An on going saga

[elsa]

Geoff was initially treated with anti-bs from Nov 07 GP thought it was pneumonia, no improvement was made then in Jan he was sent to see a lung specialist was found to have a collapsed lung and plural effusion, the fluid was drained and sent for cytology with no findings x-ray showed a fuzzy haze and all continued to suspect pneumonia and hoped he would return to full health. Chest pain in Feb and feverish at night returned to clinic cons wanted to continue March we asked for something else to be done and we were sent to another hospital for a thoroscopy biopsies were taken and Geoff had a chest drain a week in hospital then discharged home with mobile drain unit and district nurses visiting. Results were given 14 days later the cancer cells were in the plural cavity the biopsy had been taken from the fuzzy area on the x-ray he was also told he had an enlarged lymph node in his chest but this could be due to the infection. Chemo arranged for a couple of weeks later and the chest drain slowed down, he went back to hospital to have drain removed and the infection has just got worse from then on. A drainage bag was fitted and output has been monitored every day the fluid has become very thick in texture and yes it does contain pus and it is draining from the plura. April and May he has had 7 different anti-bs and non cleared the infection on request the cons arranged for admission to pickle with anti-biotics rifamicin 600mgm, linezolid 600mgm and metronidazole 500mgms he appears to have improved much in himself although he is still very week less breathless, eating etc. He is now home on the same oral meds with another to be introduced this week......the output from the drain is still the same although it is now much thinner and straw coloured.... thanks so much for the kind words and info..... the site is extremely helpful....I'm just feeling a bit low at the mo, has anyone else had problems like this prior to treatment??
Thanks from the frustrated wife..

[jljenkyns]

Hi elsa

it seems as though you re both going through the mill at the moment, hopefully when the cocktail of drugs do kick in geoff will start to feel a lot better, i can quite imagine why you are feeling low it can be so hard at times especially for the partner not recieving teatment, keep your chin up we are all thinking of you both

jimxx

[elsa]

Thanks Jim i do hope we turn a corner soon i feel i'm loosing touch with Geoff everyday the drugs are so potent he is very sleepy most of the time and i still feel so frustrated and sad.....thanks for your kind words of encouragement..

[Deanne Jenkyns]

Elsa,
I can imagine how hard this is for you, it is just awful feeling so helpless and seeing your loved one suffer and so very frustrating knowing their is nothing you can do to ease thier suffering. This has been going on for such a long time now and you seem to hit nothing but brick walls. I hope as you say you can turn the corner soon. Sending you ((((hugs))))



Deanne
xxx

[daisey]

So sorry to hear you are both having such a dreadfull time Elsa. Just sending a large hug! Cant find any words! Thinking of you both tho.
love Daisey.

[elsa]

Geoff is in alot of pain even with the fentanyl patches and lollies i think due to treatment for symptoms rather than cause his body is taking a hammering and things seem so flat but thanks for the hugs xx