So I had another thoracentesis on Monday. A thoracentesis is a procedure in which they thread a catheter into the chest to drain fluid. They removed 2 liters of fluid from my left chest. The reason it’s accumulating is because the tumor is blocking the flow of lymphatic fluid through my lung. I had the first one done in the Emergency Room the day after Christmas, but they were only able to remove about 100 mL. The second one was done in my hospital room the next day and they removed about 1 liter and a half. I can’t say that I enjoy having it done, but it definitely helps me breathe better. Hopefully I won’t have to have another one. Once the chemo starts to shrink the tumor, things should start to flow normally again. The good news is that there are no cancerous cells in the fluid that was drained.
Jenn,
Joe and I have you in our thoughts and prayers more than you know. We’re so glad that you started this blog….
What a horrible thing to go through. We’re so happy to hear that the fluid that was drained was clean!
Love,
Ali
By: Ali on January 29, 2009
at 1:11 pm
Jenn,
Good to hear things are going (I want to say well, but I do not know if that is the right word or not… so I am leaving at that.) I keep you in mind.
Dammy
By: dammy on January 30, 2009
at 7:08 pm
I’m glad you were able to get rid of so much pesky fluid (and thank God that was clear) Did you sleep better that night? We are all learning more about Lympoma than we ever wanted to know. I’m glad that soon the tumor will be shrinking and you should get some relief.
Hang in there my friend.
By: Teresa on January 30, 2009
at 9:24 pm
Hi Jenn,
Brian, Katie, & I are all sending you our thoughts & healing prayers. It is wonderful to hear that you’re breathing better & that the fluids are clear.
Tree, Brian, & Katie
By: Theresa Ream on February 2, 2009
at 10:11 am