Biopsy Day dawned bright - and early! We were on the road at 6:30 AM, joining the herd of commuters on a decidedly uneventful commute into Philly. We made it in plenty of time and were ready and waiting for the excellent staff at Penn to do their thing.
We had a chance to meet Dad's Interventional Radiologist before the procedure and were reassured by her calm confidence as well as her open honesty on the risks. She patiently answered our questions, then whisked Dad off for his CT-assisted biopsy.
God created each of us as unique individuals...and apparently he did the same when creating biopsies. Dad got his morning workout as he rolled and twisted, flipped and flopped as they searched for the perfect angle. We may enter him in Men's Gymnastics at the next Olympics! Eventually, they found the ideal angle to get a good sample while minimizing risk - well worth the additional procedure time.
After the procedure, Dad stayed in a coffee-free zone as they monitored his lung for any complications. They discovered a small bubble of air - no bigger than two fingers - that had slipped out of his lung along the needle track. Bubbles can be fun, but not so much when they are floating around your body. Dad spent the next few hours resting and having Bubble Evaluations by xray. Finally, after the second xray, he was cleared to go home!
The coffee-free period ended around 3:00 and we were home by 3:30. On doctor's orders, Dad's going to be on a bubble break for the next couple of days, taking it easy as his body absorbs the errant air.
What comes after the Biopsy and Bubbles? Well, result time varies based on what they find and how many stains they need to run to identify it, but will definitely be back next week. At that time, we'll meet with the oncologist and go from there.
Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support - they make a difference! Please continue to keep Dad and the family in your prayers as we continue to wait upon the Lord.
Pray without ceasing; give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thessalonians 5:17-18
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