdrdata profile image
Cmdrdata

Praying for Alvin that the Lord willing, He will answer my prayers.

Dalipup profile image
Dalipup

Oh my goodness. I'm so very sorry for all of this. Putting Alvin and you on my prayer chain. Holding you close in thoughts and prayers.

Jrb12 profile image
Jrb12

Many prayers for Alvin and you.

keepinon profile image
keepinon

Prayers for you and Alvin. Keep the faith.

Boywonder56 profile image
Boywonder56

Good vibes your way...

j-o-h-n profile image
j-o-h-n

He's one hell of a chipmunk... that's for sure. Great fighter who WILL beat the odds.... Give him my fondest regards......

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday 0713/2020 12:50 PM DST

oilcan4 profile image
oilcan4

I am so sorry for you and your husband's struggles. You both have been through alot. Just wanted to let you know that my husband had Carotid artery surgery recently and now has swallowing issues. His surgery was also 3 hours. We go tomorrow for a modified Barium swallow test. Hopefully we will find the reason. Do not lose hope. God be with you both and prayers for strength and healing.

Alvin735 profile image
Alvin735 in reply to oilcan4

Good luck with the swallow test. If somehow he "fails" ... better to get a PEG tube than asperate (trust me). My Alvin has a PEG tube now and it has to stay in for awhile to heal, then it will be taken out (hopefully); but it doesn't bother him and every once in awhile I will pour a high protein boost down it! Just to make sure he is getting enough protein and vitamins.

oilcan4 profile image
oilcan4 in reply to Alvin735

I pray your husband turns the corner and starts feeling better soon.

monte1111 profile image
monte1111

What a hard read. I do so hope things get better.

Sunlight12 profile image
Sunlight12

Sending some prayers your way!! I hope you are able to navigate through all this - it can be so hard. Thinking of you both and hoping you can find a few moments to smile with each other in the midst of all the difficulties <3

-Sunlight

Faith1111 profile image
Faith1111

Just so much to go through all at once. I pray for strength for both of you. You need some GOOD news. 🙏🏻

tallguy2 profile image
tallguy2

All I can add is "thank you" for being an advocate for your dear husband. Blessings to you.

Craigslife profile image
Craigslife

You and Alvin are both in my prayers.

Alvin735 profile image
Alvin735

Thank you all ....

curious-mind1 profile image
curious-mind1

He's made it through so much with your support. It seems like he definitely has a chance at recovery, and I truly hope that his condition will improve at home, and he will regain mobility on the right side!

Alvin735 profile image
Alvin735

Well, the MRI showed the tumor has grown and is now invading all the fluid around his spinal cord, and possibly the spinal cord itself. His right arm/hand are totally immobile and walking even with a walker is very challenging and needs me to hold onto him. Can't move in the bed and now is down to 140 lbs (200 lbs back in November). Meeting with the Neuro-oncologist today to discuss if there is any possibilities out there. Neurosurgeon said yesterday that there was no point in additional surgery, he couldn't get it and it has already involved his spinal cord. I wonder if hospice is right around the corner .... :-(

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