Amy's 'momentary trouble'

Yesterday I told you about Amy having some weird reactions either from the treatments or one of the drugs she was taking. Well, this reaction happened again yesterday. She couldn’t control her mouth or jaw, she couldn’t talk very clearly, her tongue wriggled uncontrollably and she became very anxious. So, I call her doctor and we come to find out that this is being caused by her anti-nausea medication Compazine. Among other possible side effects, these are listed: Fine worm-like tongue movements, Rhythmic face, mouth, or jaw movements, Slow or difficult speech, Restlessness and pacing. And those were the ones that presented in Amy. They told her to take two benadryl, to lay down and to stop taking the Compazine. Once she got back up, the side effects were gone for the most part. Weird & scary, but now we know.

I don’t know if I’m normal, but when faced with an uncertain situation, I tend to gather as many facts, opinions and general knowledge about it as I can. I think this comes from a deep seeded need to solve a puzzle or fix what’s broken. I don’t want to have the ‘wool’ pulled over my eyes or have the truth sugarcoated in anyway. So, knowing that, I have researched: Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Tumors, Pancreatic Enzyme Function, Gastrointestinal Anatomy, Intraductal Papillary Neoplasm’s, Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography with endobiliary stent placements, Whipple Surgical Procedures, Vascular Anatomy as it pertains to the Pancreas and surrounding tissues, Pancreas Adenocarcinoma and basically anything that relates to Amy’s condition. I have also thoroughly researched cancer statistics, new drug trials and yes, herbal supplements (I just can’t bring myself to buy something that isn’t regulated and very well could be made from dried grass clippings sold for $150 a bottle!). It’s not my intent to try and catch a doctor in a half-truth or catching them trying to keep something from us, but I do want to be able to enter into a discourse about Amy’s care intelligently and not just agree with everything the doctor proposes. In essence, I am going to take an active role in Amy’s health care and therefore, I had better know what the doctors are talking about as well as the treatment options that are available. However, In my pursuit for this knowledge, I have subjected myself to the medical fields ‘reality’ on the subject. If it weren’t for my faith in Him who comforts our fears and who heals our hurts, I do not know how Amy and I could go through this. And knowing this is the reason why I included the verse about ‘momentary troubles’ that is listed at the top of this blog. You see, Amy & I truly are looking through that which is seen (medical statistics, etc) to that which is unseen (God’s mercy, grace and love)

As of today, Amy’s Bilirubin levels have fallen to 4.1 and that means that she will start Chemo today. They have also replaced her Compazine with a new anti-nausea medication called Anzemet. 60 100mg tablets costs $2059.89 or $34.33 per pill. My insurance coverage has a 20% co-pay and they are discussing options with the UW even as I’m writing this. Please pray about this, but mostly pray that Amy doesn’t get too sick from the chemo and that the treatments are effective in reducing the tumor.

John 16:24 - Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete

This is Amy's story as seen and told by me - V