The Saga Continues

I wasn't going to continuing blogging

But today was momentous enough to pass on a report

For those of you who are interested:)

The day began very early this morning

Or last night

Depending on your perspective!

Unable to sleep

Because of intense abdominal pain,

I finally got up around 4am 

To sit it out in my living room chair.

Cindy, realizing that I was up

Joined me and convinced me to go to the ER.

FYI...I do NOT like going to the ER!

This had been going on for over a week:

Severe abdominal pain

Extreme intestinal disorder (read the "d" word!)

Increasing fatigue

A racing and arrhythmic heart (maybe the most scary of all).

We arrived at the ER around 6am from our Tahuya lake cabin

And returned this evening around 6pm...

A looong day!

To cut to the chase

After an...

EKG - make that 2 EKGs

CT scan with contrast

Ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder

HIDA scan of the gallbladder

Not to mention blood, urine and stool samples;

The following was determined:

1. The abdominal pain and extreme "d" is due to inflammation of the intestines

(Including the gallbladder)

Due to one of the immunotherapy drugs, which, though it has been very beneficial in fighting the cancer,

Is causing my body's organs to attack themselves!

Which is one of the possible contraindications of this immunotherapy drug:(

Solution:

I didn't have my treatment today as scheduled 

And will meet with my oncologist to discuss how to continue.

In the meantime, he prescribed a steroid to reduce the inflammation

And with it, hopefully, the pain and "d".

2. The heart issue is: 

Atypical atrial flutter

Or, to put it simply,

The heart is not beating as it should:(

Why this is happening is unknown

Or why it started happening out of the blue.

Is it the heart being affected by the tumor?

Or is it another affect of the immunotherapy drug?

Solution:

I have a referral to a cardiologist 

To discuss how to "fix" the heart problem.

That's it for another exciting day in the Frederick household!

Cindy and I are thankful again to be home together tonight.

As I mentioned...

I am trimming back on my blogging

In order to focus on internal peace, rest and contentment

During this cancer journey.

I want to daily thrive throughout this journey

In the really hard days and the good days.

Whether I'm feeling okay or like I just got hit by a truck!

And I know that is only possible

As I practice what I've preached:)

"God will keep in perfect peace the one whose mind is fixed on Him"

And, that is tough!

So I know, for me, that needs to be sought after with laser focus

And not merely as a part-time hobby

In order not merely to survive but THRIVE in this journey!

YES!

Thanks for listening

Appreciate you all MUCH!

Dave