My husband was admitted to hospital three weeks ago after suffering from a cough that he had had for 4 wks. I made an appointment for the GP who prescribed him some antibiotics and asked him to go to the walk in x-ray clinic.
After the x-ray, the radiographer followed him out and said we had to go straight to A & E because there was fluid on his lung. In A & E we saw the doctor who asked him if he had ever been in contact with asbestos. Neither of us could think of of any contact. I saw the x-ray and realised that his right lung cavity was almost full of fluid. I had seen pleural effusions before having been a senior staff nurse on a medical ward.He was admitted immediately.
That was on the Saturday. They did an ultrasound and on the Tuesday morning they drained one and a half litres of fluid off and said that he could go home and come back the following week for a thorocoscopy and pleural drainage.
He went in the following Thursday evening and a drain was put in and 5 litres was drained off straight away. They also did a pleurodesis. A following 3 litres drained and they took the drain out on the Tuesday. when the consultant saw him, she said the results were inconclusive and we would receive an appointment to go back and see her. I didn't beleive her.
This Wednesday we went for the appointment and I knew it wasn't good news when there was a respiratory nurse sitting in with the consultant.
Mesothelioma, my worst fear. Then came the folder with all the Mesothelioma information. Then came the folder with all the information on Mesothelioma. They have asked him if he would like to take part in a radiotherapy trial on the drain wound site. He is not keen. The Oncologist said that there is no proof as yet that it is beneficial. I don't know what to think.
He is quite matter of fact... on the surface and is determined that he has years to live. I hope so.
I feel utterly shellshocked and it is so hard to carry on as normal. The tears flow when I'm alone and I'm sure he is trying to pretend that he is OK.
He keeps saying that it's not fair, but not for himself, for me. I have told him that he doesn't have to be sorry and we will get through this together.
