Hello, everybody,
During today's surgery the doctors removed about 1200 cc's of fluid from the pleural space (the space between the lung and the chest/abdominal cavity). By the time I saw Terrie 5-6 hours later, another 800 cc's had drained from her. Mind you, the doctors at last week's clinic already removed 600 cc's last Thursday.
They'll keep the drain (tube) in Terrie until the fluid's completely drained. What causes this fluid to collect just outside her lungs? As I understand it, the doctor's hypothesizing that Terrie has some cysts which are "weeping". After the fluid's drained out of the pleural space, the doctor may inject something to cause scarring and will cause the tissues to adhere to each other, leaving no room for the fluid to collect.
For an easy-to-understand explanation which, to my untrained eye, gives more detail and, perhaps, more accurate information (and pictures!), see this link: http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=5291 .
When I left her, Terrie was on oxygen, to help her breathe easily. And, of course, she's in some discomfort from the surgery, as well as from the cancer itself. Her legs bother her, and she keeps jiggling them.
We expect that she will remain in the hospital at least through Friday. It is a blessing that Grandma Juanita is staying for awhile, to help Terrie with all the little (and not so little) things, and to help Marisa. Juanita runs errands and brings things for Terrie to keep her occupied.
If you wish to send cards, send them to Terrie's home address. If you'd like to call or visit her in the hospital, she'd love to see/hear from you. She sends her love to all of you, and thanks you for your prayers and thoughts. God bless you all!
Under His mercy,
Marty
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