Update on Curt

For the last several weeks Curt's health has been declining. He's had crummy symptoms of all kinds: no appetite, fever, chills, sweating, coughing, dehydration, chest pain and finally shortness of breath. As of Monday morning he could not walk from room to room without gasping for air. Holly made the decision to take him in to the hospital early Monday. Once at Fairfax hospital they discovered that Curt has been suffering from a pleural effusion. (Definition of pleural effusion: A pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid between the layers of the membrane that lines the lungs and chest cavity.) We were told that a plural effusion is very common in patients with lung cancer. One of the nurses told Holly yesterday that it's caused by the cancer cells leaking or oozing -- which thoroughly grosses me out but I love Curt so I must know about these things. Monday night he was feeling a little better after spending a better part of the day being hydrated.

A pleural effusion is treated by draining the fluid from the chest. Tuesday the doctors did just that. While Curt lay still in his hospital bed they drew out 2 liters of fluid from his chest cavity! Let me repeat that - 2 LITERS OF FLUID. I spoke with Curt right after the procedure and he said he was fine and getting ready to take a nap. Curt was eventually released from the hospital on Wednesday evening.

The doctors informed Holly that Curt will most likely have another pleural effusion and it would need to be drained again. It could happen even as soon as two weeks from now. We will have to keep a close eye on his breathing from now on so that we lessen the chance of an infection or a collapsed lung.

Needless to say my week has been busy working as a support system for Holly. I hope and pray every day that God gives her a break. This is really a hard time and it hurts to see a family in so much pain. Think about them please.