Fr. Tony Update: Visit With Eye Specialist

To blog or not to blog, that is the question.

Today was not such an easy day.

The exact details are a bit fuzzy, but I believe the following is what's going on. The Opthamologist believes we may be dealing with amyloidosis in the tissue surrounding Tony's eyes. What on earth is amyloidosis, you may be wondering?

The cause of primary amyloidosis is unknown, but doctors do know that the disease begins in your bone marrow. In addition to producing red and white blood cells and platelets, your bone marrow makes antibodies — proteins that protect you against infection and disease. After antibodies serve their function, your body breaks them down and recycles them. Amyloidosis occurs when cells in the bone marrow produce antibodies that can't be broken down. These antibodies then build up in your bloodstream. Ultimately, they leave your bloodstream and can deposit in your tissues as amyloid, interfering with normal function.

In order for us to know exactly what's in the tissue, they'll be doing a biopsy to extract some of the affected tissue. We should have the results a week following the procedure. Dr. Craig (oncologist) will then be able to plan Tony's chemo accordingly. I think this infiltration of protein is what's behind the very puffy eyes, blurred and double vision.

Having probably read way too much about ocular amyloidosis, I can tell you that I would MUCH prefer we get this biopsy done and over with, ASAP, and get on with treatment. Once damage is done, it's done, and there's no reversing it. Worst case scenario, if left untreated, blindness. Fortunately, we have a few doctors on hand who care a great deal about our Fr. Tony and are willing to move mountains to make things happen. Thanks BE to God!

I don't think there's much more to say at this time. I know we made a deal with Dr. C that we wouldn't worry, but darn if this one isn't making that deal a challenge!

Brain fog has kicked in.

Night all... and please do keep the prayers going.

pitterpat