Life Update: A Pressing Prayer Request

Hello… it’s me again!

First things first: I cannot begin this update without once again saying thank you for all your love, support, and prayers over the last four years. You have been pillars of strength for our family throughout this leukemia journey. It is hard to believe that this December I will enter the fifth and final year of the five-year stem cell transplant recovery period. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

I am writing today with a new prayer request regarding something that came up completely unexpectedly. While it surprised us, we know it came as no surprise to our Sovereign Lord Jesus.

As many of you may know, I had another hospital stay a few weeks ago that began when I went to the ER with severe jaundice. After three weeks, numerous tests, and three different procedures, doctors discovered a mass in my pancreas. During that stay, I had a stent and drainage tube placed to help with the jaundice. One known risk of placing a drainage tube through the liver is nicking the lung. Long story short, the night before I was scheduled to be discharged, I experienced a collapsed lung, which prolonged my stay by about a week. I have never experienced pain like that before. Eventually, I was discharged with several follow-up appointments scheduled over the next two weeks.

Last Wednesday was the big follow-up appointment with the oncology surgeon concerning the mass in my pancreas. We thought the appointment would lead to scheduling another biopsy. However, after the doctor reviewed the results and consulted with others involved in my care, it was determined that a Whipple surgery was the next best step. My bloodwork showed that the mass was cancerous (pancreatic cancer) but most likely contained to the mass itself. Although my numbers were elevated, they were not so high as to suggest seeding or spreading. Had that been the case, I would have needed chemotherapy and radiation before surgery. Because the bloodwork was significantly below that threshold, the surgeon feels confident that once the surgery is complete and the mass is removed, the cancer will be completely gone.

I know you can look up what a Whipple surgery is, but I would advise against relying on Dr. Google—it never gives the full story. So instead, I’ll give you a brief summary of what I am about to face. On Monday, September 21, the surgeon will remove a portion of my pancreas, stomach, and small intestine, and then reconnect everything so my digestive system can continue to function properly. Because these organs work closely together, each part has to be adjusted in proportion to the others. I hope that makes sense.

Needless to say, I am facing another giant—one unlike the others. I have had so many invasive thoughts that it has been hard to process everything clearly. There was simply a lot to take in at last week’s appointment. One thing Rena and I both agreed on is that Dr. Polk is extremely confident in his ability to perform this surgery. I will be one of more than 1,000 Whipple surgeries he has performed, and his confidence has helped make the decision to move forward a little easier.

Honestly, I am a bit apprehensive, but I understand this is something that must be done. The fact that surgery was scheduled so quickly has made it even harder to digest—no pun intended. The doctor said I will be in the hospital for at least a week after surgery, and possibly two to three weeks or more, depending on how recovery goes. The recovery part has me on edge because I am still not fully recovered from the last four years of AML leukemia. While I have improved greatly, I am still physically weak in some areas, especially when it comes to leg strength. My body has been through so much, not only over the last two months but over the last four years. In my honest personal assessment, I know I am tired and weary.

So, my dearest friends and family, please don’t stop praying and supporting us. The thought of facing cancer again, along with this surgery, has rattled me a bit. But one thing I know for certain: God has been faithful, He is faithful, and He will be faithful. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Thank you for taking the time to read this more pressing update. Your love, support, and prayers mean more to me than you will ever know.

YOU ARE LOVED!

PastorPusch

Prayer Items

Rena made prayer cards for our family, and I wanted to share those prayer requests with you so you can pray along with us.

Surgery

Pray for the surgery to go smoothly, like a textbook routine.

Pray for the surgeon as he removes the necessary components and reattaches the digestive system.

Recovery

Pray for recovery to be quick but steady.

Pray for Eric’s strength.

Dr. Polk

Pray that there will be no distractions and that he will be completely focused.

Nurses

Pray that the nurses will be a good fit, knowledgeable about Eric’s needs, helpful, and friendly.

Eric

Pray that Eric will not be discouraged.

Pray for Eric’s mental, physical, and spiritual strength.

Pray for Eric’s body to heal properly.

Jovie, Mia, and Seth

Pray for strength and faith over worry or fear.

Pray that they will stay focused on life and school.

Family

Pray that we will adjust smoothly to the changes to come after surgery.

Rena (from me)

Rena has been my champion and greatest caretaker.

Pray for her strength and peace of mind.

Eric and Rena Puschmann

5411 Maple Creek Drive • Smyrna, TN • 37167

Venmo: @Eric-Puschmann