Psalm 118:17

I will not die, but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.



Sunday, July 18, 2010

Well, a lot has happened this past week. I went for chemo on Tuesday and while I was there Dr. Mckeen listened to my lungs and decided I had to have it taken care of immediately. So, I finished my chemo and was admitted to Good Samaritan Hospital. I was met by a Dr. Scoma who is a cardiothoracic surgeon. He sent me for a CT scan to see how bad my lungs were and gave me my options for surgery. The original plan was to have a surgery that drained both lungs, re-inflated them and to put some kind of powder in there to stop the fluid. It was a big surgery. I would have to be in ICU for the next 48 hrs. to control the pain. I was to get an epidural to help control the pain. I was scared to say the least. But, the next morning, Dr. Scoma came in and said there was a change in plans. Unfortunately my lungs were in worse shape than they thought. The cancer has penetrated the right lung and he was afraid that he would not be able to get me off the ventilator after surgery, which I could then get pneumonia and it would be a downhill spiral. On one hand, I was glad I didn't have to have the surgery. But, this was not good news. I took it very hard. I finally went down for the alternate surgery. Basically he put a tube in my right lung and it will remain there for 4-6 weeks. I will drain it at home as needed and eventually the fluid will stop and the lung will re-inflate. He decided to just do the right side, but we may need to go back and do the left as well. He said it's uncomfortable to have two at the same time. I was still nervous about having this done because I would be awake during the procedure. But, I got down to invasive surgery and the nurses could not have been nicer. I quickly found out that my nurses daughter, Stacey, works in ambulatory surgery which is where I used to work. She said to me, what can I do for you honey. I told her I was scared and she said, enough said, I'll take care of that. She gave me fentanyl and versed and I do not remember a thing until I started vomiting in recovery. I was very well taken care of and so grateful that she was with me.
I came home Thursday night and have been recuperating at home. My family never leaves my side and I don't know what I would do without them. My pain has gotten a little better, but the coughing is still there. I'm wondering if my left lung is going to have a tube placed as well. The coughing gets me vomiting and I'm having a hard time keeping food down. My mouth is full of sores from the chemo, so it makes me not want to eat anyway. I need prayer for my appetite to increase. I've lost about 30lbs now and really can't afford to loose anymore. I need nutrition to heal and get better. I never thought I would be drinking ensure, but mom is getting it in me as best she can. Pray that the cancer responds well to the chemo. Dr. Scoma and Dr. Mckeen say the cancer in my lungs responds well to chemo. It's not one big tumor, but just haziness on my lungs.
I continue to ask for prayer and a miraculous healing that only my God can do!

10 comments:

  1. Kelly we love you so much and are praying every morning, day and night for you. God is in the business of miraculous healing today as He has always been. We remain undeterred and will keep praying for Him to heal you with His touch.

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  2. Kelly, I am so sorry that you have to endure all these procedures but glad that Stacy's mom was there to help you through it. What a small world. You need not worry about all of our continued prayers for your comfort and healing because it is happening 24/7. Much love, Marci

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  3. Kelly I am so glad to here you are home now recuperating. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. I hope the breathing and pain now improves for you. Rest and try to get the nutrition you need. Love and prayers, Dottie

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  4. Praying, Praying, Praying!
    Kelly

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  5. I know you must be so sick of feeling yucky! I hope that you can see how God is blessing you throughout this ordeal with such a wonderful husband, children, parents, sisters, brother, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends & co-workers. Complete strangers are praying for you! People at my church & work know you by name and ask about you constantly. We pray for healing and a miracle - but also for courage and perseverence and peace. I love you so much, Kelly. Drink that yummy Ensure!! Cheers!

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  6. Kelly - sending all our love and prayers from California.. Jesus' arms are so very big. - the Wallaces

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  7. I look at your blog daily and hope to see your recovery...we send you all our love and prayers every single day!!Love you...

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  8. Kelly, Billy and I read your blog all the time to see how you are doing and feeling. We pray so hard for God to show his mercy to you with a recovery and strength to keep strong. You have so many people that love you. Know that we (and the Reed Jr's) are stretching our arms out to you in prayer and support! Much love heads your way....

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  9. Kelly,
    We are praying and thinking of you. Can they give you something to increase your appetite (maybe mix it in your Ensure). It helped my dad's appetite when he took it. Praying for you and your family and asking God to heal you.
    Love,
    Debbie

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  10. Kelly...we pray every day for healing for you and peace for you and your family. May you sense God's presence 24/7. We will continue to pray.
    Love,
    --Kelly and family

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