Today was one of those days when you expected more from an appointment than you got, and it wasn't because the doctor didn't spend enough time with you, because he did.

Mike had blood work done this morning, and he also saw his internist. Outside of updating the doctor, little was said or done. Maybe that is all there is...but I just came away feeling like we accomplished very little.

Regarding the fluid in Mike's lungs--it was confirmed "Yes, there is still fluid there." It wasn't suggested for Mike to have them drained though, because it generally returns. I guess the hope is, Mike's body will absorb some of this fluid eventually...for example, back into his blood vessels.

Regarding the loss of weight--According to their scales from last week, Mike has lost 8 pounds, which the doctor is attributing to access fluid lost. So his inability to eat more than what he does, didn't seem to be any alarm.

A lot of questions were raised as to how Mike got into this downward spiral. We mentioned the new form of chemotherapy he had started, and which seemed to get out of control. The doctor really just listened...but said very little.

Regarding Mike going to get an intravenous infusion---it was suggested that we shouldn't! That the sodium in the saline may be contributing to Mike's fluid retention. His advice was to let the body try and adjust back to normal.

We learned Mike's official diagnosis from this previous hospitalization (before the blood clot) was Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis, which then sent him into hepatic failure (Hepatic Encephalopathy). Thankfully, the intravenous antibiotics improved things, as well as some other intervention, to remove the ammonia out of Mike's system. We were cautioned to notify them as quickly as possible if any of these symptoms present themselves again, for example: fever, pain or increased swelling in the abdomen, mental confusion, low blood pressure, etc. Otherwise, they will see us after August 5th, when Mike will see his oncologist next.

We have a tentative appointment to have a biliary exchange next Monday in LR. We're hoping Mike being on Coumadin will not create any problems.

I'm learning quickly, forget specific prayer! ;) Mike just needs to be covered head to toe, in prayer. The simpliest of things seem to get way out of control, with him. My little heart can't handle many more of these kind of frights. Just lather him up with prayer and you'll keep a smile on my face! ;) Thank you for continuing to bless us!