Lets live with hope....

On Wednesday, Dec. 17, Hap returned to Sloan for an appointment with his main doctor and to receive his monthly ocetreotide injection.
Since his liver tumors have been fully embolized, Hap was anticipating a big appointment with decisions about his next step.
With that in mind, he brought along his ontourage, wife Mary, friend Lisa (angel in the outfield) and sister-in-law, Bonnie. Team member/brother-in-law, Jeff K.
could not be present due to a week long power outage in his hometown in Massachusetts. All came prepared with research and questions.

After thorough discussion, Hap’s doctor decided to scan Hap on Jan. 12 to evaluate the tumors’ response to the embolizations and the ocetreotide injections.
Hap will then meet with his doctor on Jan. 19 to discuss the results and his next plan. Future decisions will include whether to embolize the pelvic mass or begin chemotherapy. Many friends and family members have wondered why Hap hasn’t started chemo yet. Symptoms from carcinoid tumors are generally treated with somatostatin analogues (ocetreotide injections). Chemotherapy is only initiated in patients whose symptoms do not respond to somatostain.

Other concerns at this appointment were Hap’s weight loss, fatigue and finding the primary source. Unfortunately, we may never know the primary source
or possibly, it’s in the liver. Regardless, Hap’s doctor feels very confident in the choice of treatments for Hap’s situation.

Hap, Mary and family wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Quote for the Day: By Henri J. M. Nouwen
All the great spiritual leaders in history were people of hope. Abraham, Moses, Ruth, Mary, Jesus, Rumi, Gandhi, and Dorothy Day all lived with a promise in their hearts that guided them toward the future without the need to know exactly what it would look like. Let's live with hope.

Ray and Bonnie brought Hap and Mary home last night after a long week at Sloan. Hap was unable to come home on Thursday due to fevers.
On Friday, he had a chest X-ray and blood work. Both were fine and after being visited by 3 doctors and Mary begging, Hap was allowed to go home,
still with a fever and annoying hiccups. Being home and seeing his three sons should help speed up his recovery.

It takes a HUGE support system to make it possible for Hap to be able to travel into New York for outstanding care at Sloan. Hap and Mary are very grateful for all the support that includes, prayers, cards, grandparents taking care of their boys, arrangements made for Mary in the city, meals for their family back at home, transportation for their boys, text messages, phone calls, friends and family spending time with Mary in the city and I’m sure there’s more. Even through this difficult time, Hap and Mary continue to feel blessed each and every day.

*$#%@ Hiccups!

With the exception of a great visit from a furry friend, Hap has had a pretty tough day. To add to his list of side effects, he is now suffering from hiccups.....yes, hiccups....non-stop hiccups. Apparently, this is a rare side effect that could last up to a week.

If Hap shows improvement and begins to eat some solid food, he may be discharged tomorrow.

The second embolization...

Hap had his second embolization today, which took about 2 1/2 hours to perform.

He is currently battling post embolization syndrome, which includes high blood pressure, pain and nausea.

He will remain in the hospital for a few days to be monitored and manage the pain.

Hap will follow up with his doctor in a few weeks for a scan to measure the progress.

Lean Mean Embolization Machine...

Hap was at Sloan today for his appointment with his interventional radiologist. She is prepared to embolize the second half of the liver.

Hap's lungs sound better and most of the post embolization syndrome effects have subsided.

His blood pressure remains to be a little high.

Hap had bloodwork, an EKG and a chest x-ray. He also had his monthly ocetreotide injection.

His doctor noticed his weight loss and I quote, said,"You're a Lean Mean Embolization Machine".

Physically, Hap is ready for the next embolization...working on mentally being ready. The next procedure is scheduled for December 1.

This week, Hap returns to Sloan for a visit with his interventional radiologist who did the embolization. He also has pre-surgical testing and will receive another ocetreotide injection. On December 1, he will return to the hospital for an embolization to the other half of his liver. Since Hap struggled with the post embolization syndrome, his doctor decided to embolize the pelvic mass at a later time.

Last week, Hap and Mary did not have any appts. and had time to reflect on all the kindness and support surrounding them. They want to thank everyone for their prayers, novenas, rosaries and many acts of kindness. Taking this journey is truly a collaborative effort and they thank you from the bottom of their hearts.

Wow, what a great inning today at Sloan!

Hap returned to Sloan today because he continues to run fevers. It was determined that the fevers are due to fluid in his lungs. In addition his blood pressure is slightly elevated so the doctor will be putting him on medication.

Now for some good news....the CAT scan showed that the embolization is working. The tumors on his liver are showing changes for the better. The pelvic mass has already decreased in size, due to the ocetreotide shots.

Hap will return in two weeks for a follow up and to determine the date of his next embolization.