Update

Pressure Relief

Yesterday, we got a call that MVH was able to fit Lori in to have her abdomen and chest drained.  We arrived to the hospital at 12:30 and by 2:30 they were ready to begin.  The doctor who performed the procedure was the husband of a great friend of our family, and he was fantastic.  He completed a thoracentesis (chest drain) and a paracentesis (abdomen drain).  They worked for around 45 minutes to complete both procedures, and they extracted approx 3.5 liters in total.  2300 cc’s from her abdomen and 1200 cc’s from her right lung.

She immediately felt some relief but she was sore and uncomfortable as her lungs were working to fill in the space that had been vacated by the fluid.  It causes coughing and scratching around the lungs so she couldn’t really enjoy the relief immediately.  Today however, she has very little pain overall and her breathing is normal.  In fact, she said she has no pain tonight.  However, she looks pretty rough if I’m being honest.  Her face looks wearied, and she is very tired throughout the day.  She’s too exhausted to move around much, and the drugs keep her loopy and sedated most of the time.  It’s frustrating that she can’t function despite having no pain, but for now I’m perfectly happy with the pain free part.  We have plenty of help from family in town so we’re getting along very well. We’re also looking for signs that the chemo is working.  Xecloda’s efficacy is still ambiguous, but we’ll stick with it until it’s certain that it’s not working.  The most important thing is that her liver recovers so the rest of her body can catch up. We’re hoping Lori can continue to operate pain free so that we can ween off of the opioids.

We’re also so thankful to everyone for all of the day-to-day support.  Home school moms are really stepping up to help teach Claire!  Our parents are always helping at the house.  The meal train is also up and running again, and that makes the evenings much easier.  We appreciate your prayers!  Keep em coming.

15 Comments

  1. You are both amazing!! Our prayers never cease.

  2. You are both amazing!! Our prayers never cease. XXXXXOOOOO

  3. Keith and Ashley

    January 27, 2016 at 10:17 PM

    Your in our prayers!

  4. Thinking of you! So glad there is relief from the pain.

  5. Thanks Mark! I wish I lived closer to you guys…. I would bring over some bean dip… Hugs and prayers ALWAYS

  6. Thanks for update Mark so glad she got the fluid drained! Praying always. And yes wish we lived close enough to bring you dinner. Love you all

  7. I’m reading Unbroken right now and it is hard not to see some parallels. So many unknown and unexpected side trips with cancer. Oy vey as the Yiddish speaking Jewish grandmas say. Wishing you all rest and thankful the pain is gone. I’m so sad she has been in so much pain.

  8. Thank you for the update. So glad she is getting some relief. Praying always!

  9. Linda and David

    January 28, 2016 at 7:09 AM

    Continued prayers.

  10. After reading your post I read 1 Timothy 6:11-12 . Mark and Lori you are a living example of the word as you pursue righteousness,godliness,faith,love,endurance and gentleness. Fighting the good fight of faith and taking hold of the eternal life to which you were called. We cry tears for you all and we will not stop our prayers.
    Thank you for your courage. I pass your posts along to many I know also in your place of struggle against cancer.
    Love from Abilene
    Bryce and Benna

    • I am so glad that the pain has subsided, so that you can find relief in that regard ! Rest is a very important part of getting your stamina back!! Remember that I am only minutes away! Take care of each other and don’t let go!!

  11. Pain relief, wonderful news! Prayers continue.

  12. You are loved by so many. Please give Lori my love and know that we are praying for her. xoxoxox

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