Yesterday, Susette and i went in for a bone marrow biopsy at UCLA. We had been through a number of tests (various blood tests, lymph note biopsy, PET/CT scan, echo cardiogram, lung scan/breath tests and an MRI) but this was definitely the most painful. This test involved sticking a probe into her hip bone marrow (within the bone) to extract a marrow sample. The purpose is to see if the cancer infiltrated the bones.
Susette gave (more) blood and was shot up with morphine before the biopsy. She then was given shots into each layer of skin and the outside of the bone to numb her for pain. They all helped but there was no numbing the inside of the bone. When the needle reached the inside of of her bone and the marrow a sharp strong pain ran right down her leg. i was holding her hand and my fingers were turning blue at that point.
The first attempt was not successful so, she had to repeat the procedure. My fingers at that point were turning a nice shade of magenta by then...
After the procedure was over, a nurse counseled her on her first chemotherapy appointment coming up on Friday. The nurses name was Kim and she was very nice and compassionate. But even with her nice demeanor, the facts were not wonderful to hear -- chemotherapy is still dangerous and Susette will be sitting for approximately 5 hours while they pump her with this lethal medicine. She will receive this outpatient treatment twice a month for six months. And there are the side effects -- she will be loosing her hair and will have to take anti-nausea medicine regularly, not to mention the many other potential risks. It was not a possitive message to hear.
By then, it was about 5:00pm and we glad the appointment was over but we weren't thrilled about jumping on the freeway to head for the South Bay, so, we decided to visit a Westwood veggie restaurant -- not the smartest idea. By the time we found a place to park, and walked to the restaurant, the morphine had kicked in big time. Susette was leaning on my arm and was staggering as we walked down the street. i wanted to go back but she said "no p-p-p-roooblem." i thought for sure we were going to be stopped by the police for "drunk and disorderly" behavior. Fortunately, we made to the restaurant without getting arrested.
After we sat down and ordered, i left briefly for the restroom. When i returned, Susette's head was face down on the table --- she was out. i had to wake her up because the food was about to arrive. Once the food arrived, i did all i could to keep her from diving head first into her cabbage soup. It was, needless to say, an adventure to be remembered.
Coming up...
Friday, at 8am, is her first chemotherapy appointment. Please keep her in your prayers. She is very apprehensive. Pray that God will give her peace and that the morning will go well.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Welcome!
Background
In November of 2007, Susette Manassero discovered a lump on her neck that over time seemed to be growing. Upon advice from a dear physician friend in Haiti, Susette immediately flew to Los Angeles on December 19th to have the lump checked out.
On December 24, 2007, Susette Manassero was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, a cancer that infiltrates the lymp nodes. This news turned her world upside down. One minute, Susette, with her husband Bill, were running the Maison de Lumiere Home for Homeless Children in Port Au Prince, Haiti. The next minute, they are in Southern California preparing for the journey of a lifetime.
This Blog
This blog was developed as a means to keep friends and family updated on all that is happening with Susette and her illness and to post prayer requests. We have been so incredibly blessed to have such an awesome church family, dear friends and relatives who are storming the gates of heaven on behalf of Susette. This is a true battle whereby the prayers of the saints and God's Word are our weapons of choice to defeat the onslaught of the enemy. We thank each and every one of you who has come along side us in this battle.
Our God is mighty and faithful and our full trust is in Him -- Jehovah Rapha (The Lord our Healer) to see us through. God bless you.
In November of 2007, Susette Manassero discovered a lump on her neck that over time seemed to be growing. Upon advice from a dear physician friend in Haiti, Susette immediately flew to Los Angeles on December 19th to have the lump checked out.
On December 24, 2007, Susette Manassero was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, a cancer that infiltrates the lymp nodes. This news turned her world upside down. One minute, Susette, with her husband Bill, were running the Maison de Lumiere Home for Homeless Children in Port Au Prince, Haiti. The next minute, they are in Southern California preparing for the journey of a lifetime.
This Blog
This blog was developed as a means to keep friends and family updated on all that is happening with Susette and her illness and to post prayer requests. We have been so incredibly blessed to have such an awesome church family, dear friends and relatives who are storming the gates of heaven on behalf of Susette. This is a true battle whereby the prayers of the saints and God's Word are our weapons of choice to defeat the onslaught of the enemy. We thank each and every one of you who has come along side us in this battle.
Our God is mighty and faithful and our full trust is in Him -- Jehovah Rapha (The Lord our Healer) to see us through. God bless you.
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