One More Time...

The PleurX System Soon to Be A Part of Bob's Body

Thursday Bob had follow-up appointments with his doctors.  Before Dr. Sowden saw him, he had an xray of his chest performed to check for fluid.  Shortly after the xray was done, Dr. Sowden entered the room & said only a few words.  Two words, actually.  “It’s back.”

The xray revealed a significant amount of fluid which had accumulated in the lower lobe of Bob’s left lung (“And today’s program is sponsored by the letter “L”...).  Dr. Sowden hypothesized that since the pericardial windows were wide open, the fluid, which apparently originates from his heart, flowed directly downward into the next available cavity - the lung.  His right lung is dry as can be, which is great. 

Dr. Sowden told Bob he would have to install a PleurX tube only on his left side, to drain his left lung.  The tube will remain until Bob has no more drainage whatsoever.  Since no one has ventured to speculate why he even has fluid at all, no one has a good theory about how long he will be draining.

On Tuesday, March 13, Bob will be sent to la-la-land via Versed one more time.  An Intervention Radiologist will insert the PleurX tube, instead of Dr. Sowden.  The procedure only takes a few minutes.  Bob will be observed for the rest of the day & then allowed to go home in the evening.  Then, on a schedule determined by Dr. Sowden, a home health nurse will visit Bob & drain the fluid that has collected in a little bag taped to Bob’s side.

Other than this snag, Bob’s recovery is nothing short of miraculous!  He has no pain, not even in his sternum.  He is walking the neighborhood already, which no one should be surprised by.  He continues to have family with him during every day but is now sleeping at home alone, save the 3 furry puppies that worship the ground he walks on.  He has had many, many amazing meals prepared & served, which he is so grateful for.  And many people have sent cards, called & visited to check up on him.  He is profoundly grateful for all of the amazing love & support he has felt from you all throughout this long illness. 

I will update again when we know how the procedure has gone.  Thank you for your continued prayers!