For the last few days, I have had a significant degree of shortness of breath when walking short distances. I even have difficulty getting my breath when at rest. My left foot has some fluid in it but my right foot has tons of fluid in it again.
To make a long story short (goes with the theme of the blog...SHORTness of breath), I saw a doctor today from the Internist group that I go to. I have pleural effusion in both lungs (fluid) and a possibility of fluid surrounding my heart. I had a chest x-ray and echo-cardiogram following the appointment. I also had blood work that will test for fluid around the heart. I was given Furosemide which is a potent medication to reduce the fluid around vital organs.
The doctor discussed that there may be 2 reasons for this excessive fluid. It could be a side effect from the first chemo drug that I was on which MAY...(no conclusions yet) have caused heart failure, not allowing my heart to pump the fluid away. The second reason (which is my gut feeling) is a result from surgery and excessive fluid that remained in my body. It makes sense to me because my wound opened up due to so much drainage. I think that this fluid has remained in my body and has now accumulated by my lungs making it so hard to breathe.
So far the medicine hasn't kicked in. I'm hoping tomorrows the day, after my next dose, for fluid to start flowing!
1 comment:
Geez, Sharon! When will you catch a break??!! I hope and pray that the fluid is left over from surgery - I really can see how that makes a lot of sense. I also pray that the medicine to relieve the fluids begins working soon. Remember that all things worthwhile are attained after some type of struggle - I think being cancer free and heading back to normalcy is that "something worthwhile". You're tougher than all these hurdles! Much tougher!
Love you!
Rosemary
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