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The past two weeks have been the hardest in my struggle. The pain in my lower back has been replaced with fluid on my lungs. We almost went to the ER on Saturday, but held off until today so that we could go to the doctor’s office instead. I’m not sure that was a good idea or not. After a few phone tag rounds we were told to come right down and go directly to X-ray. Dan’s brother came to give us a ride and the devil though he would be cute - Between the time Denny came in and said hello and we walked back to the car, it had a flat tire! Get away from me geeze! But the tire was changed quickly and we were on our way.

I told the tech getting me ready for the X-ray that I couldn’t get my cross off - it’s just a cheep child’s cross on a velvet string that we got out of a gumball machine for fifty cents. I have had it on for a couple weeks now and I have to admit that I didn’t try very hard to get it off.

“No problem. Just stick the Cross in your mouth!” Nothing like putting your money where your mouth is!

See God is still my ticket. God is still the only way a person could handle such a battle as mine. My Faith keeps me afloat.

“Ok, let me just check these shots to see if they came out alright…”

I watched her through the glass as the pictures of my lungs came up on the screen in the booth. I saw what she saw.

• “Are you going to see your doctor today?”
• “Yes, I am going straight up there from here.”
• “Oh, good.”
• “There is fluid there huh?”
• “Weell, ya.”

The left side was a long crescent shaped cavity. The right side was a small top-sided hole. The right lung is about 70% flooded. I knew there was fluid in there; since Saturday morning I have been hearing the bubbling when I take a deep breath. And the pain on the right side has been mighty in it’s own right. I have had a progressively harder time catching my breath on simple tasks — even talking too much now.

• “Have you had part of your lung removed?”
• “No.”
• “When the fluid fills up, you can’t see the lung on the X-ray.”

We didn’t get to see Dr. R since he doesn’t see patients on Monday’s, but we did get in with his colleague Dr. K. She’s nice. She talked with us and talked with Dr. R. She ordered some procedures that will keep me busy for the next few days.

One I already took care of: blood work. Did that on the way out.

Tomorrow, 9:00am, I am having a US Thoracentesis Aspiration. “US” standing for “Ultra Sound.” Ultra Sound is how they will guide the needle into my back and drain the fluid off my lungs. I am told that it is a routine procedure. Maybe for them. 

After that fun job, I will have another CT. It has been since Seattle that I had a picture taken. Since I have been waiting this whole time for treatment, they want to see how I did on my own. . .

Wednesday morning we see the big guy first off. Dr. R has ordered standard care chemo for that same day. We need to get something going. This waiting hasn’t worked out so good, guys. This Chemo will be in the chair for a few hours and back again in eight days. Gemcitabine and Taxotere are both chemo’s used for lung cancer among other things.

I will also be getting a call from their Thoracic (Lung) guys to discuss a fix for the anticipated ongoing problem of fluid on my lungs. Dr. K talked to us about a permanent drain installed like a spigot in my back that would allow us to drain off the fluid at home every morning. Or a surgical procedure that would remove the space that the fluid now occupies. I am shaking my head at that explanation, because I really don’t remember what she said about the surgical option. Hahah I didn’t understand what she was saying. Sorry.

Kelli picked us up when we were done.  We enjoyed a scenic route home and laughed most of the way.  It means so much to be back together.  This past month living together has been more than a homecoming.  Next week they move to their new house.  I am going to miss them. But across town is much better than across the country.

Now, I am tired and need to lay down.  Before I do I have a favor to ask.  I need your prayers and I am not ashamed to ask for them. We need to pray for each other. It’s a small world after all. Send me your prayer request at teresa@cancermonster.net . I have found that praying for other people everyday takes away the focus on our own problems. Give it a try. I have joined a prayer circle I found online and it has given me a great peace of mind. 

While you are praying for my health, say a prayer for our finances too. The world marches on as we struggle to keep up. The Lord will provide. The Lord will provide.

As something important comes up, I will fill you in. . . yes, I will!

I am done for now.

Love to all,

t