9 liters

Today was a tough one.

Ma had an 8 a.m. appointment scheduled at Portage View Hospital in Houghton. 

The appointment was for a procedure to remove fluid buildup that is caused by the cancer. The fluid is called ascites and it builds up so much that it displaces her organs and causes excrutiating pain, especially when making simple movements like getting up from a chair.

Today they took out 9 liters - or about 2.5 gallons.

I spoke with Ma on her way home in the car with Sylvia.  She did not sound good at all, but tonight she is doing better.  She was in the middle of watching Jeopardy when I called.  She says she is able to move around better. 

The next appointment is with Dr. El-Khatib on Tuesday, July 6.