Rick's pain level has increased dramatically in the last week, so he is taking more and more pain medication, which leaves him tired and incoherent all the time, which is annoying the crap out of him. He gets so frustrated because it takes him so long to say what he wants to say or do even the simplest task. Then it only frustrates him more (and me) when I try to help. It's gotten to the point that I can't leave him alone.
Today we met with a Radiologist who will perform a procedure called a Celiac Plexus Block or Neurolysis on Rick sometime later this week or early next week. It is a fairly low risk outpatient procedure that will permanently damage the nerve cluster that is near his pancreas. With any luck, this nerve block should reduce his pain in the abdomen.
I really hope this procedure works well so that he can be more clear-headed AND more comfortable at the same time, instead of choosing one or the other.
We are meeting with the new Oncologist at the Huntsman on Thursday.
Sorry to be so brief, I'll add more later.
"Hi friends!" We had a great idea of starting a blog of our latest news, good and bad. With all the recent happenings it's hard to keep everyone informed in a consistant, up-to-date fashion, so here it is. We plan on sharing info about how our family is doing and about the latest in Rick's cancer battle.
3 comments:
So sorry to hear about all the pain Rick is suffering and the stupid side effects of the meds. What a horrible double-edged sword. I hope you guys can get this nerve thing done quickly and that it offers some relief. Go tell those doctors, "FIX IT NOW!" Big hugs to both of you. Kim
Sooner or later we each must face the inevitable close of our lives here on earth. It is just human nature to look back and wonder what kind of an impact we have had while here. Have we affected the lives of those around us in a positive way?
Here is just one story...
Rick and I met at Riverton Elementary School in sixth grade. We both got in trouble for flipping paste while making paper-maché. Our punishment was to write an essay together. We have been friends ever since.
In eighth grade my Dad brought home an old 65cc motorcycle that was not much more than a glorified moped. Rick and I climbed onto that bike and rode the canal roads west of Riverton Utah exploring “new” lands and enjoying many, many adventures.
When I would go to Rick’s house, he always had the coolest things going on. There was an electric guitar and amp that his brother Don was going to learn to play. I tried it and wanted to play so badly that I went home and begged my parents for an electric guitar.
As I learned to play the guitar, Rick began to learn to play the drums. We formed our first band “StarrFlyte” with Rick’s older brother Dave on bass. We performed at Bingham High School several times as well as 4th of July at Riverton Park and 24th of July at Draper Park.
While at Bingham High, Rick joined up with the Audio/Visual crew and recruited me. We were soon joined by Greg Colibert "Colby" and Tracy Stephensen. The four of us became the best of friends and those friendships are still cherished and intact to this day.
Rick’s father owned a TV repair shop. Rick and I used to accompany him to work on occasion. Before long I realized that I had a knack for electronic repair.
Unfortunately, I lost touch with Rick for a few years. We got together again at our class reunion in 2000. My life was at a low point. I had recently become divorced. I was frustrated with my current job and I was an emotional disaster. Rick had become a police officer and I was very impressed with the way he had conducted his life. He had a wonderful wife and family, a great job, and spoke with the togetherness of one with authority. As a result I resolved to rise above my circumstances and get my life together.
Although I have moved to Boise Idaho, I still ride dirt bikes and love to go exploring “new” lands. I still play in a band. I owned and operated an Audio company for many years and today I own a recording studio. I am also an electronic technician. Not long after our class reunion conversation my subsequent job search led me to a position of leadership in a company that I still love working for.
Thank you Rick! Your influence has obviously helped point the direction of my life in substantial and positive ways. From the perspective of this friend, you can certainly look back on your life with a feeling of accomplishment and honor.
Well done good friend! Well done!
I love you man! -Roger
Rick I truly believe that the Huntsman is one of the reasons that I still have my mom. 3 years ago she was told she had stage 4 cancer and her time was very limited. Her doctor at the Huntsman does not believe in time frames because as he says, "everyone is different". They used expermental drugs on her and continually get new ones to try. Good luck tomorrow at the Huntsman. I pray that they will be able to help you as they have my mom. Julie
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