More Juice (Again)

Again my breathing was better, this morning, than expected. It must be the inhaler that's doing it.

As planned I had the chest x-rays this morning. They showed a fluid level worth draining. Dr Mariani withdrew 2.5 liters - that's in one week.

He told me about a procedure that involves placing a stent in the bronchial tube to the right lung He said he remembered that area as being restricted when he did the Bronchoscopy. The stent would open up the airway and allow the lung to expand more easily. This would reduce the expansion of the pleural space and reduce the amount of fluid it aspirated. He was going to talk to a thoracic surgeon about it and call me.

Mariani called me after talking to the surgeon who, instead, recommended installing a drain tube/catheter that would allow me to drain the fluid myself. It would be installed as an outpatient procedure. The catheter would remain in place until the chemo stopped the fluid production. It sure sounds good to me. It should also allow me to start getting the Avastin during chemo.

With the fluid drained my breathing is much better and I have much more stamina. I know it won't last but at least I'll be in good shape for Thanksgiving. Matt and his family, Todd and his family, Mary, Ellie, John and Sarah will all be here to celebrate with us. I'm really looking forward to it, particularly enjoying 5 of my grandsons.