Monday, September 25, 2006
Implications and answers
If you’ve been reading this blog for the last couple weeks, you know that Amy’s been dealing with stomach pain almost on a daily basis. And within the last week, we’ve noticed that Amy’s belly has become distended and firm to the touch. So, she had an appointment to see her oncologist today and I wanted to make sure that she asked him about her pain, the stomach swelling and when her next CT Scan would be. This is what she found out:
• Concerning the stomach pain: It very well may be that she'll have this pain at various degrees, for the rest of her life.
• What's with her stomach feeling hard/distended: One of three things - 1) She might have an infection 2) Her liver might be reacting to too much Chemo 3) The cancer might have spread to her liver.
• When is her next CT Scan: Her CT Scan is scheduled for next Tuesday.
• Why a CT Scan when we usually follow up with an MRI anyway: CT Scans do a much better job imaging the stomach area where an MRI does a better job imaging the liver.
After having her chemo today, they performed what they call an Abdominal Paracentesis and withdrew (by needle) over 2 liters of fluid from her abdominal cavity. They call this Ascites and it is the build up of excess fluid in the space between the membranes lining the abdomen and abdominal organs. It is generally associated with some form of liver disease, but can be caused by infection or irritation of either the liver or abdominal lining. They sent the fluid to the lab for testing and we should know in a few days. In the time since she’s had the fluid removed, she doesn’t feel as much stomach pain and a lot less pressure on her sides.
Why does God wait until the money is gone? Why does He wait until the sickness has lingered? Why does He at times choose to wait until a person reaches heaven to answer the prayers for healing? I don’t know. I only know to trust that His timing is always right. I can only say He will do what’s best…Though we hear nothing, He is speaking…though we see nothing, He is acting…though we may stand alone in the dark feeling abandoned…He is present. With God there are no accidents…to Him, no surprises. Every incident…good, bad or indifferent…is intended to bring us closer to Him.
This is Amy's story as seen and told by me – V
• Concerning the stomach pain: It very well may be that she'll have this pain at various degrees, for the rest of her life.
• What's with her stomach feeling hard/distended: One of three things - 1) She might have an infection 2) Her liver might be reacting to too much Chemo 3) The cancer might have spread to her liver.
• When is her next CT Scan: Her CT Scan is scheduled for next Tuesday.
• Why a CT Scan when we usually follow up with an MRI anyway: CT Scans do a much better job imaging the stomach area where an MRI does a better job imaging the liver.
After having her chemo today, they performed what they call an Abdominal Paracentesis and withdrew (by needle) over 2 liters of fluid from her abdominal cavity. They call this Ascites and it is the build up of excess fluid in the space between the membranes lining the abdomen and abdominal organs. It is generally associated with some form of liver disease, but can be caused by infection or irritation of either the liver or abdominal lining. They sent the fluid to the lab for testing and we should know in a few days. In the time since she’s had the fluid removed, she doesn’t feel as much stomach pain and a lot less pressure on her sides.
Why does God wait until the money is gone? Why does He wait until the sickness has lingered? Why does He at times choose to wait until a person reaches heaven to answer the prayers for healing? I don’t know. I only know to trust that His timing is always right. I can only say He will do what’s best…Though we hear nothing, He is speaking…though we see nothing, He is acting…though we may stand alone in the dark feeling abandoned…He is present. With God there are no accidents…to Him, no surprises. Every incident…good, bad or indifferent…is intended to bring us closer to Him.
This is Amy's story as seen and told by me – V
# posted by Vince @ 10:12 PM 
