Never take the gift of breathing for granted! Mark’s cough had worsened and though he slept in the recliner – actually reclining meant constantly coughing and so he had been trying to sleep while leaning forward. This does not make for a restful night. Monday morning he was just worn out and it seemed that he was fighting for each breath. I cancelled some plans I had made to be nearby – and was so glad that I did. About mid-morning he called to me, unsure of what to do. No matter his position he didn’t feel that he was getting enough air.

Here was the kicker – he actually asked about going to the Emergency Room! This told me just how serious it had become. David reminded us that when Mark cut his finger open on the table saw, David practically had to drag him into the car to go for stitches… Therefore – since I was worried and he was willing… I got him into the car and to the local hospital before he changed his mind. His sarcoma team called us as we were driving and confirmed our decision to seek help.

Going to the ER while short of breath really gets everyone scurrying! At this point we were hoping that he might have some fluid on his lungs so that it could be drained. The plan was to check for fluid using a chest Xray, then check for a blood clot using a CT scan, then transfer him to the Huntsman because the last scenario was that the tumors were just too large to get a breath.

We were so bummed when the Xray came back and didn’t show fluid. I was doubtful about the blood clot and mentally began to prepare for whatever was ahead in Salt Lake City. While awaiting the CT results we received a notification that his new chemotherapy treatment had finally been scheduled for today (Tuesday) and we felt some relief that at least something was being done.

The CT results pleased everyone because they were able to locate fluid in his right lung. They had given him some morphine for the pain which helped to calm his breathing and then they whisked him away for a thoracentesis. When he returned to the room he was a new man! His color had improved, his breathing was stable and we actually had some conversation. They had removed 1,200 mls of fluid! As soon as they were able to confirm that there was no pneumothorax they sent us on our way. Everyone was relieved!

Here was a fun little ending to the ER saga. Sunday evening we were with my parents and missed a social call from some friends, but they left a plate of delicious homemade rolls. I have learned to grab a snack when we leave for the hospital so I took some trail mix and the bag of rolls (which I left in the car). When we came out the rolls were warmed from an afternoon in the sun and tasted like they were fresh out of the oven! It was like getting a hug from our friends.

Sleeping at home is always improved when you were facing a night in the hospital. Mark is still in the recliner and still coughing, but slept much better. Yesterday evening when we went to our property to check out the progress on our home, he actually got out of the car and walked around for the first time in a week. My friend is back! One of the larger tumors is pressing on his pulmonary artery – he will not be a bundle of energy anytime soon, but we are both very pleased that he is breathing today!!

We will leave in a few minutes to begin this new chemotherapy infusion. We are so grateful that it is outpatient and we pray that it will be effective with minimal side effects.

Life is beautiful! Don’t waster your time! Hug your people! Smile! Share your love! Feel and express gratitude for every breath you take!!