I've been feeling sick all week, but I did have a surprising blessing yesterday. Elaine drove me to Provo to meet with Dr. Garner, the pain management specialist. After examining my bloated belly, he immediately made a call and put in motion a plan for me to go downstairs and have the excess fluid removed. I don't know why my oncologist didn't think of this, but I suppose Dr. Garner's specialty is helping people with pain and discomfort to feel better.
The nurse was first to use the ultrasound and look for a good place to put the needle. This procedure is called paracentesis so it is similar to an amniocentesis. I joked with the nurse that at least there was no baby to worry about when they started poking me. The procedure was quick and not painful at all. The radiologist confirmed a good site to poke and he put the needle in and connected it to a bottle. I filled a liter bottle in less than 10 minutes so the nurse switched to another one. They both had to press and maneuver my belly to get the maximum amount of fluid out. By the end, they had 1.6 liters and it weighed 5 pounds. Wow! Where else can you go and lose 5 pounds instantly! Actually it wasn't fat, but fluid that had come through my liver but my liver wasn't able to process because of the cancer. I still have a swollen stomach, but I can breathe much better and so it was a real blessing. Thanks for your prayers! It seems that they are having a good effect!
Emilee
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6 comments:
I am so happy for you! I was worried about the discomfort you were experiencing with the edema, bloating. I am so glad that there is an answer to help deal with this. This makes me feel happy! Great to hear an answer to prayers.
Hi--Emilee--
The past few days with you and the boys has been very sweet to me. There is a special spirit in your home and harmony with the boys; even Sandy, the dog is so extra loving and sensitive. What a memorable picture to see how Sandy cuddles up to you on the bed and looks sad when you are not feeling well. Then when you are up she perks right up and stays by your side! I will never forget the miraculous outcome of yesterday's procedure. I wasn't sure I would hold up in the radiology room with you -- but YOU were the brave one and I felt such joy when you exclaimed, "I can breathe better already" soon after they started the draining.
Emily -- you have touched the lives of so many around you for so much good. Your doctors and nurses admire you and want to do all they can to make you comfortable and pain-free. I sure love you and think you are a wonderful.
Elaine
Oh I was so happy to read this post! So glad things worked out for you today. Much love! Kath
I hope your mom and dad have made it safely there. HOORAY for the needle of great relief! It is great to know there is something they can do to relieve some of the discomfort. Glad you got your lungs back!
I was thinking of you when I was working on camp stuff last night. Our theme song is from My Turn on Earth: I'd sing it for ya if I were there :)
My Story
I'm the one that writes my own story
I decide the person I'll be
What goes in the plot
And what does not
Is pretty much up to me
And just in case
I need to erase
It was figured out before
A thing called repentance
Can wipe out a sentacne
A page or a chapter or more
Everyone who writes his own story
Now and then will makes some mistakes
But given some care
They needn't stay there
And this is all that it takes
You must know
You've done wrong and so
You feel very bad and then
You don't try to hide it
Do try to right it
And vow you won't do it again
This book of mine is very important
And so someone is waiting right there
To help with my story
He's been there before me
An always is close as a prayer
We will write each day and night
And do it well and faithfully
A wonderful story
Of sadness and glory
It's written by Jesus and me
Wow, that was a great way to lose 5 pounds!! Edema is a challenging thing, I too have been dealing with it as has my mother and it all has to do with the kidneys and liver. We are such precise machines that when one system has a problem it can affect the next.. so I truly am glad you found relief. I'm glad your parents are there supporting you as well. They love you so much as does the rest of your family.
Your Stockton family loves you as well!! Love the Streets
I am so glad you were able to get some relief and breathe better! Isn't it amazing how prayers are answered?! We love you and will continue to keep you in ours prayers.
Love,
Lesleigh
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