Well, yesterday was a long day. We had a consultation with a thoracic surgeon who discussed the pro's and con's of pleurodesis, pleural tap, and continuing with the weekly thorocentesis drain. Pleurodesis was recommended, but we asked where all that fluid would go after when it can no longer fill up the pleural space. The answer is that it would be reabsorbed back into the body. So, we don't really like that option too much, but if later down the road that needs to be done we can. The pleural tap was a big no from the doctor due to the extremely high risk of infection especially during chemotherapy. The weekly thorocentesis is no problem except pain and bruising.
Now, great news is that in speaking with cancer survivors many who have had the same problem waited till after the first round of chemo to make a decision about the pleural space filling up and the results are that the chemo treatment usually stops the cancer nodules from leaking into the space. Meaning it clears up that symptom. So, we hope to get her on the chemo treatment as soon as possible!!!
The fundraiser event on June 16 at the Cadillac Bar and Grill will hopefully raise enough to get her through the first round.
So after that consultation we headed over to the START center and waited for her to get another weekly drain. I was able to be in the room with her when they did it. She had been in a lot of pain because of the pressure on the lung and was having difficulty breathing and a persistant cough. The needle is about 4-5 inches lung and goes in through the mid back/side between the ribs. It was interesting to watch needless to say and shocking to see a liter and a half of dark reddish ale colored fluid drain out of her. She is a trooper!
Stay Positive and Keep the Faith!!!!
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