Getting it Off Her Chest - Literally!

There is always something to be thankful for…and last week's clinic day was one of those 'somethings!'  In addition to what her oncologist called "fabulous" blood counts, Paige's chest X-ray showed the mass in her chest is significantly smaller!   

Let's review--the initial X-ray revealed a mass 16 centimeters in size.  The front view showed something that looked like a giant pancake, and regular, off-the-street observers (her shocked parents) could not make out most of her rib cage, much less her lungs and heart.  The side view showed a small sliver of an airway--no wonder she had been struggling to breathe! 

Over the next week, Paige's respiratory function improved by leaps and bounds.  No longer did she rely on the nasal oxygen line as when first admitted to the hospital.  She was able to rest without being positioned at a 90-degree angle.  Despite her improved condition, a second X-ray showed the mass was still 13 centimeters in size, but the airway was becoming more visible.  The mass was shrinking--PROGRESS!!   

Fast Forward to last Friday--That day's X-ray revealed the mass was significantly smaller, so much so that they don't even measure it at this point!  The area is just considered "a little full" as the mass continues to shrink and break up!  Yesterday afternoon, Paige decided to show me just how much things have improved.  She was able to be completely flat on her back for over 10 minutes--without feeling like an elephant was sitting on her chest!  ANSWERED PRAYERS!! 

There is always something to be thankful for!

And the prayer of faith will save the sick…  James 5:15