Day 84 - Echocardiogram Repeat on Dec 1 2011 Results compared to November 2 2011 Echocardiogram - December 5 2011

When the blood clot in my heart was discovered via echocardiogram on November 2 2011, it measured 2.2 x 2.0 cm (see report at the bottom of this post).  My repeat echocardiogram on December 1 2011 shows the clot to be reduced in size to 1.5 x 1.3 cm. I continue on daily Fragmin injections (blood thinner) since November 2 2011.
The MRI of my heart showed the clot to be 1.3 x 2.7 cm. Remember, you can click on the reports below once to enlarge them and twice to original photo size.

The next set of echocardiogram results are from November 2 2011 when the blood clot in my heart was first discovered.

Day 50 - Repeat Echocardiogram Number 3 - November 2 2011

We had to wait quite a while for my echocardiogram which wasn't scheduled until 2:45 PM. A very nice technician named Tracy did my exam.  After she completed the exam, she told me that she wanted to discuss the results with the cardiologist. After awhile, she returned with the cardiologist in tow who told me that I had "moderately large" blood clot in my heart where both my Trifusion Hickman Catheter and Bard Power Port end in my heart.

The doctor described it as 2 cm x 2 cm in size. He said he had consulted Dr. Myint and they wanted me to return to the BIC where I would be given a prescription for Fragmin injections. The cardiologist cautioned me not to exercise and to be cautious when doing steps (go slowly). They also DO NOT want me to have the pulmonary function tests scheduled for tomorrow.

So, back to the BIC we go. They canceled my pulmonary function tests for tomorrow and told me that MRI would be calling me to calling me to schedule an MRI of my heart in the near future. Jani went down to the pharmacy and got my prescriptions which was a long and drawn out deal. When she got back to the BIC, they gave me a Fragmin injection. The Fragmin will not dissolve the blood clot, but will prevent further clot formation. My body will just have to reabsorb the existing clot.

I could have done without this blood clot deal and I hope it resolves~

We finally left UCH at 5:30 PM and drove home to Greeley on dry roads - Colorado is so like that - blizzard one moment and dry the next.

Day 50 - Bone Marrow Biopsy Number 4 - November 2 2011

We checked in for my bone marrow biopsy at noon. Hank, the medical technician, came for me early. The pre-medication of liquid morphine and ativan didn't seem to be doing anything for me - but, I was brave. UCH doesn't use conscious sedation for bone marrow aspirations because they don't want to have to recover you afterwards.

The procedure is uncomfortable and painful at times. I'm just glad it is over. They were able to get a good sample.

 I still think the bone marrow samples look like tiny Shay Railroad spikes.

I won't have the results of the bone marrow biopsy with cytogenetics until next Wednesday, November 9 2011.  Below, Hank and I after the bone marrow biopsy procedure, November 1 2011



Day 50 - Repeat PET Scan - November 2 2011

Found our way down to Radiology and the PET Scan. Everyone was very nice to me in PET Scan and they had the nurse down there access my Bard Power Port (under the skin on my right chest wall) so they could put the radio-dye in for my PET Scan. Afterwards, they had me lay down in a dark cubicle for 30 minutes and asked me to drink oral contrast (tasted TERRIBLE). After another 30 minutes, they put me in the PET Scanner and I asked them why they accessed my Bard Power Port if they weren't putting contrast in it - they didn't know and just said, you're getting it without IV contrast today~ The scan only took 18 minutes. After the scan was completed, the technician was fascinated with all the hardware I have in my left arm secondary to a fall of a ladder in 2002.

I had a terrible headache and was starving when I found Jani in the waiting area. She had a bagel and 1/2 of a turkey sandwich for me and we went down to the cafeteria and got some coffee while we waited for 11 AM. At 11 AM, I went back to the BIC to get my Bard Power Port deaccessed and heparinized. They also give you the pre-medication for the bone marrow biopsy procedure in the BIC (liquid morphine and an ativan pill).

Day 50 - Repeat Tests - November 2 2011

Due to the blizzard warning, Jani and I drove down to the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora and stayed in the SpringHill Hotel across the street on night of November 1 2011. When we woke this morning, we decided we might the right call - lots of snow and blowing!

Snow along Colfax Ave in Aurora, Colorado (above) and Jani digging Bart out of the snow at the SpringHill Hotel (below)

We arrived at UCH early for all of my appointments. As we were sitting in the hallway outside the BIC (place where I get my blood drawn and my Trifusion Hickman Catheter dressing changes), Dr. Han Myint walked by and we had a good visit with him. My next appointment with Dr. Myint is next Wednesday, November 9th.

At 8 AM, I had my blood drawn and my dressing changed by Nurse Cara. My central line looks fine according to her.

My blood results changed a bit from last week with white blood cell count down from 3.6 to 2.9, platelets down from 161 to 160 and my hemoglobin up to 11.9 from 11.8. Still need to be careful and wear my mask in public. And...I'm slowly creeping up on a normal Hemoglobin which would FINALLY take me out of the anemic classification.