Same Room, Same View, Different Day

Hello!

I apologize for the lack of details with what's happening with Chad, I am aware that it is causing a lot of anxiety and extra worry for some of you. I ask for your understanding and patience as we are trying the best that we can to get information to you but as some of you may know, getting information in a hospital is not always easy, there is an extensive amount of wait time for everything. Please trust in us and know that if we haven't shared an update here it is because we simply don't have one. I try very hard to be prompt and give as many details as I can here but there are times when it is just out of my control and this is one of those times.

I will attempt to give you a Cliff's Notes version of events up to this point.

As I mentioned in a previous post I had been observing Chad closely and taking notes and noticing some changes that were worrisome. The biggest red flag was what started as a little round belly in a photo from his birthday weekend. It seemed odd so I called and asked and was told to keep an eye on it as it could be a sign of distention. I continued to check in with his team as the belly kept growing, his vomiting increased, his fatigue increased, his color became off and finally he started to become winded by taking a few short steps so I was finally advised to take him to the emergency room Friday afternoon. It was confirmed that Chad was suffering from ascites (fluid accumultaion) in his belly and he was admitted to the James. Dueto Chad's type of cancer and the areas that it is located he was not eligible for what is commonly referred to as a "blind tap" or a paracentesis that is based solely on anatomy. Chad required an interventional radiologist to do his procedure so that the entry point was precise and did not cause further complications. For that reason he could not have it done until Monday. On Monday 5 liters of fluid was withdrawn from his stomach. Since this was his first time having this procedure they were required to stop at 5 liters as a precaution and a large amount of fluid had to be left in. While Chad did feel immediate relief after the procedure, unfortunately the fluid began to reaccumulate within a few hours and his belly is big and swollen again. Another paracentesis so soon was not an immediate option as it could cause serious damage to some of his organs but we are closing in on 48 hours since it was done and they may be able to do it again soon once the attending oncologist, the nephrologist, his current oncologist and pathology have all had a chance to confer. Pathology is involved because they need to find out exactly what the fluid was that they took out and if it contains malignancies. 

The attending oncologists here at The James told us that the fluid leaks are directly related to Chad's cancer. Fluid normally leaks from blood vessels and is normally reabsorbed by the body but in Chad's situation that is not happening. They believe that the chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin that Chad had been receiving was keeping this problem at bay but since he was taken off of it a few weeks ago it has gone uncontrolled and lead us to this point. Lots of things have to be discussed and considered and there are many factors to weigh as far as what to do going forward.

As you may have guessed this fluid build up has caused other issues that have to be dealt with such his kidney and bowel function, his lab levels are not great in a few areas and the feeling of fullness, bloating and nausea has caused him to not be able to hold down any food or fluids. They have improved his dehydration via IV but he has not been able to keep down much more than a few sips of water at a time. While we wait to find out the next steps Chad is being treated for these symptoms and trying to get his levels back on track. Since we are still waiting on a lot of information to come back to us I do not feel confident that Chad will be released today but it's still early and things change quickly around here.

I hope that this information helps some of you understand what is happening. While we are all very appreciative of all of your texts, messages and calls  of concern I have to again ask that you please refer to this page for updates. Words of encouragement and prayers are welcomed but I cannot keep replying to you all individually to answer your questions. It has become a hardship that is taking an emotional toll on me that I can't afford to have right now. My focus needs to be on Chad. I know that a quick text to ask if we've heard anything yet or when Chad will get released or what's happening next seems very harmless, and in the grand scheme of things really is harmless, it's when I'm juggling 10-15 of those a day while here at the hospital that it becomes too hard to handle. I ask for your understanding & your forgiveness as I will not be able to answer those messages for now. You have my word that we will keep you as informed as possible.

I ask with sincere love and appreciation for all of you that you please keep Chad in your prayers and send good vibes, positive thoughts & upbeat juju our way. Thanks in advance.

Love, Aja