Long Pain and Sorrow Bear

For several weeks I have experienced pain in my left neck, shoulder, arm and hand, with numbness in my thumb, index finger and middle finger. I had complained to my oncologist and he suggested that the lymphedema (swelling) in my left arm might be causing some of the pain, along with carpel tunnel syndrome (since I had recently started school and began typing/computing more). So for these weeks, I have worn compression sleeves and gloves on both hands, worn a support splint on my left hand and eased the pain with ibuprofen and prescribed pain pills. I also used heat and ice packs and got a weekly massage, which seemed to help - at least it improved the lymphedema in my arms. On Friday, Sept. 17, I complained to my oncologist that the pain had worsened and that some days I could not function, the pain was so severe. He ordered a different pain pill and asked me to call him in a few days to report how the new pill was working. On Tuesday, Sept. 21, I called to report there was no improvement and that I wanted some tests done. I worried about a cervical spine bone spur or a slipped disc or that cancer had spread to the bone- something that was causing the numbness and pain. I was also becoming more short of breath and was coughing frequently. I had a PET scan on Thursday, Sept. 23 then saw Dr. M. on Friday morning to get the results. The good news was that the cancer had not spread to my bones, in fact, no significant changes were noted from the last scan in July. The bad news is that the fluid in the pleural space (lung tissue) had significantly enlarged and probably was causing the coughing and shortness of breath. Dr. M. recommended that I get the fluid drained immediately. A surgeon was called and a thoracentisis was done that afternoon at Via Christi in Pittsburg. A thoracentisis is a draining of the pleural space around the lung. It is done by inserting a needle into the back between ribs and drawing the fluid from the pleural space. The skin and muscle is numbed by lidocaine (a local anesthetic) before the needle is inserted. It is uncomfortable - and you are awake for the proceedure. Dr. H. removed 800 milliliters of fluid - about 26 ounces. I could immediately breath better, breathe without coughing and talk without coughing. I spent a short time in the recovery room and went home. I did have quite a bit of pain when I returned home, and I became short of breath, so I went to the ER at Girard for evaluation. The x-ray of my lungs was okay - I was afraid that the left lung had collapsed, which is a complication of thoracentisis. I was given a heafty dose of morphine and dismissed to home.
The pain in my shoulder and neck has lessened - however, my finger continue to be numb and painful. I am to have an MRI scan of my neck and head on Monday morning to seek a reason for the continued pain. I am taking less pain medication now and breathing much easier.
I was so fortunate to have my personal nurse, Kathy, to stay with me and Marlin, to support me during Friday's adventures. Lindsay was home Friday evening and spent the weekend pampering her mom. She and Tosha cleaned house, cooked, did laundry and put up fall decorations in the house. I am so very thankful to have such wonderful daughters! I love them both so much!
Today at church we had a baby dedication service for three families. What a blessing to share in the joy of new life! We sang the hymn "All Creatures of Our God and King" - one verse especially spoke to me -
And all forgiven tender hearts, forgiving others, take your part, sing praises, Alleluia!
You who long pain and sorrow bear, praise God, who knows your every care.
O praise God, O praise God, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Blessings to you -
Love to you!
Ellen