2020-10-24-Pastor Ko’s Update

October 24, 2020

Oxygen and Breath of the Spirit

Monday (10/19) morning I went to the hospital for MRI, PAT, and CAT Scans. Tuesday, after reviewing the test results, the oncologist told me that everything looked fine, no hot cells were detected, and they were satisfied with the chemotherapy. This meant I could proceed to the oncology surgeon as planned. Thanks to the Lord! He has been upholding me with His mighty hands throughout the successful eight rounds of chemotherapy. How great is His grace! Thank the Lord that He has answered the prayers of the saints.

On Wednesday morning, I had difficulty of breathing. I could not catch my breath when put on clothes, and walking was very hard. After contacting the doctor, my wife immediately took me to the ER. The doctor there initially thought of two possibilities. First: damage to the lungs caused by the side effects of chemotherapy. Second: pneumonia. Treatments for either one would be complicated. Thank the Lord! The final diagnosis was pulmonary hydrops and pulmonary edema on both sides of the lungs, caused by the chemotherapy. The doctor said that too much fluid in my lungs inhibited breathing in enough oxygen. I needed to be hospitalized. They would use drugs to eliminate the fluid from the lungs so that oxygen level can be restored. Thank the Lord! I spent two days in the hospital and was feeling a lot better: breathing is almost back to normal. I have enough oxygen for sitting and sleeping, but am not yet freely walking or picking up things. The doctor said I could go home and continue the diuretic medication for two weeks. I also needed to use an oxygen machine for two weeks while recuperating at home. For the oxygen machine, at first the insurance company said that they will not pay for it, but a few minutes later, they informed the hospital that they will pay for the machine. Thanks to the Lord! He is in charge of everything, even the insurance company! The Lord is faithful in supplying what we need! He is the Lord who looks after us and provides for us!

Through this incident, the Lord reminded me just how much the body needs oxygen to live a normal life. Our spiritual life also is always in need of the breath of the Spirit of God! May the Holy Spirit renew us constantly, so that His power strengthens us more and we can live more victorious lives! Let us look up to God for His work on us, wait more upon the Spirit to fill us that we may bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit.