Hi - So, Kevin and I had had a growing feeling of uneasiness since Tuesday's appointment and weight gain. We were also noticing that Hans' ribs were bulging out (not unlike they were in early October). We called the clinic on-call-doc on Wednesday and got Dr. Rainusso. We were actually beginning to fear that a tumor was coming back (in a big way) in Hans' belly. Dr. Rainusso was very responsive and instantly called Dr. Russell who was attending on the 9th Floor. They arranged for us to come in for an ultrasound to get down to the bottom of the situation. We went in Friday morning. It was pretty scary. I told myself how brave I was all the way down to the clinic. I was shaking like a leaf when they got him into the scan. But, to my completely delighted surprise the tech shared with me that she couldn't see anything but excess stool and gas. So, essentially, Hans was just bloated. The Radiologist also spoke with me. She was actually the same one who had reviewed the January and February CT scans. She knew his history. I also kind of think of her as "saving" him in a way. She detected the ambiguous tumor that otherwise went undetected. She said that the stool and air obscured part of the view in this ultrasound, but that if a large tumor was causing the stomach distention, they should be able to see it. So, we don't have a "no tumor present" reading - just a "large tumor not causing presenting symptoms" reading. Which is perfectly fine with us. We then went up to the 14th floor for lab work and stool/urine samples to be done. They did detect some signs of a possible bladder or Urinary Tract Infection. We'll see what those numbers show. Sadly, Nathan lost his battle to cancer early this morning. I am shocked at how quickly everything changed for him. I think it was just three weeks ago they were looking to be sent home. They had purchased a travel trailer and it was set up not far from TCH, so that they could stay close by for the coming months of BMT check ups. It's really impressive that the medical system consented to send him home for his last three days of life, where dozens (if not hundreds) of friends and family were able to visit. Serenity will be there waiting for him in heaven. St. Simon and Jude on Glen Loch is holding a blood drive tomorrow, Sunday July 8th, until 2 pm. You need not be a member of the parish to give blood. Lara
1 comment:
Yeah Hans! Though we miss you terribly, we continue to count our blessings that Hans is receiving his medical care through TCH and the terrific medical staff there.
Know that many have complimented us on your strength and courage through out Hans' journey. You have many silent readers out there that are keeping watch over you all. People continuously tell us they have added Hans to their prayer chain.
It's sad to think of Serenity, Nathan, Malachi and the other young people who battled so valiantly to live. We've grown connected to them through Hans. Their families are inspiring in their selflessness.
We'll pray for only good news through all of Hans' scans. Can't wait for Elle to get here on the 17th.
Love and Hugs to you all and your awesome extended family of friends that have been so supportive to you.
love, grandma kathy and grandpa dale
Post a Comment