We’re back home now in Bend after our Houston and Oklahoma jaunts for the cancer treatment and visiting our son and his family. We enjoyed our time with granddaughter, Haley Grissen, at her graduation from Midwest Nazarene College in Olathe, Kansas.
Here’s a quick update on my health situation from our home in Bend, Oregon . . .
I seem to be past any side effects of the chemo-radiation. The only issue dogging me is still the cough. I’m being treated for ‘Silent Aspiration’ now, which is acid reflux I didn’t realize was happening. Perhaps the cough is lessening somewhat. On my ‘good’ days I think so, and then a coughing day will happen which feels like I’ve still got the same condition I’ve been fighting for the past three months.
Also while at MD Anderson, they discovered an abnormal valve issue in my heart. This was not diagnosed as A-Fib, but an electrical issue nonetheless.
Then after we were home, I had a breathing problem and went into the emergency room. Through a CT Scan, they discovered I had blood clots in my lungs, most likely caused by the cancer. While at the ER, I had an A-Fib episode they controlled through medicine after two hours. Now I’m on a blood thinner for the clots, and a calcium blocker for the A-Fib.
Hey, I think I’m falling apart at the seams!
Here’s the BIG item for prayer:
Next Wednesday (June 4) I fly back to MD Anderson in Houston for my six-week checkup. I’ll be there two days and fly back. During the time I’ll have a PET Scan of my throat and chest area and an endoscopic biopsy of the tumor site we hope is totally ‘fried.’
If they don’t find live cancer cells, I’m most likely cured. If they do find live cells, then I’ll be on palliative care going forward.
You know which is the desire of our hearts, and which to ask the Lord for!
Thanks for joining us on this journey. You and your encouragement and intercessions for us make the difference!
Love,
Dave and Sheri
Dave and Sherri…….
I am responding for a change although we have together stayed up on your news and brave journey and prayed together.
We understand the AFib as Mel and several of our friends and family have gone through is and ended up with various PE issues. Mel has a pace maker and is on blood thinner. We are just sorry this is another test you have to go through. You two have been troopers.
In light of all the coughing issues and explanations you might find helpful a book my ENT had me read. He worked with the author at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital and thinks the book is great………
Book is: THE CHRONIC COUGH ENIGMA by I believe a Dr. Carolyn Cauffman. I may be wrong on her name but she surely has many explanations for our cough issues…..post surgery, normal living or whatever. I think you will find it helpful. Mel thinks he purchased this on Amazon.
We are praying soooo and privileged to be part of your prayer support. Also loved the Graduation picture with your dear granddaughter. WE have had two this month and a wedding in 9 days. God Bless you.
In HIS CARE…..Love Bonnie and Mel
Thanks for your thoughts, ecnouragments and prayers for us, Bonnie and Mel.
I’m at MD Anderson at the moment and into a number of tests the next two days.
Regarding the cough, I’m hoping to gain a little more light from a Pulmonologist here, but the book you suggested sounds really good. If the cough stays with me, I’ll definitely get it. This could be a ‘post proton therapy’ cough. My doc thinks not, but it started with that and hasn’t ended yet. The process of getting older . . . what do you say about it?
Blessings,
Dave
We are following you closely and maintaining our prayer vigil. Hang in there and keep positive. God is good!
Hi John and Suzy,
Thanks for your note and prayers for us. I’m at MD Anderson again at this moment writing you from my oncologist’s office. I need to drop off some medical records and then start a barrage of tests today. I see him tomorrow at 10:30am and hope he can shed light on my prognosis.
Blessings,
Dave