Deep breath

We did not share this on the last  post, because we wanted to confirm the next steps for Daryls care.   The results of the CAT scan and MRI showed unusual swelling, that the Dr believe was not “acting” like cancer but a potential abscess and soft tissues swelling. As a result, Dr Mansfield  was planning on scheduling Daryl for a tracheostomy ( incision made in the neck and inserting a tube to breathe easier) tomorrow, Tuesday.   Daryl would be having this “trach” for an unknown period of time to allow healing.  As devastating  as this might be, we feel lucky that it is not the extremely invasive surgery initial planned.

Today, as a result of the steroids and antibiotics, the Dr was able to see one of Daryls vocal chords moving and potential from the other cord. We were all excited about this “fantastic” progress in only two days! As a result, the trach is on hold for tomorrow!  We will see the Dr again on Friday, to re-evaluate. A biopsy is still needed to determine, what is going on and  rule out  a cancer reoccurrence,  but hopefully this can be done without the trach!  We are also seeing an oncologist on Friday to help monitor Daryl’s condition.

We had a very impromptu get together on Sunday, at Casa de Lu, with a few friends.  This was in anticipation of Daryl’s upcoming trach, and his inability to speak for period of time.  The day was a wonderful uplifting day for both of us! Many stories from college, PSK and San Diego tales were exchanged. It was a true blessing to see Daryl smile and laugh. This was the  best medicine!

ThE picture above was in Cozumel. Daryl and I love to scuba dive, so I thought it was only appropriate for today’s blog. The Lu’s are taking a nice deep breath today!

Goals:

• Maintain antibiotics, steroids and antifungal
• Pain control
• Nutrition Daryl has gain another 3 lbs and even enjoyed a few glasses of wine yesterday!
• Surgeon and Oncologist on Friday

Thank you for all the prayers, we feel the Holy Spirit looking over us and feel blessed to have all of you in our lives!