Dear Friends and Family,
Today, Cathy met with Dr. Udhrain at the Block Center. The discussion centered around her symptom of ascites (water retention in the peritoneal cavity) and the CT Scan which indicated cirrhosis of the liver.
He said that 3 things could be causing ascites; liver inflammation, cirrhosis of the liver or cancer. The mention of cirrhosis on the scan is puzzling because it cannot be defined by an image and it never happens immediately. Normally, cirrhosis takes years to develop not weeks. He recommended a liver biopsy to determine what is actually happening. He also sent Cathy to have the ascites drained at the Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago. That procedure only resulted in 20 cc of fluid which is equal to 4 teaspoons of liquid - so Cathy still looks somewhat "pregnant" (Mike's terminology). Again, this seems to be another mystery. Given the size of her stomach we expected more fluid.
With all this uncertainty and the fact that Cathy's liver enzymes are still rising, Dr Udhrian stopped the Kadcyla treatments. He mentioned two other chemo treatments that can be used in conjunction with Herceptin. They are Navelbine and Taxotere. He is giving Cathy and Mike time to research and decide which option to choose.
From a cancer standpoint - nothing is growing or getting worse. Good news!
Please pray that God would grant wisdom to Mike and Cathy as they proceed to schedule the biopsy and new treatment for next week. Pray also that the doctors would be able to accurately interpret the tests results.
We are very grateful for your continued interest, support and prayers. God has protected us and guided us through 31 trips to Chicago. What mercy and grace he has bestowed!!
Blessings,
Lori
P.S. This is a shout out to Mike who drives the entire trip while enduring all the chatter between Cathy and myself. It also allows me time to research and update the blog. And we even have the opportunity to listen to a sermon from our local pastors!
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