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Kevin Gallagher Full Update
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Author:  Kevin Gallagher [ Fri Apr 09, 2010 2:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Kevin Gallagher Full Update
Hello OLF Family and Friends,

Sorry that I haven't actually stopped in to post a detailed update on my health issues, my
current condition or my treatment in a while. I thought I'd wait until we made some headway
and touched on a few milestones along the way and then come in to share it all with you.

The diagnosis is pancreatic cancer and the prognosis is not a good one from a medical
viewpoint, but we are a family who rely on our faith heavily in situations like this one so we
find ourselves praying for and believing for a supernatural turn of events or healing. I share
this with you all only to let you in on where we are standing as a family and me as an individual,
not to stir any sort of debate or uncomfortable feelings in anyone who may believe to the
contrary so please don't be offended in any way.

After spending my second full week in a hospital since the discover of the large tumor in
my pancreas, treatment options that can make even the most seasoned patient squirm in
their chair have become a reality as we prepare to embark on a journey that is unsure and
can be frightening as everything is being planned in an effort to achieve the very best results
and to bring us to what will be the softest landing spot before the next leg of it begins.

Last week, I had three full liters of fluid extracted directly from my peritoneum that had
been just leaking there from my liver, bile duct and other things in that area. The extraction
brought temporary relief and a pair of stents were installed to hold the bile duct and another
opening from completely closing again so that the drainage could be closer to what is normal.

After a few days, the liquid started to accumulate again and I became very distended and
had bloating that caused extreme pressure and pain in my stomach and abdominal areas
again. They decided to install a device called a Denver shunt that is a small syphon style
pump with a catheter tube and end to either side of it. The function would be to enable me
to actually operate it manually as it under my skin to redirect or redistribute this fluid buildup
back into my system to be metabolized and handled by my body rather than being painfully
extracted on a weekly basis. The found that there wasn't enough fluid there to justify it so
they opted away to avoid pump failure due to occlusion.

Well, on Tuesday before being discharged from Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia,
another five liters of fluid were extracted and the decision was made to have it installed this
Monday. The reason now is to allow me the fluid pressure relief since they will also install
a por in my chest cavity to give them more easy and more comfortable access to take blood
and administer meds as needed without turning me into a complete pin cushion. The port
will be installed by my right collar bone with a tiny catheter that will direct the cocktail of
meds that make up the chemotherapy mixture right to the tumor in my pancreas.

We start chemo therapy on Wednesday morning just a little while after the port is installed.
From there, I'm not sure yet what will be the full course of action or the detailed schedule of it
so we're learning and being brought up to speed as we move along....a lot like how my updates
have been showing up here for you to read at the forum.

I'd like o thank Lance and everyone involved in helping us as we've faced so many more
things that would have been, otherwise, unrelated, but became more connected as this condition
has progressed. The car accident we had in January cause me to suffer four herniated discs that
have compounded and complicated the pain issues as I've had to be treated for them and the
pain they bring on top of and along with the pain from the disease, the tumor and all of the
effects of them. The loss of our vehicle also presented its own set of troubles as we found me
unable to work the hours necessary to earn to replace it after accident so help in that area has
really proved to be greater than it would have been on its own.

Thanks for reading and for all of your help, encouragement and comfort as we walk through
this tough time. It really has helped to know that there are friends....many close and others who
we've never actually met....who are willing to stand with us and reach into our lives beyond just
a kind word and to actually offer us great assistance in so many practical and tangible ways.

Thank you all again for everything and I'll keep you all posted again as soon possible. I've
been feeling better these past few days and look forward to being able to recover and get back
to my benches to complete the guitars in my shop and deliver them to all of you who've been so
incredibly and graciously patient as life has taken these unexpected turns for us.

All the best to all of you and your families,
Kevin Gallagher/Omega Guitars
Author:  John A [ Fri Apr 09, 2010 2:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Kevin Gallagher Full Update
Keep marching along Kevin - as you already know we are here with you

Blessings
John
Author:  Bill Hodge [ Fri Apr 09, 2010 3:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Kevin Gallagher Full Update
Still standing with you bro! Call me if you need to talk or whatever, you have my number and email address.

Keep your feet on the Rock and your eyes fixed on the Prize.

Bill
Author:  SteveCourtright [ Fri Apr 09, 2010 3:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Kevin Gallagher Full Update
Kevin - thanks for the update. Continued best wishes for your health and happiness from us.
Author:  joe white [ Fri Apr 09, 2010 4:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Kevin Gallagher Full Update
Thanks Kevin, We are praying for you and your recovery during the treatment. Hold fast my friend and allow the healing of our mighty God work within you.
Author:  Rod True [ Fri Apr 09, 2010 4:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Kevin Gallagher Full Update
Kevin (and family) may you find peace, love and hope in your journey. Praying for your full recovery.

Bless you all.
Author:  Jeff Struck [ Fri Apr 09, 2010 4:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Kevin Gallagher Full Update
Continued prayers for you and your family

Jeff
Author:  Hesh [ Fri Apr 09, 2010 4:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Kevin Gallagher Full Update
Hi Kevin and thanks for the update. Here's sending positive energy your way my friend. [:Y:]
Author:  hnuuhiwa [ Fri Apr 09, 2010 5:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Kevin Gallagher Full Update
Thanks for the update Kevin, our prayers continue for you and Paula (and for the wisdom of healing for the many medical professionals who are accompanying you on this journey). Remember during this period to find humor in the most unlikely of places, as laughter is a great tool to help with healing - for your mind, body and soul.

Along those lines.... I think that this will be the first Gallagher "upper bout port" I've come across.. :lol: laughing6-hehe :lol:

Keep smiling, laughing and may God's blessings be with you as you fulfill His plan :D . Aloha,

Hen
Author:  Mike Lindstrom [ Fri Apr 09, 2010 7:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Kevin Gallagher Full Update
Thanks for the update. You continue to be in my prayers.

mike
Author:  charlton [ Sun Apr 11, 2010 10:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Kevin Gallagher Full Update
Be strong in the Lord, Kevin! Prayers are with you.

Charlton
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