On Monday, August 31st 2020, Lucia went to a doctor's appointment for shortness of breath, dry cough and a host of other lesser symptoms. She had tried to see her doctor a week prior but was sent to a "respiratory clinic" to decide if her symptoms were the result of covid. They were not. A week later her symptoms had progressed with no fever. Her doctor heard decreased or non-existent breath sounds in her right lung and noticed that her oxygen was dipping when she walked. If you know Lucia, her oxygen should not be dipping when she walks!
She went to Howard County General where she received X-rays and CT's of her chest. A chest tube was placed to drain her lung. The output was alarming. Nearly 7 litres of fluid over the course of 2 days. A sample of the fluid has been sent out for cytology (to find it's origin and kind). If it returns negative, a thoracic surgery is scheduled to get a biopsy of the affected area in the right lung and to place a more manageable chest tube while awaiting results.
Her loving husband, Bob, her six children and grandchildren are so grateful for everyone who is praying for Lucia. She has such loving siblings, nieces and nephews, friends, neighbors, prior students and teaching colleagues. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers to this point. Please pray for peace, a speedy and accurate diagnosis and quick, targeted and effective treatment.
