Crazy Quilting of My Life: Part IV

Knowing God is always in control of my life brings me immeasurable comfort, courage and even comedic relief during my crazy health battle.  Visions of me sitting outside a hospital far from my home with an old fashioned organ grinder, a monkey, gallon-sized cup and a sign asking for blood donations sort of danced through my head after the doctors sent me home.  Knowing what might be the treatment to correct the RIHP and having the process set up are very different; so my next goal was to find help in my local area and get well.  Putting myself completely into God's care made this less stressful.  I had to believe He would lead me, as He always has, to the right medical help.  Thus far the journey has certainly not been a simple nor straight path; why would I think it would be now; besides, it's become increasingly clear to me the health factor has never been the real goal of this journey. (more about that another time)

It's time for you to strap yourself in and take a ride on the medical roller coaster with me....ready, set, WHEEEEE!  REMINDER WARNING:  This blog is regarding a cervical monster and its side-kick, rectal nasty creep; both are hideous and only when totally obliterated will I cease feeling invaded.  Reality tv shows have nothing neither are remotely attractive some of what's posted below may be graphically stated

September 20 thru 29 in-patient, 5 units blood, 2 units fresh frozen plasma
September 27 learn about formaldehyde treatments to correct RIHP instead of colostomy, specialty treatment which involves placing  formalin directly onto the radiation damaged tissue inside the colon.  This is a precise treatment which chemically cauterizes/embalms the infected areas.
September 31  Praise God, I located a specialist who accepted my medical coverage program, within reasonable distance from home, too!
 October 1  I meet my new specialist, there's great rapport between us and I get my first "butt embalming" treatment.  It was an excruciating procedure but knowing I won't be dealing with a colostomy for the rest of my life helps me get through the treatment.
The remainder of October I spent in and out of the hospital, doctor offices and just trying to feel well.  Nothing takes the pain away in my pelvic area but meds do help; the edema from my knee caps to my tippy toes make me look like I have 'elephantitis" and walk like a wooden soldier in the Nutcracker Suite.

November I met my new oncologist and get my 3rd of 4 PAPs for the year.  She's a female version of Dr. B. in Denver, so I know I'm in good hands.  Based on my info during my exam she opts to have ultrasound done on my legs and a PET scan.  The ultrasound is ok, the PAP is ok, the PET scan seems off and she orders a biopsy of my Para-Aortic lymph node, the day before Thanksgiving the result says everything is ok.  The next week I'm back in the hospital for more transfusions and my primary care doc brings in a hematology oncologist to find out why I cannot sustain good blood counts even though the butt embalming is working.  A CT scan is done and once again those lymph nodes show enlargement, so the next day another para-aortic biopsy is done.  A week later my oncologist gives me the results:  The Monster is back, it was hiding during the first biopsy.  Praise God I had the 2nd biopsy because the Monster is only Stage I.

Some days there won't be a song in your heart. Sing anyway. (Emory Austin)