OT Back from the pulmonologist

I learned that the pleural effusion is back...I was not too surprised since I was feeling symptomatic again, feeling uncomfortable with shortness of breath during exertion and rest.

The good news is....the pulmonologist believes the effusion is not due to cancer. He believes it caused by my Lupus. He thinks I would be really sick by now if it was malignant. Bloody excudative effusions can be caused both by cancer and lupus. My last bloodwork at my rheumy's showed I was anemic and my sed rate was high.

I see my rheumy at the end of the month and have to return to the pulmonologist in one month...more scans. I'm lucky that I do not need another "draining" at this time. Hopefully this autoimmune issue will resolve itself. Meantime, the plan is to get me weaned down to 20mgs of prednisone...can not wait!!!

I feel like I have a new lease on life and I'm celebrating

Hubby is planning on retiring this coming July and we are hoping to make some dreams come true in Florida.

Thank you again my friends, I'm lucky to have found this fibro family

Hugs, Robin

This is good news! I'm so happy for you. Now to get the autoimmune problems under control. Your rheumy should be able to help with this. I'm doing a happy dance, too!

Sherrine

WOOT WOOT! Such good news! No more moon face, aye girlie? But I loved your moon just the same!

Huggies
Donna

Thanks my friends...I feel like I'm radiating with JOY this morning. :)

Going out with some girlfriends for lunch to celebrate.

I've always been sort of an anomaly...my conditions seem to deviate from the norm, and I end up with strange things like pseudothrombocytopenia due to a chemical in a test tube and other strange stuff.

My pulmonologist said how highly unusual it was for me to show up with bloody pleural effusion almost a year and a half after my lung cancer surgery without it being infectious or malignant. He has never seen it before. My last visit with him, he was in a rush to get me to have exploratory surgery. I questioned it, knowing that lupus was also a consideration, it is a rarer option, but I know how rare I am, lol. I'm glad I do my research! Malignant pleural effusion comes with a very poor prognosis. I did not want to spend going through the recovery of a surgery after I was told that 4-6 months survival was the usual norm for that type of cancer. I feel like I won the lottery!!

Thanks again my friends...hoping you all have a wonderful weekend!!!

hugs, Robin

Yahoo! Love the news! Continuing good wishes and prayers for you, Robin. :)

I'm VERY happy for you, Robin!!  Wow, what a huge relief.

I'm glad you do your research, too!

Hugs, Debbie