After a long wait, we finally were able to see Mike's doctor and get the lab and CT scan report. Long story, short-everything is doing well. The tumor has remained the same size as it was in April, and there have been no other suspicious areas developing. The scan did show that Mike had some pleural effusion pockets in both lungs but this wasn't any surprise. His lungs sounded clear today. The CT also showed quite a bit of ascites in Mike's abdomen, but again, not any surprise. To help with the leakage problem we've had recently, we are going to start drawing off 2 liters of fluid each evening, instead of 1. This should relieve the pressure and allieviate the leakage.
Mike's lab results were mostly good. His ammonia level is a little elevated, as was his alkaline phosphates, but his other liver enzyme levels were good.
While discussing "tubes", we were asking if it was necessary for Mike to have his bililary drains replaced if there isn't any problem? There has been no leakage, no redness, nothing! We were told that Mike's bilirubin count was at .5 which was very good, so his body was eliminating the bile somehow. So the topic came up about possibly doing a study and having the tubes taken out. I could read Mike's face, and know more than anything, he would love to feel normal again...but...we've decided to just leave things as they are and to continue to let Mike's body heal following the last round of treatments he had. If we were to have any outpatient procedures done, it would require Mike to fast again....and we certainly can't afford him losing anymore weight. Perhaps when his body has strengthened and healed, it might be an option down the road.
There was indication on the scan that there could be a slight bacterial infection someway involving the stents in Mike's biliary ducts, but it was suggested that if Mike is doing well right now...just to leave good enough alone. There was also some thickening in the ureter duct, suggesting that a stent might be helpful inserted there, but again, the doctor felt we should leave things alone...if they aren't an issue...which they don't seem to be.
Mike weighed 130 pounds according to their scale, so that has been an increase. The bedsores are gone so his body is repairing itself and shows recovery.
All in all, it was a positive visit. Thank you very much for all of your prayers and support. This week we have had good news regarding both of our health, and we're so grateful for having such an army of family and friends praying for us.
We would appreciate your continued prayers for Mike's cancer to either completely disappear, or stay stable. We would ask that you pray that Mike's body would continue to repair itself and the ascites situation would become less and less of an issue. We would like to have his biliary tubes removed someday, if possible, so we pray that his body would continue to do this job on its own. We certainly need Mike stronger. We need his muscles to rebuild. We need his swallowing to improve. Being that our insurance company refuses to help us in this area, we need for God to open a door for us, so that we can get Mike the care and help he needs.
Thank you for praying BIG. For asking God with us, for the impossible. I'm reminded at this moment of a song I use to sing with my children when they were little....."My God is so BIG, so STRONG, and so MIGHTY, there's nothing my GOD cannot do!"
