Stage IV ??

My husband has stage 4 stomach cancer and 2 small lesions on liver. They drained fluid from stomach  in Jan. 09 which told us he had cancer. He  has been through 5 chemo treatments was retested after 3rd treatment and no change but we looked at it as good news because the cancer has not spread. His stomach filled up with fluid again and they drained 7.4 liters on Tues. and was told there was alot of blood in the fluid. We will see Dr. this Tues for results but radiology tech told him this is good news because it sounds like the chemo is killing the cancer cells which is making them bleed. Has anyone ever had this happen or ever hear of this?

I'm gonna be sick over this till we see the doctor for results.

Thanks for any info

Diane

I hate that you have to wait until Tuesday to see his doctor! I think so many Oncologists are immune to the urgency that we feel when cancer is in our lives. How we need to know what a symptom means, even if it is bad or good news. I know that I've read of people experiencing the fluid buildup and having it drained, but never with blood...or what that could mean. I'm so sorry that I'm not any help.... but I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. -amy

My sister started having to have a lot of fluid drained off her abdomen as well but I never heard of it having blood in it.  First off, the radiology tech should have kept their mouth shut and not said anything.  That may sound harsh but I was a rad tech and you're taught that you don't diagnose.... you could be wrong.  I think they were way out of line to have even said anything... good or bad.  

I know how hard it is to "wait and see". I went through this with my sister and it's painstakingly hard.  However, worrying is not going to change anything and only drive you crazy over the weekend.  You will need to try to busy yourself with other things during times like these and try your best to keep your mind off of your worries... if you start to worry then replace that thought...distract yourself best you can with something else.   I know it's hard. Believe me... I know.

Keep us posted.

Tracy

Just a bit of advice.  We as patients can drive the process.  My wife who had stage IV has quickly learned to scheduled diagnostic testing early in the week to ensure results are back during the week and prior to the weekend.  Dont settle for following their scheduled demand results are read and interpreted immediately and that the results are communicated to all parties.  We have found that they will respond to polite dictation based on the 'patients' need. 

We also always follow up with the testing site to ensure that the results have been interpreted and forwarded to our primary care physician and oncologist and then we follow up with the oncology office to ensure that they have received them. 

Drive the process and you will have less aggrevation waiting.

Steve (aka momwithkids)