Matt and Casey went to the Hepp's on Christmas eve and had a great time. Matt continues to be yellow and losing weight and not as much energy. He still pushes himself to get up and keep going! On Christmas day Matt and Casey made it to my side of the family Christmas at my sister Shelly's house. Matt had munched on snacks and ate some Christmas dinner. We opened some gifts and enjoyed watching and playing with the children.
Tomorrow Matt is going to Watertown Hospital to have his Nephrostomy tube checked. They may possibly change the tube but they will change the hardware
on his back. It is a simple procedure. He will go into day surgery but come home the same day. I pray all goes well with the procedure.
Matt went to West Bend today with his Dad to see a man about putting some new parts on his camaro! He is going to take his car there on Monday and will get it back by the end of the week. Matt is so excited to see his car with all the new parts he got!
Thank you to everyone for all their continue thoughts and prayers! Also please everyone be careful on the roads this winter with the snow and ice! Tomorrow morning is not going to be a good morning so be careful!!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Doing okay
Matt hasn't been feeling the best the last few days. He tries to eat but it doesn't seem to stick at all. Matt's skin and eyes are getting yellow. Matt gets tired real easy. He tries to do things around the house or come stay at our house but he gets tired easily.
Matt is schedules for labs tomorrow. He is going to have his Nephrostomey changed on December 30. He has to be at Watertown Hospital at 7:00 am and his procedure is at 9:00 am. They are going to lightly sedate him. They are going to check is the tube is still in the same place and change to some new tubing.
Matt visited his newest cousin this week and tonight went out and had pizza with his uncles.
Matt is schedules for labs tomorrow. He is going to have his Nephrostomey changed on December 30. He has to be at Watertown Hospital at 7:00 am and his procedure is at 9:00 am. They are going to lightly sedate him. They are going to check is the tube is still in the same place and change to some new tubing.
Matt visited his newest cousin this week and tonight went out and had pizza with his uncles.
Matt with newest cousin, Emily Jean
Brian, Nate, Keith, Matt and Neil
enjoying a night of pizza
Thank you for all your continued thoughts and prayers for Matt.
O God of heavenly powers, by the might of your command you drive away from our bodies all sickness and all infirmity: Be present in your goodness with your servant Matt, that his weakness may be banished and his strength restored; and that, his health being renewed, he may bless your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Not feeling the best
Matt has good days and bad days. It seems lately he is tired and not feeling well. He has no appetite but tries to continue eating. Matt has a yellow tinge to his skin.
However Matt is not taking as many pain pills because he said the radiation has helped
to take some of the pain away from his pelvic region. He continues to limp due to some continued pain but not as bad.
Matt and Casey are getting their Christmas shopping done. Matt gets up every day and tries to get some things done. Home hospice continues to come when Matt calls them
to change the dressing on his back and make sure there is no infection at the site of his
nephrostomey tube.
Thank you to everyone for all your continued prayers...
Calm the spirit and feed the soul. Allow yourself to know you are not alone,
and have the strength to take action when it's needed.
Lord Jesus Christ, by your patience in suffering you hallowed earthly pain and gave us the example of obedience to your Father's will: Be near me in my time of weakness and pain; sustain me by your grace, that my strength and courage may not fail; heal me according to your will; and help me always to believe that what happens to me here is of little account if you hold me in eternal life, my Lord and my God. Amen.
However Matt is not taking as many pain pills because he said the radiation has helped
to take some of the pain away from his pelvic region. He continues to limp due to some continued pain but not as bad.
Matt and Casey are getting their Christmas shopping done. Matt gets up every day and tries to get some things done. Home hospice continues to come when Matt calls them
to change the dressing on his back and make sure there is no infection at the site of his
nephrostomey tube.
Thank you to everyone for all your continued prayers...
Calm the spirit and feed the soul. Allow yourself to know you are not alone,
and have the strength to take action when it's needed.
Lord Jesus Christ, by your patience in suffering you hallowed earthly pain and gave us the example of obedience to your Father's will: Be near me in my time of weakness and pain; sustain me by your grace, that my strength and courage may not fail; heal me according to your will; and help me always to believe that what happens to me here is of little account if you hold me in eternal life, my Lord and my God. Amen.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Doing okay
Matt has today and tomorrow left for his radiation treatments. Dr. Anderson said that he should hopefully be feeling relief in a week or two. Matt continues to have pain in his pelvic region and down his left leg.
Matt has lost some weight again. He doesn't have much of an appetite. The pain medication he takes away his appetite. Matt is trying to eat as much as
he can.
Matt's cousin Becky just had a baby girl yesterday. Matt & Casey are planning on visiting little Emily Jean tonight.
Thank you to everyone for their continued thoughts and prayers! God is listening!
Matt has lost some weight again. He doesn't have much of an appetite. The pain medication he takes away his appetite. Matt is trying to eat as much as
he can.
Matt's cousin Becky just had a baby girl yesterday. Matt & Casey are planning on visiting little Emily Jean tonight.
Becky and Mike and little Emily Jean Shields
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Matt is an Uncle
Matt and Casey just became a new Uncle and Aunt. Casey's brother had a baby boy, Colby Lawrence. Here is Matt and Casey visiting their new nephew.
Matt and Casey enjoyed their visit with Colby, 7# 11oz and 21" long. Colby is doing well.
Matt has had 4 radiation treatments. Hopefully soon he will feel better and not so
much pain in his pelvic region. Matt is working hard on trying to gain weight.
Today was a sad day for Matt. We had to put down Matt's buddy, Griffey, his cat.
Griff was 16 years old and starting to have old age problems. Matt and I took him to the vet and he went peacefully.
Matt and Casey enjoyed their visit with Colby, 7# 11oz and 21" long. Colby is doing well.
Matt has had 4 radiation treatments. Hopefully soon he will feel better and not so
much pain in his pelvic region. Matt is working hard on trying to gain weight.
Today was a sad day for Matt. We had to put down Matt's buddy, Griffey, his cat.
Griff was 16 years old and starting to have old age problems. Matt and I took him to the vet and he went peacefully.
Matt spending time with Griffey.
Thank you to everyone for all their continued prayers.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Starting Radiation
Last Wednesday Matt met with Dr. Anderson. She had previously done radiation on Matt's pelvis region. Last time it had seemed to help.
Matt decided to try radiation again. Matt has had pain in his pelvic region and some in his back. He is going to have 10 radiation treatment on his pelvic region to shrink the tumor there that is pressing on his pelvic bone and causing him pain. Dr. Anderson said
that hopefully by the end of next week he should feel some relief. Matt has had two treatments so far and will continue Monday.
I pray that this radiation works and some of that pain in his pelvic region goes away!
Thank you to all your prayers for Matt.
Matt decided to try radiation again. Matt has had pain in his pelvic region and some in his back. He is going to have 10 radiation treatment on his pelvic region to shrink the tumor there that is pressing on his pelvic bone and causing him pain. Dr. Anderson said
that hopefully by the end of next week he should feel some relief. Matt has had two treatments so far and will continue Monday.
I pray that this radiation works and some of that pain in his pelvic region goes away!
Thank you to all your prayers for Matt.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Great Weekend!
What a great weekend! We left Friday morning for Indianapolis, Indiana. The ride went well. We didn't run into to very much traffic. We found our hotel and wow it was gorious! Each room had it's own refrigerator, stove top, sink and dishwasher and TV and couch that turned into a bed. The other room had two queen beds and a TV and desk. Our second suite was across the hall.
Friday night we went out to eat after we got settled in. Downtown Indianapolis had a party that night. Christmas tree lights. There was some kind of lighting ceremony put on where a lot, lot of people came. It was the night they turn on the large Christmas tree and we were there to see the lights go on!!
Myself (Kitty), Nate, Jeff Dunham, Matt and Casey
Friday night we went out to eat after we got settled in. Downtown Indianapolis had a party that night. Christmas tree lights. There was some kind of lighting ceremony put on where a lot, lot of people came. It was the night they turn on the large Christmas tree and we were there to see the lights go on!!
Matt, Casey, Christine and Becky sitting on the bed at the hotel.
We saw the Christmas tree lights go on.
Went out to eat at the Hard Rock Cafe Friday night.
Then we went home and went swimming for a little while. We stayed up talking and finally we went to bed.
Chad, Nate, Mike and Gavin swimming
On Saturday we got up and walked to the middle of downtown to see the Christmas tree in the day light and to see all the other sights.
We took an elevator up twenty four floor of the monument and this is what we saw. You could do the steps, all 331 of them or for $2 take the elevtor. We did find out that there were still 3 flights of very narrow stairs to do when we got to the top. That kind of tired Matt out.
Group shot in front of the War Museum, where the lighted Christmas tree is decorated around.
Matt, Casey, Gavin, Nate Becky, Mike, Jenny, Colton, Chad, Christine and Kitty and Brian.
Then we went shopping at the Mall downtown and ate a late lunch at.......
We had a good lunch!
Casey and Matt enjoying a meal at Hooters!
Then Matt went back to get a quick nap before we had to go to the Jeff Dunham show. We had to get to the show early to pick up our passes to be
able to meet Jeff after the show.
A friend from my work was able to contact Jeff's Dunham's manager and he said he normally doesn't do meet and greets but he would do it for
Matt. We got to the show and got our passes so we can meet Jeff Dunham after the show. We found our seats. Our seats were on the floor, second row!
They were great seats!! Jeff Dunham put on a really good show. We were
laughing so hard our cheeks were hurting. When the show was over we
waited to meet Jeff. Here are some pictures.
Here is Mike, Matt and Nate standing in front of the stage.
Jeff Dunham and Matt
The show started at 8:00 and it finished close to 10:30. Then we went and met Jeff so we didn't get back to our hotel until 11:00. Our hotel was one block away from the field house so we were able walk to the show.
It was a great weekend!! The ride home was long and it rain all the way home.
I am so thankful that the weather was in the 60's the whole weekend so we were able to walk every where we went. It was a great week seeing all the family for thanksgiving and then spending time with the family in Indiana!!
Thank you, thank you to everyone for all your continued thoughts and prayers for Matthew!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Doctor Appointment & Thanksgiving
Matt saw Dr. Holen yesterday for a check up. He said that Matt's site where his nephrostomy tube is looks good. The tube is doing it's job for Matt. He still continues to get up at night every few hours to go to the bathroom. They took Matt's vitals and they were good. Matt still has a little higher blood pressure compared to normal. Matt still struggles with trying to gain weight. He would like to get in the 120 range.
Matt continues to have pain in his pelvic region. Dr. Holen is going to check with Dr. Anderson. Matt might be able to have radiation in that area somewhere. He can not have the radiation in the same spot he had last time but they might be able to radiate a near spot to help with the pain.
Matt spent this last weekend with his brother Nate and his Uncle Keith. They went out
to eat Friday and then went and saw a movie. Then the three went back to Matt's house and watch another movie and fell asleep. On Saturday they got up and decided to split wood for Matt's Grandma and Grandpa and for his in-laws. Matt likes going to Jerry and Linda's and sitting by the fire place to keep warm!!
This Holiday weekend Matt and his family are taking a road trip. We are going to Indianapolis Indiana. We have a hotel for Friday and Saturday night. On Saturday
night we are going to a show. We are going to see the "Jeff Dunham" the Ventriloquist.
He is a great comedian. His puppet "Walter, Peanut and Achmed the Dead Terrorist" are our favorites!! We can't wait to see the show. Matt, Casey and Nate are lucky enough to be able to meet Jeff Dunham after the show!! Can't wait to go!! I pray
that we have good traveling weather! Our goal is to leave Friday morning around nine and return home Sunday around supper time! This was a good weekend because Casey, Christine, Nate are all out of school for the weekend. Brian, Mike, Becky, Chad and I were able to get off of work Friday to be able to make it!!
Thursday we are having my whole side of the family to our house for Thanksgiving. We have a lot to be thankful for! We are so thankful to have Matt for another year and pray to have him for another year!!
Thank you to everyone for all their cards and prayers for Matt!
Matt continues to have pain in his pelvic region. Dr. Holen is going to check with Dr. Anderson. Matt might be able to have radiation in that area somewhere. He can not have the radiation in the same spot he had last time but they might be able to radiate a near spot to help with the pain.
Matt spent this last weekend with his brother Nate and his Uncle Keith. They went out
to eat Friday and then went and saw a movie. Then the three went back to Matt's house and watch another movie and fell asleep. On Saturday they got up and decided to split wood for Matt's Grandma and Grandpa and for his in-laws. Matt likes going to Jerry and Linda's and sitting by the fire place to keep warm!!
This Holiday weekend Matt and his family are taking a road trip. We are going to Indianapolis Indiana. We have a hotel for Friday and Saturday night. On Saturday
night we are going to a show. We are going to see the "Jeff Dunham" the Ventriloquist.
He is a great comedian. His puppet "Walter, Peanut and Achmed the Dead Terrorist" are our favorites!! We can't wait to see the show. Matt, Casey and Nate are lucky enough to be able to meet Jeff Dunham after the show!! Can't wait to go!! I pray
that we have good traveling weather! Our goal is to leave Friday morning around nine and return home Sunday around supper time! This was a good weekend because Casey, Christine, Nate are all out of school for the weekend. Brian, Mike, Becky, Chad and I were able to get off of work Friday to be able to make it!!
Thursday we are having my whole side of the family to our house for Thanksgiving. We have a lot to be thankful for! We are so thankful to have Matt for another year and pray to have him for another year!!
Thank you to everyone for all their cards and prayers for Matt!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Check up on his Nephrostomey tube
Matt had an appointment yesterday to check his nephrostomey tube. The doctor said everything looked good. No signs of infection. The doctor changed the dressing and took x-rays.
Dr. McKabe and Dr. Holen had talked early in the day. They called the doctor that was doing Matt's check up on his tube and asked if he would do x-rays to see where the blockage was.
Matt's ureter is blocked right at the bottom where it meets the bladder. The tumor on his bladder is blocking the tube down there. We took that as a
good thing. We were thinking the ureter was completely block.
Matt still has leg pain that continues to bother him all the time. He is getting
used to having the tube in his back. It is very important that the incision site
get check regularly to make sure there is no infection starting.
Matt has been doing some cleaning and cooking at his home to keep busy.
Hospice still comes in a few times a week to check Matt's tube and to check his blood pressure. Matt's blood pressure is slowly getting back to normal. Matt's brother-in-law has also barrowed him a recliner to sit in. Matt finds it more comfortable sitting and taking a nap. This way it feels better on his back and the tube hangs better and is more comfortable.
Thank you to everyone for all you support and prayers!
Dr. McKabe and Dr. Holen had talked early in the day. They called the doctor that was doing Matt's check up on his tube and asked if he would do x-rays to see where the blockage was.
Matt's ureter is blocked right at the bottom where it meets the bladder. The tumor on his bladder is blocking the tube down there. We took that as a
good thing. We were thinking the ureter was completely block.
Matt still has leg pain that continues to bother him all the time. He is getting
used to having the tube in his back. It is very important that the incision site
get check regularly to make sure there is no infection starting.
Matt has been doing some cleaning and cooking at his home to keep busy.
Hospice still comes in a few times a week to check Matt's tube and to check his blood pressure. Matt's blood pressure is slowly getting back to normal. Matt's brother-in-law has also barrowed him a recliner to sit in. Matt finds it more comfortable sitting and taking a nap. This way it feels better on his back and the tube hangs better and is more comfortable.
Thank you to everyone for all you support and prayers!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Matt is feeling better
Matt is feeling better since his procedure. Hospice came on Saturday and helped cover Matt's bandages so he could take a shower to go out that evening.
Friday after the procedure was a hard time with pain. Saturday the pain was more tolerable and Matt felt like cleaning. He cleaned the upstairs of their home. Then he thought he should rest up. Hospice came in and helped Matt cover his bandages so he could shower and then when he was done they changed his dressings. He even took a nap so he would be rested up for the Marine Ball Banquet.
On Sunday he slept in and got up and cleaned his garage. He did mention
that he had more blood in his bag than urine. I told him he needs to slow
down and let his wound heal. He promised he would.
Today Matt has a Doctor appointment. They are going to do an ultrasound to make sure the tube is in the right place and everything is healing good.
Thank you to everyones prayers. Matt is feeling better and I pray that continues for a long time.
Friday after the procedure was a hard time with pain. Saturday the pain was more tolerable and Matt felt like cleaning. He cleaned the upstairs of their home. Then he thought he should rest up. Hospice came in and helped Matt cover his bandages so he could shower and then when he was done they changed his dressings. He even took a nap so he would be rested up for the Marine Ball Banquet.
On Sunday he slept in and got up and cleaned his garage. He did mention
that he had more blood in his bag than urine. I told him he needs to slow
down and let his wound heal. He promised he would.
Today Matt has a Doctor appointment. They are going to do an ultrasound to make sure the tube is in the right place and everything is healing good.
Thank you to everyones prayers. Matt is feeling better and I pray that continues for a long time.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Procedure Went Well
Matt's procedure went well today. It only took an hour. The doctor said Matt did real good during the procedure. Matt now has a tube coming out of his back and attached to a bag he wears strapped to his leg. Matt is in a lot of pain right now. He is taking his current pain medications to help control the pain.
Tomorrow Rainbow Hospice will come. They are going to have to change the dressing around Matt's tube and check the incision to make sure there is no infection. Matt is still trying to figure out how to sit and lay with his new tube.
Rainbow Hospice will come every day to check Matt's tube. They are going to teach Matt and Casey and myself how to clean his wound and how to clean his bag.
We are planning a family trip at Thanksgiving time so it is a good idea for Casey and myself to know how to care for Matt's Nephrostomy tube.
Matt has a Dr appointment Monday. He will have an Ultrasound to make sure the tube is placed properly and everything is healing the way it is supposed to.
Dr. Lesniak is going to talk with Dr. McKabe next week. Dr. Lesniak believes he can go through Matt's new tube and stint his ureter. If he is able to get through cancer and get a stint in his ureter and Matt's body is able to handle a stint then Matt would not
have to have the bag. The doctor would like to try and cap the tube for a week or so to make sure Matt's body handles the stint then he would be able to take the tube out. This would be a great out come it would reduce the possibility of infection.
I pray that Matt's pain goes away and his blood pressure continues to go down.
People ask what they can do. I truly believe in the power of pray. Please Pray for
Matt is feel better and for his body to handle this new tube. Also to pray for a miracle would be great!! Thank you to all our family and friends for all their support!!
Tomorrow Rainbow Hospice will come. They are going to have to change the dressing around Matt's tube and check the incision to make sure there is no infection. Matt is still trying to figure out how to sit and lay with his new tube.
Rainbow Hospice will come every day to check Matt's tube. They are going to teach Matt and Casey and myself how to clean his wound and how to clean his bag.
We are planning a family trip at Thanksgiving time so it is a good idea for Casey and myself to know how to care for Matt's Nephrostomy tube.
Matt has a Dr appointment Monday. He will have an Ultrasound to make sure the tube is placed properly and everything is healing the way it is supposed to.
Dr. Lesniak is going to talk with Dr. McKabe next week. Dr. Lesniak believes he can go through Matt's new tube and stint his ureter. If he is able to get through cancer and get a stint in his ureter and Matt's body is able to handle a stint then Matt would not
have to have the bag. The doctor would like to try and cap the tube for a week or so to make sure Matt's body handles the stint then he would be able to take the tube out. This would be a great out come it would reduce the possibility of infection.
I pray that Matt's pain goes away and his blood pressure continues to go down.
People ask what they can do. I truly believe in the power of pray. Please Pray for
Matt is feel better and for his body to handle this new tube. Also to pray for a miracle would be great!! Thank you to all our family and friends for all their support!!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Another Procedure Tomorrow
Tomorrow Matt is having another procedure at Watertown Hospital. Dr. Robert Lesniak will be performing a procedure called, Paercutaneous nephrostomy. He will
putting a tube into Matt's back into Matt's right kidney. He is going to drain the kidney.
They will test the urine to see if it is infected. The tube will stay in Matt's kidney. The doctor will attach a bag to it. The kidney will be able to drain into the baf.
Matt's right kidney will drain into the bag for several weeks. They will have to watch
that around the tube doesn't get infected. Matt's left kidney will continue to function as normal while the right kidney will use the bag.
This bag can be temporary or permanent. Dr. Lesniak think he could go through the tube and put a stint in Matt's ureter. He has done this before with cancer patients that have their ureter filled with cancer. Matt has had bad experiences with stints and not
sure he wants to try this procedure. If he decides he doesn't want to try puttting the stint in then the bag for his right kidney will become permanent.
The procedure tomorrow with take a hour and half. They will numb Matt's back around the area they will put the tube in. Matt will come home the same day.
I pray that the tube goes in and that Matt's body will accept this tube. I hope this helps to take away some of the pain Matt is experiencing. Also that this helps to lower
Matt's blood pressure. His blood pressure has been running a little high.
Thank you for all your continued prayers.
putting a tube into Matt's back into Matt's right kidney. He is going to drain the kidney.
They will test the urine to see if it is infected. The tube will stay in Matt's kidney. The doctor will attach a bag to it. The kidney will be able to drain into the baf.
Matt's right kidney will drain into the bag for several weeks. They will have to watch
that around the tube doesn't get infected. Matt's left kidney will continue to function as normal while the right kidney will use the bag.
This bag can be temporary or permanent. Dr. Lesniak think he could go through the tube and put a stint in Matt's ureter. He has done this before with cancer patients that have their ureter filled with cancer. Matt has had bad experiences with stints and not
sure he wants to try this procedure. If he decides he doesn't want to try puttting the stint in then the bag for his right kidney will become permanent.
The procedure tomorrow with take a hour and half. They will numb Matt's back around the area they will put the tube in. Matt will come home the same day.
I pray that the tube goes in and that Matt's body will accept this tube. I hope this helps to take away some of the pain Matt is experiencing. Also that this helps to lower
Matt's blood pressure. His blood pressure has been running a little high.
Thank you for all your continued prayers.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Not the Out come we were looking for.
Matt and Gavin while Matt was checking into Fort Hospital
Matt went to Fort Atkinson Hospital for a procedure to put some dye up through the ureter into Matt's right kidney. Dr. McKabe was unable to see through the ureter. She said his ureter was completely blocked with cancer. She was unable to even think about a stint. Matt's Diagnosis is Hematuria: Hydronephrosis of right kidney. He has
lots of urine blocked in his right kidney. Matt's blood pressure is high. They said due to the kidney problem it will make his blood pressure go up.
Dr. McKabe got out some debris but was not able to help Matt. Dr. McKabe
scheduled Matt to have a procedure in Watertown on Friday. The Radiologist
is going to fill Matt in on the possibility of rerouting the right kidney or giving Matt a
urine bag. Matt will decide tomorrow exactly what he wants to do when he finds out his options.
Please God help Matt to understand all his options and to decide the best option to help him feel better.
Thank you for all your continued prayers for Matt!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Ultrasound Results
Matt met with Dr. McKabe today. It was decided that he definitely has blockage in his
right kidney. Tomorrow Matt is going to Fort Atkinson Hospital for a day surgery at noon. Dr. McKabe is going to shoot dye down into his right kidney to see if she can find the blockage. She said it could be a kidney stone, or some kind of debris blocking so his urine can not come out like it should. If it is not that it could be a tumor on the outside of the kidney pressing on his ureter so then Dr. McKabe said she would put in a stint.
Hoefully all goes well tomorrow and Dr. McKabe can fix Matt's kidney so he can feel
better.
Please pray for Matt to come through the surgery with a right kidney working better!
the maybe Matt will feel better!!
Thank you for all your continued prayers!
right kidney. Tomorrow Matt is going to Fort Atkinson Hospital for a day surgery at noon. Dr. McKabe is going to shoot dye down into his right kidney to see if she can find the blockage. She said it could be a kidney stone, or some kind of debris blocking so his urine can not come out like it should. If it is not that it could be a tumor on the outside of the kidney pressing on his ureter so then Dr. McKabe said she would put in a stint.
Hoefully all goes well tomorrow and Dr. McKabe can fix Matt's kidney so he can feel
better.
Please pray for Matt to come through the surgery with a right kidney working better!
the maybe Matt will feel better!!
Thank you for all your continued prayers!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Last week.
Matt and his niece, Sophia and nephew Luke at the Zoo
Matt has been trying to keep busy. Last week he went to work Tuesday for a few hours to sweep up and put things away. The next day, Wednesday he was really tired. You know Matt! He wants to keep busy and help. So he went to work on Thursday and drove to pick up some parts and he was a little tired on Friday. So he rested Friday and Matt and Casey came to Ixonia to have fish with me and the family to celebrate Casey's and my birthday.
Then Matt went home to try and get some sleep. It seems no matter how tired he is he wakes up every few hours from pain or to go to the bathroom. Saturday we had our niece's baby shower so Matt came along and went to the Milwaukee zoo with Uncle Mike, Luke and Sophia. Matt was really tired on Sunday but he did get up and met with Grandma Aud and Grandpa Boy and family to go to the snowmobile breakfast. Then Matt went home to rest for a while.
Today we are following up with Dr. McKabe to see if she read Matt's Ultrasound results. I hope to talk with his Dr. McKabe sometime this weeks.
I pray that Matt gains some weight so he doesn't have pain in his pelvic region and his back! Thank you to everyone for your continued support and prayers!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Happy Anniversary Matt & Casey!!!
Matt and Casey had their first Anniversary yesterday! They went to Olympia Resort Friday night to celebrate! They got to use the private hot tub and have a very nice dinner at the resorts restaurant!
Matt surprised Casey at school on Thursday last week with her Anniversary gift, a bracelet he had special made. It says "Believe" on one side and their anniversary date on the other side.
Matt is feeling good. Still trying to eat a lot of little meals to gain weight.
Still waiting to hear on his Ultrasound.
Thank you for all your continued thoughts and prayers! Matt is so very blessed with such caring family and friends!
Matt surprised Casey at school on Thursday last week with her Anniversary gift, a bracelet he had special made. It says "Believe" on one side and their anniversary date on the other side.
Matt is feeling good. Still trying to eat a lot of little meals to gain weight.
Still waiting to hear on his Ultrasound.
Thank you for all your continued thoughts and prayers! Matt is so very blessed with such caring family and friends!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Had Ultrasound done
Matt and his Nephew, Gavin in Dr. Holen's office last week.
The results are being sent to Dr. Holen and to UW-Hospital Urology Doctors. We will wait to see what the results are.
Matt has been keeping himself busy every day. He gets up and does some house hold chores and then he visits family or friends for a while and then home again. Matt gets
tired if he does to much. He keeps trying to eat a lot of little meals. He gains a few
pounds and loses a few pounds but he keeps trying to eat as much as he can handle.
October 30th is right around the corner! Matt and Casey's first Anniversary! How time flies!
Thank you for all your continued thoughts and prayers!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Lab Results
Matt got his lab results and he does not have any infection. Yeah!!! Matt had labs on Thursday last week at Johnson Creek. He had a temperature on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. They said his white count was high and he was fighting off some kind of infection.
Matt did not have a temperature after Thursday. He is feeling okay with minimal pelvic pain. He takes his pain pill every day and is able to do just about anything he wants to do. He is working really hard on trying to gain weight!!
Thank you for all your prayers! They are working!! Matt was afraid the blood infection was back and he would end up in the hospital again! He was so happy to find out he does not have an infection!!!
Matt did not have a temperature after Thursday. He is feeling okay with minimal pelvic pain. He takes his pain pill every day and is able to do just about anything he wants to do. He is working really hard on trying to gain weight!!
Thank you for all your prayers! They are working!! Matt was afraid the blood infection was back and he would end up in the hospital again! He was so happy to find out he does not have an infection!!!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Fever
Matt has developed a fever again. He had the first fever Tuesday night, Wednesday morning and Wednesday night. He called Dr. Holen and went to see him on Thursday.
They took some blood and will find out later today or tomorrow if that blood infection is back or what exactly is happening. His white count was really high so his body is
trying to fight off something.
Matt is trying to eat and gain weight. A little bit is sticking but not to much. Matt feels okay and he doesn't have pain just that darn fever!!!
Matt has been keeping himself busy. He did a grease and oil change on his Dad's car with a little help. He helped his Uncle with paperwork for his trucking business or just keeping him company. He went shopping with me on Monday. He is trying to get up and do things around the house and get out when he can.
Please help me pray the whatever infection is there that it goes away, ASAP!!!
Thank you for all your continued prayers!
They took some blood and will find out later today or tomorrow if that blood infection is back or what exactly is happening. His white count was really high so his body is
trying to fight off something.
Matt is trying to eat and gain weight. A little bit is sticking but not to much. Matt feels okay and he doesn't have pain just that darn fever!!!
Matt has been keeping himself busy. He did a grease and oil change on his Dad's car with a little help. He helped his Uncle with paperwork for his trucking business or just keeping him company. He went shopping with me on Monday. He is trying to get up and do things around the house and get out when he can.
Please help me pray the whatever infection is there that it goes away, ASAP!!!
Thank you for all your continued prayers!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Picc line is out!
Matt spent last week gettin infused with his medication to fight the infection that he had.
Rainbow Hospice came every day around 2:00 to hook up Matt's IV to flow for the next 24 hours.
Matt stay home and towards the end of the week he spent time with some friends, family, going on errands etc... He was trying to keep busy. Matt is still very thin.
He is trying hard to eat and try to gain weight. Some of the medication did not give
him an appetite. He has lost a lot of weight.
On Sunday, 10/9/11 the hospice nurse came and took the picc line out. Matt is done with all his antibotics. He told Rainbow Hospice that he did not want to stay with them anymore. When Matt finds the need to use Rainbow Hospice he will give them a call
and resign up.
Matt & Casey decided that Matt is going to eat, keep busy and eat again! As soon as he gains some weight he wants to go back to work. He is feeling much better since he
had his picc line out. Now he can roll over and not worry about pulling the line out.
Matt is keeping busy with cleaning, cooking and running errands. He is helping out family and spending time with family!
Thank you for all your continued thoughts and prayers.
Rainbow Hospice came every day around 2:00 to hook up Matt's IV to flow for the next 24 hours.
Matt stay home and towards the end of the week he spent time with some friends, family, going on errands etc... He was trying to keep busy. Matt is still very thin.
He is trying hard to eat and try to gain weight. Some of the medication did not give
him an appetite. He has lost a lot of weight.
On Sunday, 10/9/11 the hospice nurse came and took the picc line out. Matt is done with all his antibotics. He told Rainbow Hospice that he did not want to stay with them anymore. When Matt finds the need to use Rainbow Hospice he will give them a call
and resign up.
Matt & Casey decided that Matt is going to eat, keep busy and eat again! As soon as he gains some weight he wants to go back to work. He is feeling much better since he
had his picc line out. Now he can roll over and not worry about pulling the line out.
Matt is keeping busy with cleaning, cooking and running errands. He is helping out family and spending time with family!
Thank you for all your continued thoughts and prayers.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
ER Visit
Last night Matt started experiencing swelling in his tongue. He said it felt like he swallowed it. Casey took him to the emergency room. By then he couldn't talk he could only mumble. His kept looking up to the sky and his mouth muscles were not in control. They gave him benadryl through his IV. In ten minutes he
could talk again. His throat still did not feel right so they gave a second dose of benadryl. He felt better after that and he walk out of the emergency room and went home. They sent home some benadryl so he can take it every 6 hours for the next 24 hours to make sure this doesn't happen again. They also sent home some zofran to help with the nausous feeling he has.
They determined it was the nauseous medication that Matt had at home that he took is what caused this allegric reaction. The doctor says that Matt is now allegeric to Compazine. No more Compazine for Matt!!
Matt has been feeling okay for now. He is hooked up to the IV pump getting his medication to continue to make sure that blood infection is gone! October 9th can't come soon enough. Then Matt can get unhooked from the pump and done with all the other drugs. Hopefully then he can start eating again and start feeling better.
Thank you for all your continued thoughts and prayers.
could talk again. His throat still did not feel right so they gave a second dose of benadryl. He felt better after that and he walk out of the emergency room and went home. They sent home some benadryl so he can take it every 6 hours for the next 24 hours to make sure this doesn't happen again. They also sent home some zofran to help with the nausous feeling he has.
They determined it was the nauseous medication that Matt had at home that he took is what caused this allegric reaction. The doctor says that Matt is now allegeric to Compazine. No more Compazine for Matt!!
Matt has been feeling okay for now. He is hooked up to the IV pump getting his medication to continue to make sure that blood infection is gone! October 9th can't come soon enough. Then Matt can get unhooked from the pump and done with all the other drugs. Hopefully then he can start eating again and start feeling better.
Thank you for all your continued thoughts and prayers.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Matt is home!
Matt got home at 11:30 today. He went right to their living room couch. Matt ate some lunch and started to nap when the RN's from Rainbow Hospice came to introduce themselves. Matt had a hard time staying awake to talk to the Nurse's. He didn't get very much sleep at the hospital.
Matt's IV Medications were delivered to his house at 4:00. The hospice nurse's came back and started Matt's IV in his Picc Line. He is on a pump and getting his medication at a slow drip for 24 hours. The nurse will come every day at 2:00 to hook up the new bag. This will go on until October 9. Then the medications for this blood infection will be done and hopefully we will not have to worry about that infection anymore!!
Then he should get the picc line out. After this we pray that he will be able to eat and gain some weight. He is down to 118. They were going to weigh him before we left and never got a chance.
Tonight he is going to stay home with his wife, Casey and relax and sleep!!
Thank you for all your continue thoughts and prayers!
Matt's IV Medications were delivered to his house at 4:00. The hospice nurse's came back and started Matt's IV in his Picc Line. He is on a pump and getting his medication at a slow drip for 24 hours. The nurse will come every day at 2:00 to hook up the new bag. This will go on until October 9. Then the medications for this blood infection will be done and hopefully we will not have to worry about that infection anymore!!
Then he should get the picc line out. After this we pray that he will be able to eat and gain some weight. He is down to 118. They were going to weigh him before we left and never got a chance.
Tonight he is going to stay home with his wife, Casey and relax and sleep!!
Thank you for all your continue thoughts and prayers!
Shower
Matt is showering, changing his clothes because he is going home!!!
Rainbow Hospice will meet with Matt this afternoon to give him his next rounds of
medications.
Matt is so excited to be finally going home!!
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers!!
Rainbow Hospice will meet with Matt this afternoon to give him his next rounds of
medications.
Matt is so excited to be finally going home!!
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers!!
Going Home!
Matt is going home today!! Just waiting to see if he has to have his 2:00 antibiotic. If he doesn't we are heading home this morning. If he needs his antibiotics then we won't be leaving until 3:00.
Matt has it set up with Rainbow hospice to help out for awhile. Matt has a picc line in to continue his antibiotic at home.
Just waiting for the doctor to come in and discharge him.
Thank you for your continued prayers!
Matt has it set up with Rainbow hospice to help out for awhile. Matt has a picc line in to continue his antibiotic at home.
Just waiting for the doctor to come in and discharge him.
Thank you for your continued prayers!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Picc Line
Matt is getting his picc line put in right now. His goal to get his antibiotic asap so he can get out of here. The Infectious disease doctor said tomorrow but Matt may be able to twist his arm depending on the lab results.
Matt got two bags of blood the other night and that has helped to make him feel better.
Matt needs to get home and get some sleep and eat. Matt's weight is down to 119.7. This new medication took away his appetite and taste.
Matt needs to get home and sleep and eat and be with Casey! This is all he wants!!
Thank you for all your continue thoughts and prayers!!
Matt got two bags of blood the other night and that has helped to make him feel better.
Matt needs to get home and get some sleep and eat. Matt's weight is down to 119.7. This new medication took away his appetite and taste.
Matt needs to get home and sleep and eat and be with Casey! This is all he wants!!
Thank you for all your continue thoughts and prayers!!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Possible Home Thursday or Friday
Dr. Striker came in and said things were looking good. As long as thngs keeep going well Matt will get a pic line in tomorrow. Dr. Striker said he will have to infuse his antiboitic twice a day at home for about 2 weeks. Some of the antiboitic Matt is taking is Colistin, Fosto, Cefepine and Fostomycin. One or all of these seemed to have done the trick and helped Matt.
So Matt is so looking forward to getting out of here! Sitting around and not being able to get comfortable is hard for him.
He is looking forward to going home and getting hooked up and watching movie at home or going to the movie house to watch some of the new movies!!
Thank you for all your prayers!! They are working!!
So Matt is so looking forward to getting out of here! Sitting around and not being able to get comfortable is hard for him.
He is looking forward to going home and getting hooked up and watching movie at home or going to the movie house to watch some of the new movies!!
Thank you for all your prayers!! They are working!!
Doctors Rounds
The regular doctors were in and did Matt's assessment. They were happy to see that Matt has not had a fever for 24 hours! Yeah!!! They said if the Blood Cultures they took on the 24th of September are still negative by Thursday and still no fever by Thursday then they will put in a pic line and send Matt home!! He will have to continue antiobics at home for awhile to make sure to get rid of that darn infection in his blood!!
Matt and a computer friend got Matt's new game working on his computer. Matt is happy to finally get to play his game. Of coarse he is constantly intereuped every 15 to 30 minutes by DR's, RN's, CNA, cleaning people, laundry people and kitchen help! and so on and so on!!! He can't wait to get home and be comfortable!!!
Matt's tempeture was 98.9 this am. I pray he temp stays down and the cultures stay negative so Matt can get his pic line and go home!!
Thank you for all your prayers! They are working.
Matt and a computer friend got Matt's new game working on his computer. Matt is happy to finally get to play his game. Of coarse he is constantly intereuped every 15 to 30 minutes by DR's, RN's, CNA, cleaning people, laundry people and kitchen help! and so on and so on!!! He can't wait to get home and be comfortable!!!
Matt's tempeture was 98.9 this am. I pray he temp stays down and the cultures stay negative so Matt can get his pic line and go home!!
Thank you for all your prayers! They are working.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
CT-Scan
Matt's CT-Scan results are in. They did not find any blockages that would be causing
the bloating in Matt's abdomen. They said one stint was working good and the other one was working okay. They said that as long as one stint is working good that is all you need. The only bad news was they found two more cancer nodules in Matt's lung that was pea size or smaller. These are new from the scan on September 12.
They were very happy that they didn't find anything else that would cause a fever. Matt had a tad of a fever at 9:50 this morning. It was 100.5. He has had 2 more temperatures taken and they were all normal at 98.7 and 98.9. Hopefully this will continue and he will not have any more temperatures! Then he can blow this popcorn stand!" He still has to stay this week because we are waiting for the infection that is sitting in the petri dish to still show negative. They said even after 48 hours it might turn positive. They said usually after 96 hours it probably won't change anymore. So it is a waiting game.
They also said that Matt's white count was low and needed some blood. So today he got a pint of blood.
Hard waiting game for Matt. He just wants to get home and be comfortable.
Thank You to everyone for your calls and well wishes!
Thank you for all your continued thoughts and prayers!
the bloating in Matt's abdomen. They said one stint was working good and the other one was working okay. They said that as long as one stint is working good that is all you need. The only bad news was they found two more cancer nodules in Matt's lung that was pea size or smaller. These are new from the scan on September 12.
They were very happy that they didn't find anything else that would cause a fever. Matt had a tad of a fever at 9:50 this morning. It was 100.5. He has had 2 more temperatures taken and they were all normal at 98.7 and 98.9. Hopefully this will continue and he will not have any more temperatures! Then he can blow this popcorn stand!" He still has to stay this week because we are waiting for the infection that is sitting in the petri dish to still show negative. They said even after 48 hours it might turn positive. They said usually after 96 hours it probably won't change anymore. So it is a waiting game.
They also said that Matt's white count was low and needed some blood. So today he got a pint of blood.
Hard waiting game for Matt. He just wants to get home and be comfortable.
Thank You to everyone for your calls and well wishes!
Thank you for all your continued thoughts and prayers!
Labs
Dr. Striker the infectious control Doctor was just in and said the petri dishes of Matt's infection still shows negative!! Although he is not ready to say that he thinks it is gone yet. He still thinks we need to wait a few days to see how Matt is doing and he wants to see the CT-Scan results are before he changes his medication or drop them all together!
So Matt continues to sit and eat, watch TV and play video games on his computer.
They did weigh Matt and he has gain 7 pounds so far! He now weighs 127.3 yesterday.
He does have a swollen abdomen so hopefully it is all the food he ate. He is having a little trouble moving his bowel. We are working on getting that under control so he can
do it daily and not have to push so hard to get his bowel out.
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers! They are working! Please keep them coming!!
So Matt continues to sit and eat, watch TV and play video games on his computer.
They did weigh Matt and he has gain 7 pounds so far! He now weighs 127.3 yesterday.
He does have a swollen abdomen so hopefully it is all the food he ate. He is having a little trouble moving his bowel. We are working on getting that under control so he can
do it daily and not have to push so hard to get his bowel out.
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers! They are working! Please keep them coming!!
Sept 27
Matt did have a little bit of a fever last night at 9:35 it was 101.6. We were hoping with this new antibiotic he would not have anymore fevers. Matt had a hard time sleeping so at 2:00 am they gave him something to help him sleep.
This afternoon Matt will have a CT-Scan. We will see what that has to bring. Matt infectious control Doctor will be in about 10:00 today to talk with Matt.
Thank you so much for all your continued prayers for Matt!
This afternoon Matt will have a CT-Scan. We will see what that has to bring. Matt infectious control Doctor will be in about 10:00 today to talk with Matt.
Thank you so much for all your continued prayers for Matt!
Monday, September 26, 2011
New Antibiotic
Dr. Stricker was concerned because Matt spiked a couple temperatures yesterday. He explained to Matt what he thought was going on. He feels that the one antibiotic he was holding off on Matt he should now take . He said it is hard to figure out timing on some of these antibiotics. Hopefully this one will help.
It is hard waiting. All these blood tests take 3,4 and 5 days someti mes for the answers. It is a hard waiting game. Bret brought Matt a new computer game, Command & Conquer "The First Decade". Matt is hoping this will keep him busy while he waits for these antibiotic to work. He has had some swelling in his abodmen.
Tomorrow they are planning on a CT=Scan tomorrow.
It is hard waiting. All these blood tests take 3,4 and 5 days someti mes for the answers. It is a hard waiting game. Bret brought Matt a new computer game, Command & Conquer "The First Decade". Matt is hoping this will keep him busy while he waits for these antibiotic to work. He has had some swelling in his abodmen.
Tomorrow they are planning on a CT=Scan tomorrow.
Here is Matt playing his computer game.
Thank you for all your continued thoughts and prayers.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Big Scare!
Matt & Casey were scared this morning with some scary news. The nurse came in and told him he had Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and there is nothing they can do. She really scared Matt & Casey! Then Dr.. Robert Striker came in and really explained what was going on.
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa is an infection in the blood. The normal antibiotics are unable to get rid of the infection. The Doctor has the infectious control people working on coming up with an antibiotic that will hopefully work on Matt. They are putting some of Matt's blood in a petri dish and trying different kinds antibiotics to see what will work! There is an antibiotic that they doctor can try but it doesn't have good side effects. So the Doctor does not want to try that until we have exhausted all other possibilities. One of the new medication he is trying is Monurol. Hopefully that will help. Matt is also having some constipation due to the medications he is taking. They gave him some Milk of Magnesiaa and stool softener to help him with that!
Matt did go down and they did another procedure and took out Matt's power port.
They feel that the the infection hangs on forgein bodies and his power port is a place to hide for infections. They took the port out. Matt's left shoulder and arm are a little sore.
They just took his temperature and it is up again. 103.2. They gave him some Tylenol to help with the temperature. If they can figure out what antibiotic will work to get rid of this infection in his blood then they said they can put in a pic line and Matt can take his drugs at home and get out of the hospital!
Thank you for all your continue thoughts and prayers! Please pray that Matt's body is strong enough to get rid of this nasty infection in his blood so he can get better and go home!!
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa is an infection in the blood. The normal antibiotics are unable to get rid of the infection. The Doctor has the infectious control people working on coming up with an antibiotic that will hopefully work on Matt. They are putting some of Matt's blood in a petri dish and trying different kinds antibiotics to see what will work! There is an antibiotic that they doctor can try but it doesn't have good side effects. So the Doctor does not want to try that until we have exhausted all other possibilities. One of the new medication he is trying is Monurol. Hopefully that will help. Matt is also having some constipation due to the medications he is taking. They gave him some Milk of Magnesiaa and stool softener to help him with that!
Matt did go down and they did another procedure and took out Matt's power port.
They feel that the the infection hangs on forgein bodies and his power port is a place to hide for infections. They took the port out. Matt's left shoulder and arm are a little sore.
They just took his temperature and it is up again. 103.2. They gave him some Tylenol to help with the temperature. If they can figure out what antibiotic will work to get rid of this infection in his blood then they said they can put in a pic line and Matt can take his drugs at home and get out of the hospital!
Thank you for all your continue thoughts and prayers! Please pray that Matt's body is strong enough to get rid of this nasty infection in his blood so he can get better and go home!!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Infection
The Doctor told Matt & Casey that he defintely a bacterial infection and he needs to stay in the hospital until they get rid of it. They are giving him antibotics. He is feeling pretty good. He is up walking all over the hospital and eating anything he wants.
His white count is up really high, 29,000. They just gave Matt a blood transfusion. Hopefully this will all help Matt feel well and get rid of the infection. They told Matt he would for sure be at the hospital until Monday sometime. It takes a good 48 hours for them to know the antibotics are working. They are still checking to see if it was from the stint or from his power port.
Matt is still a little grouchy because he is in the hospital. He can't wait to get home. He is so tired of hospitals.
Thank you for all your continued prayers!
His white count is up really high, 29,000. They just gave Matt a blood transfusion. Hopefully this will all help Matt feel well and get rid of the infection. They told Matt he would for sure be at the hospital until Monday sometime. It takes a good 48 hours for them to know the antibotics are working. They are still checking to see if it was from the stint or from his power port.
Matt is still a little grouchy because he is in the hospital. He can't wait to get home. He is so tired of hospitals.
Thank you for all your continued prayers!
Recovery
Dr.Burkard came in last night and explained that Matt has a bacterial infection in his blood. The test results came back from Johnson Creek and the lab results from UW-Madison ER that he has a bacterial infection in his blood. The Doctor thinks it is possibly from the plastic stint not working properly or it is from his power port. They are going to watch him closely and see if he continues to spike a temperature. If he does continue to spike a temp then he is thinking it is his power port and that brings new problems for Matt.
Hopefully Matt is feeling better and he hasn't had any temperature. Then it means his 2 new metal stints are working and it isn't his power port. Last night before I left he had a 98.1 temperature and a 99.2 temperature. I hope it doesn't fluctuate anymore than that!!
It he doesn't have a temperature than it might be possible to come home later today. If he continues to have a temp he will be in the hospital all weekend.
I pray to the Lord that he takes care of Matt and his new stints are working so Matt gets to go home and feel better!! Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers!
Hopefully Matt is feeling better and he hasn't had any temperature. Then it means his 2 new metal stints are working and it isn't his power port. Last night before I left he had a 98.1 temperature and a 99.2 temperature. I hope it doesn't fluctuate anymore than that!!
It he doesn't have a temperature than it might be possible to come home later today. If he continues to have a temp he will be in the hospital all weekend.
I pray to the Lord that he takes care of Matt and his new stints are working so Matt gets to go home and feel better!! Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Out of the Procedure!
Dr. Gopal was just in here and said Matt did real well. He said that the tumor on his liver was pressing against the plastic stint and squeezing it so nothing could get through. He had to put two metal stints in but he said the fluid was flowing really good when he was done. He said all Matt's numbers from his liver and kidney should come down and his biliruben should come down. He did say however Matt will be in more pain that the procedure he did last week.
The doctor said they will have to increase his pain medication for 48 hours and he should feel better after that. Matt is in recovery sleeping. In about an hour we will go
up to his room. He made me promise to have apple juice, applesauce waiting for him.
He wants to wake up and be on a liquid diet right away!!! Oh Matt!!!
I promised to see what I could do. I am guessing he will go home tomorrow hopefully. He does not want to spend his weekend in the hospital. He already missed seeing Casey's performance with the alumni at the half time of Watertown homecoming game with her dance routine.
Thank you for your prayers and helping Matt get through this difficult time. God Bless all of our dear friends and family!!
The doctor said they will have to increase his pain medication for 48 hours and he should feel better after that. Matt is in recovery sleeping. In about an hour we will go
up to his room. He made me promise to have apple juice, applesauce waiting for him.
He wants to wake up and be on a liquid diet right away!!! Oh Matt!!!
I promised to see what I could do. I am guessing he will go home tomorrow hopefully. He does not want to spend his weekend in the hospital. He already missed seeing Casey's performance with the alumni at the half time of Watertown homecoming game with her dance routine.
Thank you for your prayers and helping Matt get through this difficult time. God Bless all of our dear friends and family!!
ER Visit
Matt wasn't feeling well and call Johnson Creek Cancer Center. They told him to go directly to Watertown ER. Dr. Holen called ahead and told the ER Doctor what was up. When we got there we learned they were unable to do the ERCP procedure here.
Matt decided not to stay at Watertown and head right to UW-Madison Hospital.
UW Hospital put the temporary stint in and Dr. Holen felt Matt needs a permanent stint.
Dr. Holen feel that the plastic one might not be doing the job it needs to do. The permanent one is made of metal. Matt spiked a temperature of 103.8. They feel he has
an infection going on in side of him and his body is not liking the plastic stint.
Matt than had to wait in UW's ER for a while. They didn't have a room for him on the floor. Then he was told he wasn't going to have the procedure until Friday. He told the ER doctor then that he wants to eat. He was very hungry by now after not eating all day. Matt got up to his room and ordered a grill ham and cheese sandwich, french fries, strawberries, apple pie, chocolate cake, apple juice, milk and chocolate chip cookie. Matt eat half of what he ordered. So Casey and I had to help. They have very good chocolate cake here!! Later that night Matt also some fruit and a chocolate shake.
He said the shake was really good.
Today Matt was informed that he would have his procedure at 12:15. If he feels good afterwards they might think about letting him go home. Well, we have been down in the surgery waiting area and it is 3:00 and Matt is still waiting to have his permenant stint put in. They had an Emergency ahead of him. Matt is not very happy. He would really
like to get home tonight! Matt would be alright if he really had to wait till morning. He does NOT want to spend the whole weekend in the hospital!!
So please help me pray that they are able to put the metal stint in and that it does the job and Matt starts to feel better. Matt's beliruben was up and his other counts on his liver and kidneys were all up. I hope this stint is the answer!
Thank you for all your prayers!
Matt decided not to stay at Watertown and head right to UW-Madison Hospital.
UW Hospital put the temporary stint in and Dr. Holen felt Matt needs a permanent stint.
Dr. Holen feel that the plastic one might not be doing the job it needs to do. The permanent one is made of metal. Matt spiked a temperature of 103.8. They feel he has
an infection going on in side of him and his body is not liking the plastic stint.
Matt than had to wait in UW's ER for a while. They didn't have a room for him on the floor. Then he was told he wasn't going to have the procedure until Friday. He told the ER doctor then that he wants to eat. He was very hungry by now after not eating all day. Matt got up to his room and ordered a grill ham and cheese sandwich, french fries, strawberries, apple pie, chocolate cake, apple juice, milk and chocolate chip cookie. Matt eat half of what he ordered. So Casey and I had to help. They have very good chocolate cake here!! Later that night Matt also some fruit and a chocolate shake.
He said the shake was really good.
Today Matt was informed that he would have his procedure at 12:15. If he feels good afterwards they might think about letting him go home. Well, we have been down in the surgery waiting area and it is 3:00 and Matt is still waiting to have his permenant stint put in. They had an Emergency ahead of him. Matt is not very happy. He would really
like to get home tonight! Matt would be alright if he really had to wait till morning. He does NOT want to spend the whole weekend in the hospital!!
So please help me pray that they are able to put the metal stint in and that it does the job and Matt starts to feel better. Matt's beliruben was up and his other counts on his liver and kidneys were all up. I hope this stint is the answer!
Thank you for all your prayers!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Doctor Appt at Johnson Creek
Matt saw Dr. Holen today. They decided right now we have to get Matt's liver working at 100%. Next week Matt will have another procedure done to put in a permanent stint. Then he will wait a week and see Dr. Holen again and hopefully the stint will give Matt
no problems. Matt's skin is still yellow some but getting better.
Matt also had labs done today and we will see what his bilirubin number is tomorrow. Hopefully it has continued to go down. The steroid Matt is taking is helping him to have an appetite. The bad side of taking the steroid is it keeps you awake at nights.
Dr. Holen said to continue to take the steroid in the morning and not to take the night
one so he can sleep better. Hopefully this will help Matt to sleep!!
A week after Matt's procedure we will meet with Dr. Holen and make decisions on what the next steps will be. Matt needs to put on weight so he can feel better! Today Matt was feeling pretty good and not having any pain!
Thank you for ALL your continued prayers. I believe God is listening!
no problems. Matt's skin is still yellow some but getting better.
Matt also had labs done today and we will see what his bilirubin number is tomorrow. Hopefully it has continued to go down. The steroid Matt is taking is helping him to have an appetite. The bad side of taking the steroid is it keeps you awake at nights.
Dr. Holen said to continue to take the steroid in the morning and not to take the night
one so he can sleep better. Hopefully this will help Matt to sleep!!
A week after Matt's procedure we will meet with Dr. Holen and make decisions on what the next steps will be. Matt needs to put on weight so he can feel better! Today Matt was feeling pretty good and not having any pain!
Thank you for ALL your continued prayers. I believe God is listening!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Matt feeling a little better
Yesterday Matt said he had a morning nap that was the best sleep he has had in a long time. Today he is feeling a little better. He is not ready for work yet but decided to
clean the house and surprise Casey. He is trying to eat a lot of little meals to gain back
some weight and get strong again.
Tomorrow we have an afternoon appointment with Dr. Holen.
Here is a really nice prayer I received from a friend:
"Dear Lord Jesus, Lamb of god, Holy Might One, in our heartfelt prayer we place
our dear one Mathew Krueger, in the same way as in Your Gospel, as one who once was lowered through the roof by determined friends, and we place him before you with our faith and beg you to restore him fully recovered and to at once walk, love, dance and continue most energetically in Your service here on Earth and may he return to you as man of many years. Blessed be the Sacred Heart of Jesus ...Make our hearts like unto thine. Amen and Thank you."
Thank you for your continued thoughts and prays for Matt.
clean the house and surprise Casey. He is trying to eat a lot of little meals to gain back
some weight and get strong again.
Tomorrow we have an afternoon appointment with Dr. Holen.
Here is a really nice prayer I received from a friend:
"Dear Lord Jesus, Lamb of god, Holy Might One, in our heartfelt prayer we place
our dear one Mathew Krueger, in the same way as in Your Gospel, as one who once was lowered through the roof by determined friends, and we place him before you with our faith and beg you to restore him fully recovered and to at once walk, love, dance and continue most energetically in Your service here on Earth and may he return to you as man of many years. Blessed be the Sacred Heart of Jesus ...Make our hearts like unto thine. Amen and Thank you."
Thank you for your continued thoughts and prays for Matt.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Not Feeling the best yet!
Thursday, Friday and today Matt has not felt real good yet. He wakes up and doesn't feel good and as the day goes on he feels a little bit better but not good enough to
get out.
Hopefully tomorrow he will feel a little better and able to get out and get some fresh air.
Matt is having some pain in his back and pelvic. He is eating pudding, applesauce and ice cream. He has put on a few pounds this week. We have to try and get him to eat
more so he gains weight and feels better.
Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers.
get out.
Hopefully tomorrow he will feel a little better and able to get out and get some fresh air.
Matt is having some pain in his back and pelvic. He is eating pudding, applesauce and ice cream. He has put on a few pounds this week. We have to try and get him to eat
more so he gains weight and feels better.
Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Home Again!
Matt came home yeserday. They said that Matt was handling the liquid diet good so he should continue the diet when he gets home. Matt got home about supper time. He curled up on the
couch and rested.
He wasn't very good at listening to stay on his diet. He had a peanut butter sandwhich and noodles.
Today he is not feeling real well. I brought him to my house and he is having applesauce, ice cream and lots of juice. He took a nice warm bath and now he is napping. Hopefully he feel better tomorrow.
Hopefully he listens to the Doctor and doesn't over do it with food.
Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers for Matt!
couch and rested.
He wasn't very good at listening to stay on his diet. He had a peanut butter sandwhich and noodles.
Here is Matt when he got home from the Hospital.
Hopefully he listens to the Doctor and doesn't over do it with food.
Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers for Matt!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
New Day
The Doctor came in last night and told us about Matt's CT-Scan. Matt's cancer continues
to grow. The cancerous nodules in his lungs, on his liver, on his pelvic bone and on his kidney are all
a little bigger. The CT-Scan shows that Matt's left kidney is swollen. They not sure exactly what has caused his left kidney to swell. The GI Doctor is coming in to talk with Matt today. The Doctor
also said that Matt can no longer be in the clinical trail. Matt's CEA tumor marker score has gone up to 54. Right before the trail started on Aug 3 it had gone down to 41. Matt will have to come back in a few weeks to get a premenate stint in his bile duct. They thought the temporary plastic one seems to be working so he will need the stainless steel one put in some time in the near future.
Matt and Casey have lots to think about. They are going to decide if Matt wants to check into
another clinical trail or not. First thing is Matt needs to get strong again. Matt needs to eat and put on
some weight.
The PA came in this morning and explained that Matt' numbers are all way down. The feel that
the Pancreatitis is almost gone. The PA explained that Matt's bilirubin is down to 4. She said as long
as his pain is gone and he can tolerate food she thought he might be able to go home this afternoon.
So the PA gave Matt the go ahead for a clear liquid diet. So Matt ordered breakfast. He doesn't like oatmeal so he found out he can have Chocolate pudding , yogurt, ice cream. So Matt ate his chocolate
ice cream and some of his pudding. He is resting so he can finish his pudding in a little while.
and chocolate ice cream. Matt took it slow and ate his ice cream and some of his pudding. He is
resting and then going to finish his pudding. If Matt handle this food they are talking he might go
home this afternoon.
God has a journey all decided for Matt and I understand that. It might not be what we want but God must need a really good Angel. Please help us and continue to pray that Matt can go home and get stronger and put on some weight and be pain free! I believe in Our Savior to be there for Matt and Casey and the family.
to grow. The cancerous nodules in his lungs, on his liver, on his pelvic bone and on his kidney are all
a little bigger. The CT-Scan shows that Matt's left kidney is swollen. They not sure exactly what has caused his left kidney to swell. The GI Doctor is coming in to talk with Matt today. The Doctor
also said that Matt can no longer be in the clinical trail. Matt's CEA tumor marker score has gone up to 54. Right before the trail started on Aug 3 it had gone down to 41. Matt will have to come back in a few weeks to get a premenate stint in his bile duct. They thought the temporary plastic one seems to be working so he will need the stainless steel one put in some time in the near future.
Matt and Casey have lots to think about. They are going to decide if Matt wants to check into
another clinical trail or not. First thing is Matt needs to get strong again. Matt needs to eat and put on
some weight.
The PA came in this morning and explained that Matt' numbers are all way down. The feel that
the Pancreatitis is almost gone. The PA explained that Matt's bilirubin is down to 4. She said as long
as his pain is gone and he can tolerate food she thought he might be able to go home this afternoon.
So the PA gave Matt the go ahead for a clear liquid diet. So Matt ordered breakfast. He doesn't like oatmeal so he found out he can have Chocolate pudding , yogurt, ice cream. So Matt ate his chocolate
ice cream and some of his pudding. He is resting so he can finish his pudding in a little while.
and chocolate ice cream. Matt took it slow and ate his ice cream and some of his pudding. He is
resting and then going to finish his pudding. If Matt handle this food they are talking he might go
home this afternoon.
God has a journey all decided for Matt and I understand that. It might not be what we want but God must need a really good Angel. Please help us and continue to pray that Matt can go home and get stronger and put on some weight and be pain free! I believe in Our Savior to be there for Matt and Casey and the family.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
New Developement
Matt was so excited thinking he was going home today. Matt has developed Pancreatitis.
He woke up this morning with a real bad pain in his stomach. They believe that because of
the ERCP procedure that Matt had done yesterday it inflamed his pancreas. This could be
life threatening if not taken care of. After the CT Scan Matt can only have liquids and pain
medication. Hopefully by tomorrow the Pancreas is feeling better and might let Matt eat
more solid food.
Please God I pray that Matt's CT_Scan does not show anything bad. That it is the nodule on
his liver pushing on the bile duct. I also pray that his pancreas feels better tomorrow!
He woke up this morning with a real bad pain in his stomach. They believe that because of
the ERCP procedure that Matt had done yesterday it inflamed his pancreas. This could be
life threatening if not taken care of. After the CT Scan Matt can only have liquids and pain
medication. Hopefully by tomorrow the Pancreas is feeling better and might let Matt eat
more solid food.
Please God I pray that Matt's CT_Scan does not show anything bad. That it is the nodule on
his liver pushing on the bile duct. I also pray that his pancreas feels better tomorrow!
Doctor Appointment
This morning Matt and Casey and I (Kitty) went to UW-Madison Hospital where Matt has been doing his clinical trial. Matt had labs done first and then doctor appointment.
As soon as Clinical RN Rosemary saw Matt she new something was wrong. Since Matt stop taking the two chemo pills has felt worse. The whites in Matt's eye have gotten yellow and even his skin on his face has gotten yellow. Matt has been very tired and has been sick to his stomach since last Tuesday. Casey had taken Matt to their friend who is a PA and said something is going on with Matt's liver. She thought it would be okay for him to wait another day to see his doctor on Monday.
The labs show that a normal Biliruben test was high. A normal number is 1.4 and Matt's biliruben was 9.3. It also showed his ALT and other tests were all high. They wanted to put Matt in the hospital.
Of coarse Matt has been trying to avoid any hospital but Casey put her foot down and told him he had to
stay and get better!
Matt's weight has gone steadily down. He has no desire to eat. He still tries to push himself to eat something. His weight has gone done to 121.9.
His CEA tumor marker test had gone down the last time to 41.0 Today his CEA tumor marker test was 53.1. This number can flucate due to the liver problem he is having. Hopefully when we get his liver back in check his tumor marker number will go down again.
Matt was put into the hospital and at 4:15 today he had a ERCP test done, This is a procedure where they had to put Matt out and put a scope down his throat into his liver to see what could be blocking things. The bile duct to his liver is being pressed on and making it very small for fluids to flow through. The doctor put in a temporary stint to hold it open. Hopefully in a day or two Matt's liver will function normal and his yellow will go away. Tomorrow Matt will have a CT-Scan and hopefully it will show what is going on with Matt's liver. What they suspect is the small nodule of Cancer that is on his liver might have grown and be the culprit pressing on his bile duct and causing all the problems. If this is the case then in two weeks Matt will come back to UW-Hospital and they will put in a permanent stint.
Matt has gotten some sleep earlier today and I hope he gets a good night sleep tonight. He is up two to three times a night to go to the bathroom or he just can't sleep. Sleep will help Matt a lot if he can get some.
Thank you to everyone for your continued prayers. Please say a prayer that the nodule is the problem and nothing else. I pray that when this gets cleared up Matt will be able to start phase 2 of the clinical trial. He was supposed to start that today but due to the liver problem that is put on hold. They said it usually take at least two phases to see that it is shrinking the cancerous tumors.
As soon as Clinical RN Rosemary saw Matt she new something was wrong. Since Matt stop taking the two chemo pills has felt worse. The whites in Matt's eye have gotten yellow and even his skin on his face has gotten yellow. Matt has been very tired and has been sick to his stomach since last Tuesday. Casey had taken Matt to their friend who is a PA and said something is going on with Matt's liver. She thought it would be okay for him to wait another day to see his doctor on Monday.
The labs show that a normal Biliruben test was high. A normal number is 1.4 and Matt's biliruben was 9.3. It also showed his ALT and other tests were all high. They wanted to put Matt in the hospital.
Of coarse Matt has been trying to avoid any hospital but Casey put her foot down and told him he had to
stay and get better!
Matt's weight has gone steadily down. He has no desire to eat. He still tries to push himself to eat something. His weight has gone done to 121.9.
His CEA tumor marker test had gone down the last time to 41.0 Today his CEA tumor marker test was 53.1. This number can flucate due to the liver problem he is having. Hopefully when we get his liver back in check his tumor marker number will go down again.
Matt was put into the hospital and at 4:15 today he had a ERCP test done, This is a procedure where they had to put Matt out and put a scope down his throat into his liver to see what could be blocking things. The bile duct to his liver is being pressed on and making it very small for fluids to flow through. The doctor put in a temporary stint to hold it open. Hopefully in a day or two Matt's liver will function normal and his yellow will go away. Tomorrow Matt will have a CT-Scan and hopefully it will show what is going on with Matt's liver. What they suspect is the small nodule of Cancer that is on his liver might have grown and be the culprit pressing on his bile duct and causing all the problems. If this is the case then in two weeks Matt will come back to UW-Hospital and they will put in a permanent stint.
Matt has gotten some sleep earlier today and I hope he gets a good night sleep tonight. He is up two to three times a night to go to the bathroom or he just can't sleep. Sleep will help Matt a lot if he can get some.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Matt doing okay
Matt has been taking both of his chemo pills. He has been getting very tired easily. Matt does not let that get him down. He is still going to work most days. He had a
wedding one weekend and he has been to 2 Brewers games. Matt has also been
keeping busy trying to help Casey get ready for her kindergarten classroom.
Matt still has pelvic pain which he takes around the clock pain medication. If it gets real bad he has a quick 4 hour pain medication he can take on top of the 12 hour pain medication he takes already.
Matt has a doctor appointment with Dr. Le Conte on Sept 12 with labs first and appointment second. This will be day 28 of the clinical trail. We will find out
how things are progressing. If the new drugs are shrinking the cancer in Matt or
not.
I believe in the power of prayer!! Thank you so much for your continued prayers!
wedding one weekend and he has been to 2 Brewers games. Matt has also been
keeping busy trying to help Casey get ready for her kindergarten classroom.
Matt still has pelvic pain which he takes around the clock pain medication. If it gets real bad he has a quick 4 hour pain medication he can take on top of the 12 hour pain medication he takes already.
Matt has a doctor appointment with Dr. Le Conte on Sept 12 with labs first and appointment second. This will be day 28 of the clinical trail. We will find out
how things are progressing. If the new drugs are shrinking the cancer in Matt or
not.
I believe in the power of prayer!! Thank you so much for your continued prayers!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Third Hospital Stay & CEA tumor marker score
Matt is in the hospital for his third and last hospital stay. This is day 15th of the trail. Matt has developed a rash on his face, back shoulders and chest. They told us about a moisturizer that will help with it that we will need to get. If the rash worsens they want Matt to call the RN in charge of the clinical trial. Matt has also developed some nausea but not bad enough for him to take medication for it. Matt has a touch of the diarrhea. They are going to give him a prescription to help him with that. If any of these symptoms worsen he is to call the Nurse of the clinical trial.
Now for the trail Matt has to see Dr. LaConte once a month for a physcial and he will go to Johnson Creek monthly for labs. Every other month they will have Matt have a CT Scan at Watertown Hospital. As long as Matt is tolerating the medication and the medication is working he can stay on the trial. If he is not feeling well and wants to get off the trail he can. God willing the new drugs are shrinking the cancer that is inside o f
Matt.
The nurse came in and told us Matt's new CEA tumor marker score. His last marker was done on 4/15/11 and the score was 56.2. They did labs right before Matt started his clinical trial for a base line and it was 41.8!!! Yeah!!!!!! Hopefully it continues to go down!!!!
Thank you to everyone for your continued thoughts and prayers. I pray to God that these new drugs work on Matt's cancer!
Now for the trail Matt has to see Dr. LaConte once a month for a physcial and he will go to Johnson Creek monthly for labs. Every other month they will have Matt have a CT Scan at Watertown Hospital. As long as Matt is tolerating the medication and the medication is working he can stay on the trial. If he is not feeling well and wants to get off the trail he can. God willing the new drugs are shrinking the cancer that is inside o f
Matt.
The nurse came in and told us Matt's new CEA tumor marker score. His last marker was done on 4/15/11 and the score was 56.2. They did labs right before Matt started his clinical trial for a base line and it was 41.8!!! Yeah!!!!!! Hopefully it continues to go down!!!!
Thank you to everyone for your continued thoughts and prayers. I pray to God that these new drugs work on Matt's cancer!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Second trip to Hospital for Clinical Trail
Matt and Gavin playing basketball while waiting for his next blood draw.
Matt, Casey and Gavin went wandering and checked out the UW Children's Hospital.
Gaving learned how to make Uncle Matt's bed go up and down,
pills. He has to take 4 pills of Lapatinib once a day every day. He will have to take MK-2206 every other day. For both pills he has to fast two hour before and two hours after. Matt has started a routine of eating supper then waiting two hours and taking his pills, watch a movie then go to bed a little while later. They said all his labs came back good.
Today Matt's nephew, Gavin came to keep him company for a while at the hospital. Matt got his Lapatinib at 8:58 this morning. They have to take blood draws at 8:58,9:28, 10:58, 12:58, 2;58, 4:58 and 8:58pm. Then he has the evening and night and they take the last blood draw at 8:58 Friday morning. Of coarse during the night they check on him and take his vital signs and make sure he is doing well with the Lapatinib.
Then Matt will do this for a week and then he has his last hospital stay on be August 17. They want to check how he is doing with both drugs. They will ask a lot of questions to see if anything change with Matt. They will ask how is he eating, if anything has changed with his bowls, if he had any pain and anything else that might be different than usual. They will keep him on the same regiment of taking his pills and doing all the blood draws with a few extra draws and they will do an EKG to make sure his heart is still working at the baseline EKG he took two weeks ago before he started the clinical trial. If Matt continues to do good he can continue to take these drugs and hopefully they will shrink his cancer that is in his body.
Thank you for your continue prayers for Matthew. He continues to be strong and smiling a lot!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Clincial Trail
Matt is doing really well. He arrived at UW-Hospital at 8 in the morning. They checked him in right away. He had a team of doctors that asked a lot of questions. At 10:30 he got his first dose of the MK-2206 medication. He will take this medication at home on the 5th, 7th and 9th of August. Then on August 11 he will go back to UW-Hospital and stay over night again. This time they add on the second trail drug...Lapatinib. On the 11th, 13th, and15th he will take both drugs. On the 12th,14th and 16th of August he will only take the Lapatinib. Then he is back at UW-Hospital on August 17. At these hospital stays the make sure Matt is tolerating the drugs. They also take blood draws 8 times while he is there on the first day. He stays over night and has more blood draws before they will release him at about Noon. He is back in the hospital on August 17th. He will only take the Lapatinib on the 18th, 20th. On 17th, 19th, 21st he will take both drugs. He will continue this pattern as long as things are working for Matt.
So far Matt feels good since he took the drug. He is not feeling nausea or tingling or itching. He has been eating well, walking around and catching up on his sleep.
Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers.
So far Matt feels good since he took the drug. He is not feeling nausea or tingling or itching. He has been eating well, walking around and catching up on his sleep.
Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Clincial Trial starting tomorrrow!
Tomorrow Matt has to be at the UW Hospital at 8:00 in the morning. They said he is going to start with the two new drugs. They want to see how Matt's body reacts to the new medications. They will be doing tests on him and they said they will let him go on Thursday at noon. During the first 4 weeks of this trail Matt will
have to go into the hospital again on the 11th and 17 of August.
I praise to our Lord that this trail will help shrink the tumors in Matt's body and go away!! I will let you know how the trial is going.
Thank you for all your prayers!!
have to go into the hospital again on the 11th and 17 of August.
I praise to our Lord that this trail will help shrink the tumors in Matt's body and go away!! I will let you know how the trial is going.
Thank you for all your prayers!!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Getting ready for the Clincial Trail = MK2206
Matt has been working hard and then going home and working on his yard and patio. Matt did time off to go see the Brewers play and to see the puppies. Matt's Aunt Tereseee's golden retriever that is sister to Matt's family golden retriever had 9 puppies on Monday. Matt and Casey also helped with the Marine picnic this past weekend.
While keeping busy Matt has also been getting ready for his Clinical Trail = MK2206. Matt went to Johnson Creek Cancer center for labs. Tomorrow at 7:00 in the morning he has a CT Scan of the pelvic region and chest. He also has a Cusechopan after his CT-Scan. Then starting August 3rd the first day of the trail Matt has to be at the hospital at 8 in the morning and stay in the hospital until 8 in the morning August 4th. They want to make sure Matt doesn't have any reaction to the chemotherapy medications. They also want to run tests for the trail. Then he will go home and continue to take the chemo medication and will have to go back to the hospital on August 11 and do the test for the clinical trail again. They want to see how the new medication is working. Then after 24 hours in the hospital he goes home again to take the medication at home until August 17 when he will have to do the routine again at stay ing in the hospital. Dr. LeConte said as long as the drug is working he can stay in the trail. If Matt starts not to feel good and wants to pull out of the trail he can do that at any time. This MK2206 is supposed to help shrink the tumors in Matt. I pray that it helps. This might help with the pain Matt is experiencing in his pelvic region.
Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers! I pray that this clinical trail will help Matt.
Matt and Casey and Cousin Becky at the Marine Park Picnic
Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers! I pray that this clinical trail will help Matt.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Change of Plans
Matt got a call from Dr. LeConte office stating that they found a spot for Matt for the clincial trial. If all goes well Matt would start his trial on August 3 in Madison. Monday July 25 he will have to go and get a lot of blood test and Ct scan... whatever they need
for the trial.
Matt says he is ready and wants to get this started!!!
Thank you for all your continued prayers for Matt!
for the trial.
Matt says he is ready and wants to get this started!!!
Thank you for all your continued prayers for Matt!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Dr. Appointment
Matt saw Dr. Holen yesterday. Matt has been experiencing pain in his pelvic region. He has a swollen lymph node a little off to the side where he was experiencing pain before. Dr. Holen said he could get radition on it but Matt is waiting for a clinical trail so he decided no radition. Matt decided to wait and get stronger pain medication and see how that works so he can do the clinical trail when they call.
Dr. Holen's office realized that Matt's port has not been used for several months. The nurse tried to access it and it was not working properly. Matt stayed and the put a medication down his port. Matt had to wait for 45 minutes and she tried his port again and it was working well.
Matt is going to have a tumor marker test done in a few weeks. Until then he continues to work hard even in this "extreme" heat!!! It was 100* yesterday in Watertown!! Way to hot for Wisconsin!!!
Thank you to everyone for continued prayers for Matt!!
Dr. Holen's office realized that Matt's port has not been used for several months. The nurse tried to access it and it was not working properly. Matt stayed and the put a medication down his port. Matt had to wait for 45 minutes and she tried his port again and it was working well.
Matt is going to have a tumor marker test done in a few weeks. Until then he continues to work hard even in this "extreme" heat!!! It was 100* yesterday in Watertown!! Way to hot for Wisconsin!!!
Thank you to everyone for continued prayers for Matt!!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Working Hard!
Matt has been going to work every day and working hard then going home and working hard. Matt and Casey are working on trying to get the outside of their home finished. They built their retaining walls around the house. They poured the cement for the patio and sidewalks. They put the last finishing black top soil all over. Now they are working on seeding the ground and building the patio wall.
Matt has been feeling okay. He still has continue pelvic pain. He takes pain pills at night to help the pain and help him sleep. Otherwise Matt feels good.
![]()
Matt and Casey went up north with Bret and his family. They went swimming and jet skiing! They had a lot of fun!! Glad to see them get away for a day and night. When they got home they were surprise the curtain fairy came and hung up the living room curtain. They were very happy to get their curtains up so the sun can't shine in on the TV anymore. They were also in the 4th of July Parade. Casey went through with her girls while Matt drove the truck with the music.
Thank you to everyone one for all your continued prayers!
Matt has been feeling okay. He still has continue pelvic pain. He takes pain pills at night to help the pain and help him sleep. Otherwise Matt feels good.
 |
| Side of the house where the side walk starts and goes all the way around the house. |
 |
| Start of their patio wall where you will be able to sit on. Lets Party!!! |
 |
| The curtain fairy hanging up the curtains she sewed for Matt and Casey. |
 |
| Other curtain she made for the living room. |
 |
| Matt and Casey in the parade the second time around playing the music for the tiny blue revue girls. |
Thank you to everyone one for all your continued prayers!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Feeling Good!
Matt has been working every day and feeling pretty good. Matt and Casey has also been working on thier
retaining walls and they got their patio cemented. Next week they are hoping to get their lawn in!! Matt can't wait to mow his own lawn!!
Matt has decide not to do the new clinical trail they found for him. Matt decided he is feeling so good he
wants to continue to work at his job and to try and get all his work done around his house. He is hoping that they will offer the clinical trail in July and then he would try it!!
More good news!!! Casey got a teaching job! Casey is the new kindengarten teacher at Shurs school in Watertown, Wisconsin!! Yeah, we are so happy for Casey. I knew Casey and Matt are relieved that
she was able to get a job so quickly!!! It just goes to show they snap up the good teachers first!!!
Thank you for your continued prayers for Matt!
retaining walls and they got their patio cemented. Next week they are hoping to get their lawn in!! Matt can't wait to mow his own lawn!!
Matt has decide not to do the new clinical trail they found for him. Matt decided he is feeling so good he
wants to continue to work at his job and to try and get all his work done around his house. He is hoping that they will offer the clinical trail in July and then he would try it!!
More good news!!! Casey got a teaching job! Casey is the new kindengarten teacher at Shurs school in Watertown, Wisconsin!! Yeah, we are so happy for Casey. I knew Casey and Matt are relieved that
she was able to get a job so quickly!!! It just goes to show they snap up the good teachers first!!!
Thank you for your continued prayers for Matt!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Clinical Trial Update
Yesterday Dr. Noelle Le Conte called. She found another Clinical trial that is more suited for Matt. It is design for his type of cancer. The drug that will be used is Linifinib. This trail should start possibly next week. It is taking one pill daily. The first 12 days the doctor will want to see him several times. After the first 12 days she will only want to see him monthly.
The Nurse from the clinical trial will be calling for Matt to come in and they want
to explain the trial to him and have him sign the papers. This trial is completely covered through the trial. It will be no expense to Matt.
Thank you for all your prayers! God is listening!!
The Nurse from the clinical trial will be calling for Matt to come in and they want
to explain the trial to him and have him sign the papers. This trial is completely covered through the trial. It will be no expense to Matt.
Thank you for all your prayers! God is listening!!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Clincial Trail
Matt got a call from Jennifer from UW-Madison Hospital. She said that the lady on the list ahead of Matt was having some concerns and Matt was getting pushed back to end of July before he can start on his trial.
Although Matt has been feeling pretty good, except for another pain in his pelvic region this clinical trail should help shrink his tumors. I called Dr. Holen to let him know what is going on and he said he would call
UW-Madison and find out exactly what was happening. In the mean time Dr. Holen wanted Matt to have an office visit to check on the pain he is having.
Matt saw Dr. Bethany Anderson today. She said that it might be residual pain from having the radiation. It is not a constant pain and it is not every day. She said the pain should go away. This was good news. Hopefully the pain will go away ASAP!!!
This afternoon Dr. Holen called back. He said that he talk to Dr. Noelle LeConte at UW-Hosptial. She said the lady they are waiting on took a blood test. The test should be back in two days. If the blood test is not any better, then this Lady will be dropped from the clinical trail and Matt can start next week. What a conundrum. I do not want to wish ill will on anyone! I wish she can stay on the clinical trail and Matt can start it too!!! I leave it in God's hands. He has a plan for Matt and this lady. I pray for the best for her.
We will find out in a few days as to the answer if Matt will start the trail next week.
Our prayers should be for blessings in general, for God nows best what is good for us. by: Socrates
Thank you to everyone for all your prayers! Matt and his family could not have made it this far without them!!
Although Matt has been feeling pretty good, except for another pain in his pelvic region this clinical trail should help shrink his tumors. I called Dr. Holen to let him know what is going on and he said he would call
UW-Madison and find out exactly what was happening. In the mean time Dr. Holen wanted Matt to have an office visit to check on the pain he is having.
Matt saw Dr. Bethany Anderson today. She said that it might be residual pain from having the radiation. It is not a constant pain and it is not every day. She said the pain should go away. This was good news. Hopefully the pain will go away ASAP!!!
This afternoon Dr. Holen called back. He said that he talk to Dr. Noelle LeConte at UW-Hosptial. She said the lady they are waiting on took a blood test. The test should be back in two days. If the blood test is not any better, then this Lady will be dropped from the clinical trail and Matt can start next week. What a conundrum. I do not want to wish ill will on anyone! I wish she can stay on the clinical trail and Matt can start it too!!! I leave it in God's hands. He has a plan for Matt and this lady. I pray for the best for her.
We will find out in a few days as to the answer if Matt will start the trail next week.
Our prayers should be for blessings in general, for God nows best what is good for us. by: Socrates
Thank you to everyone for all your prayers! Matt and his family could not have made it this far without them!!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Still Waiting
Matt is working every day (weather permitting) but still waiting for the radiation to kick in!! He has pain medication but does not like to take it during the day. He takes the medication at night to help with the pain and to help him sleep.
Matt had a check up with Dr. McCabe. She was the doctor who got the kidney stone out. Matt had a good check up. Everything looks good.
Matt and Casey have been working on their home. They started on their retaining walls around the house. They hope to cement side walk next. Matt is hoping to get his lawn in soon.
Thank you for your continue thoughts and prayers!!!!
Matt had a check up with Dr. McCabe. She was the doctor who got the kidney stone out. Matt had a good check up. Everything looks good.
Matt and Casey have been working on their home. They started on their retaining walls around the house. They hope to cement side walk next. Matt is hoping to get his lawn in soon.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Last day of Radiation
Today was Matt's last day of radiation. Matt continues to have pain in his hip and radiates down his leg. They said it still might take a week before Matt feels the benefit of the radiation.
Matt is working every day and busy nights getting things done. He wants to get his lawn in real soon!
Now Matt is waiting for the pain in his leg to go away and waiting for the call from Madison on the
clinical trial as to when it is going to start. Until then Matt continues to work hard and tries to get done the
list of items he has.
I thank God every day that Matt is feeling good and can work and do all things he loves to do!
Thank you to everyone so much for all your prayers!
Matt is working every day and busy nights getting things done. He wants to get his lawn in real soon!
Now Matt is waiting for the pain in his leg to go away and waiting for the call from Madison on the
clinical trial as to when it is going to start. Until then Matt continues to work hard and tries to get done the
list of items he has.
I thank God every day that Matt is feeling good and can work and do all things he loves to do!
Thank you to everyone so much for all your prayers!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Radiation is starting
Dr. Bethany Anderson at Johnson Creek Cancer center has it worked out with Matt's Insurance to do radiation on his leg. Matt still continues to have pain in his left leg. The pain is not all day long but when he moves it from a sitting position or standing position it gets a sharp pain. Also some days it just hurts to walk.
Matt will have five appointments of radiation. He will start tomorrow (5/11) and continue Thursday (5/12), Friday (5/13), Monday (5/16) and Tuesday (5/17). This should help Matt with the pain. Hopefully he will no longer have any pain with getting this radiation. This will work out with his clinical trial. Matt cannot be on radiation or chemo for four weeks prior to the start of the clinical trial.
Matt is scheduled to start on the clinical trial mid June or end of June.
Matt has been working some almost every day. He is very happy to be working again!!
Thank you to everyone for all your continued thoughts and prayers!!
Matt will have five appointments of radiation. He will start tomorrow (5/11) and continue Thursday (5/12), Friday (5/13), Monday (5/16) and Tuesday (5/17). This should help Matt with the pain. Hopefully he will no longer have any pain with getting this radiation. This will work out with his clinical trial. Matt cannot be on radiation or chemo for four weeks prior to the start of the clinical trial.
Matt is scheduled to start on the clinical trial mid June or end of June.
Matt has been working some almost every day. He is very happy to be working again!!
Thank you to everyone for all your continued thoughts and prayers!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)