A Step To The Wrong Way

Well, it looks like it has turned for the worst again.

They never drained the fluid in my lung because, well, according to my Thoracic Surgeon, the shadows in my lung are not fluid, but rather tumours.

He showed me the images and basically, the right lung looks like one big tumour now.

I've also been experiencing extreme chest pain (right side), back pain (right side), shortness of breath with physical activity, and right shoulder pain that radiates to my right arm. I can feel numbness to my right arm too.

I've been prescribed morphine, oxycontin, gabapentin, and tylenol 3 in an effort to relieve the pain. I hate taking these pain killers. They don't work 100%, though they do take the edge off and at least it keeps the suffering to tolerable level. The side effects are not good too, which includes lightheadedness, poopyness, weakness, constipation, and I'm sure my liver is not enjoying it neither. I barely get a good night sleep anymore.

I can't exercise, and can't even go out of the house to have some break because I get tired easily. The only times I get to go out are for doctor's visit and to go to church.

So what's the plan now?

My surgeon will be consulting with his colleagues to see if they can perform tumour debulking surgery to relieve pressure and to hopefully relieve pain.

My radiation oncologist will also look at getting more radiation done on the tumour at the top of my lung which could be the one pressing on the nerves, hence the shoulder and arm pain I'm having.

My medical oncologist will follow up to see if there are clinical trials they have right now that I can join. It's been a while and have been waiting for a call, but this time it warrants follow up.

For now I just have to toughen this out.

Khoolhandz, I admire your courage through this. I hope your oncologist finds a good clinical trial for you…

Wishing you the best of luck. My thoughts and prayers are with you.