The Struggle Has Ended

Greg Hewlett passed away on January 17th after nearly eight years of battling colon cancer. While we grieve his loss, we are comforted to know that he is with his Lord.

If you would like to leave your thoughts on Greg, please see this thread.

If you would like to make a charitable donation in Greg's honor, please see this thread.

Monday, June 9, 2003

The liver biopsy

I have added a new activity to �Greg�s list of things I do not want to repeat in my life� � the liver biopsy.

I don�t know why I didn�t think it would be a big deal. To me, it was just a check box along with the PET scan and the MRI. It was just another innocuous �test� on the list of things to do last Friday. Well, I won�t get too graphic, because children may be reading this site, but the liver biopsy involves a spring loaded needle gun and some insufficient local anesthetic. �Are you ready for another one?� he would ask, aiming his torture device between my ribs. Now how am I supposed to answer that? Seven samples later I was left traumatized in pain, but so thoroughly blissful that the evil man with his staple gun had left the room. We hung out in recovery for a couple hours because of the significant risk of bleeding. (Fortunately, there were no such complications!) While there, the nurse gave me a happy pill, after which I felt, well, quite happy. Christine, Sue (my mother-in-law), and I worked on crossword puzzles with the help of the nurse and Google on her computer. Isn�t Google great?
We had made it though another small hurdle. One day at a time. To celebrate, Sue took us out to a great Mexican restaurant, Ciudad. Fine Mexico City dining. Fine company. The only missing component was my dear father-in-law and lover-of-all-good-dining-and-conversation, Carl.
Monday plans - intravenous iron treatment and diagnosis meeting.

7 comments:

Deb Peckde said...

Greg, we're all still here with you, praying that as we present our fervent request for your complete healing, He will grant you and your family the peace that passes understanding and gaurd your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Judy Wu said...

Man-o-man. SO not right. The next time (hoping there isn't a next time, of course) you have a potentially traumatizing procedure, grab the interventional radiologist or indicated medical professional (perhaps a messenger will do) by the shirt shortly after he/she greets you, let your eyes roll into the back of your head, twitch a little, and say in a scary whisper, "I want LOTS of Versed. If I remember this, I will come back and hunt you down." Well, maybe just imagine doing that and have a good laugh.

Carl said...

You have just lenghtened my list of things I will no longer do. To Lower GI, and Syngnoidoscopy, and Prostate massage, I will add Liver biopsy on ypur word alone which I have always valued way up there. God comfort you my good friend and son in law and brother in Christ

Greg said...

Incidentally, Christine likened that evil man to Ahab in pursuit of harpooning the great Moby-Dick. I confess I would have taken him down with me, but unlike Ahab, he gave up after seven stabs and got away.

Ken Good said...

I am right with you on the Liver biopsy. I had one in 1993 or 1994. After the doctor stuck me 2 times and missed my liver both times he and I both were a little nervous on the third try. I think you lose a little confidence in your doctor when on the third time he sticks you with this long needle, and not only are his hands shaking noticably, but he is greatly relieved when he confirms that he did finally get the liver. Hang in there.

eduard f. regli said...

as an hcv patient, without any complications, should it be necessary to have a liver biopsy??
many publcations seem to be negative.... most anxious to get some info

Rollin said...

Greg, just got news that I will soon join the ranks of those having to have this apparently horrid procedure done. My doctor will not be looking for cancer, but I'm sure that won't make it any more enjoyable. Any advice?