Saturday, October 29, 2011

NEW PROCEDURE

Hi everyone,

Today, I'm here to share the new big thing that we've been so enthusiastic about. But before I do, I'd like to remind myself and the rest of you again of my purpose with creating this blog.

The purpose has (and always will be) to keep family and friends informed of what's happening with Luis's treatments- and how we're dealing with it. I am not here to change anyone's way of thinking- nor their beliefs about themselves and life. I'm only here to share our personal experience.

As a writer, and owner of this blog, my desire is to continue writing and sharing only positive stories and uplifting words abut our journey. I live by my quotes everyday and believe in the importance of spreading only the good with the world.

"When you keep your eyes on God, there's no evil in your pathway."   

THE NEW BIG THING

Back in July, 2011, Cancer Treatment Centers of America began offering a wonderful new procedure in the pain management department. It's called Nerve Block Therapies. There's two, but I will only share the one called celiac plexus block- which is commonly used to treat stomach cancer pain.

This procedure aims to reduce chronic pain in the upper abdomen. It blocks the sensation of pain in the bundle of nerves in and around the stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, kidneys, and bowel.

Many of you know that Luis has been dealing with pain since his early stages of diagnosis. I personally don't remember a day that's gone by without him experiencing some level of pain. The pain has been a major issue for him. And although he's taken many different pain medications, they've never really taken the pain away completely. 

Even for me, driving the car with him while he's on the passenger side has been a huge challenge. Trying to dodge pot holes and always worried about the bumps ahead.

But while he was in the hospital the last time, Dr. Rahman (an anesthesiologist) came by and offered him the option to try the Nerve Block procedure. He began explaining to us how it works:

First he injects a temporary, local anesthetic into the area where the affected nerves are to determine if he experiences any pain relief. If the temporary block works, Dr. Rahman will administer a neurolytic solution (pain killing medication) to the same area 24 hours later. This long-term Nerve Block will destroy the nerves, thereby preventing you from feeling pain in that region of the abdomen.

DR. FEEL GOOD

Dr. Rahman- (referred by me as, Dr. Feel good) said he doesn't have magic or anything like that. And he can't cure Luis's cancer either. But he can block the nerves which send the signal to his brain reminding him of pain.

By doing so, Luis can began enjoying family life once again. He can now look forward to doing things that the body recognizes as normal- without the constant thought about pain. He will also be able to do normal stuff like lay on his stomach, stand up straight (without slouching due to pain).

And best of all, he wont be checking the time and thinking, "when's the next medication due." Because pain wont be there (specifically in his mind). Over all, he can began to expect his situation to improve as well.

On Oct, 27th, Luis went and had the Nerve Block procedure done. And according to him, he is feeling beautiful. But according to Dr. Feel Good, the full affects of the block can take up to 14 days to work completely. Which means he can still have bad days or even bad hours in a day.  And that's why he advised Luis not to completely get rid of his other pain medications- but rather, minimize them. And he has.  

But once the nerve is completely broken, he can expect for it to last up to weeks or even several months at a time.         

We are so thankful for the Neuroanesthesiology department at the treatment center. This has been a huge break through for someone that's gone through so much pain. It has truly been a blessing from God. And so has Dr. Rahman and his team of experts. 

Until next time.......I want to wish each and everyone of you all the blessings of life.
                       

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