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.

Thursday, June 24, 2004

Procedure delayed

I went through the unpleasant preparation for the colonoscopy last night and woke early for my appointment and procedure. Everything was normal up to the point where they were about to wheel me in for the procedure. The problem was that my blood pressure was quite low - as low as I had ever seen it (top number in the 70s). The anesthesiologist would not go forward with sedation due to the risks. As the two perplexed doctors, intern, and a couple of nurses discussed the issue, my blood pressure refused to go up and even decreased a bit more. At one particular moment, they became quite concerned because they thought that the gastric varices (the swollen blood vessels around the stomach that we knew about) could be bleeding. This would have been very bad. Christine and I just held hands trying to decipher their jargon-filled discussion. I offered to the team that I could start worrying and maybe my blood pressure would rise. Not everyone smiled. I think everyone's blood pressure was elevated at that moment but mine! They concluded their discussion saying that the likely cause was loss of fluids due to the prep combined with the medication I'm taking for the varices. They hydrated me with IV fluids for a while and the pressure did rise somewhat, but not enough for them to go forward with the procedure. I was directed to go off the varices medication and stay nearby tonight and then could go home tomorrow if I want.

They rescheduled the procedure for next Wednesday. So, we'll just have to wait another week to find out what this nodule is. Christine and I haven't decided yet whether it would be best for us to drive back for the weekend or stay through until the test next week. I'll keep you updated.

I am concerned about this week's developments, but have found myself able to persevere pretty well this week. It has been great spending some solid time with Christine, and she is a great support to me. And I think often of the many of you who are sticking right there with me. Thanks.

10 comments:

anne murray said...

Greg and Christine:
I am thankful that your care team is dotting their i's and crossing their t's. You are in great hands. Remember how Christine is always trying to get your blood pressure down? We miss you terribly and can't wait to our visit in July. You are always in our prayers and daily thoughts.
love,
anne

Carl said...

Greg and Christine
Sticking to you and Christine and the Lord Jesus like glue

Judy Wu said...

Wow, that was unexpected. I appreciate your sense of humor (I thought your comment was pretty witty)... but then again I wasn't there. Thanks for the update. Grace and peace to you and Christine, Greg.

Steve Taylor said...

If you are like me, waiting is worse than about anything else. Praying that your hearts and minds will be kept in Christ Jesus!
Steve

David Pagan said...

Greg and Christine,
Please know that we are continuing to pray for you.
I talked to my mom today and she tells me you are now playing mandolin. I just got a bluegrass-gospel CD by Ron Block that has a song with a great line for a time like this -- I'm not holding onto Jesus he's holding on to me.

Ruth said...

The one thing that may be worse than the waiting is knowing you have to repeat that awful prep! We're thankful Christine is with you, and we continue to pray for both of you.
John & Ruth

Judy Kovacs said...

Greg and Christine, this must surely be an answer to prayer. Your "peace that passes understanding" is also an answer and must surely be a witness to God's great faithfulness in your lives. Hang in there! My prayers join with the multitudes!!

Craig & Maria said...

Remember God's timing is perfect, and for that we can praise him. You are in our prayers and thoughts daily.
Love, Maria & Craig

Sue Hui said...

Greg,
Just hang in there. It will pass. I agree with the doctor that it is just a small bump in a long road. We are praying for you and looking forward to your return to our meetings and discussions.
Take care!
Sue

John Ciavola said...

You are in our prayers. I loved your "worrying" joke, it's right up there with Reagan's "everybody here is republican, right?" joke when he was on the hospital bed for his assasination attempt. What's the matter with that medical staff?? (just kidding)