Fear - Day 4

Traci was admitted to Kaiser in Woodland Hills on Thursday, with the pain in her chest the primary concern of her bone marrow transplant doctors. She was scheduled for a chest x-ray and a CAT Scan as preliminary diagnosis based on the symptoms indicated a possible blood clot, and/or a possible infection.



The pain was coming from Traci's right side of her body, at around the middle of her chest, just off of her breast. The chest x-ray was inconclusive on that side of her body, but on the other side, it identified Pneumonia on her lung, as well as two spots that the radiologist identified as "Nodules." This was highly concerning given that Traci's cancer began as Lymphoma, with a tumor that appeared near her lungs, and the symptoms were relatively similar (shortness of breath, difficulty breathing). But she wasn't coughing this time around, and she should no evidence of infection either having no fever. Her blood counts were low however, and a blood transfusion was ordered.



The CAT scan later revealed that she did indeed have a blood clot on the side of her body that was causing pain, and she was admitted shortly after the discovery, and blood thinners were ordered. Unfortunately, this was a remedy that had to be administered as a shot, and into her stomach. A very painful injection that is required twice a day for the time being.



On Saturday, Traci underwent a successful broncioscopy to help determine more about her pneumonia, and help the doctors better determine which antibiotics will be best suited to fight her infection. Later in the day, she was scheduled for an ultrasound on her lower extremities, but because of the wounds on her legs, and the tightness of her skin, the technician was unable to actually perform the ultrasound. It was a tough day.

Today was actually a good day in that it was very uneventful. Traci was able to catch up on her lost sleep for the most part, and feels considerably better. We're hoping that the run of good health continues, and that the healing can begin. We're still not certain as to exactly when she'll be able to return home at this point, but we're hopeful that she will, and do so soon.