When Christine and I arrived at 11 am, the Occupational Therapist had him out of bed and sitting in a chair.
He's no longer in ISOLATION. He tested NEGATIVE for C-Diff!
The Physical Therapy guys were outside his room, ready to pounce on him. I told them to "Give him Hell". They were delighted.
They WANTED to walk him, but after laying on his back for 5 days, his blood pressure was too low. They'd test it sitting up. LOW. Test it standing up. LOWER. They're going to try to get him walking tomorrow.
Dom asked to go back to bed and we all said, "NO!". He ended up sitting in that chair for more than 2 hours.
Our Slidell Oncologist came in. Told us that he was SO HAPPY that Dom didn't have C-Diff. He's lost TWO PATIENTS from that! He said that he wants to get Dom STRONG before he gets out of the hospital. His blood counts are dropping, so I'm guessing that he'll need another blood transfusion soon.
Then Dr. Koachev, partner of Dom's Kidney specialist, came in. He spent almost 30 minutes with us. Explained that Dom was limited to 2 liters of liquids per day. Getting IVs of Sodium, Potassium and Electrolytes for his kidneys. Also told us that his Creatine had jumped from 2.5 yesterday to 3.5 this morning.
Dom's collar bone started killing him, so they put him back in bed with a percocet. When he started getting dopey, we left.
Did a little shopping, had a late lunch and came home.
Dom called. The Infectious Diseases Dr. made an appearance. She said, "You told me that you had Salmonella once. Well, you've got it again! No more runny egg yolks!".
She then went on to say that his Creatine number dropped from this morning's 3.5.
Feeling hopeful, gang!
Monday, August 12, 2019
Sunday, August 11, 2019
New Action With Dom- Blood Transfusions and a Hospital Stay
Hey gang!
It's been pretty rough around here.
On Wed. the 29th, he needed 2 units of blood in a transfusion. His body has quit producing blood. Either the myeloma cells or something else going on in his bone marrow. To be determined.
After a few days, he felt like a new man.
THEN...This past week, he couldn't get out of bed on Wed. or Thursday. Weak. Nauseous. Diarrhea kicked in Friday morning.
His Oncologist had me take him to the ER at Slidell Memorial Hospital on Friday.
They admitted him that afternoon. He needed yet ANOTHER unit of blood. He needed Potassium and Electrolytes.
I came in on Sat. morning to find out that they were moving him to the Cardiac Step-Down unit. They found an enzyme in his blood that could affect the heart.
They wanted to keep an eye on him.
Now he's in ISOLATION in the Cardiac Unit. Gowns, gloves and masks worn by everybody.
He's got quite the team of specialists. I met a Kidney Specialist this morning. He explained that Creatine should be a 1. Dom is a 2.5 Dialysis is needed at 5. He ordered an ultrasound of his kidneys and bladder.
Then an Infectious Diseases doctor came in. She said that he has some type of bacteria in his blood. She's THINKING E Coli. They're also testing him for C-Diff. Bacterial infection in his colon. Pretty creepy stuff.
https://www.medicinenet.com/is_c_diff_clostridium_difficile_contagious/article.htm
He's got a Neurologist on the team. Trying to deal with his Neuropathy.
Also a doctor of Internal Medicine. She ordered Occupational and Physical Therapy. "Use it or lose it, Mr. Manzo". I told the PT to work him hard!
Sooo... our daughter flew in this afternoon. When she showed up at the hospital, I left. She'll be a great help! I'm tickled that she's here.
I was sobbing yesterday. He was almost incoherent. No tears today, just smiles. I like the new team of doctors! I'm impressed with this hospital, too!
They need to keep an eye on a few things, but he was very engaging today!
It's been pretty rough around here.
On Wed. the 29th, he needed 2 units of blood in a transfusion. His body has quit producing blood. Either the myeloma cells or something else going on in his bone marrow. To be determined.
After a few days, he felt like a new man.
THEN...This past week, he couldn't get out of bed on Wed. or Thursday. Weak. Nauseous. Diarrhea kicked in Friday morning.
His Oncologist had me take him to the ER at Slidell Memorial Hospital on Friday.
They admitted him that afternoon. He needed yet ANOTHER unit of blood. He needed Potassium and Electrolytes.
I came in on Sat. morning to find out that they were moving him to the Cardiac Step-Down unit. They found an enzyme in his blood that could affect the heart.
They wanted to keep an eye on him.
Now he's in ISOLATION in the Cardiac Unit. Gowns, gloves and masks worn by everybody.
He's got quite the team of specialists. I met a Kidney Specialist this morning. He explained that Creatine should be a 1. Dom is a 2.5 Dialysis is needed at 5. He ordered an ultrasound of his kidneys and bladder.
Then an Infectious Diseases doctor came in. She said that he has some type of bacteria in his blood. She's THINKING E Coli. They're also testing him for C-Diff. Bacterial infection in his colon. Pretty creepy stuff.
https://www.medicinenet.com/is_c_diff_clostridium_difficile_contagious/article.htm
He's got a Neurologist on the team. Trying to deal with his Neuropathy.
Also a doctor of Internal Medicine. She ordered Occupational and Physical Therapy. "Use it or lose it, Mr. Manzo". I told the PT to work him hard!
Sooo... our daughter flew in this afternoon. When she showed up at the hospital, I left. She'll be a great help! I'm tickled that she's here.
I was sobbing yesterday. He was almost incoherent. No tears today, just smiles. I like the new team of doctors! I'm impressed with this hospital, too!
They need to keep an eye on a few things, but he was very engaging today!
Monday, August 5, 2019
Sparkling Ice Mystery Flavor Reveal- MANGO GUAVA!
Hi gang-
On these hot summer days, Sparkling Ice really hits the spot.
We LOVE the new "Mystery Flavor". YUMMY!
After months of speculation, Sparkling Ice is excited to reveal the flavor of its limited-edition Mystery Flavor - MANGO GUAVA!
Sparkling Ice officially announced that the tropical flavor over 403.2K people have submitted guesses for as part of the #WhatTheFlavorSweeps contest. One lucky grand prize winner will receive a 7-day Caribbean Cruise from Holland America, with over 500 additional winners receiving fun tropical prizes perfect for summer.
The Mystery Flavor will be available for a limited time at local grocery stores while supplies last.
On these hot summer days, Sparkling Ice really hits the spot.
We LOVE the new "Mystery Flavor". YUMMY!
After months of speculation, Sparkling Ice is excited to reveal the flavor of its limited-edition Mystery Flavor - MANGO GUAVA!
Sparkling Ice officially announced that the tropical flavor over 403.2K people have submitted guesses for as part of the #WhatTheFlavorSweeps contest. One lucky grand prize winner will receive a 7-day Caribbean Cruise from Holland America, with over 500 additional winners receiving fun tropical prizes perfect for summer.
The Mystery Flavor will be available for a limited time at local grocery stores while supplies last.
Friday, August 2, 2019
INTRODUCING WONDER MELON™, THE NEWEST IN TREND-FORWARD HEALTHY BEVERAGES
KAYCO RIDES THE WATERMELON WAVE
Delicious, Organic Drink Delivers Powerful Hydration in Two Refreshing Varieties: Spicy Watermelon Lemon Cayenne & Cool Watermelon Cucumber Basil
USDA Organic
OU Kosher
non-GMO Verified
Certified Fair Trade
Bayonne, NJ, AUG 1, 2019 – The consumers have spoken. Watermelon, one of today’s fastest-trending fruits, has enjoyed triple-digit growth in casual and fine dining. Demand for the refreshing summer staple is on the rise even in the fall and winter months. It’s a must for any mixologist and you’ll find it on one in 10 restaurant menus.
Most of all, people just love watermelon – and they know it’s good for them.
KAYCO (www.kayco.com) is taking the beverage industry by storm with Wonder Melon™, the latest thirst-quencher for those seeking clean, uniquely flavorful new refreshment options. Wonder Melon™ is made from 100% organic cold-pressed juice with no added sugar, artificial ingredients, or artificial colorings.
This healthy game-changer comes in two exciting varieties. Watermelon Cucumber Basil is a delightfully cool concoction of real watermelon juice, lemon juice, apple juice, cucumber juice, and basil, with only 80 calories per 8.45 oz. bottle. Watermelon Lemon Cayenne wakes up the taste buds with real watermelon juice, lemon juice, apple juice, and a dash of cayenne at just 100 calories per 8.45 oz. bottle.
“Wonder Melon™ perfectly captures what consumers are looking for right now,” says Kim Cassar, Kayco’s EVP Sales & Marketing – Beyond Division. “It’s not only healthful and out of the ordinary, but also undeniably trendy and irresistibly delicious. We’re confident that Wonder Melon™ will make a huge splash this summer.”
Both varieties are non-GMO verified, certified Fair Trade, USDA organic, and certified OU kosher (parve). Packaged 6 bottles per case ($3.99/bottle MSRP), Wonder Melon™ is available in the refrigerator section at Shop-Rite, Fairway, Best Market, independent grocers and Amazon.
Wonderful Watermelon Facts
Watermelon’s 92% water content is excellent for hydration. It contains a bounty of nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals associated with the following:
Digestive health
Eye, skin, and hair health
Sun protection
Diabetes protection
Heart and blood vessel health
Weight loss
Combating asthma
Weight loss
Nerve function
Reduction of inflammation
This is some YUMMY STUFF, gang! Here are a couple of my favorite drinks:
Delicious, Organic Drink Delivers Powerful Hydration in Two Refreshing Varieties: Spicy Watermelon Lemon Cayenne & Cool Watermelon Cucumber Basil
USDA Organic
OU Kosher
non-GMO Verified
Certified Fair Trade
Bayonne, NJ, AUG 1, 2019 – The consumers have spoken. Watermelon, one of today’s fastest-trending fruits, has enjoyed triple-digit growth in casual and fine dining. Demand for the refreshing summer staple is on the rise even in the fall and winter months. It’s a must for any mixologist and you’ll find it on one in 10 restaurant menus.
Most of all, people just love watermelon – and they know it’s good for them.
KAYCO (www.kayco.com) is taking the beverage industry by storm with Wonder Melon™, the latest thirst-quencher for those seeking clean, uniquely flavorful new refreshment options. Wonder Melon™ is made from 100% organic cold-pressed juice with no added sugar, artificial ingredients, or artificial colorings.
This healthy game-changer comes in two exciting varieties. Watermelon Cucumber Basil is a delightfully cool concoction of real watermelon juice, lemon juice, apple juice, cucumber juice, and basil, with only 80 calories per 8.45 oz. bottle. Watermelon Lemon Cayenne wakes up the taste buds with real watermelon juice, lemon juice, apple juice, and a dash of cayenne at just 100 calories per 8.45 oz. bottle.
“Wonder Melon™ perfectly captures what consumers are looking for right now,” says Kim Cassar, Kayco’s EVP Sales & Marketing – Beyond Division. “It’s not only healthful and out of the ordinary, but also undeniably trendy and irresistibly delicious. We’re confident that Wonder Melon™ will make a huge splash this summer.”
Both varieties are non-GMO verified, certified Fair Trade, USDA organic, and certified OU kosher (parve). Packaged 6 bottles per case ($3.99/bottle MSRP), Wonder Melon™ is available in the refrigerator section at Shop-Rite, Fairway, Best Market, independent grocers and Amazon.
Wonderful Watermelon Facts
Watermelon’s 92% water content is excellent for hydration. It contains a bounty of nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals associated with the following:
Digestive health
Eye, skin, and hair health
Sun protection
Diabetes protection
Heart and blood vessel health
Weight loss
Combating asthma
Weight loss
Nerve function
Reduction of inflammation
This is some YUMMY STUFF, gang! Here are a couple of my favorite drinks:
Pineapple Punch
2 oz pineapple infused vodka
1.5 oz Wonder Melon™ with Juice, Watermelon, lemon, and cayenne
Splash simple syrup
.5 oz pineapple juice
.5 oz peach schnapps
Summer Refresher
2 oz. vodka
1/2 oz. Watermelon juice
1/4 oz. Simple syrup
1 oz. Lemon juice
1 oz. Wonder Melon™ with Juice, Watermelon, Cucumber and Basil
Sugar rim
Kayco is one of the largest manufacturers and suppliers of kosher foods. Its expanded Kayco Beyond Division sources and distributes new products to the general market beyond kosher, to meet the demands of consumers looking for optional products that are healthful, convenient and/or for restricted diets and lifestyles. These brands include Dorot, Absolutely Gluten Free, Beetology, Mighty Sesame, Tuscanini Foods, Wissotzky Tea Co. and new Wonder Melon™. They are headquartered in Bayonne, NJ. (www.KAYCO.com).
Thursday, August 1, 2019
One Thing After Another Here
Well, his 8 years of complete remission spoiled us. The last 2 years have been chaotic!
Dom finished up his 5 days of radiation on his broken collarbone and ribs. We went in to see our Slidell oncologist on Monday. He did blood work and made us an appointment with Dr. Safah at the Tulane Cancer Center in 3 weeks.
We were tickled! Three weeks off! YAY!
Not so fast...the phone rang around noon on Tuesday. "Dominic needs 2 units of blood! Come in today to be matched, then go to the hospital for a Transfusion on Wed".
We drove into Slidell. (100 miles round-trip). They did their blood thing and scheduled us for a transfusion at 8:30 the next morning.
Back to Slidell. SOMEONE told us that it would be about 2 hours.
They were sadly mistaken. We were at Slidell Memorial Hospital for 7 1/2 hours! What a long day.
We were hoping that he would perk up today, but that's not the case. He's exhausted.
So, that's what's new here.
Going to Tulane Cancer Center in NOLA on the 21st. We're afraid to answer the phone!
Dom finished up his 5 days of radiation on his broken collarbone and ribs. We went in to see our Slidell oncologist on Monday. He did blood work and made us an appointment with Dr. Safah at the Tulane Cancer Center in 3 weeks.
We were tickled! Three weeks off! YAY!
Not so fast...the phone rang around noon on Tuesday. "Dominic needs 2 units of blood! Come in today to be matched, then go to the hospital for a Transfusion on Wed".
We drove into Slidell. (100 miles round-trip). They did their blood thing and scheduled us for a transfusion at 8:30 the next morning.
Back to Slidell. SOMEONE told us that it would be about 2 hours.
They were sadly mistaken. We were at Slidell Memorial Hospital for 7 1/2 hours! What a long day.
We were hoping that he would perk up today, but that's not the case. He's exhausted.
So, that's what's new here.
Going to Tulane Cancer Center in NOLA on the 21st. We're afraid to answer the phone!
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