Skip to main content

CT Scan Results for ER admission 2-22-14


This is the Final Report results of the scan they did on his admission to the ER.

******* Please note that my explanations of things like bilirubin are from a non-professional point of view. If there is a problem you are researching for yourself or a loved one, please do more research and consult your doctor.

They found a 5 x 5-inch mass causing havoc in my son's body.

Findings:
There is a large low-density mass that is centered in the mesentery this extends into the right lobe of the liver as well as the left lobe of the liver and extends and compresses the right kidney and extends into the retroperitoneal and prevertebral soft tissues this mass measures up to 12.5 cm in the AP diameter and 11.7 cm in the craniocaudal dimension. This mass is causing significant intrahepatic delayed ductal dilation. The pancreas appears to be displaced inferiorly.

The IVC is compressed.   (Of course, we didn’t understand this at the time, but this fact will be Mathew’s nemesis.)

There is a trace right-sided pleural effusion noted.

The mass appears to compress and possibly invade the right kidney.

There is more, but this gives you an idea.


While I am being technical, I will mention that Mathew’s lab work on his admission date had his bilirubin at 7.5. 

FYI Bilirubin is a reddish yellow pigment made during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Normal levels vary slightly from lab to lab; they range from about 0.2 – 1.2 mg/dL.

In Mathew’s case, his bile ducts were blocked and his liver invaded by the tumor causing the high bilirubin. This was the reason for his red urine.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Replace the 3 Lumen Pic Line with a Port

Mathew's 3 Lumen Pic Line was replaced with a Power P.A.C. Both Mathew and I were given Medical I.D. cards to carry at all times. I have mentioned before that texting from the DRC is almost impossible. The staff told me it used to be the X-ray department so the walls are leaded. Again, the phone tree would have helped so much. I texted the following information to my niece, my sister and Mathew’s Dad and Stepmom. And probably Joseph and Carlos. I know that could have been reduced to two texts, three at the most. At the time  I didn’t know about group messaging as my phone was an old Android. Texts Between me and Diane Hi. We are at the hospital early because Mat is in a lot of pain.  We think the bill stent may have moved. Sent 3-31-14 Because he was NPO for other  procedure they should be able to fix today. Sent 3-31-14 In the DRC sending texts is almost impossible so if you don’t hear from me for a while don’t worry. If ...
Post a Comment
Read more

A Cancer Poem by Mathew Rodgers 2014

From Mathew’s Journal 4-5-14 “I lie awake in my pain bed metallic noises chirping from my strange computer  companion”
Post a Comment
Read more

Hair Loss After Chemo for Sarcoma, My Son's Point of View

I can't imagine or pretend to know how it feels to lose your hair because you have cancer and the chemo causes your hair to fall out.  I only know what I saw with Mathew and years ago, my sister Elizabeth's experience as they lost their hair to chemotherapy. But it was something that affected Mathew more than just the initial hair loss, it had nuances. Here is a journal entry. It's short but I think it speaks volumes. MATHEW’S JOURNAL     5-23-14 Lately, I’ve been envious of people’s hair. Well, I guess not envious of other people’s hair but missing mine. I told my Mom about it and expressed to her that I was afraid I was falling prey to vanity. She expressed the idea that I may be missing having hair because it’s part of being healthy. I do miss having a life and at the same time, I’m afraid that I may never have a full life again or that I may lose what’s left of the one I have. -  I’ve been thinking about dying a lot lately. I don’t know wh...
Post a Comment
Read more