Friday, March 12, 2010

11 Mar - Big Day Tomorrow

Update on Sarah - we went to see her onc today. She felt really weak and could barely walk. Her blood "thinness" was off the charts high (ie thin) because the liver normally produces blood coagulants and apparently has not been doing that. So, we spent all day getting her re-hydrated and pumped up with blood plasma to get her blood back into the normal range - required in order to have the ERCP tomorrow to replace her stent and inspect the bile duct system. The plan will be to get her on chemo asap with as high a dose as her liver will tolerate. There's only one chemo drug that stresses the liver the least and has shown some effectiveness for Sarah and that's Taxol. On the bright side, Sarah perked up significantly after all the fluids and had a spring to her step on the way out of the clinic today.

So the big day is tomorrow (Friday) - the status of her bile duct and our hope to bring her Biliruben level down will determine how much chemo she can get in order to fight the advance of her liver tumors.

Today also marked a very tough event for us -- we sat the kids down and used the d-word ("die"). We both felt it was time to bring Ben and Sam fully into the loop on the fact that Mommy might not get better this time. They seemed shocked (there were tears) but also a little relieved that we finally shared this with them. With all the new anxiety in the air and the way Sarah looks/feels, I know they had a sense that something new was going on. It was also important for them to feel informed and be reassured that we were doing everything we could and that they would be cared for no matter what. And that it was ok to talk about their fears and share their feelings with us.

Thank you so much to everyone that has reached out to us through emails, visits and calls. Although I haven't been able to respond to everyone yet, the overwhelming show of concern has touched us both deeply and comforted us.

10 comments:

Noreen said...

Taxol worked miracles for me! Praying and hoping for some more springs in Sarah's steps. We are always here to help...just name it!

Anonymous said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers! Healing healthy energy is on the way.
Love,
Aunt Marcie

Anonymous said...

God bless all of you during this difficult time. Many prayers are being said here at Bernard, Cassisa.

Jo Anne

Anonymous said...

Sending lots of good wishes and prayers from NOLA.

Patty LaBorde

Brad Porter said...

Alan, I've been lurking here - watching your blog for a while. I want you to know you both are in my thoughts.

-brad

Anonymous said...

Alan and Sarah, I can't stop thinking about you guys and hope today's procedure is a success. It brings tears to my eyes imagining you talking with your boys, but I know you did the right thing. Whatever happens, we will be here for you all. Thanks so much for updating your blog, I know it can't always be easy. Hugs to you all... The Peters family

Jessica said...

Thanks so much for all the updates, Alan. So appreciated. I know the talk with the kids must've been so hard, but I'm sure it was a relief for the kids to feel "in the know", just as you said. We're rooting for you every step of the way, Sarah!

kemccabe said...

Hope today went REALLY well. Talking with the boys must have been so hard - all my thoughts and love. Karen

Deb said...

I'm just a stranger in Richmond sending you guys strength, prayers and hope!

Anonymous said...

I am holding Sarah and you and the boys up in prayer.

Shannon D.