First cellulitis, then pleurisy

nita1027
nita1027 Member Posts: 26
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I started off the month of September with cellulitis in my right breast (lumpectomy, late 2009).  That was really freaky, as I'm sure anybody who has had this must know.  My breast surgeon quickly ruled out IBC, thank God, gave me 10 days worth of cephalex and a follow-up visit.  So glad and so thankful that it was 'just" cellulitis.  Interestingly enough, my surgeon denied that the cellulitis was due to my surgery a year ago or due to axillary lymph node dissection...hmmm.....

 Last week I developed pleurisy in my right lung (same side as lumpectomy).  I have to say that I am a lot more concerned about this than I was about the cellulitis...I am due to see my oncologist on Friday, and I am on pins and needles.  I have no symptoms of respiratory infection and the gp I saw to get pain meds and antiinflammatories said nothing alarming on x-ray.  I might be less concerned (ha!), but I have a lingering issue of right paratracheal lymphadenopathy that showed up on a PET/CT after chemo...it's been hanging about not doing much, but no scan since April...

 Would love some reassurance... 

Nita 

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  • squidwitch42
    squidwitch42 Member Posts: 2,228
    edited October 2010

    Nita,

    I don't have a any info to give. But I do have a big strong hug for you. I would need to go do a little research...but most importantly, I will give you a bump so the other ladies can weigh in. Are you across the pond?

    Traci

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  • nita1027
    nita1027 Member Posts: 26
    edited October 2010

    So, tonight, here I sit in the emergency room awaiting the results of a CT scan.  I went to school today (I am a career changing student) and had a horrible pleuritic attack while I was in class.  It was so bad that I thought I was having a heart attack or something equally serious.  I went to my GP who did a d'dimer test that came back with elevated coagulation factors or particles or whatever they are.  They are checking for an embolism...

    Traci, I'm in Mississippi... I just write funnyLaughing

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  • nita1027
    nita1027 Member Posts: 26
    edited October 2010

    So, tonight, here I sit in the emergency room awaiting the results of a CT scan.  I went to school today (I am a career changing student) and had a horrible pleuritic attack while I was in class.  It was so bad that I thought I was having a heart attack or something equally serious.  I went to my GP who did a d'dimer test that came back with elevated coagulation factors or particles or whatever they are.  They are checking for an embolism...

    Traci, I'm in Mississippi... I just write funnyLaughing

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  • nita1027
    nita1027 Member Posts: 26
    edited October 2010

    So, tonight, here I sit in the emergency room awaiting the results of a CT scan.  I went to school today (I am a career changing student) and had a horrible pleuritic attack while I was in class.  It was so bad that I thought I was having a heart attack or something equally serious.  I went to my GP who did a d'dimer test that came back with elevated coagulation factors or particles or whatever they are.  They are checking for an embolism...

    Traci, I'm in Mississippi... I just write funny!  Laughing

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  • nita1027
    nita1027 Member Posts: 26
    edited October 2010

    Results back from CT scan...lungs full of blood clots...they are admitting me to the hospital for at least a couple of days.  First a lovely blood thinning shot, then coumadin...

     Nita 

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  • squidwitch42
    squidwitch42 Member Posts: 2,228
    edited October 2010

    Nita,

    Bless your heart. I am so sorry you are going through this, but glad you are getting on blood thinners. It is just too much sometimes!  Will you let me/us know when you are settled into your room?

    (all of my relatives are from Gulfport and friends in Biloxi, I know your state well.  Ship's Island anyone?)

    just a little joke to hopefully give you a smile, Catfish capital stuff later...

    Hang in there Nita, and so glad you wrote back. You are in my thoughts and prayers my friend.

    traci

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  • Gitane
    Gitane Member Posts: 1,885
    edited October 2010

    Nita,  How I hope that they can get you comfortable quickly and take care of this.  My gosh, how frightening this must be.  Sending warm hugs.

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited October 2010

    Nita, I hop you respond well to the treatment and feel much better soon.

    Leah

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  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited October 2010

    Best of luck Nita.  I am thinking of you and praying.

    XOXO

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  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited October 2010

    Best of luck Nita.  I am thinking of you and praying.

    XOXO

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  • squidwitch42
    squidwitch42 Member Posts: 2,228
    edited October 2010

    Nita,

    Checking in on you, we are all concerned. Prayers for this to get turned around, and for your medical team to be guided in your care.

    Blessings,

    traci

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  • nita1027
    nita1027 Member Posts: 26
    edited October 2010

    Thank you for your prayers.  I am still in the hospital.  The doctor just came in to tell me that my INR has only budged 0.1 points since yesterday so they will increase the coumadin dosage today.  I'm feeling pretty good--I'm breathing deeply enough to talk, but I couldn't run a foot race (or even a walk-race) to save my life.  I told the doctor that the thing I really don't want to do, pray that I don't do, is sneeze...lol...I've had several "near misses" in the last three days and they really hurt.  I think the real thing would be agony...

    Warms wishes and prayers from you ladies mean so much.

    Nita

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  • squidwitch42
    squidwitch42 Member Posts: 2,228
    edited October 2010

    Nita,

    I am sooooooooooo very happy to see your post! Your spirit is strong! I'll stop with the exclamation points soon :) So it's all about titrating right now, eh? and getting many blood draws, boo! I pray for no sneezes, and for this to swiftly turn around. May you have ease of breathing, and a return to health.

    I am part of the Catholic thread, we come from all faiths, and we have prayer on Friday nights. Would it be alright to put your name in for group prayer?

    I am just so relieved to hear your "voice." really.

    (((((((((((((((((((BIG OLD HUG, but a gentle one))))))))))))))))))

    Traci

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  • squidwitch42
    squidwitch42 Member Posts: 2,228
    edited October 2010

    just a little bump, I know there are a lot of ladies who would love to see your post.

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  • nita1027
    nita1027 Member Posts: 26
    edited October 2010

    Traci,

    Thank you so much for your warm wishes and kind thoughts.  I've returned to your posts several times during the day here at the hospital when it's quiet and there are no visitors around.  Please do add me to your prayer list!

    I needed that ((((((((((HUG))))))))))

    Nita 

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  • squidwitch42
    squidwitch42 Member Posts: 2,228
    edited October 2010

    Nita,

    I already did last night :) and will continue.  I'm so glad you are able to log on to the boards while you are there, and nice to know you are having visitors too. I guess they are still poking you every 6 hours or so, but hoping your INR is therapeutic, or more so. Have you had an opportunity to get a sense of what's going on? (no pressure to share...) Let me/us know how to best support you, and I pray that this will all turn around soon. Is your pain any better? I hope they are taking extra good care of you.

    I have always been a big fan of Angels, and there is one in particular, Archangel Raphael who champions healing along with your Guardian, who never leaves your side. I pray for Raphael to stand watch, to give guidance to your medical teams, and to promote healing for you.

    Stay strong my friend.

    ((((((((((((((((((((BIG HUG))))))))))))))))))))

    traci

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  • squidwitch42
    squidwitch42 Member Posts: 2,228
    edited October 2010

    Nita,

    We are praying for you and keeping watch. I pray you are having a better night, and are able to rest comfortably.

    I will check back in the morning.

    traci

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  • squidwitch42
    squidwitch42 Member Posts: 2,228
    edited October 2010

    Hi Nita,

    Checking in, and sending you my hope that you are better today. Looking forwards to seeing your post (hearing your voice) when you can.

    Many Blessings,

    Traci

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  • nita1027
    nita1027 Member Posts: 26
    edited October 2010

    Trying to be patient with the Coumadin titration.  INR only up to 1.4 today.  I'm a little concerned that I might have another clot on the move...new, but now familiar pain in my lower chest and a new one in the middle of my back that feels like I would imagine a kidney stone to feel (only milder).  The doctor told me not to worry about it(?).  He might schedule me for another CT scan...So in the meantime it's either a clot or I'm healing, and if it's a clot, either it will kill me or it won't.  If it is a clot, at least I'm in the right place...All said and done, they are following the protocol for pulmonary embolism to the letter...and I'm alive and thankful for every breath.

    All in all, not a bad day, just a little added uncertainty to raise my anxiety level a little.  Otherwise, spirits are good...and, oh, yeah, I almost forgot to share:  I received my acceptance letter to nursing school yesterday...WOOT!

    Nita 

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  • BetsyP
    BetsyP Member Posts: 79
    edited October 2010

    Hi Nita,

    I was scanning the sight and saw your post and just wanted to say Hi and wish you well! I hope you feel well soon.

    Betsy

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  • squidwitch42
    squidwitch42 Member Posts: 2,228
    edited October 2010

    Hello Nurse!

    So nice to see you post, and before I proceed...Congratulations on being accepted to Nursing School. Proud of you (I can say hokey things like that because I am a Nurse, so there :) I am very thankful that you are there, and that you went to the E.R. when you did. It's hard to just hang around, but it sounds like you are taking it in stride. Hang in there my friend, we are all staying by your side here.

    Traci

    PS, CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN!!!! WOOT WOOT!

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  • KS1
    KS1 Member Posts: 632
    edited October 2010

    Hi Nita -- Have the doctors mentioned the possibility of you going home on low molecular weight heparin while your INR's become therapeutic? Rather than oral coumadin, I give myself a shot of LMWH every day.  The syringes come preloaded, so it's very easy to administer.  LMWH used to be incredibly expensive, but a generic came out a couple of months ago and it is much cheaper (still much more than coumadin).   My hematologist says that LMWH gives more even anticoagulation than coumadin, and I would rather give myself a shot each day than have to go to a lab for a blood test once a week.   

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  • nita1027
    nita1027 Member Posts: 26
    edited October 2010

    I think I may end up going home with Lovenox even after they have titrated the Coumadin to an INR of 2.5 (to be prepared for fluctuations when I get home).  The doctor told me just a few minutes ago to make sure the nurses teach me how to do the injections before I leave the hospital.

    I am happy to say that I likely will be out of here tomorrow.  Today my INR is 2.16.  Surely, at its current rate of increase, it will be 2.5 by tomorrow.  

    I have to say that I am not thrilled with the side effects profile of Coumadin, but I have read very little about Lovenox (or similar) as an alternative.  However, I definitely plan to explore the possibility with my regular docs when I am released from the hospital. 

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  • squidwitch42
    squidwitch42 Member Posts: 2,228
    edited October 2010

    Nita,

    So glad you are "getting out" tomorrow. You have been through so much, and may this be a time of recovery and smooth sailing. I think it's great about the Lovenox, sometimes Coumadin can be such a bear to get and stay in therapeutic range. I know there are some dietary restrictions to consider with Coumadin, I don't remember off hand, but will you please check with the nursing staff about Lovenox? For instance, foods high in Vitamin K (like spinach, and certain greens) will bring you out of therapeutic range (towards clotting.) I'll try and do a little looksy, and I'm sure KS1 might have some good info.

    Happy for you, and thanks so much for updating us.

    traci

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