August 22, 2010

We are way over due on a blog update, so here goes. Paula is continuing to progress and heal from her second hip replacement surgery. It is a long process but it is a blessing to have the new hips in place. Paula has been struggling with her breathing over the past couple of months. The doctor felt she was in need of sinus surgery. However, a week or so before the surgery was to take place her calcium levels were high. The doctor would not agree to perform the surgery until her levels were reduced, and the ok was given by her oncologist at Moffitt. So Paula was admitted into Moffitt to be given some medications to lower these levels. After a few days in the hospital, her calcium was lowered and she was able to come home. However, her inability to breathe continued to get worse and after the weekend she returned to Moffit for blood work, this was last Monday, August 16. About an hour after getting home from Tampa, Moffitt called and said her calcium levels had risen once again and they wanted her to be admitted back into the hospital as soon as a bed was open. Paula was then readmitted to Moffitt on the 16th. While there, her endocrine system was given a thorough check, and all was clear there. So they ordered a CAT scan. The results showed the mass in her chest cavity had grown since her last scan 6 months ago and is closing off her windpipe, thus the explanation for why she is struggling to breathe lately. The doctor had stressed the importance of starting some form of treatment to slow the growth of this mass and Paul and Paula will be meeting with her primary oncologist, Dr. Saba at Moffitt on Monday, August 23. Because of her kidney failure and damage, there are not many treatment options. We are asking for your prayers during the next couple of days for a clear picture of which treatment (if any) will be best for Paula. And without fail, our prayer is for a divine healing and shrinkage of this mass as soon as possible.
"I am the Lord that heals you" Exodus 15:26