What a brat!

Secondary liver cancer of unknown origin. 

That's what all the scans and blood tests reveal.  So far, the Radiologists and Oncologist can't identify where the primary tumor is ... or was.  The primary tumor may have been small and my body attacked and killed it some time ago.

Maybe it's a like a big, growing kid with very destructive behaviors and the parent is avoiding our calls.  I may have said that very thing about a few students I knew when I was an elementary school building nurse.



As I am able to understand it, here are 3 medical options that may control the symptoms and growth:
  • Chemotherapy - either "whole body" or directly injected into the tumor
  • Radiation - radiation beads or microwaves directly inserted/injected into the tumor
  • Surgery - remove the tumor and effected part of the liver
If I'm a candidate for surgery, it could have the potential for having the better results, but, because the tumor is so big and so deep, the risks may outweigh the benefits.  The liver is a vital organ.

We will consult with a Surgical Oncologist who specializes in the liver at Rush Medical Center in Chicago on April 6. 

In the meantime, symptoms of pain, nausea, weakness and dizziness continue.  The prescribed medicines to control those things are causing some side effects that may be as bad or worse than the symptoms. 

It's my earthly journey and you have yours.  As I walk it, I sing one of my favorite Welch hymns, "Guide Me, O, Thou Great Jehovah", written in 1745 by William Williams. (Hmm, were his parents trying to make the name thing more simple or more complicated?)

Guide me O Thou great Jehovah
Pilgrim through this barren land. 
I am weak, but Thou are mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of Heaven, feed me 'til I want no more.

Open now the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, be Thou still my strength and shield.

Lord, I trust Thy mighty power,
Wondrous are Thy works of might;
Thou hast saved and freed helpless sinners,
"It is finished" ends our night:
Thou didst conquer Sin, and Satan and the grave!

When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of deaths and Hell's destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs of praises, I will ever give to Thee!

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