March 5th, 2008 update

Pat here again, with an update.

Jeanne and I met with the doctor on Monday, and he said Jeanne's liver is failing. This means she will slowly lose liver function. There is nothing he can offer to treat the cancer, without causing more damage. He estimates she may have only few months to live and possibly shorter.

After reading that last sentence, you may be reeling, or sorrowful, or feeling any number of emotions. Our emotions are all over the place, too. But, despite it all, we have not given up hope, and we feel at peace with whatever happens. We do not have false hope, and we are not in denial that this is serious and life-threatening. We have called-in hospice services, but we also will be praying for God's healing.

Please do not call us just yet. We have had a busy many days, and the next few will also be. As well, Jeanne is very tired due mostly to the effects of the pain medications. We know you want to pour out your love to us. Our family needs to "circle the wagons" so to speak for the time being.

Thank you and love you all,

March 2, 2008

(Pat here, giving this update)

On Friday, March 29th, Jeanne’s bilirubin count was high again, so high the doctor told her to get to the ER right away. After an ultrasound scan, they were not able to find a blocked bile duct, or any apparent cause. So, they sent us home. We have an appointment on Monday, March 3rd, to see our oncologist. We ask for your prayers as to the next course we should take.

If you are like me, you have many questions. So, let me give you a bit more history, which will hopefully not create too many more questions.

A few weeks ago, Jeanne was hospitalized due to concerns relating to a high bilirubin count of 4.2. (Bilirubin is produced in our liver. When our body cannot excrete it properly, it overflows to our bloodstream. The physical effect is a person skin becomes yellow-ish. If you ever had a child with jaundice, you know the appearance.)

While Jeanne was hospitalized, the counts dropped without any intervention. We left the hospital more concerned about the fluid building up in her abdomen than the bilirubin levels. So, later that week, she underwent a procedure called a paracentesis to relieve the pressure in her abdomen. Jeanne nick- named it a “belly tap.”

Fast forward two weeks, the fluid built-up again, so she went in for another paracentesis. Less than an hour after the procedure, the doc called to say the blood tests from that morning indicated the bilirubin at 10.8. So, back to the hospital we go, only to be sent home after a few hours.

Usually, I am pleased when an emergency room doctor says to go home. In this case, Jeanne was leaving with no change in her condition, and no remedies offered, except for some pain medication. When I asked the ER doctor what the cause may be, he suspected the “tumor load” on her liver. He said our oncologist would take it from there, at our next appointment.

So, off to Portland tomorrow, Monday, March 3rd. We are not sure what he will say, but we do not feel anxious. No doubt because of all of your prayers.

Thank you,
Pat