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Friday, May 01, 16:33:05 [ Login ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: 1, 2, [3], 4, 5, 6, 7 ]
Subject: THIS SUCKS!


Author:
Stacy
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Date Posted: 05:50:38 10/10/05 Mon
 Boy I can't wait to see my doctor today! The swelling in my neck is worse. Worse enough that I couldn't sleep last night. I felt like I was being strangled. I can't even look down. Plus I would say I'm a little short of breath today. I can't wait to see him. Hopefully he can do something to relieve it.
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Replies:
[> Subject: what did the Doctor say?


Author:
Mark
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Date Posted: 15:02:38 10/11/05 Tue
isn't the clot dissolving?
[> Subject: Well?


Author:
Cliff
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Date Posted: 00:01:38 10/12/05 Wed
So what did the doctor say this time? Any change in treatment? Are you any better today?
[> Subject: Doctor


Author:
Bonnie
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Date Posted: 10:14:49 10/12/05 Wed
Hi Stacy, I will be waiting for your post about the doctor's report on the swelling. I am guessing that you have not seen him yet. I hope that he can give you something to alleviate it. Love and prayers, Bonnie
[> [> Subject: HELLO MARK, CLIFF, AND BONNIE


Author:
Stacy
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Date Posted: 13:14:04 10/12/05 Wed
I saw the doctor on Monday....

One thing is for sure; the blockage is definitely a clot and not the cancer. The tube from the port goes from the subclavian vein into the superior vena cava vein. So that means the clot originated from the port. Now there is a complete clot (blockage) in the vena cava. That is the main vein that takes blood back to the heart.

My doctor consulted with other doctors and concluded that the best thing to do is continue me on the blood thinner for a little while. They do NOT want to remove the port because it could do the same thing again. Plus there is a good chance they would not be able to get another one in there. Once the vein is blocked, there is “scar tissue” that builds up. If that were the case, they would not be able to get another tube in there. And even if they put the tube into the jugular vein in the neck, there would still be the blockage in the vena cava.

There is a good chance the clot will never go away since it is so big and I will have the scar tissue. What will happen is… the body develops “collateral veins” in the chest that will carry the blood back to the heart since the vena cava cannot. This process can take up to four months. Fortunately, I am already seeing veins under my skin around the shoulders. Maybe this will be a quicker process for me.

My nurse told me that this is actually a rare scenario. Normally when a patient has SVCS (Superior Vena Cava Syndrome), it is from their cancer progressing. It is not often that it is from a blood clot. Of course, once again I have to be different. It seems when I am in the unusual category… it is the best-case scenario. Thank GOD for that.

This is a diagram that I edited to try to show you where everything is. Pardon the unprofessional editing. I’m not good at it.



My doctor told me that if I try to sleep in an upright position like in a recliner, it might help with the swelling. So, every time I nap or sleep, I sleep in my recliner WITH all three dogs. The swelling in my face and eyes is so much better. It is amazing.

I go back on Thursday hopefully to get my next chemo.

[> [> [> Subject: Try the pic again


Author:
Stacy
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Date Posted: 13:18:40 10/12/05 Wed

[> [> [> [> Subject: OH WELL


Author:
Stacy
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Date Posted: 13:19:31 10/12/05 Wed
OH WELL, I TRIED.
[> [> [> [> [> Subject:


Author:
Mark
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Date Posted: 16:37:59 10/12/05 Wed
[> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: THANKS MARK


Author:
Stacy
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Date Posted: 19:02:40 10/12/05 Wed
THANKS MARK! I knew you would know what was wrong.

By the way, for those that wonder what the green dot is... that is the blood clot. I was asked that earlier so I thought others might not see the line to it either.
[> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Stacy, Stacy, Stacy...


Author:
Cliff
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Date Posted: 00:23:26 10/13/05 Thu
Stacy, you're definitely a survivor! You seem to get through everything, somehow. I hope that continues indefinitely!
[> [> [> Subject: Education!


Author:
Bonnie
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Date Posted: 21:56:57 10/12/05 Wed
Hi Stacy, First, I am happy for the "best case scenario" with the clot. Second, I am praying that it will disolve with the medication. Third, it is great that the swelling is improving. And forth, I feel I should be paying you for the course I am getting on the human body and unusual conditions!! You are a marvel with your knowledge and illustrations! I am learning a lot!

It is good for me to know that you are resting better, and I know that the dogs love the sitting up deal for sleeping! Please keep us posted with your progress and chemo tomorrow. Love and prayers, Bonnie
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