Morning of Waiting
There is a grand reason why Kevin's current ringtone is "The waiting" from Tom Petty:
The waiting is the hardest part
Every day you see one more card
You take it on faith, you take it to the heart
The waiting is the hardest part
So..true!
I got in around 9 this morning. Not too much had changed, except that Kevin finally got a bit of sleep. He still is quite tired, but feeling a bit less exhausted. Overnight, they did get him a pump so that he can push a button whenever he feels pain instead of waiting for the nurse to give him his pain meds. This is a big comfort to Kevin.
One of the Dr's from the cardio-tharacic group came in to visit us around 10 am. There is a lot of uncertainty at doing the surgery Monday to remove the fluid around Kevin's heart. One of the main reasons is that it's an additional surgery. If this is a lymphoma type cancer, it is most likely that the cancer is causing the excess fluid around the heart. With chemo/radiation treatment, this would most likely go away.
However, they still want to insert a feeding tube and medi-port which they can use for the chemo/radiation and IVs.
If the cancer is Adenocarcinoma (esophagael cancer) things look quite a bit different. They would definitely need to do the surgery at that point, because that would mean the fluid around the heart is developing for a different reason. Also, the treatment for adenocarcinoma is MUCH different than a lymphoma.
Lymphoma is much more optimistic and treatable. With the large size of the tumor, and how much has spread into the stomach, there is a rough battle ahead to rid Kevin of this cancer if it is an adenocarcinoma. At this point, we continue to ask special prayer that the pathology will come back from John Hopkins as LYMPHOMA!
Also, if it is not lymphoma, it is possible Kevin will be referred to Philadelphia or John Hopkins hospital for the surgery since it is more complicated.
Either way, the battle shall be hard, but if it is Lymphoma, things are much more optimistic and less stressful on Kevin's body. The pathology should come back within 5 bus days-which may not be until Next Friday.
At this point, the Cardio-tharacic surgeons are keeping everything on hold until they get some more information on the pathology from the biopsies. This will help better direct them. Kevin is stable, and if that would change, they can do an acute procedure to remove the fluid around the heart until they can do the surgery. It is not a major concern of the surgeons, as Kevin's condition is very stable at this point, just complicated.
Kevin is currently in intertermediate ICU to better monitor his condition. Again, we are asking for only immediate family as visitors due to the 2-3 visitor limit and the smaller rooms. Anyone wishing to visit with me, please leave me a message to set up a time. I am always looking for lunch/dinner partners!
Things feel much more unstable compared to last week, but unfortunately our financial situation requires that I get back to work. I am still unsure if I'll be back all day every day, but I will be heading back Monday morning. I am asking special prayer for myself adjusting to not being at the hospital for Kevin. It is very difficult for me to be away from him, despite the good care he is receiving. I am going to begin looking into the medical disability on Monday to see if we can get an exception for these special circumstances.
Pray that the Lord continues to open doors of healing, knowledge and financial peace. We pray for quick results, and positive outcomes. Pray for uplifted spirits and positive mood.
Kevin leaves at 11 for his liver enzyme test. We ask for specific prayer that his levels have decreased, and there is no reason to make any medical changes.
Kevin would LOVE your cards. Since he will most likely be in LGH for an extended period of time, you can mail him cards to:
Lancaster General Hospital C/O Kevin Boitson Room 6018 555 N. Duke St Lancaster, Pa 17604
Also, you are welcome to call him at NORMAL hours (lunchtime/early afternon seems to be best) by calling the operator at 717-544-5511 and asking for his name and room.
Again, please limit the time of your calls so that Kevin may rest. You are also welcome to call my cell phone for updates and information.
The Lord is good. We look to him for our strength and understanding.