Once again Jane has been admitted to hospital. We had quite a miserable weekend with her breathlessness causing her a lot of discomfort and she struggled to get comfortable or sleep at night. She rang her oncologist on Monday morning and they arranged an X-ray. Afterwards we had a discussion with Dr Intrivici who said the fluid wasn’t exceptional but then arranged an ultra sound to get more detail exactly where the fluid was pooling. After further discussion it appears there are three factors: the fluid in the stomach affects the diaphragm which affects the breathing; the fluid around the lung also has an impact and finally the pulmonary embolisms are making the lungs less efficient.
So after a day spent sitting around in the hospital they decided to keep her in for a few days and she was found a bed at 7pm. We’re hoping they will drain fluid from around the lung and ease her breathing as well as starting her on her new chemo regime. They need to get her pain under control, build her physical and mental strength and generally stabilise her.
At the end of Tuesday there has been no treatment. She’s been seen by a dietician and they are supposed to be monitoring her food intake however she only ate two mugs of soup and an egg sandwich because her distended stomach gives her discomfort whenever she eats. Tonight she is going to ask for a mild sleeping pill so she gets a good night’s sleep for a change.
She does have her mobile with her so any messages (texts, email or WhatsApp) of support will help to boost her spirits.
I’ve said it before and sadly I have to repeat myself that hospitals are working in a completely different time zone to anywhere else on the planet. Having been told they were going to have a second shot at draining her lung this morning they didn’t turn up to do it until 4pm. Thankfully they gave her Lorazepam which is drug to help with anxiety, they also gave her paracetamol and oramorph so after 20 minutes she was calm and ready for anything. This time there were two doctors and the procedure went to plan. They withdrew 1 litre of fluid which will help Jane to breath. Shortly afterwards she had her supper and then went into a deep sleep. I finished up giving her the Clexane injection whilst she was half asleep before heading home. Tomorrow she should get her chemotherapy.
Thanks for the updates Steve. I am in contact with Jane and thinking of you both as always. Kath x
This afternoon Jane had another ultrasound this time of her stomach but there isn’t sufficient fluid to warrant it being drained. She did eat a reasonable lunch and had quite an appetite in the evening. They did try to suck out the fluid from her lungs but for whatever reasoned they failed to complete the procedure. The local anaesthetic didn’t work and she said it was very painful although I was down in the TV room so I couldn’t hear what went on. They are going to have another go in the morning. When I left her this evening after listening to the Archers she was comfortable and probably going down to the TV room to relax.
Thank you for letting us know what is happening. You both seem to be taking this very bravely but I know there’s so much to take in. I hope they manage to sort out pain relief for Jane and to clear the fluid so she is more comfortable.
Love and hugs to you both.
Sue x
Dear jane and steve, you are having a rotten time and my goodness you are being so brave. I admire you both enormously and hope you get some good pain relief very soon. On a happier note I sent Sunday at Hengistbury Head helping to make Christmas reindeer with the children. I am a volunteer at hengistbury head and it is a site of special scientific interest. Every time I ear the Rangers must cut the tree back and some of the logs are recycled to make reindeer. It is a pity I cannot recycle my fingers !!! Making the reindeers involves us volunteers drills no holes in the little logs and then holding everything in place whilst the child bangs the legs in with a much larger log. The drilling was perfect. Not all,children are very accurate with their banging!!!!!! Altogether I made ten reindeer and had a great day. I will send you a photo on a separate email. It is all rather cute and the children are very pleased with themselves and take their reindeer home.
Jane and steve, you have my love and I wish you well and a good night’s sleep
Love loz
Steve sorry to hear this. Thinking of you both. Can you email me Jane’s mobile number, if that’s OK. Hugs Alison xx