Friday PM update

This morning, the GI doctor performed an endoscopy. The photos reveal that the tumor has shrunken significantly from the chemotherapy, causing lesions in the stomach. In other words, Steve now has ulcer, as the oncologist had predicted. The good news is that there does not seem to be significant bleeding in the stomach. His most recent blood test confirms that internal hemorrhage has slowed down but not entired ceased.

Results from his thoracentesis show that there is no lymphoma in the chest fluid. That's very good news. However, more fluids are building up again in his chest cavity, causing breathing to be difficult. Another draining may be necessary soon. The oncologist ordered albumin for him, which will maybe help the tissues to retain liquid and hopefully reduce the pleural effusion.

He is still mentally confused somewhat. The neurologist said that the CT scan and various blood tests came back normal. He attempted to perform spinal tap but was unsuccessful due to too much edema buildup in his back. Another spinal tap is scheduled for tomorrow morning in the radiology department. Since 8pm yesterday, Steve has been off the duragesic pain medication (fentanyl), a drug that is linked to nervous side effects including confusion. We need to see if things improve tomorrow morning once the drug wears off.

The biggest challenge today is Steve's difficulty in breathing. He needs an oxygen mask to relieve the strain.

Prayer request: Please pray that his breathing will become easier and that the doctors can determine how to help him breathe better. Pray also for the spinal tap in the morning to be successful and that his mental faculties will be restored once the duragesic medication wears off. Thank you so very much for checking in.