Well, today is another day. Mike and I went to see Dr. Khan bright and early this morning. We were unable to do Chemo today because Mike's White Blood Count was too low. He got a big shot and we will try again tomorrow. Mike lost weight this week. He is down to 154. We talked about the results of the CT Scan that we did almost two weeks ago now.
1. Mike had some "nodes" appearing in the top of his right lung. Dr. Khan thinks it might be related to the cold that Mike is still fighting. It could be the very early stages of pneumonia. We had tried an oral antibiotic over the weekend, but the pills got stuck. So we started a round of IV antibiotics through the office today. We will do it every day for the week. This is a good thing if you ask me. He has been coughing more and more and the phlegm is now turned from yellow to green. He doesn't have a fever, but I am sure that is not far away. (too much information?)
2. The liver lesions are cut in approx half at least those that are measured.
3. There is some thickening of the esophagus lining. We are starting to see signs of that again in Mike's ability to swallow. Right now we have an appointment with the GI doctor next week. Dr. Khan may opt to move that up.
Overall impressions, we are moving in the right direction. I flat out asked about the surgery, but Dr. Khan gave me the answer that I knew already... as long as there are liver lesions, surgery is not an option. I am grateful for that answer, because it gave me a specific thing to pray for.
I will tell you something that is interesting... Mike has been feeling very poorly all afternoon. His comment to me was, " I think they stuck some of the Chemo drugs in that IV." He is very tired. It is a little question mark to me. It doesn't seem like the antibiotic should do that. We will see how is blood work is tomorrow. Maybe the Chemo will be put off again.
We made some decisions today about his IV Nutrition. We are switching doctors and therefore TPN providers. It is a long story, but I feel like Mike will be getting better nutrition which I pray will give him more strength, more energy, and in the end maybe even throw up less. We have a goal to be off the IV nutrition by the summer.
We did get an approval letter today from the VA for additional $10,000 Service Disable Veterans Life Insurance. We found that we qualified for it and it is very inexpensive. Now that we are approved, I am filling out the paperwork to waive the premiums due to Mike's 100% disability. Then, I will fill out more paperwork for an additional $20,000 through this same program. However, the premiums on that policy can not be waived. But that is ok. Life insurance is a good thing to have while fighting cancer!!!
Finally, I have had a song in my head all day, "I am Counting on God". You know, as you go through the motions of the doctors appointments, shots, IV's, phone calls, insurance, paperwork, etc. you can almost really remove yourself from the whole process. "Be in shock" or have a sense of numbness as you listen to everything - I mean that in a good way. In the end, it is God that is in control and the one we are counting on. The one we are putting our hope in - all our eggs are in that basket. He knows the numbers of our days. That is the most incredible comfort and strength that we have. It is VERY easy to get afraid of "catching the flu" or another staph infections etc. We need to take precautions, but in the end, God controls the ultimate timing.
Prayer needs:
Mike to eat and drink more
Mike to gain weight
Mike's issue in the middle of his esophagus that appears to be getting worse to REVERSE!!
For God to completely heal all lesions in Mike's Liver
Protection from all virus's and flu bugs gong around for everyone in the family
For medical wisdom with what is going on with the IV antibiotic
Financial Wisdom in managing things as there is a gap between pay checks and retiree pay
Our House in FL to sell and for us to at least break even
Mike to have strength
Complete healing for me
Praises;
IV's
Fran our Chemo Nurse
Elizabeth's gift of writing
Friends that are still with us
The Rippee's and everything they have done for us this past weekend
Time with Mom
3 comments:
Thanks for keeping us posted. It helps us pray more specifically for each of you. My leaders meeting BS ladies asked specifically about your family...I didn't even have to bring you up...so even "strangers" are continually praying for you. Love, Gini
Dear Holy Father, guard their hearts and minds, surround them with favor as with a shield. We ask again, Dear Father, for Mike's complete healing. You are the vine, we are the branches and apart from you we can do nothing. Give them strength, wisdom, understanding, peace. Our hope is in you, Dear LORD. In you we live and move and have our being. Supply all of their needs according to your riches and glory in Christ Jesus, in whose Holy Name we pray. Amen.
Igor,
Good to read your words and see your pictures. Congratulations on your retirement. I laugh when I think of our start together at IQC and all that transpired through those years as Bonemen. Continue to find strength realizing just how many lives you and your family have touched in positive ways, of course, including mine. Thank you!! I am sure you can feel the many prayers for you, Deanna, and Elizabeth from all those lives you've touched.
Peace Brother,
Bonzo
Post a Comment