we were up early this morning but were slightly more fortunate and made it to 4 am this time. ellen was unable to breath easily and we would later find out that the fluid on her right lung had reaccumulated. we went through the same process with the e.r. and they admitted her quickly. that was were the similarities to the first episode ended, however.
dr. gollob's assistant came in around 8 am and told us that the fluid had accumulated at such a rate that she would most likely not be able to start treatment as originally planned. she was going to have a ct scan to see exactly how much fluid she had and they would determine what steps would need to be taken. we waited around most of the day while they pumped ellen full of morphine, adavan, zofran and host of other drugs in an attempt to keep her comfortable. a torturous day, really, that we spent in total limbo. we had no idea whether she would have the procedure tonight or tomorrow, whether it would interfere with her treatment, etc.
dr. gollob and a pulmonary specialist finally came to see us around 8 pm. they had decided that she would have a procedure done tomorrow morning to insert a chest tube and drain the fluid more permanently. a small incision will be made in her rib cage where they will insert a vacuum tube that should drain the fluid rather quickly. then they will spray in talc (yes, plain talc) to 'glue' the lung's outer wall to the chest cavity membrane where the fluid had accumulated. the tube will stay in for another day or two to make sure that all of the fluid is removed. start to finish, the procedure should take over an hour and she should feel relief almost immediately after coming out of the anesthesia.
this is our new main objective. we were assured that the delay would not aggravate her condition and dr. gollob has decided that they need to get this under control before he will start her on the interleukin-2. if things work as planned, she will be discharged on thursday and spend the extended weekend at home. the thought is that she needs to be physically sound when starting the treatment the following monday, the 30th.
right now she is resting comfortably.
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27 comments:
Hang in there guys. Like you said Ryan, just another unfortunate hurdle. God has a plan, he knows El is a fighter and will pull through. You have a ton of people thinking and praying. Love you lots, see you soon. Jaime
Hang tight guys! That's disappointing that there will be a delay in starting treatment, but El, I'm glad that you will be more comfortable once they finish with the chest tube. They do this procedure in most of the cases that I handle at work, and it's certainly more permanent than the needle aspiration. It's good that you'll be in top form to start treatment next Monday now. I'll talk to you soon!
Much love, Amina
Ellen, Thinking and praying for you!
Love,
Diane M.
Ellen & Ryan, Hang in there, you are both strong and you have lots of people praying for you. Hope you both have a peaceful & restful night. Great to talk to you Ellen...Love you both. Jo Ann
Oh Ellen! Sorry to hear that they postponed treatment, but glad to know that you will be much more comfortable after the procedure tomorrow!
We all know you are a fighter, and now I just picture you jumping over the whole line of hurdles like at a track event-except they are tennis nets since I have seen you jump over one of those!
Ryan- I know I haven't met you, but I want you to know that you are amazing! It is sure good to know that Ellen has such a dependable "rock" for support. Please continue to take care of her and yourself. I look forward to meeting you when the two of you come home.
Sending my love and prayers,
Jen
Love you guys and miss you, hope to see you guys real soon
Mikey
Ellen & Ryan - keep fighting!! I am praying every day for both of you! I love you and miss you - see you soon!
Love always, Ashley
Thank goodness you are at a world class facility where they know just how to handle these unexpected detours on your road to healing. We continue to pray for pain free days and restful nights. As hard as this is, it will all be worth it when you're home and well. lots of love, asuz
Thinking of you both. Ellen, you are so strong, keep fighting, you will make it through this. Tyson, my son, has had 2 chest tubes and he is only 18 months, you can do it too!!! I am thinking and praying for you.
Mindy Raymond (Cleveland)
Ellen's Pi Phi sister
Hi...just want to let you know that your in my thoughts and prayers. Ellen..when I had cancer I had to be a fighter like you. My surgery and treatment were delayed also - just another hurdle like Ryan posted - YOU KEEP ON JUMPING THEM!!
Love you...Aunt Susan
Hey Guys, greetings from the neighborhood!
Ellen, if you don't think you are missed, think again.
You already know about DR and Jim, but the Cornhole Boys sent a special message of love last night. Yep, about 9:30 they launched a 12 round volley of bottle rockets right at your house. These were really, really good devices. But you can tell they were upset by your absence because not a single slamming beanbag could be heard... before or after.
My gut (like just 12 rockets!) tells me that they are really saving up for a tranquility shattering celebration of your return.
We know they will be much happier when you're back, so they can party til dawn, and fire off dozens of rockets at 2:30 AM to underscore their friendship with you!
The only other big news is based on a simple observation. The groundhogs just seem much happier, Ryan. They are enjoying loafing in the sun and munching the tall grass. They don't seem to miss their special diet from Chef Gray.
Sorry that the treatment is delayed for a week. Just means that all of us will be more anxious than ever to have you both home... might even have to buy my own rockets!
Soldier on.
DR
Ellen and Ryan,
Cathy and I are reading your blog with dismay, but, as you have been hearing from your other supporters, these are frustrations which challenge you, but are those which you and your support system can rise above.
I hope you will be comfortable today and without the agony of the breathing battle.
North Canton misses you and looks forward to your return...you're a Viking - Vikings are tough!
Thinking of you,
Jan K.
We're all praying for you both. Hang in there and keep being strong and God will get you through this! Love you guys.
Kristin & Zac
Hey Ell and Ryan,
Thanks for the update. Although this may seem like a setback right now...at least you will be feeling great when they start the treatments. Hang in there, we are thinking of you...
Kelly and Doug
I love you El! You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. Keep that beautiful smile on your face!
Abbey
Ellen, Thinking and Praying for you. I miss you and hope to see you home soon.
Love, Jennifer
Ryan, Thanks so much for setting up this blog. We can all be kept informed and you can catch all of our posts in one place. You are a terrific guy. I know how hard this must be for both of you but sometimes the more hurdles you have to jump the higher you can jump when you really need it. Ellen, you are going to feel much better with that fluid gone. Get through this hurdle and when you feel up to it, take that blanket down to the beach at night and listen to the surf and count the stars.......you WILL get to do this. Hang tight. We love you. Cathy Dunlap
Ellen & Ryan:
We've been sending you guys positive energy from the East Coast for the past week and will be continuing to do so until you're on your way back to Ohio. The fluid is an unfortunate hurdle but the timing worked out just as it should. Monday will come and Ellen will be healthy and ready to start her treatment. Until then, stay strong and know that we will be praying for you!
Adam and Sara (Paukovich)
Hi Ellen!
I am thinking about you and praying for you.
Love,
Amy
Ellen & Ryan,
I am Amina's "Other Ellen"(from Chicago). I have heard so much about both of you. You are such an amazing and strong pair. Keep fighting! I am praying for you constantly!
*Remember, God doesn't give you more than you can handle :)
Love,
Ellen Bonifacic
Chicago
Hi Ellen! I am so glad Ryan has set up this blog so we can all hear how you are doing. Sorry to hear about your setback but its good you will be feeling better for the upcoming treatment. You are in my thoughts and prayers. You are such a strong person, I know you will get through this and still have your great spirit! Talk to you soon.
Shannon Donze
I LOVE YOU, EL!!!
I LOVE YOU, EL!!
-Lanza
Ellen and Ryan,
It has been a while since we have seen you, but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers! There is no doubt that your love will see you through this battle. Please let us know if there is anything at all we can do to help you.
Kathy and Derek Schorejs
Hey guys! Just want to let you both know that you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there. I just wish that there was something else I could do to help out. Just know you are loved by many and we are all pulling for you!!
Love always,
Jenna
Hi Ellen-
Just wanted you to know that you and Ryan are in our thoughts and prayers! Keep up your positive attitude! Good luck with your treatment-Sending much love-
The Kase girls
Ellen and Ryan,
I think all the people in Elmore are praying for you (since everyone around this big city is related and all)! Be expecting a care package in the mail any day now. We love you and are thinking about you.
Lindsay and Aunt Barb
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