Update from MD Anderson

Dale had blood work done this morning at 8am. He's moving very slow today and extremely exhausted from yesterday's testing.

After an hour's wait, we met with an Anesthesiologist, Tayab Andrabi. He was very thorough in documenting past surgeries, medications, previous procedures and other anesthesia related events. His review of Dale's condition was good and he expects a great outcome. He discussed complications and also the procedures.

He reviewed yesterday's Cardiac stress test, which looked normal according to him. He also reviewed the cardiac stress test Dale took in May in Victoria and it was normal also.

He noted and showed us on xray a little "collapse" of dad's left lung near the top. Probably from the biopsy - of no real concern to him. He did see the small amount of fluid that will be tested later.

Jackie will call on Friday, Dec. 21 (3-5pm) for his surgery time.

One other blood test was accidentally left off the mornings order, so we'll stop by the lab for that additional blood draw after the thorocentisis.

Dale just got called back for that procedure 5 minutes ago. It should take 30 minutes.

I'll update later with more info on the meeting with Anesthesiologist..right now, I need a cup of coffee!

UPDATE: Dad's thorocentisis is under conscious sedation. After the 30 minute procedure, he will be in recovery for 45 minutes, so our day has been extended! CRAPPOLA!
The doctor performing this procedure was one hour late and then the ultrasound wasn't strong enough to detect the fluid. So off to CT Dale goes to get a CT scan so the doctor can find the fluid. 100cc's later, Dale is in recovery for one hour. After a chest Xray to verify the lungs handled that procedure - he's released! But no, he still has those two pesky add'l blood tests. Now after 15 hours of no food or drink, he's a tad dehydrated and there's a couple of attempt to get blood samples. Finally at 4pm we are out of the hospital and headed home to a delicious meal cooked by Dennis!

I need a Bacardi 8, Diet Coke and a Lime! Perhaps several!