Chase is in the Beaumont ECU Again

Well with the grace of God we were able to get Chase back home safely last night, but it was a very stressful return trip. Fortunately, we had an oxygen tank with us during the flight because Chase was having difficulties maintaining his O2 levels (again, with the blessing of having a pulse oximeter with us, we were able to stay on top of his condition). It was particularly stressful because we knew we didn’t have enough oxygen to get through the entire flight and during the layover for re-fueling, we had to scramble to get another tank and refill the one we had. Then, in mid-flight when the first tank ran out, we struggled to get the second tank on-line because of course they required different fittings and it took a few tries to get it working, while Chases O2 was dropping again – we got it working just in time (again by the grace of God – a fatal situation at that point would have just been devastating to all of us in the plane).

After all that, we managed to get back home and I was praying next to Chase in bed as he has been less and less responsive over the past couple of days. During the prayers, I asked him if he was comfortable and he gave a thumbs-up, which was very heart-warming so I called Carol over to see him responding. Unfortunately, immediately after this, his O2 levels started dropping once again. Luckily Carol’s sister Cathy (the nurse practitioner) was on-site and quickly used her stethoscope to check his breathing. We were frantically alarmed to find out that he wasn’t breathing at all – once again, we had what we needed at his bedside and began using a breathing bag connected to the oxygen concentrator to keep him going while we called the paramedics. They quickly got us into the ER at Beaumont where Chase was admitted.

They did a quick CT scan and found a couple of indications of bleeding inside the tumor. According to Dr. Burzynski, this isn’t too surprising, particularly as a tumor begins to break down since it has less mass (more like a sponge or jello) and some blood vessels will break and bleed. However, the net result is more pressure on a very difficult and tenuous situation to start with. The slight additional pressure was enough to push against the Thalamus and nerves that control autonomic functions, such as breathing. With the use of a respirator, Chase’s vitals have been stable for the most part (some concerning fluctuations of his heart rate that seem to be getting under control). He also had a fever of 102 (the highest he’s had since his diagnosis) so they started him on some anti-biotics while doing some blood cultures to try and figure out what the issue is (they’re concerned that it may not be infection, just a reflection of his declining condition). The fever seems to have subsided at the moment but we won’t have the results of the blood cultures for another day or two.

With all of this taking place, we received a lot of counsel about worst case scenarios and conversations that we really didn’t want to have related to the degree of intervention we want utilized to support Chase. Since he’s not really responding at the moment, they’re fearing the worst and trying to prepare us. We just had another MRI done to be able to give Dr. Burzynski the benefit of the latest data before assessing what has been happening that led to Chase’s progression of symptoms. Hopefully, he continues to see signs of breakdown (although this is a very difficult balance at the moment because with the further breakdown comes inflammation and more symptoms). We’re really at the most critical juncture there could be – the effect of the tumor on Chase’s brainstem is at the “breaking point”. We need more guidance on the recent changes in the shape of the tumor and what is the recommended course of action once again.

At this point (as we’ve known all along), the situation is truly in God’s hands. We are continuing to pray for Chase’s recovery and the strength to accept God’s will with love in our hearts. We can’t help but relate to Jesus’ agony in the garden as he said, “My father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by. Nevertheless, let it be as you, not I, would have it”. This is extremely hard to accept at times, but we are comforted in knowing that no matter what happens, Chase is going to be in the good Lord’s hands.

Please pray for us to receive the right guidance on how to proceed and for our understanding and acceptance of God’s will for Chase. There is a prayer service being planned for September 3rd at 3 pm and the Koss family has asked us to invite anyone interested in attending at their home (this is a prayer group that is associated with some people who have done a pilgrimage to Medjugorje and are responding to a calling to continue spreading the messages of conversion). They will be collectively holding our intentions for Chase’s healing in prayer during the service.

Meg and Max Koss
6311 Walker Drive
Troy, MI 48085

mk3013@yahoo.com
megkoss@comcast.net
tel: (248)828-4419

Thanks so much once again for holding us all in prayer during this extremely challenging time. God Bless!

John & Carol Sammut
Chase & Barbara Ann