News and sad news

Since the previous blog update (thanks wife!) lots have happened with me personally and to our family. Last week I started hearing some funny noise from my lungs. I called the hospital the following morning and the doctor ordered me to the hospital for blood tests, x-ray of the lungs and a check-up. The results were, briefly put, that I had got quite a bit of water in my lungs and cancer has spread further so much that it can now be seen in lung x-ray. At least the blood values are still good, and the doctor said the water problem can be managed with medication. The spreading of the cancer in my lungs was no news really, but compared to the pictures taken in January it seems at least to me to be spreading quite fast. I feel like maybe I don't have that much time left now. The doctor also gave me a referral to hospice, and a nurse from there will come visit us tomorrow to explain to us what kind of help they provide.

The liquid-removal pills I've started taking seem to drive down my blood pressure and make me very dizzy. This week I've felt totally out of it and have not had any energy at all. The persistent sleeping problem has probably an impact as well, as well as the entire cancer situation. I got a new "relaxation" drug from the doctor to try out for the insomnia but so far I can't say it has helped very much. And then I still have swollen legs. The doctor now thinks this is related to the overall cancer situation and has got something to do with proteins. I can manage by sticking my legs high up every now and then although it does not take the swelling down completely.

I had a follow-up of the lungs this Monday and the x-ray pictures showed that the situation is better. In other words the medication works. I guess I just have to manage with the dizziness and hope it eases off by itself.

As if my situation is not enough, our family got struck by more sad news. Marjo's sister and only sibling passed away unexpectedly of a sudden illness last week. She was only a bit over a year older than Marjo and generally in good health. It's hard to understand what God is up to now! I'm not very good at finding words in situations like this but may at least God bless her memory.