On march 16 I had a VATS surgery to remove a tumor in my upper left lung. I had a upper left lung resection and was told that I'm cancer free.
Got sent home too early and was back at the hospital for two cardiac episodes taken by ambulance since I was unconscious.
I've been for about five weeks and then this problem started....
Five days ago I couldn't breath, chest and back pain. It turned out to be a pericardial effusion. I was hospitalized. Last night in the hospital I had a case of bad sweats, apparently pulled off the oxygen. But other then general confusion and anxiety, everything else was fine. The newest sonigram this morning showed the fluid had mostly gone, so surgery was cancelled and I'm now home.
Anybody else have this problem? It's a possibly related to my cancer,. I'm glad it's gone and didn't need the surgery. After reading material on the net I'm noticing that had they drained some of the fluid it might have shown spreading of the original cancer. So now I'm wondering if it would have been better to have the surgery to confirm or negate that possibility.
In addition internet stats are listing the possibility of 90% return within 90 days.
Anybody have similar experiences?
Thanks
Craig
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Need info on new pericardial effusion folllowing vats surgery
- By csmith8354
- Posted May 7, 2009 at 1:58 pm · 5 replies
- In Help desk
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5 replies
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- By Christine_D
- Posted May 7, 2009 at 2:23 pm
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Hi Craig
I am so sorry you have been having so many problems! My best advice and I am sure you will hear this from more than just me, GET A SECOND OPINION, ASAP!!!!!
Also, Please don't put a lot of faith in stats you read on the internet. A lot of these numbers are outdated and not reflective of new treatments/therapies that have come about in the years since those numbers were organized. Also, they are numbers, you are a unique individual and you will react to any treatments or therapies differently than others.
Please keep posting and let us know how things are going and please, please.. get that second opinion!
Warm Hugs
Christine
- By kq182
- Posted May 7, 2009 at 2:33 pm
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OMG Craig you sure have been through alot. Duke is suppose to be such a good hospital, I am in NC too, Morehead City area, like the other poster I really feel you need to see another doctor or two. You need to know what's up and why you have had such a hard time coming back to normal?? Whatever normal is?? Please try and get another opinion, and I pray that you feel better soon, and stay out of the hospital!
Karen
- By csmith8354
- Posted May 7, 2009 at 9:12 pm
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Thanks Christine & Karen.
Found out I have an appointment Thur. 3.30pm with a Pulmanologyst (SIC sorry).
There is no way I'm returning to the surgeon who originally did the VATS surgery. I'm gotten too old and wise to deal with any more Drs. that think they're gods.
I've begun to understand that when it comes to my health I'm going to be the one calling the shots.
Main side effects right now are intermintent tremors ranging from mild to I can't hold a glass. I'm taking enderal for that. The other is memory loss.
If I'm watching tv and a string of commercials come on, if there were a gun to my head I couldn't tell you the show I was watching!
Thanks for your concerns and advice,
Craig
- By Christine_D
- Posted May 8, 2009 at 7:38 am
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Craig
I am so glad you have an appt with a different doctor. If you don't have them already, please try and get copies of ALL of your test results, treatments etc so you can be a step ahead of the game. It's something that everyone should do, especially those battling the beast (cancer) request copies and keep your own file to have in the event you decide to get other opinions etc.
Please let me know if I can be of any help. Although I am not a patient, I have been a caregiver and have walked this walk in that capacity.
My thoughts and prayers are with you,
Christine
- By kq182
- Posted May 8, 2009 at 1:14 pm
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Wishing you the best in finding a competant, caring team of doctors.
You are in charge, get a good one. Please keep us updated, hoping you feel more like your old self soon!! Karen
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