SCAN RESULTS AND CONCERNS

PET SCAN RESULTS

We saw Dr. Xiong yesterday to get the results of the PET scan I underwent last week. The PET scan is a little like a CT scan with a couple of exceptions. First, instead of picture “slices” taken from front to back through my body, these are taken from head to toe parallel to the floor. Second, a radioactive isotope is used to show where the most rapid new growth is taking place. Cancer grows quickly and absorbs a lot of the isotope so it shows up as a “hot spot” on the scan.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

Dr. Xiong was concerned by the results. He said the scan shows cancer cells that were dormant in the lymph nodes at the base of my lungs and toward my back are now showing “activity.” These nodes are usually so small that they are not visible on the scan. He found several on the scan that are the size of grapes. He said that indicates that tumors have begun to grow there. He also said that, because these were not an issue before, he believes tumor growth was being held in check by the chemotherapy and wants to restart chemo in the next few weeks.

We are surprised, concerned and a bit disappointed. I feel a little overwhelmed. Abraham was not happy with the doctor’s report. However, we choose to believe that the devil is a liar, that I am cancer-free and that I will remain cancer-free.

OTHER CONCERNS

Although I think I have developed another blood clot, this one in my left inner thigh, the swelling has improved. And I am still experiencing some shortness of breath. Dr. Xiong stated that the scan also showed that I did have some fluid in my lungs (pleural effusion), but not so much that I would have to undergo the procedure to remove the fluid. (It’s a big, long needle inserted through the chest into the base of the lung which they then use to draw the fluid out of the lung sack. Doesn’t sound like much fun, does it?) He wants me to continue on the Lasix for another week. We will re-evaluate at that time. I have an appointment next Thursday at 9 a.m.

In the last week, I have been able to get closer to a regular sleeping and waking schedule that is more like normal. This is good.

COBRA INSURANCE PREMIUMS

I am very concerned about finances. I told you all before that my family could no longer help with medical expenses. They managed to pool their resources and pay our COBRA insurance premiums through this month. However, they have stated that they cannot help with August and September. The COBRA extension expires 09/24/08. Completing the full 18 months on COBRA makes me eligible to purchase insurance through the Texas Insurance Risk Pool (high risk insurance).

We need to keep the insurance in force:

1. So I am eligible for the high risk policy
2. To pay the doctor, prescription and chemo expenses for the next two months (Chemo can be $10,000 per treatment, depending on the drugs selected!)

The monthly premium is just under $1500 and is due by the last day of the prior month, so the August payment is due by 07/31/08. If we are late with the payment, the COBRA policy automatically cancels with no way to renew. We don’t have the money to pay it and we have no way of coming up with it. We need $1500 by 07/31/08.

SOME GOOD NEWS

We do have some good news, even though it comes kind of late. Although Abraham will finally start a new job Monday (Woo Hoo!), his first paycheck won’t be enough to cover the August insurance payment AND he won’t get it in time to even contribute toward the payment.

We need a miracle. It is critical that we keep the insurance in force, but we don’t have the resources, personally, to do it. Please be aware that asking for help is not something I do easily. I prefer to be the one providing the help, so being the one needing the help is very uncomfortable for me. That is why I sincerely hope this is the last time I must plead for help. We would like to, again, ask you to pray about helping financially with this urgent need.

If God wants you to give, please email me and let me know. You can make your donation through PayPal by clicking the “Donate” button in the right column.

We love you all and appreciate everything that you all have done to help us thus far—especially your prayers! Please let me hear from you soon!

Mary and Abraham