Anthony update

[mstlyn]

Anthony had a CT of the abdomen and pelvis last night in the emergency room, and I'm ecstatic to announce, in the doctors words; this is a very, very , clean scan. He said theres not even an (fluid)? of some type that would indicate a potential problem? I probably don't have that down right, but the scan is really clean.

He was due to get that done this month, but it came early when because he woke up yesterday morning in a lot of pain, abdomen and back. He couldn't eat, and started forcing himself to vomit to relieve the pain, which would only last for a few seconds to around 2 minutes, and then start over again.

The ER doc was concerned about a mass in the belly or bowel obstruction so the scan was ordered.

A possible explanation that may be good for all of you RPLND'ers to know,if you don't already.

The doc said that the scar tissue can grow "tentacles" so to speak, that can grab onto the colon and cause bowel obstruction. Other times, these "tentacles" can grab the colon, and release, grab and release, which can cause pain like a bowel obstuction.

Sometimes surgery is needed for the scar tissue, and obviously a bowel obstruction requires emergency surgery.

Anthony was given IV dilauded, which knocked the pain out in a matter of seconds, and eventually the pain went away on its own, and we got home at 1 am today. They said if the pain comes back, they want to admit him ..

I think he is ok for now, hopefully it wont come back, but I am just thrilled that his scan was clean. We don't have his last markers which were done 9 days ago.

This ER doctor was excellent.. I only wish we could find a primary and onc. like him.

[Margaret]

Tammy, I am happy to hear from you. I was wondering how Anthony was doing and if there was any news on his AFP. Sounds like the scans are clear and that is so super wonderful!! I am sorry he is in some pain, I hope that will not happen again!

[DAWN82]

great news tammy!!!!

we all hope Anthony feels better soon!

[Savin16]

I have been wondering how Anthony is doing. Not happy of course that he had to go to the ER, but very happy to hear about your latest report. How wonderful.

[nskene]

glad to the hear the scan is clear.

[Kev332]

Thats great that the scan was all clear!!

Hope Anthony is feeling better. Dilauded is some crazy stuff... he might not remember these past couple of days. I know there were a couple days while i was in the hospital and on dilauded, that are very fuzzy..

[Mom]

Tammy, not a good way to find out about the "all clear" but nevertheless, good news. Any abdominal surgery can cause scar tissue and/or adhesions. When they do cause an obstruction there is a lot of pain and usually the vomiting is a natural result because nothing is getting through. It is very uncomfortable and in most cases people are admitted into the hospital and most of the time the problem works itself out without surgery. My mother had colon cancer at 38, she had additional colon surgery 30 years later. She would have bouts of this every so often. It's not pleasant and it took a lot out of her, but she did live to be 91. Anthony should recogize the symptoms early and act on them especially if he is alone because it can be debilitating. There is always something, huh? Dianne

[roydeste]

Tammy, i'm very very happy for you and Anthony..CT all clear is a great news..

Love
Rosy

[CharlieFL]

Funny how emergencies can present themselves as good news at the end of the day......best wishes for continued improvement!!!

[David1969]

Great News. I am just going to go and see my oncologist and was a bit down, but this good news has helped.

[Margaret]

Great News. I am just going to go and see my oncologist and was a bit down, but this good news has helped.

Hang in there David, we are pulling for you!

hugs

[sldl1106]

I was surprised about Anthony's symptoms and the ER visit, but what great news! A very, very clean scan!! That was worth the trip, maybe?!

Maybe the ER doc could suggest an onc??

[TCLEFT]

Tammy,
The fluid would probably be edema. It's what causes swelling. Great he didn't have any. Adhesions (tenticle like scarring) can occur in many surgeries so keep an eye on that. Believe it or not some yoga type stretching might help. Check with the Dr, first. As for the CT, I gotta tell you "All Clears" really bring a tear to my eye these days. Fantastic news!
David,
If you're ever "low" get a Family fix. I do all the time.
Love, Cheers, and more Love,
Mark

[Karen]

Great news on the CT Tammy! Hope the discomfort is behind Anthony

[mstlyn]

Thanks for all the love everyone. Anthony is feeling a lot better today, back to eating normally and everything.
He said the pain was similar, but not as intense as when he had illeus after his RPLND.
I'll never forget that .. it was heartbreaking to watch and not be able to do anything. He didn't know what was happening and thought he wasn't going to make it.
He knows that similar symptoms mean a trip to the ER, as the doctor there said, he will be admitted next time.
It seems like these tentacles would have shown up on the scan if they exist .. I guess we may never know what happened, but yes, the night ended with good news, so I'm happy.

Thanks again everyone.

Hugs to all!