Monday, March 2, 2009

Waiting for the Biopsy Results - Chapter 5

I realized by some of your sweet comments that you think I am telling this in real time. All of these things have already happened. It is just easier for me to type it out in small segments because so much has happened in such a small amount of time. I will try and type something every day and when I get to the point of what we are going through in the present - I will advise you all. I am so humbled by all of your sincere responses!

The liver biopsy was relatively painless for Don. He did experience some typical pain under his shoulder blade that evening and the following day, but he returned to work on Wednesday. He had not told many people at his work about this and was glad he did not miss a day and have to give an excuse.

In the week that followed, we did not speak much about it and just impatiently waited for our next doctors appointment. It was a agonizing 7 days later. The results could be anything from devastating to a huge relief. It was from this biopsy we would learn if his liver was still healthy, had fibrosis, or if he had cirrhosis. If he was diagnosed with cirrhosis and it was in the later stages, Don might not even be a candidate for the drug treatment.
The liver is a remarkable organ. It can in most cases literally grow back and regenerate itself if injured. The only time this is not true is in the case of cirrhosis.

6 comments:

Ginger said...

I know how agonizing the wait can be for test results. My hubby just had a cat scan to check for lung cancer, and the wait was awful.
I sure hope Don's biopsy shows that he is eligible for the drugs.
Ginger

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Thanks for the updates and hope all will go well!!

vivian said...

your just gonna keep us hanging! what were the results!?? I so hope it was good news! still praying!
HUGS!!
vivian

Justabeachkat said...

What a service you are doing for passing along all of this information! Thank you.

You both remain in my prayers.

Hugs!
Kat

cotedetexas said...

omg - omg - I just read all this - I was here to tell you to buy your husband the snuggli and love him and then - this!!! my cousin has this disease - a very serious case, but I am here to tell you through years of chemo and all that he is here and happy and basically ok. so - have hope!!!

Lisa said...

My daughter was due March 6th(this week). January 12th she had a mole on her hand removed because it had turned black. Two days later they said it was melanoma. We had to wait until the baby's lungs were ready to induce her. He was born 2 1/2 weeks early and the next week (last Tuesday) she had a big chunk taken out of her hand (5x2) and a 4 inch incision under her arm to remove 3 lymph nodes. The next day the results were ready and she was cancer free. I can't even tell you what 2 1/2 months of waiting did for my emotions! Would we be in chemo? Would I still have her? Would her 2 little boys have their mother? We prayed fervently. Many people did. She'll have follow ups for 10 years but for now she has pain and can't use her right hand. I've been there daily and even brought the new baby home 2 nights since she couldn't nurse while on heavy meds and the radioactive dye. He slept here so they could sleep without hearing those little snorts and cries.. Or else I stayed there. We are so very grateful and humbled to have this wonderful blessing. Both our new little baby and our daughter. Best of luck to you.
My uncle had cirhhosis (sp) and has never had a drink! He had a transplant probably 30 or so years ago. Never a problem.