Back in the Hospital
Last night after several days of excruciating, wall-climbing pain, Jim was admitted to the hospital. He received his pain meds three different times in a short period, and they finally had to sedate him. He slept but woke again this morning still in pain and was again given something to keep him "drugged." They were awaiting a pain management team when I spoke last to my dad.
Here's what I know from today:
Jim was diagnosed with follicular cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in June 2009. After chemotherapy, in September 2009 his physicians claimed he was in remission. But by November, he was still having problems so they began chemo again. That has been going on until they took a biopsy of the tumor in his back just last week.
The results of the biopsy indicate that he has two types of cancer that now includes large cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in addition to the previous diagnosis. The body scans now indicate that Jim has a tumor the size of a cantaloupe in his back in the pelvic region that is affecting his left leg. It is too massive for surgery. It is also the cause of his pain. He remains wheelchair bound for mobility. In addition, he has two tumors in his head: one on the chin/jawbone that protrudes about 1-1/2 inches and another that now appears at the base of his skull. He speaks with a slur and he is disfigured.
The doctors are beginning a chemotherapy regimen today that is new in cancer treatment and includes a very expensive prescription drug, the name of which I can't recall. It will be given by IV for two days and orally 14 days thereafter. They say it has a 66% chance of improving his condition, but as my sister says, it will likely just change the time frame remaining for Jim from days/weeks to a few months. But with the kind of pain he is experiencing we all have to wonder if that is a good thing. It is without a doubt that my brother is dying and there is absolutely nothing anyone can do about it. He is in too much pain and only wishes for death to relieve it. The cancer is aggressive and is infiltrating his body faster than it can be treated.
I am planning a trip to Mississippi as soon as Jim is released from the hospital, which won't happen until they can get the pain managed. I'm hoping for early-mid week next week. Legal matters need settled. End-of-life decisions need to be made. Besides, it's where my heart is anyway.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
![]()
The Hasley Family: Mom, Debbie, Jimmy, Daddy, Me
Here's what I know from today:
Jim was diagnosed with follicular cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in June 2009. After chemotherapy, in September 2009 his physicians claimed he was in remission. But by November, he was still having problems so they began chemo again. That has been going on until they took a biopsy of the tumor in his back just last week.
The results of the biopsy indicate that he has two types of cancer that now includes large cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in addition to the previous diagnosis. The body scans now indicate that Jim has a tumor the size of a cantaloupe in his back in the pelvic region that is affecting his left leg. It is too massive for surgery. It is also the cause of his pain. He remains wheelchair bound for mobility. In addition, he has two tumors in his head: one on the chin/jawbone that protrudes about 1-1/2 inches and another that now appears at the base of his skull. He speaks with a slur and he is disfigured.
The doctors are beginning a chemotherapy regimen today that is new in cancer treatment and includes a very expensive prescription drug, the name of which I can't recall. It will be given by IV for two days and orally 14 days thereafter. They say it has a 66% chance of improving his condition, but as my sister says, it will likely just change the time frame remaining for Jim from days/weeks to a few months. But with the kind of pain he is experiencing we all have to wonder if that is a good thing. It is without a doubt that my brother is dying and there is absolutely nothing anyone can do about it. He is in too much pain and only wishes for death to relieve it. The cancer is aggressive and is infiltrating his body faster than it can be treated.
I am planning a trip to Mississippi as soon as Jim is released from the hospital, which won't happen until they can get the pain managed. I'm hoping for early-mid week next week. Legal matters need settled. End-of-life decisions need to be made. Besides, it's where my heart is anyway.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
The Hasley Family: Mom, Debbie, Jimmy, Daddy, Me
-
Difficult times, Deidra, but your faith will sustain you. Love you. I'm so glad you can plan to go down to be with him and your parents soon. -
I will be praying for all of you. -
The fact that Jim's final days are filled with excruciating pain breaks my heart for him and his family and you...this is just so difficult to read. I love you, Deidra. God bless. -
I know how hard this can be from my own experiences. Helping someone 'live' longer but they have to be drugged or in severe pain-that is something I have a hard time understanding. I pray all decisions made will be best for everyone. *hugs* -
May God hold your brother, you and your family in the palm of his hand during this very difficult time! I'm so sorry you all are suffering. -
I'm am so sorry to hear this. My prayers are with him and your family. Thank you for all you do to fight cancer. -
Praying for the Lord to give you strength and courage during the next phase of this life here. *hugs* I should have the answe to your fundraising question by tonight - I will email immediately! -
Praying for you and your family and sending love your way. -
Once again, I am just so glad that you all are surrounded folks who love you, who God can use to hold you up, pray for you and with you, can just be there to help out with the little things. It must seem surreal. But we know God is blessing you all in ways we can't see sometimes. Words are so thin sometimes... (((hugs)))
