Ascites for the 1st time ever. I gained 5 lbs. of fluid weight in 3 days. :(
Comments
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Hoping you get some relief soon and some answerslindaprocopio said:Thanks, Laurie. It's more extreme discomfort than pain.
The only pain I have is if I try and get in regular jeans or slacks intead of stretchy pants and I don't seem to have a bra I can stand. Even without a bra on, I feel like I have a tight band around the bra line and that hurts.
I forgot to add that with the Doppler Wednesday, they will also be looking to see if I might have a blood vessel blockage in or near my liver from the radioembolism that would present with similar symptoms as the blocked bile duct.
That pancreatis sounds grim! I understand that it can be extremely painful. Glad that's behind you now. ((((Laurie))))
Keep us posted....geez we need good breaks here!! We are all so due!!
Stay strong and do whatever gives you relief !
Laurie0 -
Thinking of you Linda. I'm
Thinking of you Linda. I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this side effect. I had ascites when I was diagnosed and was able to have it drained and oh what a relief that was. I'm hoping you can get relief from the pain and that your docs can come up with a plan of action for you very soon. You are in my prayers.
Laura0 -
Sorry you are having these
Sorry you are having these difficult issues! You have been such a stalwart in dealing with all your treatments ... and I am sure that will continue. Your innate strength and sheer determination are such assets. Hopefully all of this will be side effects from your summer treatments and your highly competent team will be busy helping resolve the problems.
Sending positive thoughts your way!
Annie0 -
HUGS TO YOU, LINDA
They WILL come up with a plan for you! Though I've never had ascites, I've been here long enough to know how painful it must be, and discouraging. But, you've always been such an inspiration, Linda. And I know you've been thrown lots of curve balls in these last months. Please know that my thoughts and prayers and with you, and we'll be anxiously awaiting your words from the doc. Till then, I hope you find some relief from the pain. Minimizing pain goes a long way to give us not just physical strength, but emotional, too.
Monika0 -
This utterly sucks. I hope
This utterly sucks. I hope this gets resolved soon and with as little pain as possible. I praying for you.0 -
At the risk of repeatingHissy_Fitz said:Linda....
I had ascites when
Linda....
I had ascites when I was diagnosed. It was, in fact, what was causing the pain that sent me to the doctor in the first place. I thought it was my gallbladder, because the pain was right under my sternum. Before my surgery, they drained 2+ liters of fluid from my abdomen. By the time they opened me up, it had all come back, plus more.
I had no ascites until this past week, when my latest CT scan showed a "small amount" of ascites in my abdomen. Like you, I am a bit freaked out and would like to see if my gyn/onc will consider taking a sample and testing it for malignancy.
I sure hope they get to the bottom of this, and soon. Ascites is not a sign that the end is near. At least I hope not!
Carlene
At the risk of repeating myself this utterly sucks. I hoped you would get back and there would be nothing to worry about. Praying, for all of you.0 -
Me too LindaRadioactive34 said:This utterly sucks. I hope
This utterly sucks. I hope this gets resolved soon and with as little pain as possible. I praying for you.
I hope this gets resolved soon too. I had acites before my surgery but none since. I remember how uncomforable I was. I could barely bend over or get up from a chair. Praying very hard for you because I want you to get well. Enough is enough!!!!!!! ..val0 -
AN UPDATE: as Carlene says "It's not always about cancer".kayandok said:Linda,
I'm so sorry to read this! I'm praying for a resolution very soon.
love and hugs,
kathleen
Thanks for all your good wishes & prayers; I really was thinking that I might be entering an ugly phase of this cancer journey that I might not survive. I just came from my Ultrasound. The GOOD news is that all of the arteries and blood vessels, etc. in my liver are open and so the problems I'm having aren't being caused by a blood clot. & the technician doing the sonogram showed me the images that prove that the bile duct is NOT obstructed after all, and is not being pressed on by a tumor or by anything. Instead, he says the bile is blocking up in my Gall Bladder, not gall stones, just a non-functioning gall bladder. AND, he said, that this may be UNRELATED to my cancer! (Carlene is so smart! She's often said "don't always assume every medical issue is related to your cancer".) It may end up being as simple as having my gall bladder out. I hope the technician was right. I need to wait for my new gastroenterologist and my oncologist to compare these new images to the CT/PET scan I had 10/03. But it looks like we're getting closer to having a treatment plan, which apparently is a process of elimination of a number of things it COULD be. Meanwhile the ascites and jaundice seem no worse. I'm uncomfortable, but nothing I can't handle without pain pills, and I went to that party yesterday and ate a LOT and had a fabulous time. I know my oncologist wants to see me before the week is out. Anyhoooo, just knowing that this is 'fix-able' has made me feel 1000% better!0 -
Ha! I should follow my ownlindaprocopio said:AN UPDATE: as Carlene says "It's not always about cancer".
Thanks for all your good wishes & prayers; I really was thinking that I might be entering an ugly phase of this cancer journey that I might not survive. I just came from my Ultrasound. The GOOD news is that all of the arteries and blood vessels, etc. in my liver are open and so the problems I'm having aren't being caused by a blood clot. & the technician doing the sonogram showed me the images that prove that the bile duct is NOT obstructed after all, and is not being pressed on by a tumor or by anything. Instead, he says the bile is blocking up in my Gall Bladder, not gall stones, just a non-functioning gall bladder. AND, he said, that this may be UNRELATED to my cancer! (Carlene is so smart! She's often said "don't always assume every medical issue is related to your cancer".) It may end up being as simple as having my gall bladder out. I hope the technician was right. I need to wait for my new gastroenterologist and my oncologist to compare these new images to the CT/PET scan I had 10/03. But it looks like we're getting closer to having a treatment plan, which apparently is a process of elimination of a number of things it COULD be. Meanwhile the ascites and jaundice seem no worse. I'm uncomfortable, but nothing I can't handle without pain pills, and I went to that party yesterday and ate a LOT and had a fabulous time. I know my oncologist wants to see me before the week is out. Anyhoooo, just knowing that this is 'fix-able' has made me feel 1000% better!
Ha! I should follow my own advice! I still imagine the worst, every single time.
Your story is sounding more and more like my son's, Linda. He was jaundiced, bloated, in pain, etc and finally consented to let his wife drive him to the ER. His bile duct was full of "sludge" and though he did have gallstones, the bile duct issue was a bigger concern. They actually tested him first for Hep C because gallstones are common, but I guess the bile duct thing isn't.
They dealt surgically with the bile duct first - cleaned it out and put in a stent - then a couple of days later took him back to the OR to remove his gallbladder. The stent has to come out in a few months.
On the one hand, more surgery is not something to look forward to, but at least it's not Cancer. Anything is better than Cancer.
Carlene0 -
This comment has been removed by the Moderatorlindaprocopio said:AN UPDATE: as Carlene says "It's not always about cancer".
Thanks for all your good wishes & prayers; I really was thinking that I might be entering an ugly phase of this cancer journey that I might not survive. I just came from my Ultrasound. The GOOD news is that all of the arteries and blood vessels, etc. in my liver are open and so the problems I'm having aren't being caused by a blood clot. & the technician doing the sonogram showed me the images that prove that the bile duct is NOT obstructed after all, and is not being pressed on by a tumor or by anything. Instead, he says the bile is blocking up in my Gall Bladder, not gall stones, just a non-functioning gall bladder. AND, he said, that this may be UNRELATED to my cancer! (Carlene is so smart! She's often said "don't always assume every medical issue is related to your cancer".) It may end up being as simple as having my gall bladder out. I hope the technician was right. I need to wait for my new gastroenterologist and my oncologist to compare these new images to the CT/PET scan I had 10/03. But it looks like we're getting closer to having a treatment plan, which apparently is a process of elimination of a number of things it COULD be. Meanwhile the ascites and jaundice seem no worse. I'm uncomfortable, but nothing I can't handle without pain pills, and I went to that party yesterday and ate a LOT and had a fabulous time. I know my oncologist wants to see me before the week is out. Anyhoooo, just knowing that this is 'fix-able' has made me feel 1000% better!0 -
Linda:lindaprocopio said:AN UPDATE: as Carlene says "It's not always about cancer".
Thanks for all your good wishes & prayers; I really was thinking that I might be entering an ugly phase of this cancer journey that I might not survive. I just came from my Ultrasound. The GOOD news is that all of the arteries and blood vessels, etc. in my liver are open and so the problems I'm having aren't being caused by a blood clot. & the technician doing the sonogram showed me the images that prove that the bile duct is NOT obstructed after all, and is not being pressed on by a tumor or by anything. Instead, he says the bile is blocking up in my Gall Bladder, not gall stones, just a non-functioning gall bladder. AND, he said, that this may be UNRELATED to my cancer! (Carlene is so smart! She's often said "don't always assume every medical issue is related to your cancer".) It may end up being as simple as having my gall bladder out. I hope the technician was right. I need to wait for my new gastroenterologist and my oncologist to compare these new images to the CT/PET scan I had 10/03. But it looks like we're getting closer to having a treatment plan, which apparently is a process of elimination of a number of things it COULD be. Meanwhile the ascites and jaundice seem no worse. I'm uncomfortable, but nothing I can't handle without pain pills, and I went to that party yesterday and ate a LOT and had a fabulous time. I know my oncologist wants to see me before the week is out. Anyhoooo, just knowing that this is 'fix-able' has made me feel 1000% better!
I am happy for you
Linda:
I am happy for you that this latest problem is unrelated to cancer. That alone must have been a real high for you! I hope your uncomfortableness soon goes away and you are going out enjoying more parties and spending time with the grandkids.
Kathy0 -
This is Great News!!lindaprocopio said:AN UPDATE: as Carlene says "It's not always about cancer".
Thanks for all your good wishes & prayers; I really was thinking that I might be entering an ugly phase of this cancer journey that I might not survive. I just came from my Ultrasound. The GOOD news is that all of the arteries and blood vessels, etc. in my liver are open and so the problems I'm having aren't being caused by a blood clot. & the technician doing the sonogram showed me the images that prove that the bile duct is NOT obstructed after all, and is not being pressed on by a tumor or by anything. Instead, he says the bile is blocking up in my Gall Bladder, not gall stones, just a non-functioning gall bladder. AND, he said, that this may be UNRELATED to my cancer! (Carlene is so smart! She's often said "don't always assume every medical issue is related to your cancer".) It may end up being as simple as having my gall bladder out. I hope the technician was right. I need to wait for my new gastroenterologist and my oncologist to compare these new images to the CT/PET scan I had 10/03. But it looks like we're getting closer to having a treatment plan, which apparently is a process of elimination of a number of things it COULD be. Meanwhile the ascites and jaundice seem no worse. I'm uncomfortable, but nothing I can't handle without pain pills, and I went to that party yesterday and ate a LOT and had a fabulous time. I know my oncologist wants to see me before the week is out. Anyhoooo, just knowing that this is 'fix-able' has made me feel 1000% better!
So glad it sounds like something very manageable and NOTHING to do with cancer.0 -
Linda
Glad to hear you've got some good news.. no blood clots, and that you are closer to having a plan in place. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Hugs,
Cindy0 -
This sounds good--surgeonsCindy Bear said:Linda
Glad to hear you've got some good news.. no blood clots, and that you are closer to having a plan in place. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Hugs,
Cindy
This sounds good--surgeons are removing gall bladders all the time. Maybe your docs can team up and yank out some of those persistent malignant lesions while you are under anesthetic. That would be a nice silver lining for you!
Next you'll get a free membership to the club of people with no gall bladders--mine has been gone since 1989 so let me be the first to welcome you!
Some people have no problem tolerating fats/oils afterwards; I had to adjust my diet accordingly. I just wish the doctor would have warned me in advance about the possibility of bowel urgency--ugh! Be careful what you eat initially, especially when you are traveling.0 -
YipppEEEE!lindaprocopio said:AN UPDATE: as Carlene says "It's not always about cancer".
Thanks for all your good wishes & prayers; I really was thinking that I might be entering an ugly phase of this cancer journey that I might not survive. I just came from my Ultrasound. The GOOD news is that all of the arteries and blood vessels, etc. in my liver are open and so the problems I'm having aren't being caused by a blood clot. & the technician doing the sonogram showed me the images that prove that the bile duct is NOT obstructed after all, and is not being pressed on by a tumor or by anything. Instead, he says the bile is blocking up in my Gall Bladder, not gall stones, just a non-functioning gall bladder. AND, he said, that this may be UNRELATED to my cancer! (Carlene is so smart! She's often said "don't always assume every medical issue is related to your cancer".) It may end up being as simple as having my gall bladder out. I hope the technician was right. I need to wait for my new gastroenterologist and my oncologist to compare these new images to the CT/PET scan I had 10/03. But it looks like we're getting closer to having a treatment plan, which apparently is a process of elimination of a number of things it COULD be. Meanwhile the ascites and jaundice seem no worse. I'm uncomfortable, but nothing I can't handle without pain pills, and I went to that party yesterday and ate a LOT and had a fabulous time. I know my oncologist wants to see me before the week is out. Anyhoooo, just knowing that this is 'fix-able' has made me feel 1000% better!
I was so very worried about you, Linda. Glad you posted an update. I am sorry to hear that you may need surgery. However, it is such a relief to know that it is not dire.0 -
Good newslindaprocopio said:AN UPDATE: as Carlene says "It's not always about cancer".
Thanks for all your good wishes & prayers; I really was thinking that I might be entering an ugly phase of this cancer journey that I might not survive. I just came from my Ultrasound. The GOOD news is that all of the arteries and blood vessels, etc. in my liver are open and so the problems I'm having aren't being caused by a blood clot. & the technician doing the sonogram showed me the images that prove that the bile duct is NOT obstructed after all, and is not being pressed on by a tumor or by anything. Instead, he says the bile is blocking up in my Gall Bladder, not gall stones, just a non-functioning gall bladder. AND, he said, that this may be UNRELATED to my cancer! (Carlene is so smart! She's often said "don't always assume every medical issue is related to your cancer".) It may end up being as simple as having my gall bladder out. I hope the technician was right. I need to wait for my new gastroenterologist and my oncologist to compare these new images to the CT/PET scan I had 10/03. But it looks like we're getting closer to having a treatment plan, which apparently is a process of elimination of a number of things it COULD be. Meanwhile the ascites and jaundice seem no worse. I'm uncomfortable, but nothing I can't handle without pain pills, and I went to that party yesterday and ate a LOT and had a fabulous time. I know my oncologist wants to see me before the week is out. Anyhoooo, just knowing that this is 'fix-able' has made me feel 1000% better!
Linda,
I am so sorry you are going through all of this but it sounds like there is some good news here. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope the docs can figure out a good plan for you. You are strong, don't give up!
Chris0 -
Your new post today
Linda, thanks for letting us know the great news. I am so glad for you if having your gallbladder out will fix this problem. I had to have my gallbladder out last year because of stones. After surgery I had to follow the "gallbladder diet" they give you for about a month because I kept "having gallbladder attacks" after it was gone; but after about a month I was back to eating just like before the problem started. I hope you have the same luck I had in that department.
Please keep us posted - we all care about you. Geni0 -
Linda hope the removal of the Gallbladder will fix alllindaprocopio said:AN UPDATE: as Carlene says "It's not always about cancer".
Thanks for all your good wishes & prayers; I really was thinking that I might be entering an ugly phase of this cancer journey that I might not survive. I just came from my Ultrasound. The GOOD news is that all of the arteries and blood vessels, etc. in my liver are open and so the problems I'm having aren't being caused by a blood clot. & the technician doing the sonogram showed me the images that prove that the bile duct is NOT obstructed after all, and is not being pressed on by a tumor or by anything. Instead, he says the bile is blocking up in my Gall Bladder, not gall stones, just a non-functioning gall bladder. AND, he said, that this may be UNRELATED to my cancer! (Carlene is so smart! She's often said "don't always assume every medical issue is related to your cancer".) It may end up being as simple as having my gall bladder out. I hope the technician was right. I need to wait for my new gastroenterologist and my oncologist to compare these new images to the CT/PET scan I had 10/03. But it looks like we're getting closer to having a treatment plan, which apparently is a process of elimination of a number of things it COULD be. Meanwhile the ascites and jaundice seem no worse. I'm uncomfortable, but nothing I can't handle without pain pills, and I went to that party yesterday and ate a LOT and had a fabulous time. I know my oncologist wants to see me before the week is out. Anyhoooo, just knowing that this is 'fix-able' has made me feel 1000% better!
Sorry to hear you have had problems with jaundice and now ascites. Neither are comfortable and both are worriesome. So glad to hear that the outlook is so much better today. You are such a trooper and an inspiration to me. I hope your platelets are up enough that you can have the surgery.
Glad you can still enjoy a party and have a good time. You have been through so much and continue to fight each day. You remain in my thoughts and prayers. In peace and caring.0
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