Posted by Becky
Leif's thoracentesis yesterday afternoon has given him some breathing relief, although he still needs suppemental oxygen. They took out as much fluid as they were able to, about 1500 ccs, which is about what they got on Friday. The remaining fluid is thick and locked up in small pockets, so they would not be able to remove it without surgery, which is not a good idea right now. The pulmonologist plans to do another xray and thoracentesis on Thursday. The hope is that the chemotherapy (Bendamustine) which Leif will be getting today will help stop the fluid from getting blocked by lymphoma and backing up into the space around his lungs. Leif has also switched to an extremely low-fat diet; some researchers think that can reduce production of the substance, chyle, that's getting backed up into his chest cavity. That's fine with Leif; he is comfortable on a very low-fat diet, so he won't feel deprived eating steamed broccoli and bean soup.
He got a unit of red blood cells and the plan is still to give him Bendamustine today and tomorrow, now that the infection is under control. The nurse is starting his pre-medications now.
Leif's thoracentesis yesterday afternoon has given him some breathing relief, although he still needs suppemental oxygen. They took out as much fluid as they were able to, about 1500 ccs, which is about what they got on Friday. The remaining fluid is thick and locked up in small pockets, so they would not be able to remove it without surgery, which is not a good idea right now. The pulmonologist plans to do another xray and thoracentesis on Thursday. The hope is that the chemotherapy (Bendamustine) which Leif will be getting today will help stop the fluid from getting blocked by lymphoma and backing up into the space around his lungs. Leif has also switched to an extremely low-fat diet; some researchers think that can reduce production of the substance, chyle, that's getting backed up into his chest cavity. That's fine with Leif; he is comfortable on a very low-fat diet, so he won't feel deprived eating steamed broccoli and bean soup.
He got a unit of red blood cells and the plan is still to give him Bendamustine today and tomorrow, now that the infection is under control. The nurse is starting his pre-medications now.
Becky, thanks so much for the recent updates. I sure wish things were going more comfortably and easefully for Leif, and, therefore, for you too. Glad to hear about the somewhat easier breathing. That is sort of a key thing, eh? Though I'm tempted to complain about the latest batch of challenges (and, okay, to be honest, I AM complaining about therm), I want to celebrate how wonderful it is that Leif is alive and that there are things to try that have a reasonable chance of improving the situation. Hang in there you two! Sending loads of love and light. I'm headed to a business workshop tomorrow. I'll be there through the weekend and will send extra healing vibes from there. Love you two.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the encouraging words, Mitch!
Deletehello,Leif --
ReplyDeleteYou are in my thoughts a lot. Hope the chemo went smoothly and has started to work its way into zapping lymphoma cells. Am glad to hear you had a thoracentesis and that it gave you some comfort. Steamed broccoli and bean soup sounds pretty delicious to me. love -- Wendy