Mid October update:

Hi!

Sorry it's been a while, but there has been so much happening that it was difficult to absorb, and I needed time to be OK with the news. The kidney function at last check was ok. The CT Scan of my chest for the mass in my lungs found an abnormal lymph node which they're not too worried about.

Miraculously though, the Radiologist at Cedars found severe liver damage which "just happened" (Thanks God!) to be included in their pictures of the chest.

Just 2 weeks prior to the Chest CT, I was in the ER at Los Robles with severe abdominal pain up near my ribs on the right side. The ER doc did a chest x-ray, Abdominal x-ray and a CT scan of my abdomen. They said the x-rays and the CT scan were fine and sent me home. Then 2 weeks later, it is found that I have severe liver damage? Either the docs at Los Robles made a mistake, or truly the inflammation popped up just that quick. Regardless, I am pleased it was uncovered before even more things could happen!

So, we're scrambling to change medicines. The Prednisone is part of the liver problem so we must wean from that. It will take a very long time to wean off this medicine! We must go slowly as going too fast can be very dangerous. Meanwhile they started me on a new medicine that is for Organ Transplant patients so they won't reject their new organs.

Currently I am on half-dose and starting tomorrow will go up to full-strength. We must have a reversal of this liver problem, if it doens't reverse, my prognosis is a survivability of 10 years (not including the other stuff). I have to say, I feel a "gut reaction" that this medicine is going to be of help.

I am more awake, my core strength and coordination are showing improvement. I can now get out of our reclining chairs without assistance! I haven't been able to get out of those chairs without assistance since April!

In fact, I was so excited that I tried to do some housework..... but it had a deleterious effect. I lifted something (not much weight!) but it shifted the pressure in my head again and I had to miss church this past weekend and have been in bed for almost a full week. I've spoken with my Neurologist and he's ordered another spinal tap to drain off the excess pressure. We talked about surgically implanting a shunt to drain off the excess pressure.

Anyway, if you see me with a mask on....it's because I must be exceptionally cautious of germs.

Thanks to everybody for continuing to pray! This is a tough test! A test to check endurance? Anyway, God is awesome and don't you know.....the JOY of the Lord IS my strength?

Love,
Teresa C. (hey, my initials are TLC! LOL)