Ablation Update

[BrownBagger]

I had the ablation done on my left lung in NYC on Tuesday, then got chemo on Wednesday, back home. I was just relaxing following my infusion, when I noticed some weird kind of thing going on under the skin of my throat. It didn't hurt at all, but I thought it might be an infection of some sort. So, I went back to the infusion center and they told me that I have what's called Crepitus. It just means air under the skin. Apparently my incision started to leak, probably because I had developed a rather scratchy throat post-beaching tube, and was enduring sporadic coughing spells. I got ahold of an IR doc down at Sloan (Dr. Erinjeri), who suggested that I get a chest X-ray asap, which I did. The local radiologist said I had a small pneumothorax and evidence of air in my chest cavity, but that I could go home and come back in the morning for another look-see. Went back this morning expecting to be admitted, but they told me to go home and relax.

So, I'm cool.

You gotta love cell phones when dealing with different doctors at different hospitals in different cities. Now it's so easy for them to communicate and coordinate--assuming they're so inclined.

The RFA procedure itself went well. I had a bit more pain post-op than I expected, since the other two were essentially painless, but they pumped some fentanyl into me and that took care of the pain. It didnt come back. We showed up at the hospital on time at 11:30 and were back on the street again by 5:00. They discharged me based on two good X-rays, but that was before I started hacking.

[Crystald]

Sounds scary as hell.

Glad all is good & you are home. Rest easy.

[CRguy]

Glad it's all heading in the right direction bro' ..... and you did the right thing by getting on top of it and getting back to the docs !!!!
(( just a bit of mild preaching to those folks who sometimes do the old " should I stay or should I GO" dance ))

SubQ emphysema / crepitus can be self resolving if the source is self limiting .. the body reabsorbs the air and heals
BUTT if there is an ongoing leak you needs your docs !!!!
sounds like you are getting great care and follow up 'cos a pneumothorax is NOT to be messed with at home .... until they know it is stable.

and ... this IS the one time we can really say " yup he really was full of hot air "
I'll go now

Cheers and Harmony ....
keep healing gently
CRguy

[stu]

Hi.
Glad to hear your making progress. I have been following your approach closely and I am delighted RFA has been successful for you despite this reaction. I just learnt today RFA has stopped at our cancer center . Hoping it starts up again soon.
Take care,
Stu

[Ajane]

BB, I'll never forget how you were the first to respond to my initial panicky post almost 2 1/2 years ago. It meant the world to me as I was trying hard to get a grip. Although I haven't responded to your posts, I've always followed you closely. Sorry this ablation didn't go as well this time. Nothing like expecting the unexpected. So glad you're home and doing okay. Jane

[eleven11]

I'm glad you're ok. Are you NED now?

[DarknessEmbraced]

I'm glad your doing well.*hugs* That issue with the skin in your throat would have been scary.

[stevieb]

Glad you are doing better, I have two cryoablation a this week at MDA. One Monday and the other on Tuesday. Been following in and given hope! Thanks!

[NedPlease]

Glad that issue is resolved and you're healing well. Always good to hear how well- how smart- you navigate cancer.

I learn from you and am inspired by you.

Thanks and continued healing,
N

[Badass]

Hi BB,
I've been thinking about you this week and glad to find this report. Sorry you had a curve ball and pain but glad that you feel things are under control. I hope the ablation left you NED and you are back on your bike asap!

Hugs and Sushi,

Jane

[Val*pal]

Hope all of your side effect symptoms are gone soon, BB.

[Phuong]

Any bets on how long before BB is out chopping wood or on his bike again? Glad that things are headed in the right direction BB.

[CRguy]

Hey sista'
.... he'd get back to you if he were NOT out on his bike and doing the Paul Bunyan thang ...

come ON ... dis' is da BBagger !!!!!

Cheers and Harmony
CR

[mariane]

Best for you!

[juliej]

Crepitus? That sounds a little unnerving. Glad they came up with a quick diagnosis. I know I would have been flipping out, especially right after an RFA procedure. Sometimes things like that seem like the perfect storm (possible cough/cold + RFA procedure + chemo) and you never know which thing set it off. Hope you're feeling better and it contines to resolve itself without intervention.

I'm in the city today. Scan results were clear! CEA is holding steady at .7

There was a big military presence in the subway and on the streets last night. They are all assembling for various Veterans Day parades on Wednesday. Got a few offers to go out for drinks, but I politely declined (sorry, boys, I have a CT scan tomorrow!).