Fluid on the lung...

The most recent PET scan showed an increased amount of fluid around the right lung.  The Oncologist didn’t mention it, although he did say in a previous appointment that if the fluid causes shortness of breath, they could drain it. 

Well, the increased amount of fluid has caused shortness of breath, especially when he climbs stairs.  Earlier this week, we saw our family doctor who ordered x-rays to determine the amount of fluid.  After looking at those x-rays we were given an appointment with the Pulmonologist .

 We had the fluid drained from Arnie’s lung this morning.  They got about 2 liters.  The x-ray then showed that the lung is still partially collapsed but the doctor said it would re-inflate.  Arnie's ability to breathe more fully will also return.  He says at this point, he notes a bit of improvement, but not complete yet – says he can yawn better though.

The doctor will be in touch with us in the next couple of days with lab results of the fluid.  It looked fairly clear – no blood – which is a good thing.  The lab results will be able to determine exactly what caused the fluid build-up.

There are some nodules in the lung from the metastatic disease, which we already knew about, but the amount of fluid there, we were not aware of, which kind of bothers me a lot.  I wonder just why our Oncologist didn’t mention it, since I am sure it showed up on the PET scan, but there was no mention of it.  

I am wondering if we should have had it drained before it caused so much trouble.  In my opinion, this situation is a perfect example of the importance of being on top of what the doctor is doing and being totally aware of treatments and bombard them with questions!!  I thought we had all this covered, but I guess not!

Seems like God continues to test us with these issues that just keep coming at us!  I know, however, that He is in control and that He is with us every step of the way.  

Please continue to keep us in your prayers!