Thursday, April 26, 2012

So, here's the deal:

Harv still has air in his colon -- not as much as yesterday, but still too much. He's uncomfortable again and still is having trouble getting rid of it.

So, the doctors (McCullough- GI doc, Lin- oncologist, and Pietro- surgeon) all discussed the options to help Harv. 

The very best option is for Harv to get rid of all that air so there is no longer a blockage.  In that scenario, he would naturally feel relief, and Dr. Lin would have Harv undergo radiation to shrink the tumor even further and then SOMEDAY perhaps have surgery to remove the tumor. 

The other option is to have surgery tomorrow to remove that part of the colon where the tumor is (and the blockage). There is greater risk for the surgery because of some of the chemo he's been on. This surgery would involve him having a colostomy bag which would be a permanent thing. The colostomy bag would need to happen because one of the chemo drugs he's on slows the healing process and if they tried to reattach the colon, there is a possibility that it wouldn't heal properly and there is a risk of leakage into the abdomen -- which could be fatal. So, the colostomy bag is part of that package -- no negotiations.

Dr. Pietro has ordered an x-ray for tomorrow morning to see if there is still significant blockage. He's also going to schedule surgery for later tomorrow afternoon with the hopes that it can be cancelled if the blockage has disappeared.

For all of you who pray and believe in miracles, please pray for Harvey to be totally healed. Pray that he would find natural relief in his colon and that he WILL NOT have to undergo surgery tomorrow. THAT is our number one prayer.

Whatever the case, please pray that everyone make the best decisions for Harv and for our family. 

We are a bit weary, but we are hopeful. 

As a wise woman once said: "GoFightWin!"

Was reminded of this verse and I like it:
Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this; your promise preserves my life.              
-Psalm 119:49-50 


***** I get to take Raney to visit Papa (Harvey) at the hospital tomorrow morning!!! They're both gonna be so happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's gonna be GREAT!!! *****

Love you people!

4 comments:

Betsy True said...

Praying now!

Mary Hardin said...

Praying and more praying..

Barbara Davis-Pyles said...

Praying--praying--praying ~~~

Trisha said...

Praying for you! Sooo glad you get to take the dog for him to see! xoxo