Update on Clark

Hello everyone,

Sorry for the delay in the update, but I have not left the hospital until now.

It appears Clark may have had an allergic reaction to the chemotherapy medication on Monday afternoon. They are still treating him for a possible infection/pneumonia but they have added steroids to treat the reaction. His healthy left lung has been compromised due to the allergic reaction and his right lung is in poor condition from the cancer and has partially collapsed. They continue to drain the fluid from his right pleural cavity but his lung is not re-expanding. The oncologists feel the right lung has obstructive scar tissue lining the lung which is preventing it from expanding and functioning properly. They actually believe his right lung has most likely been in this condition for some time but due to the excessive pleural fluid, it was not detected. So, essentially Clark has been living with one functioning lung (the left). The goal at this point is to repair the left lung through steroids but we were told the effects might take a few days.

Currently, Clark cannot breathe on his own without the oxygen but he has not been intubated at this point in time which is a good thing. His condition worsened through Thursday and they made a decision to restrict his diet...no food or liquids. His condition has remained stable since they started the steroid treatment and this is a good sign. Hopefully, they will be able to lift the food restriction this weekend. Our oncologist spent a great deal of time with us and she is very optimistic that the damage to his left lung can be reversed but she reinforced that it will take some time.

It is very difficult for him to speak with the oxygen and when he does, his oxygen levels drop. His oxygen levels have dropped to 50% a couple of times when trying to do simple tasks like blowing his nose and urinating. I cannot even express in words how difficult this is for me to watch knowing I cannot do anything to help him breathe.

Just to let you know, Clark is still smiling and we are both extremely confident that he will pull through this and come home. It looks like we will be celebrating our Anniversary in the hospital on Sunday but being with each other is all we need! We have had many wonderful years together and we intend to have many, many more!

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR US!

XXOO, Becky

By Marylou1
Posted October 31, 2009 at 3:14 pm
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Dear Becky and Clark:

A number of years ago, my husband was in the hospital with pneumonia. It was our anniversary too. I don't know where they got it, but the nurses brought us a little cake. So cute.

My prayers are with you both through this. "Don't Stop Believing."

Much Love,
Marylou

By brooklynda
Posted October 31, 2009 at 5:29 pm
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Dear Becky and Clark: Prayers continue for you both. Please know that my thoughts are with you, hoping that your next anniversary will be spent happily and where ever you'd most like to be, celebrating good health and future plans.

Blessings!
Brooklynda

By TheHmip
Posted October 31, 2009 at 6:30 pm
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All of our good healing thoughts and prayers, along with you and Clark's positivie attitude and outlook, will get you through each day...then you both can sigh a sigh of relief and say "we kicked the cancer in the butt again". You both are in my prayers daily.
Analee

By sheilake
Posted October 31, 2009 at 6:34 pm
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I'm sending my healing spirits and prayers Clark's way. It sounds like he is in big need. My heart goes out to you, too Becky. I just can't imagine how tough this must be on you.

Hugs,
Sheila

By pw
Posted October 31, 2009 at 6:52 pm
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Hi Becky-
Sending lots of hugs and prayers to both of you. My husband was on Oxygen at home all the time because the simplest tasks would cause him to struggle so I know how hard it is to watch. It's a very scary thing. I am glad things are looking up and I wish you a very Happy Anniversary!!!!

PW

By cuddles53
Posted October 31, 2009 at 7:07 pm
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My best wishes and blessings for you both to go home from that hospital, this is no place to celebrate an Anniversay! May god bless you, and heal up that lung quickly.. Sandy

By pattyp1
Posted October 31, 2009 at 7:18 pm
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sending warm, loving thoughts and prayers your way - may this anniversary be warm and loving and the start of a wonderful new year for you both
keep the faith
hugs
Pat

By cards7up
Posted October 31, 2009 at 8:12 pm
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He's really having a tough time but at least he is where he can get the care he needs. Has he ever had an assay test? I'm wondering if this might help him. I will attach a link at the end for a lab in PA that does them. A biopsy would need to be done, so I'm not sure if that's feasble for him. It can't hurt to give them a call and find out. Good luck to you both. Take care, JC
http://www.precisiontherapeutics.com/contact.html

By misself
Posted November 1, 2009 at 6:59 pm
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I wish you a Happy Anniversary even in the hospital.Perhaps they can give you some good news that day.I will share I had a pneumonia or bronchitis in december last year.If had not ,not shown improvement on two x-rays that lead to a Ct,My tumor wouldn't have been found early.You share the dr.now says she can treat this hidden lung condition.God does move in his own time and I think he is not through with you both yet.So I am feeling that something good not bad is coming of this.Will pray this is so.AndiB

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