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I have breast cancer and am a snappy dancer

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Thank you sir, may I have another...(ultra-painful ultrasound)

Hi there. PJ, Dina's husband here. Wanted to provide an update from our most recent adventure:

Saturday – Liver pain starts and increases in intensity.

Sunday – Unsettled feeling throughout the day.

Monday – Terrible pain in the abdomen, especially on the right side. Took her to CTCA’s Internal Medicine clinic where they started working her up. She was admitted to the inpatient wing to begin addressing the pain and the swelling of the legs and abdomen. A CT scan was performed where the Dr saw a large amount of fluid had accumulated on the right side. The last CT was performed on 10/28, which did not show this fluid. Dr then drained 2800cc of fluid from this area. Pain management was discussed, as well as the fluid accumulation in the belly. Blood work performed which yielded high levels of bilirubin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilirubin).

Tuesday – Ultrasound of the liver was performed and pain management procedures put in place. Episodes of intense pain experienced throughout the day. Ultrasound reviewed looking for blockages of the common bile duct (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_bile_duct) and portal vein (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatic_portal_vein). None were visible. Blood work performed which yielded a lower level of bilirubin.

Wednesday – Second ultrasound performed looking for fluid accumulation on the right side. Fluid found to have started collecting again. Efforts continued to manage pain. New diuretic prescribed. Blood work performed which yielded a yet lower level of bilirubin.

Thursday – Further pain management efforts. Blood work performed which yielded bilirubin levels had returned to the same amount as Monday. GI Dr firmly convinced the distended belly is caused by constipation.

That's about it. Will update with more later. Many thanks in advance for your thoughts and prayers