Ed has been ill for about 2 months. It started with shortness of breath. He felt it was just because he was out of shape and a bit over weight. It got worse and I finally got him to go to the Dr. six week ago. Dr. Grochmal was at first very concerned that it might be his heart, So over the next two weeks he had Ed get a nuclear stress test and then an echo cardiogram. The results of these was that his heart muscle has thickened due to the years of untreated high blood pressure and there were no blockages. This just means that the chambers of his heart are smaller than normal because the walls are thick. This should not cause his shortness of breath. Well they also did three blood test in two weeks and there was some abnormal liver function results. Dr. Grochmal wanted Ed to get two MRI test. (abdominal and pelvic). Well Ed's Medicare for inpatient care was effective Jan. 08 but his out patient benefits do not go into effect until July 1,08. After paying over $2000. for these first test we did not have the funds for the MRI and the imaging center would not work with us so we scheduled the test for July 2. for two weeks there was no change in Ed, but this past weekend he got worse. Monday the 23, he consented to go back to the Dr. They did a second chest x-ray and noticed some spots and want to do a chest MRI. We told them where we stood with the insurance and our lack of funds. They were able to get Precision Imaging to do all three MRI for Ed at NO CHARGE. Praise God!!!
They had the results to the Dr. by 7pm Monday night and Ed was at the Dr's office by 9am Tuesday and admitted to the hospital and in his room by 10am. So here is what we know so far. The Chest MRI revealed many blood clots. This is what is causing the shortness of breath. This is what they are treating now with blood thinners. The abdominal MRI showed that he has a tumor on his pancreas and spots on his liver. They are going to do a biopsy of the liver tomorrow June 26. around 10am. Dr. Kohm said that this would tell us what kind of cancer he has or not. The don't expect to have the results until Monday. As far as how Ed is feeling. He gets nauseous after he eats. The Dr. said that was consistent with the tumor. So he is getting some meds for that . He is having some pain between his shoulder blades and the center of his chest so the Dr. has given him a light pain pill. He is also getting his blood pressure meds and a sleeping pill. So he is resting well at night. He is a little depressed, but who wouldn't be. After 24 hrs of thinners he does appear to be breathing better. He has had some powerful prayer prayed for him the last two days. And I believe that God will continue with the blessings. I believe that tomorrow they will not be able to find any spots to biopsy. I know that Jesus' blood was shed for our healing. I believe in 3 John 1:2 "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. So, I ask that you each pray for us each day and anytime that you think of us. And I thank you all for your love and prayers.
June 26, Update
Ed had a pretty good day. Less coughing. His biopsy went well. It was done with a long needle. They do not expect to have the results until Monday though. Dr. Stepp came by and told us that even without the results they were sure it was pancreatic cancer. They just needed to confirm the exact strain. Because of the blood clots in his lungs he is not a candidate for surgery. but that can be revisited in 3 to 4 months when his lungs have healed and strengthened. He can still get radiation and chemo. That will be discussed with the Oncologist later. The Dr. stated that he would have 6 months at least and that we should get our things in order. We have been praying that our Mighty God will give him healing that can be documented and will be used to bring others to Christ. Please pray for our finances and for strength and peace for me as well.
Thanks again for all your prayers.
June 27 Update.
Dr. Stepp came by while I was at the Dr.'s. He told Ed that he'd had over 20 cases like Ed and that none of them lived over a year. Well as you can guess that really upset and depressed Ed. They still do not have a definitive diagnosis yet. Well this evening his Oncologist Dr. Bubis came by. He is going to be following Ed with his blood thinners and the cancer treatment. HE said that he did not see anything that could not be treated. He told Ed that he had to fight and stay positive and he would do everything to fight with us. He was a great encouragement to us and gave us hope. Tomorrow Mr. Ed. has had the end of the easy life. He must get out of bed and do some walking around the halls. He has to get strong enough to get up the stairs if he want to come home. NO more wallowing in the bed.
Again, thank you each for all your prayers. Keep them coming.
Our Love Stephanie and Ed.
June 28 Update
Ed had a good day. He got up and sat in a chair for a little while after breakfast. Then after lunch we got him to walk down the hall to a sitting area. Then he sat in the chair to eat dinner. No new news. Just working on building his strength.
Keep the prayers coming. He is healed in the Name of Jesus. Aman.
July 2 Update
Thank you to all who have called Ed and come by the hospital and visited. Thank you to all who have been praying for us. Sorry for the delay in updates. The hospital blocks blog sites on their network. I have spent a couple nights at the hospital and will be going back up there tonight. Ed has been building up his strength. He walks down the hall and gets out of bed and sits in the chair or couch. He is still not eating as much as he should. He still gets nauseous after eating. The Dr.'s have given him med for this, but he doesn't have an appetite. We will work on this when he gets home. Speaking of home, we thought he was going home today, that hasn't worked out yet. Due to the Pancreatic Cancer he needs to take an injection blood thinner. We found out today that our co-pay (25%) was going to be over $1,000.00 a month just for that one drug. He still has 3 others to buy. The hospital social worker is working on it on her end and I have spent most of the day with the American Cancer Society. They gave me some great resources. The manufacturer is GlaxoSmithKline. I have filed out their application for aid and am writing a letter to go with it as per the customer service rep at GSK. Please pray for favor that they will provide this drug till the end of the year. With Ed so sick we have no income coming in. Our funds are running very low. The insurance has covered the wheelchair, the rolling walker the portable oxygen and the oxygen compressor for the house. The new Oncologist is on our insurance and we will only have a $5.00 co-pay for him. We are still working on the rest. Also pray for my meeting with the attorney next Monday. He is going to help me get the papers signed by Woody and I won't have to pay him until I get my funds. I really need this ASAP. So Ed and I can concentrate on his healing and not on working. Also I have applied for 9 new positions this week. Please pray that one of them will call me for an interview and then hire me. This would really help us. God has been showing us his miracles each day. Praise God! Praise God! Keep up the prayers, visits and phone calls.
July 3, Update.
Praise God! He is glorious! We had two miracles today! First, I have been in need of gas. I have been milking it for as much as I could but was down to needing to add gas. I checked on some lotto slips that were in the glove box and won $59.00 Almost enough for a full tank. Glory to GOD!!! The second came at 5pm today. The social worker at the hospital came by and told us that the Pharmacist was able to get the first months of blood thinners for a $15.00 copay. Thank you Thank you Thank you GOD!!! The rest will come from a mail pharmacy and they will check Monday to see what that copay will be. I have filled out the GSK-Access application an written a letter in hopes that they will consider giving Ed the injections med for free. Keep praying that will come through. Just wanted you all to see the power of your prayer and ask you not to stop. Love you all.
PS I got this from the American Cancer Society. It is a booklet about Pancreatic Cancer. http://documents.cancer.org/116.00/116.00.pdf
