Update to my grateful heart

For those of you who have been so very kind to me and offered some heart felt support and prayers over the recent dilemma regarding my wife’s health, I want to take a moment to thank you and give an update. She was recently diagnosed with an “abnormality” on her pancreas. After several tests, blood labs and a couple of CT’s that could not allow doctors to a hypothesis to what this was, we was then lead to an Endoscopic ultrasound, where they went to take a closer look and did a biopsy of this “Mass”. It was then concluded she had a neuroendocrine tumor that was cancerous. We then went to an Oncologist, to let us know that this could be fixed, but would require a partial to a complete removal of her pancreas and her spleen. We was then guided to a Doctor at a nearby Specialized cancer center who is one of a few that is capable of undergoing such a surgery. He then notified us that she did not have neuroendocrine tumor but he was not certain what exactly she had. He had her undergo a PET Scan to determine if this area was “red” with cancer or if there was cancer some place else in her body that had metastatic impact on this spot. The results indicated no cancer but the spot in question was “glowing red” which could indicate a cancer. He then had her go back the next day to have another endoscopic procedure where they could get a better sampling of tissue. After the procedure the performing doctor was again, puzzled at the area being questioned. He was careful to make any direct diagnosis without waiting for the labs to do their thing, but was back to believing it was a tumor or lymphoma. By now, this rollercoaster of events was becoming extremely tiresome and wearing the both of us down. We were told to sit tight and give them yet a couple more days. We finally received word that she has NO CANCER, NO TUMOR and NO LYMPHOMA. She has Histoplasmosis, which is a somewhat rare fungus that is growing near her pancreas and her stomach. The theory is that in the late 60’s and early 70’s many areas in the mid west tore down old buildings where the “droppings” from pigeons were airborne and inhaled by nearby residents. It has been tabbed as the “Ohio Valley Disease”. She should may be treated with a steroid, but more so just observed again in six months to see if there is any growth.

The bottom line for me and my wife is this. Prayers were answered and God deserves the praise for allowing us to undergo this “rollercoaster” of emotions and events. We had a renewal of faith through this experience. I cannot imagine being able to sustain through this time, without the love that God shed upon us. The direct personal guidance and the enormous strength that we garnered throughout this was incredible. The outpour of love through family, friends, co-workers and my hubpage pals is still overwhelming. I wrote in a previous hub explaining my grateful heart, and to this day, I cannot muster up the proper words to fully explain just how grateful my heart truly is. I also wrote a rare poem about my first encounter with this situation a few months ago, expressing how I love my wife. It is times as such that really digs deep into your soul, and brings forth such emotions that only magnifies just how important having a relationship with Christ can be, to those of us who have accepted Him as our Savior.

Again thank you all who have reached out to me during this time. Please know that I am more than willing to offer my heart back to you during anytime you feel there is a need to do so.

May God bless you all.

Chris