Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement.
Dec 16, 2016: Lori was taken by ambulance from her Grandmother's home to the Windom Hospital where it was determined the pain was from a gallstone attack. During an x-ray, nodules were discovered on the lower lobe of the right lung, in addition to thickening of the lining, fluid and partial collapse. She was transfered to Mayo Mankato where 5 days were spent trying to discover the source of the nodules.
Dec 27, 2016: A PET Scan showed improvements to the lining of the lung and fluid. Showed lower activity in cells than expected, but enough activity to warrant further observation.
January 31, 2017: CT with Contrast showed that most of the nodules had remained unchanged. There was now a new finding in the upper middle lobe, this one with abnormal margins (we call it the Octopus). There was also some new lymph node activity that appeared to be viable for biopsy.
Feb 3, 2017: A second gallstone attack (courtesy of the amazing "flaming cheese" served at the 1 year anniversary of the fire at Plaza). Gallbladder was removed on Feb. 4th.
Feb 13, 2017: Scheduled Bronchoscopy to biopsy lymph node. Node had returned to normal size so biopsy was not obtained. Lavages and brushing were done to check for infection, fungus or bacteria. None was found.
April 12, 2017: Repeat CT with Contrast for monitoring and possible CT guided biopsy scheduling. It was discovered that the nodules and the octopus had all grown in size. In addition, lining had thickened beyond what it was in December, and there was fluid in the pleural space of right lung, with higher volume than in December. Lung was collapsing again. A VATS Procedure was recommended to take samples of abnormal tissue from right lung.
April 17, 2017: Fluid was causing extreme pain and shortness of breath. Repeat CT with contrast at Mankato ER showed increased fluid and mass size. Radiology/Cath Lab did a thorosentesis to remove just over half a liter of fluid.
April 25, 2017 Lori met with the surgeon and scheduled a VATS Procedure for Tuesday, May 2nd.
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