Last Wed. Dr. 邱紹華 gave us a whole week to deliberate to go chemo or target medicine treatment. It wasn't too difficult to come to the decision with target medicine - Iressa when we saw him today at his office.
上星期三邱醫師給我們一個星期的時間決定用傳統的化療或是用最新的標靶治療方式，我們決定用標靶治療的方式。
Our patient will forsake the hell of chemo for the time being and take an easier and supposely better efficacy path. A follow up visit with Dr. 邱 is in 2 weeks, mid of July. Initially, we'll take this a 4 months course and see how it goes.
看完邱醫師的門診後，藹玲已經開始服用標靶治療的藥物，
可以在家中服用藥物，兩週後再去看門診，追蹤觀察，在七月中旬。基本上這個療程需要4個月。到時後再看狀況決定是否需要更多的時間。
Prepare to see Eileen with lots of ACNEs or pimples when I show you her picture next time. This household will soon add one "teenager" girl in addition to the two teenager boys. The side effective of Iressa, so we are told.
下一次將藹玲的照片放在部落格時，會多了很多青春痘。這間房子將會多了一個青春痘美少女，敬請期待！
Pleural effusion remains while our patient gets weary and frigthful at mentioning about being hospitalized again to drain the fluid. Dr. 謝治政 goes easy on her this time cause' he doesn't think the fluid in the chest cavity left from the lung incision is so critical and life threatening. We're hopeful that soon our patient will expand her remaining left lung to fill up the space so as to squeez out the fluid.
這次看診時，胸腔積水並未改善太多，藹玲不願做引流的手術，
謝醫生認為目前狀況並沒有生命危險，所以不一定要做引流的手術，希望藹玲左邊剩餘的肺部可以很快發揮功能，取代被切除的肺部功能，將剩下的積水排出。
Coughing remains and not yet able to swallow her own saliva down rather wipe it out with baby wiper. She consumes 40 boxes of baby wiper paper (more than 6,000 sheets) in a week. Michael has to place a special order for another 120 boxes to be delivered soon.
目前咳嗽的狀況仍然有，藹玲無法將口水吞嚥下去，而是用嬰兒專用紙巾擦除。一週大約要消耗掉40盒紙巾（超過6000張）。
永強已經額外再訂購120盒紙巾了。
She makes progress in snail pace. Sometimes we both get anxious and wonder when one sees the light at the other end of this tunnel of recovery.
藹玲的復原緩慢但持續進步中。有時候永強和藹玲會對復原這漫長的道路有些擔心，何時才能看到那盡頭的亮光呢，請持續以禱告記念。
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
What happens to Our Patient Lately... 藹玲近來如何?
Eileen came home for almost two weeks and we went to meet with Dr. 邱，Encologist (胸腔內科)，Dr. 謝 Lung Surgeon (胸腔外科)，Dr. 許, Brain Surgeon (腦神經外科) this past Wed. (June 23rd).
禮拜三，花了一整天的時間看了三位大夫的門診，分別是胸腔內科邱大夫，胸腔外科謝大夫，腦神經外科許大夫。
With the exception of pleural effusion (胸腔積水), she seems to be well on her recovery. For the pleural effusion, Dr. 謝 prescribes deep breathing excersice to expand the lung and Furosemide, Lasix, a drug to expell the fluid. We're prayful that the fluid is cleared by the time we see Dr. 謝 again next Wed. (Jun. 30th). Otherwise, our patient will be admitted to the hospital again to drain the excessive fluid. That sounds very dreary when she has already undergone two major surgeries.
除了胸腔有積水讓人擔心之外，各位都認為藹玲的恢復狀態不錯。至於胸腔積水，謝大夫除了開利尿藥外加囑咐用深呼吸擴張肺葉把積水擠出去。 若無見效，下週謝大夫也許要讓病患再住進醫院進行插管引流。兩次大手術下來，病人早已是談院變色。
Tumor EGFR DNA sequencing comes back confirming mutation. That means she has good chance responding to target medicine treatment (標靶藥物治療), such as Iressa or Tarceva whereas she can skip the morbid torture of chemotherapy. Other than low white blood cell count and many other horrible side effects, the major side effect we hear is acne or pimples. Well, our patient has yet to come out the shadow of two major surgeries and decide if she wants。
基因突變結果肯定藹玲用標靶藥物治療會有效，這樣大可免去化療的身心恐怖和折磨。聽說標靶藥物治療的最主要反應是長青春痘，遠較化療的白血球降低和其他一系列可怕的副作用來得輕。只是我們的病患目前還在兩次大手術的陰影裡，一時還無法決定是要化療還是用標靶藥物。
Where all about this mental stage are stemming from the influcence of Chinese medical belief that the patient's body is too weak to handle anything else now when just survived trauma events of multiple surgery and her energy (氣) is in such a low ebb. We'll see comes next Wed. when we meet Dr. 邱 again.
無非是受中醫理論的影響，兩次大手術下來人的體質太虛，氣傷得太重，病人懷疑不論是化療還是用標靶藥物，自己是否吃得消。下週三，見到邱大夫再決定吧。
During the lung surgery, certain size of tube was inserted through her throat and that somehow hurted her larynx. She has yet to recover with lots of coughing.
切肺時插管，多少傷了喉嚨，目前咳嗽不斷。
Porridge with fish meat and ground beef is her major diet now.
目前靠的是鱸魚和碎牛肉燉粥，維持體力和營養。
Lot changes taking places in her body here and there to adapt. Our patient needs lots of encouragement to be lifted up...
這段時間因放射治療的副作用仍在作怪和兩次手術的療傷，病人蠻辛苦的，請大家在禱告裡紀念她的軟弱。
禮拜三，花了一整天的時間看了三位大夫的門診，分別是胸腔內科邱大夫，胸腔外科謝大夫，腦神經外科許大夫。
With the exception of pleural effusion (胸腔積水), she seems to be well on her recovery. For the pleural effusion, Dr. 謝 prescribes deep breathing excersice to expand the lung and Furosemide, Lasix, a drug to expell the fluid. We're prayful that the fluid is cleared by the time we see Dr. 謝 again next Wed. (Jun. 30th). Otherwise, our patient will be admitted to the hospital again to drain the excessive fluid. That sounds very dreary when she has already undergone two major surgeries.
除了胸腔有積水讓人擔心之外，各位都認為藹玲的恢復狀態不錯。至於胸腔積水，謝大夫除了開利尿藥外加囑咐用深呼吸擴張肺葉把積水擠出去。 若無見效，下週謝大夫也許要讓病患再住進醫院進行插管引流。兩次大手術下來，病人早已是談院變色。
Tumor EGFR DNA sequencing comes back confirming mutation. That means she has good chance responding to target medicine treatment (標靶藥物治療), such as Iressa or Tarceva whereas she can skip the morbid torture of chemotherapy. Other than low white blood cell count and many other horrible side effects, the major side effect we hear is acne or pimples. Well, our patient has yet to come out the shadow of two major surgeries and decide if she wants。
基因突變結果肯定藹玲用標靶藥物治療會有效，這樣大可免去化療的身心恐怖和折磨。聽說標靶藥物治療的最主要反應是長青春痘，遠較化療的白血球降低和其他一系列可怕的副作用來得輕。只是我們的病患目前還在兩次大手術的陰影裡，一時還無法決定是要化療還是用標靶藥物。
Where all about this mental stage are stemming from the influcence of Chinese medical belief that the patient's body is too weak to handle anything else now when just survived trauma events of multiple surgery and her energy (氣) is in such a low ebb. We'll see comes next Wed. when we meet Dr. 邱 again.
無非是受中醫理論的影響，兩次大手術下來人的體質太虛，氣傷得太重，病人懷疑不論是化療還是用標靶藥物，自己是否吃得消。下週三，見到邱大夫再決定吧。
During the lung surgery, certain size of tube was inserted through her throat and that somehow hurted her larynx. She has yet to recover with lots of coughing.
切肺時插管，多少傷了喉嚨，目前咳嗽不斷。
Porridge with fish meat and ground beef is her major diet now.
目前靠的是鱸魚和碎牛肉燉粥，維持體力和營養。
Lot changes taking places in her body here and there to adapt. Our patient needs lots of encouragement to be lifted up...
這段時間因放射治療的副作用仍在作怪和兩次手術的療傷，病人蠻辛苦的，請大家在禱告裡紀念她的軟弱。
Thursday, June 10, 2010
We're out of Here！ 出院啦！
Dr. Hsieh stops by and tells us that once the drainage tube is unplugged, she can be discharged at anytime. We'll leave the hospital either tomorrow or Sat. There are some family logistic to take care of.
謝大夫來看過，只要胸腔的管子拔掉，病人隨時都可以出院了。待把家中的兩老安排一下，我們大抵明後天就回家了。
The pathological biopsy confirms that lung tumor is the primary one. What a relief!
病理切片確定肺部的腫瘤是原發性的。又一塊石頭落地了。
We'll come back in about two weeks to see Dr. Hsieh as a follow-up and Dr. Chui, an oncologist who will decide if the patient needs chemotherapy or not and if yes, how.
回家兩週後，我們再回來見謝大夫做跟進；同時也看胸腔內科-邱大夫的門診，由他來決定，是否做化療，怎麼做。
Again, thank you for keeping us in your praying vigil and reaching out to us with all sort of helps. May God richly blesses you.
再一次感謝大家用禱告的托住和給予我們一家各式各樣的幫助。求主耶穌用他奇妙的方式親自報答、祝福各位。
Will keep you posted.
Shalom!
平安，下次再會！
謝大夫來看過，只要胸腔的管子拔掉，病人隨時都可以出院了。待把家中的兩老安排一下，我們大抵明後天就回家了。
The pathological biopsy confirms that lung tumor is the primary one. What a relief!
病理切片確定肺部的腫瘤是原發性的。又一塊石頭落地了。
We'll come back in about two weeks to see Dr. Hsieh as a follow-up and Dr. Chui, an oncologist who will decide if the patient needs chemotherapy or not and if yes, how.
回家兩週後，我們再回來見謝大夫做跟進；同時也看胸腔內科-邱大夫的門診，由他來決定，是否做化療，怎麼做。
Again, thank you for keeping us in your praying vigil and reaching out to us with all sort of helps. May God richly blesses you.
再一次感謝大家用禱告的托住和給予我們一家各式各樣的幫助。求主耶穌用他奇妙的方式親自報答、祝福各位。
Will keep you posted.
Shalom!
平安，下次再會！
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Mary 馬莉
Good News 好消息
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4：15-16
“ 因我們的大祭司並非不能體恤我們的軟弱。他也曾凡事受過試探，與我們一樣，只是他沒有犯罪。所以，我們只管坦然無懼的來到施恩的寶座前，為要得憐恤，蒙恩惠，作隨時的幫助。”希伯來書 4:15-16
××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××
想到但以理和他的三個朋友不吃王的膳，只吃素菜，喝白水，他們的面貌卻比用王膳的一切少年人更加俊美肥胖。此時此地，除了白粥加醬瓜和白麵包，其他皆無法嚥下的難受，而人人都苦口婆心地勸她要吃高蛋白的食物；一天下來，為了輸血，手臂手背和腳上被針頭戳的紫一塊，青一塊的瘀青還在隱隱作痛時，我們的病患好想像但以理他們一樣，靠白粥加醬瓜和白麵包就可以恢復身體。說著說著，眼淚湧了出來，聲音也哽咽了···
- Mary can't show up in a better time while our patient struggles with bruises from hypodermic neddle punctures. (Can't believe she is a lung cancer patient (stage 3) and at the end of her chemotherapy) 同是肺癌病患的馬莉帶來了及時的問候和安慰
- Off IV drugs and pain killer today 點滴和止痛的嗎啡一概停了
- First poo after surgery, very important 上了一號，大事一件
Not So Good Ones 不是太好的事情
Slightly low blood count - 9ish whereas normal value is about 12ish. Blood transfusion is ordered 血紅素略低，九點幾，正常值在十二左右。謝大夫讓輸血
Bruises from hypodermic needle punctures, arms, hands and foot, yet can't get her vein. It hurts so much, our patient cries for mercy and doctor had to puts blood transfusion on hold. Poor girl 手臂手背，連腳也都戳過，紫一塊，青一塊仍是找不到靜脈，痛到求饒，輸血也只能作罷。
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4：15-16
Monday, June 7, 2010
She Is Well on Her Way of Recovery 一場虛驚
Except for a little false alarm of last night, our patient is well on her way of recovery. Her lung capacity has reached up to 1,750 ml today whereas that number was 2,000 ml before surgery.
除了昨晚的一場虛驚，我們的病患在穩步的恢復中。今天在呼吸訓練師面前，竟然一口氣能吸到1，750 毫升，術前也不過才 2，000 毫升而已。
Of course, she herself is very much encouraged by the comments and observations by Dr. Hsieh, medical professionals and nurses who come to check her out now and then. She is very motivated to walk and practice all the technics following the instructions by her breathing trainer.
謝大夫，護士們還有進進出出，連筆者也記不清的各式各樣醫護人員都對我們病患的恢復給以肯定。士氣大增的她越加努力地練習呼吸和下床走路。
She starts to eat rice porridges three times today with lots of pickled cucumbers and a slice of bread.
今天三餐吃粥配以個類的醬瓜，外帶一片麵包（吐司)。
One may wonder what is about the false alarm of last night. Well, to lighten up the subject since many a time, it weights heavy in our hearts. Here is what happened Sunday.
關心的人或許會問，到底發生了一場什麼虛驚。大家一直對手術的進程和病人的反應提心吊膽，也該讓各位輕鬆輕鬆了。事情是這樣的：
Within 24 hours of surgery, her feet were on the floor and she started to practice breathing technics, aided by all those breathing apparatus. Everyone saw her was quite positive of the progress she made. However, she was getting anxious and complained that she got short breath, chest tightness and discomfort on left shoulder while she was assured by nurses again and again, those should be temporal and would all go away soon.
我們的主角在術後不到二十四小時就能夠下地行走，練習呼吸。見到的人都給予她肯定和鼓勵。捱過兩次刀的病人，或許一時還無法揮去心有餘悸的陰影，不時地抱怨呼吸短促，胸悶，左肩隱隱作痛，護士們也安慰她這些都會漸漸好起來。
Then the hypodermic needle about her IV drugs shifted stemming from her hand movements, hence the back of her hand with needle got swollen up. Very bad. The nurse was forced to switch the needle to different arm and then hand after few tries because her vein was the kind hard to spot and nail.
午後，因為手部的不停移動，點滴的針頭跑掉了，右手腫得像個饅頭。護士不得已要換手肘，然後手背，花了一番功夫才又找到一根血管。要找她的靜脈，確實不是一件容易的事。
Starting late afternoon, say around 4:00 PM with aforementioned situations, she hit a panic button that she would be out of breath soon and won't survive the night if doctor didn't do something dramatic. The whole night this writer had to constantly bug the nurse on-duty to comfort her by telling her that she was fine. Then she ran to the bathroom very 15 min. towards the late part of the night so as to divert her attention about the shortness of her breath. Not sure if anyone could decipher this behavior. The tug of war ensued about 8 some hours. At the approach of midnight, either out of exhaustion or tricks to calm her down, Michael together with the nurse draw the last ultimatum by telling her that she shouldn't expect as smooth breathing as Michael whom had a full lung while 1/5 of her lung was gone, and worst came worst, even if she stopped breathing herself the night, the breather hooked up to her nostril would carry her through.
綜合上述情形，下午四時左右，病患開始煩躁不安，不斷反复自言自語又是看護的筆者說，“我沒法呼吸，我想我過不了今晚。我沒法呼吸，我···”不得已，永強要三番五次地求救於護士，不足地安慰她。仍然無濟於事，她用上廁所的方式，讓自己分心，少想一些呼吸的事。如廁的頻率越來越高，到了後段，變成每15分鐘一次。沒人能理解這是什麽一種行為。就這樣前後折騰了八小時之久。接近午夜時，精疲力盡的筆者與當班的護士耐著性子嘗試著最後通牒，“你才切掉了一片肺葉，怎麼可能要求像永強這樣的順暢呼吸。”“即便停止了呼吸，插在鼻孔的呼吸管子可以讓你度過這一夜。”
Not sure what hit her at that moment, the woman seized by some imaginative fears, came to realization she wasn't making sense at all and went back to sleep the rest of the night.
我們的病患像是被點醒了，乖乖地回到床上，一覺睡到天亮。
Otherwise this piece of update would be titled, Sleepless in Veteran Generals Hospital at Taipei. Thanks God, ours is a single room. Imaging what if we had a roommate. Our patient remains a very good girl most of the time nevertheless.
否則這貼報告的題目就成了，"台北榮總不眠夜"。還在我們住的是單人房，試想一下如果住在雙人房，同房的病患和看護會如何反應。但話又說回來，我們的病患人不失為一個模範生。
除了昨晚的一場虛驚，我們的病患在穩步的恢復中。今天在呼吸訓練師面前，竟然一口氣能吸到1，750 毫升，術前也不過才 2，000 毫升而已。
Of course, she herself is very much encouraged by the comments and observations by Dr. Hsieh, medical professionals and nurses who come to check her out now and then. She is very motivated to walk and practice all the technics following the instructions by her breathing trainer.
謝大夫，護士們還有進進出出，連筆者也記不清的各式各樣醫護人員都對我們病患的恢復給以肯定。士氣大增的她越加努力地練習呼吸和下床走路。
She starts to eat rice porridges three times today with lots of pickled cucumbers and a slice of bread.
今天三餐吃粥配以個類的醬瓜，外帶一片麵包（吐司)。
One may wonder what is about the false alarm of last night. Well, to lighten up the subject since many a time, it weights heavy in our hearts. Here is what happened Sunday.
關心的人或許會問，到底發生了一場什麼虛驚。大家一直對手術的進程和病人的反應提心吊膽，也該讓各位輕鬆輕鬆了。事情是這樣的：
Within 24 hours of surgery, her feet were on the floor and she started to practice breathing technics, aided by all those breathing apparatus. Everyone saw her was quite positive of the progress she made. However, she was getting anxious and complained that she got short breath, chest tightness and discomfort on left shoulder while she was assured by nurses again and again, those should be temporal and would all go away soon.
我們的主角在術後不到二十四小時就能夠下地行走，練習呼吸。見到的人都給予她肯定和鼓勵。捱過兩次刀的病人，或許一時還無法揮去心有餘悸的陰影，不時地抱怨呼吸短促，胸悶，左肩隱隱作痛，護士們也安慰她這些都會漸漸好起來。
Then the hypodermic needle about her IV drugs shifted stemming from her hand movements, hence the back of her hand with needle got swollen up. Very bad. The nurse was forced to switch the needle to different arm and then hand after few tries because her vein was the kind hard to spot and nail.
午後，因為手部的不停移動，點滴的針頭跑掉了，右手腫得像個饅頭。護士不得已要換手肘，然後手背，花了一番功夫才又找到一根血管。要找她的靜脈，確實不是一件容易的事。
Starting late afternoon, say around 4:00 PM with aforementioned situations, she hit a panic button that she would be out of breath soon and won't survive the night if doctor didn't do something dramatic. The whole night this writer had to constantly bug the nurse on-duty to comfort her by telling her that she was fine. Then she ran to the bathroom very 15 min. towards the late part of the night so as to divert her attention about the shortness of her breath. Not sure if anyone could decipher this behavior. The tug of war ensued about 8 some hours. At the approach of midnight, either out of exhaustion or tricks to calm her down, Michael together with the nurse draw the last ultimatum by telling her that she shouldn't expect as smooth breathing as Michael whom had a full lung while 1/5 of her lung was gone, and worst came worst, even if she stopped breathing herself the night, the breather hooked up to her nostril would carry her through.
綜合上述情形，下午四時左右，病患開始煩躁不安，不斷反复自言自語又是看護的筆者說，“我沒法呼吸，我想我過不了今晚。我沒法呼吸，我···”不得已，永強要三番五次地求救於護士，不足地安慰她。仍然無濟於事，她用上廁所的方式，讓自己分心，少想一些呼吸的事。如廁的頻率越來越高，到了後段，變成每15分鐘一次。沒人能理解這是什麽一種行為。就這樣前後折騰了八小時之久。接近午夜時，精疲力盡的筆者與當班的護士耐著性子嘗試著最後通牒，“你才切掉了一片肺葉，怎麼可能要求像永強這樣的順暢呼吸。”“即便停止了呼吸，插在鼻孔的呼吸管子可以讓你度過這一夜。”
Not sure what hit her at that moment, the woman seized by some imaginative fears, came to realization she wasn't making sense at all and went back to sleep the rest of the night.
我們的病患像是被點醒了，乖乖地回到床上，一覺睡到天亮。
Otherwise this piece of update would be titled, Sleepless in Veteran Generals Hospital at Taipei. Thanks God, ours is a single room. Imaging what if we had a roommate. Our patient remains a very good girl most of the time nevertheless.
否則這貼報告的題目就成了，"台北榮總不眠夜"。還在我們住的是單人房，試想一下如果住在雙人房，同房的病患和看護會如何反應。但話又說回來，我們的病患人不失為一個模範生。
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010
An Update 由手術室回到普通病房後···
Our patient came out of surgical ward at around 1:20 PM. Michael was summoned to greet her around 2:30 PM when she regained her conscience. Her mouth was stuck with a breathing tube. She was awake and all her signs were normal. She was slightly pale and a bit weak. Tears on the corner of her eyes, but she couldn't talk.
手術結束後，下午1:20進入恢復室。2：30左右，當藹玲恢復知覺意識時，永強被允許進入看望。病人嘴裡插著呼吸管。臉色略顯蒼白，人顯得無力，其他則無異常。眼角濕濕的，還無法開口。
She spent another four hours in recovery room and they moved her back to her room when nurses were able to pull the tube off her mouth. No ICU.
在恢復室待了四小時後，傍晚6：30左右，她被送回普通病房。這次不須要進入加護病房。
This time she started to talk and little by little raised her voice every time. First she was barely wispering, then hers was audible but coarse. The level of pain killer administered was too strong and caused her headach. Evidently she was very bothered by the headach instead of the pain inflicted from the surgical wound. She was not herself at all and made a lot of fusses until an anethseastic was sent to drop her drug level to half. She then went to sleep almost immediately when Michael left her around 8:15 PM.
由最初細細聲的嘶嘶嗓音到後來顯得微弱但還算清晰的嘶啞聲，她的聲音漸漸地恢復了過來。恢復室的喧鬧讓她術後無法好好休息，加上止痛藥下得有些過量，我們的病患一時情緒焦躁，時而這樣，時而那樣，教兩個服侍她的人無所適從，要不時地求救於護士小姐。直等到來了位麻醉師，把靜脈注射的止痛藥調到一半，片刻內我們的病患安然入睡。到本人離開醫院時已是晚間八點後的事了。
Dr. Hsieh came to check her out briefly and he seemed to be satisfied with the outcome of today's procedure.
這中間，謝大夫來查視過，看來對手術結果蠻滿意的。
She will start to practice breathing and start to walk inside the room tomorrow. Then maybe venture out further the day after tomorrow whereby she is very much encouraged to exercise her lung by walking and breathing what her strength allows. She looks suprisingly good with the appearance of her trademark rosie cheeks and all other vital signs of hers are fine and normal.
明天起就要練習呼吸，開始下床在房內走動。再往下還要走出病房，到走廊裡散步，她需要不斷地加強呼吸訓練和走動，恢復和加強肺功能。她看來氣色很不錯，兩頰的紅暈又泛開了，其他特徵也都很正常。
手術結束後，下午1:20進入恢復室。2：30左右，當藹玲恢復知覺意識時，永強被允許進入看望。病人嘴裡插著呼吸管。臉色略顯蒼白，人顯得無力，其他則無異常。眼角濕濕的，還無法開口。
She spent another four hours in recovery room and they moved her back to her room when nurses were able to pull the tube off her mouth. No ICU.
在恢復室待了四小時後，傍晚6：30左右，她被送回普通病房。這次不須要進入加護病房。
This time she started to talk and little by little raised her voice every time. First she was barely wispering, then hers was audible but coarse. The level of pain killer administered was too strong and caused her headach. Evidently she was very bothered by the headach instead of the pain inflicted from the surgical wound. She was not herself at all and made a lot of fusses until an anethseastic was sent to drop her drug level to half. She then went to sleep almost immediately when Michael left her around 8:15 PM.
由最初細細聲的嘶嘶嗓音到後來顯得微弱但還算清晰的嘶啞聲，她的聲音漸漸地恢復了過來。恢復室的喧鬧讓她術後無法好好休息，加上止痛藥下得有些過量，我們的病患一時情緒焦躁，時而這樣，時而那樣，教兩個服侍她的人無所適從，要不時地求救於護士小姐。直等到來了位麻醉師，把靜脈注射的止痛藥調到一半，片刻內我們的病患安然入睡。到本人離開醫院時已是晚間八點後的事了。
Dr. Hsieh came to check her out briefly and he seemed to be satisfied with the outcome of today's procedure.
這中間，謝大夫來查視過，看來對手術結果蠻滿意的。
She will start to practice breathing and start to walk inside the room tomorrow. Then maybe venture out further the day after tomorrow whereby she is very much encouraged to exercise her lung by walking and breathing what her strength allows. She looks suprisingly good with the appearance of her trademark rosie cheeks and all other vital signs of hers are fine and normal.
明天起就要練習呼吸，開始下床在房內走動。再往下還要走出病房，到走廊裡散步，她需要不斷地加強呼吸訓練和走動，恢復和加強肺功能。她看來氣色很不錯，兩頰的紅暈又泛開了，其他特徵也都很正常。
This Is It! 死陰的幽谷，又過了一關
I was called in to meet with Dr. Hsieh at 12:30 PM, about 4 hours after we parted with Eileen. （12：30PM），He waved me to a small room and motioned me to sit down. There he unfold Eileen's lung wrapped in a green surgical cloth and pointed to me where the tumor is, a whitish tissue about the size of a quarter. (Chuck says "Hyooo!" over the phone) When asked if Eileen is out in recovery room, I was told they're sewing up her surgical wound now and she should be out soon. Everything in about a mintue or so. I assume nothing out of order happened, otherwise I would have different story.
藹玲推入手術室後四小時,透過廣播我被叫進手術室外的一間小會議室，謝大夫示意我坐下，打開手術用的一塊綠色布包，其中是一片病人的肺葉，略大過巴掌。他指給我看一塊約莫10元硬幣大小的白色硬塊組織。當問起手術是否結束，他告訴我目前正在縫傷口，隨後便離開，這前後也不過一分鐘的時間。想來一切應該正常，否則現在寫出來的內容絕非如此。
An emphatic YES! It's a great relief indeed.
不能不說，心裡的一塊大石頭掉了下來。
"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to [a] those he loves." Psalm 127:1-2
“若不是耶和華建造房屋，建造的人就枉然勞力；若不是耶和華看守城池，看守的人就枉然警醒。你們清晨早起，夜晚安歇，吃勞碌得來的飯，本是枉然；惟有耶和華所親愛的，必叫他安然睡覺。”詩篇127：1-2
My song at this moment. 這是本人此時的感受。
Thanks Be to Our God. Thank Dr. Hsieh and his team. Thank you all of your sustenant prayer.
感謝神。感謝謝大夫和他的團隊。感謝各方用禱告的托住。
藹玲推入手術室後四小時,透過廣播我被叫進手術室外的一間小會議室，謝大夫示意我坐下，打開手術用的一塊綠色布包，其中是一片病人的肺葉，略大過巴掌。他指給我看一塊約莫10元硬幣大小的白色硬塊組織。當問起手術是否結束，他告訴我目前正在縫傷口，隨後便離開，這前後也不過一分鐘的時間。想來一切應該正常，否則現在寫出來的內容絕非如此。
An emphatic YES! It's a great relief indeed.
不能不說，心裡的一塊大石頭掉了下來。
"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to [a] those he loves." Psalm 127:1-2
“若不是耶和華建造房屋，建造的人就枉然勞力；若不是耶和華看守城池，看守的人就枉然警醒。你們清晨早起，夜晚安歇，吃勞碌得來的飯，本是枉然；惟有耶和華所親愛的，必叫他安然睡覺。”詩篇127：1-2
My song at this moment. 這是本人此時的感受。
Thanks Be to Our God. Thank Dr. Hsieh and his team. Thank you all of your sustenant prayer.
感謝神。感謝謝大夫和他的團隊。感謝各方用禱告的托住。
手術中 Surgery on Progress
早上7：30藹玲準時進了手術室。7:30 AM on time, Eileen wheeled in the surgery ward. 因為害怕，離開病房到手術室的途中，我們的病人掩面哭泣。Out of fear and nervous, she sobbed on the way transferred to the ward.
大哥大嫂也來看侯，安慰。Older Brother and Sister-in-law all came to comfort and cheer her up.
本人則與其他家屬病患一起，目前坐在等候大廳的凳子上，不時地用禱告來等待。Like all the other families of patients who undergo surgery today, I'm sitting in the waiting area keeping up a praying vigil. 此時的心情很矛盾，既擔心緊張，又覺得放心有把握。Straddling on two conflicting feelings, I'm torn by worriness/anxiousness and confidence/ease at the same time.
大哥大嫂也來看侯，安慰。Older Brother and Sister-in-law all came to comfort and cheer her up.
本人則與其他家屬病患一起，目前坐在等候大廳的凳子上，不時地用禱告來等待。Like all the other families of patients who undergo surgery today, I'm sitting in the waiting area keeping up a praying vigil. 此時的心情很矛盾，既擔心緊張，又覺得放心有把握。Straddling on two conflicting feelings, I'm torn by worriness/anxiousness and confidence/ease at the same time.
Friday, June 4, 2010
藹玲近況
藹玲經過肺部檢查，肺功能良好，明天（6/5）早上7:30會進開刀房，求神預備一切，讓醫生今天晚上有好的休息，明天開刀一切順利平安，預計開刀須3-4小時，開刀後需要在恢復室待2-3小時，已經登記到一間單人病房，開刀後一切順利，即可由恢復室轉到一般病房，請為藹玲的身心靈禱告，在如此短的時間內，又要面臨第二次手術，藹玲心中會軟弱害怕，弟兄姊妹的禱告托住藹玲的心，可以靠主剛強，也為手術後身體的恢復順利禱告。
遠方來的天使。
謝謝基督之家弟兄姐妹們的問候和禱告裡的紀念
Are You Ready
We're told around 5:30 PM today that Eileen will be wheeled in operation room at 7:30 AM tomorrow morning here in Taiwan. Dr. Hsieh told us he is under no particular pressure at all since Eileen will be his only patient on the day. He adds Sat. on his surgery calendar starting June. So it turns out that Eileen is his very first Sat. surgery patient.
According to the data, Eileen has an excellent lung reserve that gives the surgeon more assurance to take out the lower lobe of her left lung. Which means Eileen will give up about 22% of her lung capacity. And we're hopeful that the rest lungs will make up the difference overtime afterwards.
By the way, Dr. Hsieh doesn't plan to put her in the ICU after surgery. The surgery may take about half day, say she will be done by noon tomorrow. She may come back to current room to recover if everything goes fine tomorrow. Say, she may be out of the hospital in a week or so.
Our patient is very, very nervous about tomorrow. May our gracious Lord comfort her in His own unique way when she is overcome by fear tonight. As a part of preparation, she will take a procedure to flush everything out of her whole intestine system at midnight tonight.
Shalom!
According to the data, Eileen has an excellent lung reserve that gives the surgeon more assurance to take out the lower lobe of her left lung. Which means Eileen will give up about 22% of her lung capacity. And we're hopeful that the rest lungs will make up the difference overtime afterwards.
By the way, Dr. Hsieh doesn't plan to put her in the ICU after surgery. The surgery may take about half day, say she will be done by noon tomorrow. She may come back to current room to recover if everything goes fine tomorrow. Say, she may be out of the hospital in a week or so.
Our patient is very, very nervous about tomorrow. May our gracious Lord comfort her in His own unique way when she is overcome by fear tonight. As a part of preparation, she will take a procedure to flush everything out of her whole intestine system at midnight tonight.
Shalom!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
We're Doing This All over Again
Dear All,
親愛的關心我們的眾親友們，
Eileen got in the hospital today at noon time. 藹玲於今日中午左右住進了胸腔外科病房。Dr. Hsieh stopped by her bed soon after. 謝大夫不久就到病房查房。It seems she is fit with excellent lung reserve which means the lower lobe of her left lung will be taken out to be preemptive, lest the tumor spreads further. 看來病人的肺功能不錯，言下之意，左肺下半葉要犧牲掉了。Pretty much an aggressive threatment to nip the bud. 所謂寧可錯殺三千不可放過一個。Please disregards what I wrote right after the visitation with Dr. Hsieh last week.看來上次看過謝大夫門診所寫的內容有誤。
Two major surgeries with only six weeks (one day short) apart, our patient is very nervous. 前後一個半月內兩個大手術，病人自然十分緊張。Well, "SCARED" is exact her word as a matter of the fact.怕怕！是病人的原話。
We got a 24 hours helper today. 我們已經請到24小時看護。An indonesia bride moved to Taiwan many years ago. 一位早年嫁到台灣的印尼新娘。More will be said about her next time. 容我們下次再介紹她。Pray that we get along well, cause' we're in dire need to have someone helping us out. 求神憐憫，讓我們能夠融洽相處，我們實在太需要一位幫手了。Otherwise Michael will go berzerk any time. 服侍病患的筆者已發生耐心危機。That's why Michael is all too happy to drop our patient off at the hospital today.今天到醫院裡打點好病人，筆者如釋重負。
Surgery is scheduled Sat. (6/5) 手術安排在兩天後的週六 （6/5）Details are to be worked out tomorrow afternoon according to Dr. Hsieh. 謝大夫說詳情要到明天下午才會揭曉。He seems to be a nice fellow, very different from Dr. Hsu, our brain surgeon. 謝大夫看來人不錯，只是與許大夫大不相同。His sentences are punctuated with few words and His type is not to elaborate as much.他的語言簡潔，話不多。
Michael's parents come tonight to help out at the house again. 筆者的父母今晚再次飛來幫忙照顧家裡。
Good night or day!平安！
*****************************************
經過這些日子在家中修養，藹玲明天6/3(四)要住院了，6/4(五)會做開刀前肺功能檢查，預計6/5(六)開刀。因為放射治療的副作用，這幾天
藹玲的味覺有些改變，很多食物都變成不喜歡了，而且身體很不舒服，永強在預備食物上，很費心，希望這些副作用，可以慢慢消除。
親愛的關心我們的眾親友們，
Eileen got in the hospital today at noon time. 藹玲於今日中午左右住進了胸腔外科病房。Dr. Hsieh stopped by her bed soon after. 謝大夫不久就到病房查房。It seems she is fit with excellent lung reserve which means the lower lobe of her left lung will be taken out to be preemptive, lest the tumor spreads further. 看來病人的肺功能不錯，言下之意，左肺下半葉要犧牲掉了。Pretty much an aggressive threatment to nip the bud. 所謂寧可錯殺三千不可放過一個。Please disregards what I wrote right after the visitation with Dr. Hsieh last week.看來上次看過謝大夫門診所寫的內容有誤。
Two major surgeries with only six weeks (one day short) apart, our patient is very nervous. 前後一個半月內兩個大手術，病人自然十分緊張。Well, "SCARED" is exact her word as a matter of the fact.怕怕！是病人的原話。
We got a 24 hours helper today. 我們已經請到24小時看護。An indonesia bride moved to Taiwan many years ago. 一位早年嫁到台灣的印尼新娘。More will be said about her next time. 容我們下次再介紹她。Pray that we get along well, cause' we're in dire need to have someone helping us out. 求神憐憫，讓我們能夠融洽相處，我們實在太需要一位幫手了。Otherwise Michael will go berzerk any time. 服侍病患的筆者已發生耐心危機。That's why Michael is all too happy to drop our patient off at the hospital today.今天到醫院裡打點好病人，筆者如釋重負。
Surgery is scheduled Sat. (6/5) 手術安排在兩天後的週六 （6/5）Details are to be worked out tomorrow afternoon according to Dr. Hsieh. 謝大夫說詳情要到明天下午才會揭曉。He seems to be a nice fellow, very different from Dr. Hsu, our brain surgeon. 謝大夫看來人不錯，只是與許大夫大不相同。His sentences are punctuated with few words and His type is not to elaborate as much.他的語言簡潔，話不多。
Michael's parents come tonight to help out at the house again. 筆者的父母今晚再次飛來幫忙照顧家裡。
Good night or day!平安！
*****************************************
經過這些日子在家中修養，藹玲明天6/3(四)要住院了，6/4(五)會做開刀前肺功能檢查，預計6/5(六)開刀。因為放射治療的副作用，這幾天
藹玲的味覺有些改變，很多食物都變成不喜歡了，而且身體很不舒服，永強在預備食物上，很費心，希望這些副作用，可以慢慢消除。
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Surgery Is Likely to Be Next Sat. (June 5th)
We've been waiting for call from the hospital whole day today and it didn't happen. I'm afraid the surgery date is moved out to June 5th.
Our patience never quite loses her appetite. It was Vietnamese cuisine yesterday. Today is Thai. And ice cream or gelato in between. What should I put on table comes tomorrow? Indian or any other exotic food? I'm clueless. Oh, God help me! Can't we just have beef noodle. Taiwan has the best one this world can offer.
Our patience never quite loses her appetite. It was Vietnamese cuisine yesterday. Today is Thai. And ice cream or gelato in between. What should I put on table comes tomorrow? Indian or any other exotic food? I'm clueless. Oh, God help me! Can't we just have beef noodle. Taiwan has the best one this world can offer.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Hello Again - 久違了。
Dear All, many have enquired through other venues when several days went by without new update.
本部落格沒有新消息才幾天而已，不少關心的親友們就致電或電郵詢問藹玲的情況。
Well, Dr. Hsieh (謝致政) met our patient in his office this afternoon. Here we are -
With results of tests and scans all point to lung, Eileen is in Dr. Hsieh's department now. He believes the benefit of getting rid off her cancer tissue by surgery. But there can be two to three alternatives depends on how good is her palmonary reserve. If excellent, the surgical with the aide of bronchoscopy means the excision will be more precise and the cut can be limited so that as much as her lung can be saved or if OK, the surgery ends up a lobectomy (removal of a lobe of her lung). Image living on 3/4 of one's lung for the rest of her life, Eileen will struggle with short of breath, no more heavy excercise and work. Or when the palmonary reserve is poor, Dr. Hsieh may skip the surgery at all and leave her with the only option - chemothrapy.
所有的檢測結果都把矛頭指向肺部，看來肺腺癌是八九不離十了。從數據和記錄上看，謝大夫認為開刀仍為上選。但視乎患者的肺活量，手術方法和結果也有不同。若肺活量上好，借助內視鏡，可以準確下刀，把切除範圍限制到最小；肺活量普通，則是要報廢幾乎一片肺葉，試想病患用餘下的四片肺葉過下半輩子的日子。用這樣的描述也許比較貼切，本來完好的四肢，突然少了一支胳臂或一條腿。若肺活量差，手術則根本就不予考慮，化療成了西醫的唯一選擇。
Depending on the availability of surgical slot, Eileen will either be admitted on this Sun. (May 30th) and have the surgery on next Tue. (June 1) or in hospital next Thur. (June 3) and surgery on Sat. (June 5).
視乎謝大夫的時間安排，要么是星期天（5/30）入院，星期二（6/1）開刀，或是下星期四（6/3）入院，星期六（6/5）開刀。
What about chemotherapy? Our patient will undergo chemotherapy about a month after lung surgery if she is going to have a lung surgery after all.
至於化療嘛，則是術後一個月後的事情。
Lots of information to gurgitate on. This is another day.
今天就先消化開刀的資訊吧, 別的下次再談。
週一在台北基督之家見到剛從中國國內短宣培訓經台返美的紹涵哥，曙光教會的主任牧師。倩芬師母幾年前罹患鼻咽癌，走過一段他們的死陰幽谷，他用過來人的身份鼓勵我們，十分受用。“那賜諸般恩典的神曾在基督裡召你們，得享他永遠的榮耀，等你們暫受苦難之後，必要親自成全你們，堅固你們，賜力量給你們。”這是他在為藹玲禱告時得到的感動。
不只如此，他還帶來教會和團契弟兄姐妹的問候。一同服侍十年有久建立的情感，相見的愉悅非言語可以形容。看到他舟車勞頓為中國教會的事工的擺上和付出的辛勞，不能不為他擔憂，唯有求神親自看顧保守，願神更加謙卑和大大地重用他。
Saturday, May 22, 2010
藹玲回家了！
藹玲在5/21（星期五）回到新竹可愛的家了！
經過一連串的治療，終於告一個段落，這幾天需要養足精神及體力，因為下星期三(5/26）必須回到榮總看胸腔科謝醫生的門診，預計6/1（星期二）必須作肺部腫瘤切除的手術，之後還需要進行化療，請為藹玲的心情及信心禱告，會有些擔心及害怕，因為接下來的手術，復原會比較痛，化療又比放療更艱鉅。
目前正在進行外勞聘用，求神為永強及藹玲預備一位合宜的人選，可以讓他們放心及信任，成為生活上的助手。
經過一連串的治療，終於告一個段落，這幾天需要養足精神及體力，因為下星期三(5/26）必須回到榮總看胸腔科謝醫生的門診，預計6/1（星期二）必須作肺部腫瘤切除的手術，之後還需要進行化療，請為藹玲的心情及信心禱告，會有些擔心及害怕，因為接下來的手術，復原會比較痛，化療又比放療更艱鉅。
目前正在進行外勞聘用，求神為永強及藹玲預備一位合宜的人選，可以讓他們放心及信任，成為生活上的助手。
Friday, May 21, 2010
Home Sweet Home
Our patient gets home around 6:00 PM tonight. Last time this family were together in our house was about 5 weeks ago. There sure are lots of catch-ups to do before Eileen goes again to stay in the hospital late next week.
Eileen is in good spirit and remains good about her appetite, but are getting particular about her taste palette. This palette is rather fickle, say like she is having a morning sick all over again.
Thank you again readers for your sustaining prayers and generous acts of kindness. Will keep you posted of her status.
Eileen is in good spirit and remains good about her appetite, but are getting particular about her taste palette. This palette is rather fickle, say like she is having a morning sick all over again.
Thank you again readers for your sustaining prayers and generous acts of kindness. Will keep you posted of her status.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
To Chuck's Parents
Dear Chuck's parents, Michael & Eileen,
我是 Chuck 主日學老師，Esther Lee.
下學期，Chuck 將會在大堂崇拜，我將沒有機會再教導他，所以，我將在主日學課堂上，Chuck 的表現，來跟你們報告。
Chuck是班上最聰明，反應最快的孩子，是近乎天才的小孩。他喜歡被愛，被注重及被接納。他喜歡交朋友。最近因為媽媽生病，他又更成熟，是件很 blessing 的事，這也是我最願意看到他成功的地方。他接受了耶穌成為他個人救主，我盼望若有機會，請引導他受洗及重生。因Eileen生病，Chuck樂意禱告，而且也知道要禱告的事項，平常禱告總是最後一位安靜，但如今是第一個安靜下來的孩子，所以Eileen要加油，大家都在為你禱告。
我很榮幸有機會教到Chuck,尤其是媽媽生病後的表現，真是太好了。只能感謝神的恩典在Chuck身上，相信你們看到有神的恩典在Chuck的身上，一定要讚美神的慈愛及大能，將榮耀歸於神。
Dear Eileen,
Chemotherapy/radiation is painful. 沒有人能與你同行but God. 他說他永不丟棄你，他以他慈愛的手扶持你。不能為你做什麽，只有禱告...。
我是 Chuck 主日學老師，Esther Lee.
下學期，Chuck 將會在大堂崇拜，我將沒有機會再教導他，所以，我將在主日學課堂上，Chuck 的表現，來跟你們報告。
Chuck是班上最聰明，反應最快的孩子，是近乎天才的小孩。他喜歡被愛，被注重及被接納。他喜歡交朋友。最近因為媽媽生病，他又更成熟，是件很 blessing 的事，這也是我最願意看到他成功的地方。他接受了耶穌成為他個人救主，我盼望若有機會，請引導他受洗及重生。因Eileen生病，Chuck樂意禱告，而且也知道要禱告的事項，平常禱告總是最後一位安靜，但如今是第一個安靜下來的孩子，所以Eileen要加油，大家都在為你禱告。
我很榮幸有機會教到Chuck,尤其是媽媽生病後的表現，真是太好了。只能感謝神的恩典在Chuck身上，相信你們看到有神的恩典在Chuck的身上，一定要讚美神的慈愛及大能，將榮耀歸於神。
Dear Eileen,
Chemotherapy/radiation is painful. 沒有人能與你同行but God. 他說他永不丟棄你，他以他慈愛的手扶持你。不能為你做什麽，只有禱告...。
Love in Him,
Esther Lee
A Time to Weep And A Time to Laugh 哭有時，歡笑有時。
Other than the grin afforded in the picture, our patient lies in her bed most of the day and barely eats.
除了照片上的笑容，勉強打起的精神，病人整日閉目臥床，少有食慾。
除了照片上的笑容，勉強打起的精神，病人整日閉目臥床，少有食慾。
Friday, May 14, 2010
Thank You, but No Thanks.
The number of call, text message and email continues everyday. Eileen and Michael are very touched by all these acts of kindness. They carry us thus far and cheer us up all along.
Nevertheless, a flu season is picking up recently according to the hospital, therefore we are advised to keep visitation down and give the patience time and space to rest from the stress of radiation treatment and brain surgical trauma.
With your loving care, Eileen knows she need to stay strong. We want to say thank you in person someday when all these are over. Therefore, we appreciate it that one remember us in his/her prayer instead of visiting the patient in the hospital since many of you have to make extra efforts to travel all the way from Hsinchu to Taipei and return. May God bless your all.
Nevertheless, a flu season is picking up recently according to the hospital, therefore we are advised to keep visitation down and give the patience time and space to rest from the stress of radiation treatment and brain surgical trauma.
With your loving care, Eileen knows she need to stay strong. We want to say thank you in person someday when all these are over. Therefore, we appreciate it that one remember us in his/her prayer instead of visiting the patient in the hospital since many of you have to make extra efforts to travel all the way from Hsinchu to Taipei and return. May God bless your all.
Get Ready for the 2nd Run
藹玲腦部的放射治療會一直做到星期四（5/20），預計是5/21可以出院，回新竹休養，5/26回榮總看謝大夫的門診，預計安排在6/1進行肺部腫瘤切除手術，這次在手術結束後會住在加護病房比較多天，手術後的疼痛會比較厲害，請繼續以禱告支持藹玲有體力有毅力，接受接下來一連串的治療，由正子測試及肺癌檢測，確定藹玲是肺癌，所以在手術後需要接受化療。
PET, and CK-7 and CK-20 tumor markers all suggest pulmonary origin of lung cancer.
Like he always do, Dr. Hsu sat down with us again early today to go through PET scan images and explained to us the interpretation of PET scan confirm lung cancer while no other lesions detected elsewhere.
This patient will be discharged from Neurosurgical Ward next Friday and come back to visit Dr. Hsieh, Pulmonary Surgical Department on May 26th, then be admitted to Pulmonary Surgical Ward within a day or two and prepare for a lung surgery on June 1st (Tues.)
We're told this time to prepare to stay in ICU a lot longer, say 2 - 3 days at least and it might take longer time to heal the surgical wound while enduring much sharp and excruciating pain when it is about lung this time.
The story doesn't end here. Once the patient is ready, she will undergo the much talked about chemotherapy flushing her whole system to stamp out the cancer cells of which might have spread inside her body.
PET, and CK-7 and CK-20 tumor markers all suggest pulmonary origin of lung cancer.
Like he always do, Dr. Hsu sat down with us again early today to go through PET scan images and explained to us the interpretation of PET scan confirm lung cancer while no other lesions detected elsewhere.
This patient will be discharged from Neurosurgical Ward next Friday and come back to visit Dr. Hsieh, Pulmonary Surgical Department on May 26th, then be admitted to Pulmonary Surgical Ward within a day or two and prepare for a lung surgery on June 1st (Tues.)
We're told this time to prepare to stay in ICU a lot longer, say 2 - 3 days at least and it might take longer time to heal the surgical wound while enduring much sharp and excruciating pain when it is about lung this time.
The story doesn't end here. Once the patient is ready, she will undergo the much talked about chemotherapy flushing her whole system to stamp out the cancer cells of which might have spread inside her body.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Haagen-Dazs 英雄本色
A pint of Haagen-Dazs, rum raisin flavor, all done in 10 min. If a picture is worth a thousand words, this photo essay is about 4,000+ words long.
近500毫升份量的蘭姆葡萄口味冰淇淋，十來分鐘便吃得精光。好一個第四期癌症病患！
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
搬家囉！藹玲換到十號病床 We've Moving!
今天傍晚接到通知 - 單人房有空位。藹玲從今晚起搬到同樓層的十號病床 （173-10）
We've moved. Now Eileen is in Bed # 10, the same ward - 173 or 173 - 10
電話 Tel. 02 2871 2121 Ext. 6549 分機
藹玲今天幾乎整日臥床，7A 和 7B 的七八位媽媽們來時，都沒法與大家交談一句。食慾不振。
Our patient is bedridden the whole day today. She couldn't even receive the mothers coming from 7A and 7B. She lost her appetite.
院牧的禱告團隊來病床前為藹玲禱告。
The praying band from Chaplian's office came to visit us and pray with and for Eileen.
We've moved. Now Eileen is in Bed # 10, the same ward - 173 or 173 - 10
電話 Tel. 02 2871 2121 Ext. 6549 分機
藹玲今天幾乎整日臥床，7A 和 7B 的七八位媽媽們來時，都沒法與大家交談一句。食慾不振。
Our patient is bedridden the whole day today. She couldn't even receive the mothers coming from 7A and 7B. She lost her appetite.
院牧的禱告團隊來病床前為藹玲禱告。
The praying band from Chaplian's office came to visit us and pray with and for Eileen.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Chapter 2 Stage 4 Lung Cancer 第二章 肺癌第四期
藹玲的媽媽和小弟媳
永強的父母
Eileen started the day upbeat. After her quiet time, first came Michael's parents, then Eileen's mom brought by Ben, her baby brother and Rita, his wife, and last came Grace Yu, Elder Yu's wife from our church in Hsinchu. A wonderful time with family and sweet fellowship with a sister with whom she confides often. It was 1:00 PM by the time Grace left the ward.
本是個愉快的日子，先是永強的父母，接著藹玲的小弟弟帶著母親和太太；然後是清玲姐（教會俞長老的太太），彼此有很美好的交通和分享，俞師母離開時已過午後一時。
3:00 PM the dreadful time came to pay her due, going to the basement for her fifth radiation treatment. Nevetheless, it's comfort to know one time less after every treatment, it will be done by next Thursday, Hallelujah!
下午三點到地下室進行第五次的放射治療，雖然害怕，老大不情願的，但每次也不過三五分鐘的時間，起碼知道做一次便少一次。雖然事後疲倦，腸胃不舒服，一到週末休息兩天，人又活過來了。
4:00 PM Dr. Hsieh came, our lung surgeon with his assitance. When enquired about how seriouse 1.3cm size lesion in her lung is . The answer came, 'regardless the size, once the tumor is a metastesis one, it is in its stage 4.' As far as lung surgery is concerned, it seems premature to discuss at this time while it depends on how well the patience rehabilitate from current brain surgery. We will need to come back to visit Dr. Hsieh in another two weeks. Nevertheless, chemotherapy is inevitable.
下午四點，，藹玲的胸腔外科醫師謝致政大夫帶著助理應約來病房探視。當問及謝大夫 1.3cm 的肺部腫瘤有多嚴重，謝大夫告知我們，腫瘤不在大小，擴散了就是第四期；至於治療方面，肺癌切割手術要看藹玲腦部手術後的恢復，最早也要等一兩個禮拜後再說（術後起碼一個月的時間），化療是不可避免的。
"Survivalbility" instead of "curability" is medical profession's jargon while "survivalbility" sounds rather negative in its Chinese translation, to us at least. This, in turn, weighted our hearts down, like falling from few floors. We're left to wonder what stage 4 actually mean in layman's terms in the wake of Dr. Hsieh's departure.
對於癌症治療，醫生們往往不談治愈率，存活率才是他們的術語。可想而知，“存活率”三個字活生生地把病人和家屬摔到了地底下。事後才想到第四期肺癌到底有多嚴重，回過神來時已是半小時後的事了。
Treatment details need to wait and "survivalbility" is just too scary to comtemplate. Well, then let's switch the subject. Dr. Hsieh agreed to a PET/CT Scan, scheduled Thursday afternoon. Also Lung tumor marker tests, CK20 and CK7 were ordered.
好吧，既然這壺不開，我們提另一壺吧。謝大夫同意病人住院期間照正子掃描 （PET/CT Scan)。時間排在本週四下午。肺癌指標CK20和CK7正在檢驗中。
May our patience sleep tight tonight.
求神讓藹玲今晚仍能安然入睡。
"When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other.
Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future." Ecclesiates 7:14
“遇亨通的日子你當喜樂；遭患難的日子你當思想；因為神使這兩樣並列，為的是叫人查不出身後有甚麼事。”傳道書7:14
園區媽媽小組 - 美伶、秋蘭、名慧、翊純 探望藹玲
星期一上午我們一行四人，到台北榮總探望藹玲(在17樓)， 她是實驗雙語部10年級的媽媽，
我們為她禱告、唱詩歌給她聽，
請姊妹們持繼地為她代禱。
姊妹們亦可打電話關心她，為她代禱：榮總總機 (02)2871-2121 藹玲病房分機#5947
我們為她禱告、唱詩歌給她聽，
請姊妹們持繼地為她代禱。
姊妹們亦可打電話關心她，為她代禱：榮總總機 (02)2871-2121 藹玲病房分機#5947
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Happy Mother Day 母親節
Our hero，Dr. Hsu - 青年才俊，許秉權大夫
As mother's day gift, Dr. Hsu went through all the recent checks and exams with and explained to us in details. Long story short, we traded a lung tumor (highly suspective of primary one) for a high grade brain tumor. The odd of survivalbility of former is much better. Nevertheless, we're not out of the woods yet. The fight ensues.
說巧不巧今天是母親節，許大夫給我們看了術後藹玲所做的各式各樣檢查的圖片，一一詳細地給予專業的解釋，耐心地回答我們提出的問題。長話短說，目前懷疑肺癌是元兇，相較於手術前所推斷的嚴重惡性腦瘤要來得好，前者的存活機會要比後者來得高。然而，我們也沒有太多僥倖的本錢，路漫漫，其修遠兮，這場仗也才開始而已。
充電的母親節 Recharge
第一道菜 - 排骨面 First Course - Noodle Soup with Spare Rib
第二道菜 - 小籠包 Second Course - Dim Sum
第三道菜 - 炒豆苗 Third Course - Stir Fry of Mung Bean Seedling
第四道菜 - 肉粽 Sticky Rice Dumpling with Pork
甜點 - 意大利冰淇淋 Gelato
Our patient is dreadful of radiation treatment, yet we're reminded, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Let's eat and be merry.
老實說， 一想到（放射）治療就害怕。但是耶穌說，“所以，不要為明天憂慮，因為明天自有明天的憂慮；一天的難處一天當就夠了。” 不吃白不吃。
Friday, May 7, 2010
The Verdict Is Delivered
Dr. Hsu delivers the diagnosis of his colleagues in respiratory department - lung cancer and he will hand our case over to them now. Mammogram eliminates breast cancer.
The Act I of this blog is about to close and we're to embark on the next chapter. Eileen and I are ever so grateful of your supplication to the Lord on our behalf and acts of kindness. May our Lord richly bless you for what you have done unto us, ones of the little ones. Yet, it's our plea, please remain vigilant and do not cease to pray for Eileen and this family.
"You hem me in - behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain" Psalm 139:5
"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever -
do not abandon the works of your hands." Psalm 138:8
The Act I of this blog is about to close and we're to embark on the next chapter. Eileen and I are ever so grateful of your supplication to the Lord on our behalf and acts of kindness. May our Lord richly bless you for what you have done unto us, ones of the little ones. Yet, it's our plea, please remain vigilant and do not cease to pray for Eileen and this family.
"You hem me in - behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain" Psalm 139:5
"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever -
do not abandon the works of your hands." Psalm 138:8
Thursday, May 6, 2010
New Coiffure 新頭飾
A gift of kindness, a pass-down from a friend who went throught the similar ordeal 一位短暫相識的朋友，將自己過去治療時曾經用過的頭飾轉贈給藹玲
The toll of radiation starts to weight in. Eileen feels sleepy constantly and her appetite is not as good, but that doesn't drop a hint she catches the anorexia bug. She is not anywhere near that category. She still eats, but just not as hearty.
放射治療的副作用開始在病人身上作祟，藹玲常常覺得疲勞想睡。食慾不如從前，倒也不至於厭食，只是不再大快朵颐。Colonoscopy comes back negative. Mammogram result has yet to come. And technically she can be discharged from the hospital now. To be vigilant Dr. Hsu believes she'd bettter stay for the time being and even if she will need to undergo another surgery or two to remove tumor lesion(s) from her lungs or breasts when identified as primary one, she needs to wait a month from this brain surgery to be physically ready to say the least.
大腸鏡並無異常。乳房X光檢查結果還未出來。即使找到腫瘤源頭，做切除手術，也是一個月後身體略有恢復之事。許大夫讓藹玲目前仍然留院查看。
She washes her head first time after the surgery.
今天是術後第一次洗頭，太爽了。只是搖頭時少了飄逸的長髮作伴。
5/6 eileen 近況分享
5/6
星期二（5/4）英文部牧師及包姐探訪永強及藹玲，在病床旁為藹玲剝餅祝福，讓藹玲在病痛中仍可領聖餐，體會到耶穌為我們流下寶血，我們的罪得拯救，體會到神對我們的愛，藹玲很感動。
目前藹玲做過很多檢查，都很正常，子宮頸抹片報告尚未出來，在藹玲的肺部發現有1.3cm的黑點在心臟的後方，另外在乳房檢查中也有些異樣，須做進一步的檢查。
藹玲已經開始做頭部放射治療，一共有12次，每天10分鐘左右，六日休息。藹玲感到很疲倦，耳朵及腮幫後方不舒服，請為藹玲禱告，在治療過程，可以忍受其中的不舒服，可以有好的睡眠，強壯的抵抗力，渡過12次的療程。
昨天晚上永強的爸爸媽媽由香港飛來台灣，可以照顧兩個孫子，也求神保守，這段時間，永強的父母，可以很平安，特別是爸爸已經80幾歲，相信上帝看顧一切，謝謝弟兄姊妹，請持續在禱告中記念。
Grantparents come to help out from Hong Kong
Michael takes the chance to ask his parents to fly over from Hong Kong to help him out. The reason being that Michael's dad is over eighty, senile and frail. Pray that grandprants stay healthy and adjust to the life here in Taiwan fine. Hope the boys enjoy grandma's cooking and pampering.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Radiation treatment starts today
Each treatment lasts about 10 min. and she will undergo the treatment for next 12 days while taking break on weekends. Effect of radiation is already felt while she begins to feel certain discomfort right below her ears and behind her cheeks. Pray that she will sustain the treatment well.
By His Wounds We Are Healed
Pastor Rockie Bronson administered the communion by the bedside Tuesday. What a privelidge to break the bread and take the cup in rememberance of our Lord even in sickness.
Post Surgery Tests and Checks Done and Will Be Done
- Tumor markers (no abnormality)
- CEA
- AFP
- CA-125
- CA-19-9
- CA-153
- Abdomen ultrasound (no abnormality)
- Gallium tracer (spots on chest, suspect of tumor lesions of breast, breast mammogram is ordered tomorrow.)
- Pap test (cervical smear) - result available in few days
- Pelvic ultrasound - cysts found but not malignant
- Chest CT Scan - 1.3cm size spot found in her chest right behind her heart, doctors want to decide what to do based on the result and interpretation of Gallium tracker
- Colonoscopy check is due tomorrow
- Mammogram check is due tomorrow
- PET (Positron Emission Tomography), not necessary at this stage
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad...
Three Moms from Mom's Fellowship (園區媽媽小組) brought much uplifting joy to the patience in waiting
Roommate No.1 came back to cheer Eileen up.
Ben, Eileen's twin brother
Buddies in Oncology Ward 戰友
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things
Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things
When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things
Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things
When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Waiting 安息日的等待
Another day of waiting.
Amidst the waiting, James and Jean (興政，侶君), our would-be pastor couple gave us a pleasant surprise, coming back to Taiwan during their seminary school break from Boston.
A Day of Downcast
Chuck spent two nights with Eugene and Eugene's mom took good care of him. His staff got well organized.
Remarks came from Ms. Candy from his class are also encouraging that his class participation and schoolworks are fine.
Friday night he went to sleepover at Sidney's place.
He went to hospital with Michael today and was taken aback when he first spotted mommy at the hospital main lobby, even though Michael had prepared him beforehand by showing him Eileen's post surgery pictures.
Reuben is pretty much on his own and takes good care of himself. He is working on his AP exam - environmental science now. Only he needs to get the garage door closed every time he leaves the house. Our Lord is patient and merciful that He didn't allow thieves to ransack our house while Reuben offered them chance three times over the course of last two weeks.
*********************************************
Pastor Chang, Robert came again to visit Eileen and pray for and with us today.
Shady's parents showed up too, what a pleasant surprise.
**********************************************
With tumor markers and ultrasound show no particular omen, result of today's Gallium scan won't be available until Monday. No explicit clue points us to where the cancer's origin is. We're getting anxious. Our human nature prevails for the moment, and the waiting is killing us. Eileen is quiet today and downcast. Everyday is a challenge.
She is scheduled to undergo chest CT scan on Monday and colonoscopy Wed. (PAP) Cervical smear test too soon.
Dr. Hsu also prepares Eileen that she will undergo chemotherapy soon, on top of the radiation therapy which may take place in about a week or so. Dr. Hsu tends to believe the trouble starts in her reproductive organ. If identified, his opinion is to totally remove the troubled part as quickly and completely as possible lest the cancerous cells spread out of control...
Remarks came from Ms. Candy from his class are also encouraging that his class participation and schoolworks are fine.
Friday night he went to sleepover at Sidney's place.
He went to hospital with Michael today and was taken aback when he first spotted mommy at the hospital main lobby, even though Michael had prepared him beforehand by showing him Eileen's post surgery pictures.
Reuben is pretty much on his own and takes good care of himself. He is working on his AP exam - environmental science now. Only he needs to get the garage door closed every time he leaves the house. Our Lord is patient and merciful that He didn't allow thieves to ransack our house while Reuben offered them chance three times over the course of last two weeks.
*********************************************
Pastor Chang, Robert came again to visit Eileen and pray for and with us today.
Shady's parents showed up too, what a pleasant surprise.
**********************************************
With tumor markers and ultrasound show no particular omen, result of today's Gallium scan won't be available until Monday. No explicit clue points us to where the cancer's origin is. We're getting anxious. Our human nature prevails for the moment, and the waiting is killing us. Eileen is quiet today and downcast. Everyday is a challenge.
She is scheduled to undergo chest CT scan on Monday and colonoscopy Wed. (PAP) Cervical smear test too soon.
Dr. Hsu also prepares Eileen that she will undergo chemotherapy soon, on top of the radiation therapy which may take place in about a week or so. Dr. Hsu tends to believe the trouble starts in her reproductive organ. If identified, his opinion is to totally remove the troubled part as quickly and completely as possible lest the cancerous cells spread out of control...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
