Monday, April 20, 2009

CT Results

Just got back from the Cancer Institute and I got my CT results. The oncologist did not have the written report of the results but the verbal report she received is that some of the tumors have shrunk just as in the past and the only negative is that we seem to have more fluid on the lungs. We are hoping that is from my hospital stay.

My regularly scheduled chemo for tomorrow has been postponed till next week because I'm still on antibiotics. Yippee!

We talked about replacing the removed catheter. Eventually we'd like to go to something called a port-a-cath with is a catheter implanted on the chest but is completely inside and under your skin. Because the area of the previous catheter needs to heal we will have a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) inserted on the inside of my upper left arm for now.

The PICC will be inserted early next week before my chemo on Tuesday. The good part of all this is that the Daycare at the Cancer Institute maintains the PICC ... I no longer will have to worry about changing dressing or flushing it with hepburn.

We talked about my cough. I mentioned, the coughing is minimal now and I generally only have an urge to cough when I lay down to go to bed or when I get up in the morning from laying down.

So all and all a good visit with the oncologist.

14 comments:

Carolyn R. Parsons said...

That sounds wonderful and positive! It's all working! I hope the fluid thing clears up soon!

Breeze

Sherry said...

What a great visit!! Glad the CT results are promising!! And I've heard only good things about the PICC lines and the Port-a-Cath. I didn't use either...I had everything done by IV but many people I know went with PICCs and Port-a-Cath and found it so much easier.

Michelle said...

That is excellent!

xxx

Denise said...

Congraulations ..... Good news....... I will add the fluid on the lungs to my prayer list...... and in the mean time......

Phl 4:8


Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.


Feed your faith and always look up to the Father....

Jacki said...

Glad to hear the news! And to hear that you're getting a small break from the chemo. The porta-cath is awesome! You'll wonder why you waited so long to get it.
STILL PRAYING!!

Sarah Sullivan said...

So happy to hear the scan was encouraging!! Whoo hoo - happy dance for you!! Hoping the lung respolves itself and you are back to yourself again soon!!!
Hug, Sarah

Unknown said...

now this sounds good and wonderful and positive.most excellent daria.......great xx

Lesa said...

I hope your lungs clear soon Daria. The port-a-cath is awesome - I highly recommend it. Shrink - shrink shrink!!! xo

Anonymous said...

YEAAAH Daria! What great news, all around! I am so happy for you! Continued improvement, and NO MORE trips to ER!
xoxoxo

Kerry said...

I m glad the news was positive and promising. I have a Port a Cath that's under the skin as well. I had problems with my veins and in the arms and hands. So it was a godsend to have the port.
I hope the fluid clears fast. I am sure that will give you some much needed relief as well.
Prayers in your behalf

Sara Diana said...

Glad to hear things are on the up and up xxxx

Renee said...

Yahoo about the shrinkage. Okay fluid get out of there it is a crowded party and you were not invited.

Good news for you sweet Daria.

I have a PICC and I love it.

xoxo

nollyposh said...

Yes let that medical staff earn their keep X;-) Glad to hear all that gOOd newsw X:-)

Jill said...

Oh Wonderful News !! Keep up the good work. Fantastic that they are shrinking - all the time - even as we speak ! You're getting better all the time. And I'm glad you're getting a break from the chemo . It's obviously suiting your body. All the best to you along the road to N.A.D. !! Please God.
Jill B.