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.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

A little more on the lung problem

I continue to feel about the same. Happy, not sick, not in much pain, but very short on air. I bought one of those pulse oximeters to watch my oxygen level in the blood. It's hanging out in the low 90's, for those of you who know about such things. If it hangs out lower than 88, that warrants the full time lug-around-an-oxygen-tank deal. Most folks are around 98-99. Before the last couple months, mine was around 96-97, even with the two lung surgeries.

Since my last blog article, I have had one doctor at MD Anderson and a physician's assistant both tell me in email correspondence that there may actually be something they can do in case this airway does not open up. I may be a candidate for a pulmonary stent, not too unlike the kind of thing they do for coronary disease. Only it goes in an airway, not an artery. The person to decide such a thing would need to be a pulmonologist or thoracic surgeon, and they would need a recent CT scan from which to make the decision. So this is speculation now. I have a CT scheduled at MDACC in a couple weeks on Aug 17 and am going to see if I can get an appointment with my thoracic surgeon that week.

But in the meantime, I am hoping, praying, and -yes- expecting that the airway will open up as the radiation finishes off its work here in the next week or so. If that happens, there will be no need to even think about a stent.

The picture to the right was taken about a month ago. It shows the markings for aligning the radiation machine. The radiation was focussed mostly in the center of my chest.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

We will be believing with you.. Specifically that our Lord will breath His anointed and healing breath into your body.. Holy Spirit.. you are welcome in ..
Blessings,
Connie & Greg

Unknown said...

Some poker at your place tonight will probably help the airway problem. Anybody else want to crash Greg's place tonight with me?

Greg said...

You're on. 7:30

zic said...

You can count on us to play a hand of poker! And also with you and your positive attitude..that's half the battle for sure! You're a winner don't ever forget that!
Beijos!
Vicki and Sergio

Sarah said...

I hope that they can help you with your breathing - Greg. Thanks for keeping us posted as we often think of you. We went to Seniorita's on Mati's birthday like last year and it wasn't as fun as when you were there! We missed you making all of those silly faces. But Mati did still enjoy wearing the sombrero!

Unknown said...

Happy Saturday Greg,

Thank you for sharing. Sandra and I keep you and Christine in our prayers regularly. Let us know of any assist you may desire.

God Bless,
BoB E. & Sandra

Henry Chu said...

How wonderful to get two emails from you back to back. For those of you who hound you with our prayers are always looking for updates.

I told my wife of your situation yesterday morning, and she responded saying that she has been praying for you everyday. Even on Wednesday evening prayer meeting, friends are asking about you.

So glad to learn that there are alternatives beyond radiation. Pray that is not even needed.

God Bless,
Henry

RichardGoodrich said...

Greg,

Just discovered your blog and I will pray for you more specifically now. May God blow His breath into your lungs - Shalom Brother.

Richard Goodrich

dyk49264 said...

I pray for His amazing grace to supply fresh open air. I will call Jaeok and our Wed prayer ministry team to seek His mercy: Recover oxygen level to 98-99; Successful radiation treatment (no stent may need); Christine's health.
Sa-rang-hae-yo (Love),
Daniel Hwang