8/23: The Sticky Stuff

It seems all of OptionCare had today off, except for Cathy the nurse. I left a voicemail for Michelle and will call her again tomorrow with my ultimatum. Nurse Cathy was nice, was prepared, knew what she was doing, and was fast. So far so good with Leo's port. I think I figured out what the problem has been with the blood draws. It isn't his blood clotting, although that of course may have something to do with it. I think it may be the antineoplastons. First, both antineoplastons are goopy and sticky (Leo's pee is even sticky). Second, until recently there were long gaps between treatments, which now last over 3 hours in total. So there was a lot of time between treatments for the sticky stuff to clog the port, needle, etc. Now that it pumps almost non-stop, I think there isn't enough time for stuff to stick together and cause problems. Well, it doesn't really matter as long as a the port keeps working and the blood keeps coming.

Leo's symptoms aren't getting any better. In fact, maybe they're again a bit worse, like the drooling that's slightly started and the coughing while drinking. I honestly believe that it's because something good is happening with the tumor. We were told several times that things may get worse before they get better because the tumor first breaks-up. That causes more swelling. Then the cancerous cells die and get cleaned-up by the body, which of course reduces swelling. Obviously we want this to happen asap, but we're willing to wait for good news. Another "symptom" that's really related to the combination of decadron and thirst is the utter lack of sleep. Leo now takes little naps throughout the day. The decadron causes sleep issues in the first place and the antineoplastons make him so thirsty that even when he does fall asleep he wakes-up for a drinking binge. So the regimen is very, very tough, but we are committed to the treatment and are going all the way. We'll get plenty of sleep I'm sure when he's cured.