Well, the day wasn't a total waste-- at least we learned a new word. Thoracentesis is a procedure that 's performed to remove excess fluid from the area between the lungs and the chest wall. Linda had been having trouble taking deep breaths yesterday, and last night had trouble sleeping because it was getting worse. We called the doctor's office at 10 am this morning, and by 11 they called back to say that the CT scan from Monday indicated Linda had a "Pleural Effusion" (there's another new word!), the clinical term for excess fluid I mentioned earlier. By noon they had an appointment for the outpatient procedure scheduled for 2pm today at Bethesda North. They inserted a needle in Linda's back behind her right lung and within 15 minutes, drained 1.2 liters out (a little more than a quart.) We go back Friday to get the left side done. Theyll run tests on the fluid, but we're expecting that the reason is the low albumin level that I mentioned last Friday, that was causing the fluid build up in her abdomen. All side effects of the Sutent. They call this stuff "Targeted Therapies", but it seems to me it's a little like deer hunting with a sawed-off shotgun--sure you kill the deer (cancer cells), but you do a lot of damage to the rest of the forest in the process.
We go for another blood test tomorrow, then Friday for Thoracentesis on the left side. They don't do it all at once because it could cause a collapsed lung. That means we will have been to a doctor's office or a hospital 4 out 5 days this week. But that's ok, because the doctor called tonight to see how the procedure went, and he told us that besides the fluid issue, the CT scans also indicated the tumors have continued to shrink-- not a lot, but they're being held in check.
Linda's still in a lot of discomfort. The doctor said it could take a while for the lung to re-expand, so we're hoping tomorrow will be a better day. We're anxious to see how the blood tests come out.
Luv ya all,
Jim & Linda
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4 comments:
Linda and Jim,
What a time you have had! But it is all treatable! That's good. And it is good to hear that the tumors are still shrinking! That's good. Everyone is still praying for you all. That's good. You're learning new words. That's good. It's a shame that it is so tiring and painful and so much to take. Thank you for your being so strong and your example of perseverence and courage. If you offer this up for the new grandbaby, just think of how great the baby will be (aside from being YOUR grandbaby). You all are in our prayers and thoughts everyday. Not a day goes by without the rosary for you and the family.
Love and prayers,
Tim and Mary Anne
Jim,
I'm glad you always explained what the new words mean. I don't have a clue what they are and won't try to pronounce them either. The positive thing is the cancer cells are being held in check and shrinking. I want end this comment with a quote from a smart Asian Philosopher but I don't know any of them. So...hang in there. Stay positive. The treatment seems to be working. Call us if you need anything.
Take care,
Saran
Man this stinks! I sure hope the left & right side procedures help! I know it's no fun to not be able to breath! I'm praying for you - ALL OF YOU! Love ya lots!
Gina & boys
We hope that all the news gets better and better.
We're just back from Colorado, visiting the Maddens and skiing in Vail. Lots of snow in the mountians and in Chicago. All the best from us.
Kathy & Jack
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