Dangerous

Dangerous and life threatening is how Dr. Maris just summed up the new tumor which is growing down out of Christi's skull and is now pushing her brain to the side and causing this horrendous pain. It is quite large. Looking at it myself on the CT, I just couldn't believe how big it is. It's on the top right side of her skull pushing down. There is quite a bit of swelling which is also contributing to this unbelievable pain. I thought I could somehow manage my composure, but it was just too much. I nearly passed out and I had to crouch down in the hallway to try to get the pins and needles feeling, lighteheadedness and nauseous feeling out of my body. I'm still shaking in disbelief. This is heartbreaking.

In addition to the calcium and phosporus bolus she is getting she'll also begin on a steroid (decadron) immediately to try to reduce the swelling and pressure in her brain. Since seizures are likely, she'll begin an anti-seizure medicine too. Although perhaps I shouldn't share, Shayne and I took Dr. Maris's recommendation and agreed not to bring her back if it's her time to go Home. We should be meeting with the radiation oncologist shortly and she should be on the table getting her first of (probably) five days of radiation with the goal being pain relief.

I ask that you pray for pain relief for Christi, for peace for her soul and for strength for Shayne and I who are not holding up very well at all. Thank you.