ELizabeth is in the hospital

Dad here.
Well, the cough and fever was not from being “sick” or from the Chemo. Elizabeth went in for the regular Chemo, but it seemed the cough and shoulder pain was likely something else. Emilie had emailed what was going on over the weekend, so they went straight to examining Bethie. Here breath sounds were diminished on the right lung , so first order of business was to get an x-ray to see if anything presented. The results of the x-ray showed what looks like an abscess at the base of the right lung.

With that, they set up for a CT to be done right away. Well, 5 hours later right away. But with insurance approvals, getting a slot for the CT, debating over whether she needed contrast, etc., it was quick.

After that, Elizabeth was started on some IV antibiotics. Since day hospital was closing up, it was time to get admitted to the main hospital. So, she spent the night up on 4th floor east with Mom. Then another 3 or 4 IV antibiotics were ordered as well. Looks like it will be a several day stay at the minimum.

Dr. Marcio is leaning towards it being an abscess, but right now he can not rule out tumor based on the CT. It is likely that it is either post surgical related. But, it may also be some small bile leakage or several other possibilities. Dr. Stein, her last surgeon, will be taking a look at it to give some recommendations. But, the next step will be at a minimum a biopsy of the fluid for cultures. And some surgical options are also possible. We should have an idea of the next step today or tomorrow.

More updates to come as we get them.