Lauren’s Surgery
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Dear Pam and Lauren, Sounds good to me, if the Doctors are so happy about Lauren that is the best sign. Now hopefully you both can have a 2 week reprieve. Anything is worth it for good news!
Hi Everyone,
We went back to Michigan yesterday and we are home again. Rather than type all this out again, I will give you Lauren’s blog address and you can read about our visit there. I think she should start feeling better soon. Thanks for caring. -Pam
http://www.loveandhopeforlauren.blogspot.com
Pam,
I’m so sorry to hear about the difficulties Lauren is having. I know it must be frustrating having to go back to Michigan on Friday but I hope they can resolve the fluid retention and bring Lauren some relief from that. I feel for both of you and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Peace,
MaryDear Rena, sorry about your Dad’s water retention as well. How is he feeling now? I hope he has started nibbling again. How long would they have to wait if he needed more drainage? Sending you all the best and please keep us posted!
Pam, I am really sorry to hear about the fluid problem Lauren is having. Also don’t understand the hair falling out or not eating much but Dr. Sonneday sure sounds great. When I hear now that anyone is not eating much it takes me back to February with myself and it really upsets me. But I am sure Dr. S. will have an answer tomorrow. I like short hair on Lauren and she still has time to grow her hair out before the wedding. I am crossing everything I own for good results tomorrow.
Wow, that is a lot of fluid. I’m glad she had labs and is going to see the Dr. I will be praying for Lauren and your family. Keep us posted.
Take care,
Susie
I’ve been off site for awhile because dad has been having the same issues as Lauren…severe swelling in his stomach, legs & feet. I did research to find out what all of the swelling meant and finally talked him into going to the ER on Saturday morning. He ended up in the hospital for a couple days. The Dr drained 5 liters of fluid from his stomach (which I knew would be the case). He is back home now but still has some swelling in the stomach. From what I understand, only 5-6 liters of fluid can be drained during a single procedure. So we are sure that if there was no max, another couple liters could have been drained. He is 18 pounds lighter from what he weighed Saturday. He had lost all ability to eat or want to eat because he would feel miserable after two bites.
I share all of this to share dad’s experience on the fluid retention. In addition a blood clot was also found in each leg. Never a dull moment…right Pam?
Well I wish Lauren all the best! She sure sounds like one tough cookie! Big Hug!
Rena
Oh Pam,
So sorry to hear about this latest development. Hoping that you will get some answers on Friday and things will turn around so that Lauren can get some relief from all of this. Good luck on Friday. My fingers are crossed for the best results. I’ll be thinking of you and Lauren.
I have to agree that Lauren is cute no matter how long or short her hair is. She is a beautiful person both inside and out.
Thinking of you both and hoping for the best.
Love & Hugs,
DarlaHi Everyone,
We aren’t going to be home for long. We went downstairs to the basement today and Lauren stepped on the scale, curious to see how much she weighed since she hasn’t been eating very much. We couldn’t believe when we looked at the scale that Lauren gained 29 pounds since her surgery day which was two weeks ago. It is all fluid. This is how puffy the poor thing is. I called Dr. Sonnenday’s office and talked to his nurse. I told her about the swelling and that her incision site is weeping a little. She paged Dr. Sonnenday and he ordered a set of labs. We went to our local hospital for that and they faxed the results to him. He also wanted to see Lauren this Friday and ordered an ultrasound test for Lauren’s legs to make sure she has no blood clots. He also upped her Lasix dose to Two 20mg. tablets instead of one daily. She seems to go to the bathroom a little more today. So it is off to Michigan for the day on Friday. Another weird thing that has happened is that Lauren is losing her hair again. She hasn’t had chemo since Feb., but her hair was falling out in clumps. So, today after the hospital, we took Lauren and she got her hair cut really short, not buzzed. She looks cute in any hairstyle, but she was trying so hard to grow her hair long for her wedding. Just thought you all might like to know what is going on. Thanks for caring.
Love,
-PamGreat news Pam – it’s lovely to know that Lauren is going in the right direction. Take care of yourself too.
Clare
Pam: thrilled to hear you are home! I can’t help with the fluid retention but I called my feet the “Shrek” feet!! I hope Lauren’s swelling goes down quickly.
Pam…so thrilled to know that you are home again. Don’t have much to add to what the others have mentioned, but would also like to encourage Lauren to move around a bit. It helps rev up the circulatory system.
Good luck and hugs,
MarionThanks ladies!! I sent a message to Dr. Sonnenday asking what we should do. The lasix they gave her in the hospital made her pee a ton. Now when she takes it, nothing. Hopefully, he will increase her dose or give her something else. I teased her today and told her she looks about 6 months pregnant with a water baby!! It isn’t funny because it is pretty painful, especially her poor feet and ankles. I couldn’t resist and she took it well. Gotta have some humor.
Pam,
I’m so happy that things are going well for Lauren. The only thing I can think of besides the things you’re already doing for the fluid retention is limit salt intake and perhaps the doctor has another diuretic he could prescribe if Lasix not doing the trick? Fluid retention is a common problem after major surgery. Hope it improves soon, I know it’s very uncomfortable for her.
DianneI would talk to the Dr about it if it doesn’t improve, they may need to up her lasix.
Make sure she is up and moving around. When she sits, have her elevate her legs.
She should eat lots of protein, it is important for recovering from surgery.
Eggs are good for example.In the hospital, we used to give a lot of SPA (salt poor albumin) followed by lasix. It draws the fluid into the vascular space and then the lasix pushes it out, but this is an IV infusion.
Take care and keep us posted.
Susie
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