The “mule deer quest” started at midnight that night. They only got as far as Great Falls before they stopped to get a little sleep. It was a wonderful time for Gus, but he came home with only memories. No meat. They just didn’t see the pheasants and deer they thought they would.
Gus had his blood work for his CA19-9 taken Tuesday, November 24. The count has continued to rise and is now 51. We hate the thought of it continuing to rise after one full cycle of treatment, but it is still low enough to not be a great concern. Normally the count would have started dropping once Gus was back on chemo.
Gus did gain back some of his weight. His appetite isn’t great, but food still tastes good. It just doesn’t taste great to him.
Gus has been told and now has discovered the truth that if he pushes fluids the day before his infusion, it helps the veins getting the IVs started. After knowing that he would have to have a port put in after hunting camp, Gus seems to be doing fine. The nurses and technicians have not had any issues drawing blood or getting IVs started since September.
Last Tuesday was a nightmare driving to Bozeman . . . . slick roads and blizzard conditions. As Gus was fighting to keep the car on the highway, he looked at me and smiled. Only a fool would try so hard to get to his chemo treatment.
Gus’ low potassium level was a concern to the doctor, so Gus was given an infusion of potassium also. Otherwise the doctor was pleased with how Gus is feeling. The day before we went to Bozeman, Gus was outside splitting wood. The oncologist is amazed at what Gus continues to do.
If Gus can achieve something each day, it makes sitting in the recliner for hours at a time more acceptable.
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