21 March 2007

Screw You, Cancer

I'm afraid, my friends, that despite all the thoughts, prayers, and crossed everythings, the news is not good.

GH's bilirubin levels were extremely elevated this week, as in shockingly, astoundingly elevated. When his bloodwork came in, the whole oncology team basically came running.

What this means for us is that on Friday, GH will be going to the hospital where a detailed image of his liver will be taken. With any luck, a blockage will be found that is causing bile to back up into his liver and elevate his bilirubin. If this is the case, a simple, endoscopic surgery will be performed to insert a stent that will reroute the bile and fix the problem. A blockage seems likely since the bilirubin level shot up so quickly and otherwise GH feels relatively OK.

There's another possibility, though. It could be that the disease has progressed so much that the liver is just giving up, that it just can't do the work it's being asked to do. If this is the case, there is no fix. There's just getting ready for the end.

I'll keep you posed.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm very sorry.

We are thinking of you, GH, and the babies. Lots and lots of prayers and good thoughts are coming from our family, and our church.

Hang in there.

Rev Dr Mom said...

Hugs and prayers for all of you.

Angela said...

I am focusing on your words that the elevated bilirubin levels may be caused by a blockage. My thoughts and prayers are that this is the reason and it is corrected quickly and easily.

Anonymous said...

De-lurking to say that hope and prayers are coming your way.

Anonymous said...

Damn, damn, damn. I'm really hoping its an obstruction. Know that I'm praying and crossing everything.

Heather said...

More positive thoughts coming your way.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry - hoping and praying that a blockage is found and fixed. So damned unfair... I really wish I could give you a big hug.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry. SOOO Stressful it must be. I'm hoping for good news for you and will be sending good thoughts to you and GH. Hugs to all of you.

Anonymous said...

Dear Snickolett,

I just wanted you to know that I have been following your story for a while, and that I am thinking of you and your husband and your babes. The stress you are under right now is tremendous and you are handling it with such grace. I am so sorry for what you are going through.

Sincerely

Priscilla

mossman@crocker.com

luolin said...

[elided cuss words...]

It seems strange to be hoping for a blockage, but my fingers are re-crossed for the best news possible.

kim said...

We're so sorry to read the latest news... my husband and I are sending our hugs and positive thoughts out to your family.

Anonymous said...

oh darling, you must be a wreck. I'm hoping for the best possible outcome. Take care of yourself.

laura said...

Oh no. I am hoping and praying for the less severe of the two. Many positive thoughts are coming your way.

Christine said...

Snick -- big hugs for you. Hold on to your support systems, which include this blog. Keep us informed. We care. And try to do something nice for yourself.

haitch pee said...

i have everything crossed and will be hoping to hear the better of the two options tomorrow. lots of positive thoughts for you, GH and the babies.