And, of course, it’s a possible ‘fistula’ I have, not ‘fissure’. I don’t know if I should blame autocorrect or chemo fog. 😆
Original Message:
Sent: 8/5/2025 11:33:00 AM
From: Sylviequebecbc
Subject: RE: Pleural effusion
Thanks GGail,
I will ask about that!
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-05-2025 07:26
From: GGail
Subject: Pleural effusion
@Sylviequebecbc Have you asked about a CT colonoscopy? I had one when I developed an abscess after a bowel resection. It's not nearly as invasive. (My gyne oncologist says I will probably have another one in September, once chemo is finished, because it seems the tumour has created a fissure into my small bowel.)
Take care
Original Message:
Sent: 8/4/2025 2:22:00 PM
From: Sylviequebecbc
Subject: RE: Pleural effusion
@Alwayslearning
Hi! I am doing ok I guess given all that has happened lately! My Hemoglobin is still trending down, even after 2 transfusions and an iron infusion. I may be bleeding from my bowels we think now, my stool is dark and there is some blood i can see. My oncologist said to follow-up with my family doctor about this, and he said we should keep an eye on that, stop my anticoagulant for a few days if my hemoglobin drops 10 points from last week (and it did, now 89), said maybe a colonoscopy might be too bad for me right now, but if the bleeding gets worse, we might have to do one. The one thing we wonder about is if they find that my cancer has invaded my bowel , are they going to do anything about it? I may not be a candidate for surgery at this point, so what next?
I think I will contact my previous oncologist and ask for his opinion....
So one day at a time!
Take care 🙂
Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2025 10:00
From: Alwayslearning
Subject: Pleural effusion
Hi @Sylviequebecbc ... I'm checking in to see how you are doing? How is your hemoglobin level? Hopefully it's moved into the normal zone and you've got some energy back. Please let us know how you are progressing. Sending you healing hugs.
Original Message:
Sent: 07-13-2025 15:33
From: Sylviequebecbc
Subject: Pleural effusion
Hi Ladies,
Well, I had my second pleural effusion drainage (thoracocentesis) 4 days ago. I was very short of breath with any activity, but less coughing this time. I also have a very low hemoglobin, so I thought that was the reason for my tiredness, low energy and shortness of breath.
I was sent to the hospital because of my low hemoglobin, and while there, my latest CT scan results came in showing a large pleural effusion, so they drained 1.5L from around my left lung. My hemoglobin was 72 at the time, and their protocol is to not do a blood transfusion unless it is below 70, so they gave me an iron infusion instead.
I don't know if anyone has had a similar experience?
I am still very tired and I cannot do 1/2 of what i could just a short time ago. I take a shower (with a shower chair) then have to rest. I am a little down with all this!