Praise the Lord!

Update on Chris 2-16-07
Just wanted to give an update on the last few days… We have spoken with the liver specialist a few times this week and he is evaluating Chris’ case from the very beginning. He has requested pathology reports from the liver biopsy done in March 2006 and tumor biopsy from the surgery done at Thanksgiving. He is reviewing all of the information himself to make his own diagnosis. This doesn’t necessarily mean that he thinks Chris cancer diagnosis is wrong, he just wants to be very thorough. Its nice to have a fresh set of eyes to look at the situation. We are extremely happy about this and look forward to working with this doctor. He has stopped chemo for right now and will determine a new plan to start next week. This may consist of shooting chemo directly into the liver, since it is primarily isolated to the liver right now.
Chris has a very good week with his physical therapy. There were a few days that he didn’t feel very good, but he pushed through anyway! Yesterday, his blood count and platelets were low, so they gave him blood and platelets last night. This made him feel SO much better and every one was commenting on how much better he looked today. He had a wonderful day with therapy today! The Occupational Therapist has been working primarily with his left arm, the arm that had surgery in November, since it has never been worked with since the surgery. At the beginning of the week, he only had a 30 degree range of motion with this arm… today he was lifting it all the way above his head! The OT was so excited and almost cried. She didn’t expect for him to be at this point so quickly. They have also started Electro-Current Stimulation on the muscles in this shoulder area and it seems to be helping. They also have it taped to train the muscles to go in the right places.
His pool time was the most exciting today! He walked unsupported holding on the bars back and forth two times. He also walked with a walker, unsupported, all over the pool! He is really doing great and the doctor and therapists are very pleased with his progress. They keep making comments about preparing to go home and talking about outpatient plans. It is very surreal to think about going home soon. It’s getting closer and closer and we are so excited. Thank you for your continued prayers for Chris’ strength, full healing and wisdom for the doctors.
Love,
Mandy