Liquid in stomach and having to be drained?

[SM2006]

It's been a long time. My mother made it to Europe to visit my family. It was very nice. However, on her 3rd day, her stomach bloated so much causing her much discomfort and pain. When she returned to NY, she had 4 Liters drained out. It was amazing. Now she will undergo Chemo every 3 weeks and possibly more liquid drainage. Can anyone tell me how serious this is? Her tumour in her stomach is hopefully being shrinked by the chemo.She said it really hurt after her chemo treatment as that is the medicin trying to kill off the cells. Has anyone undergone this? Her chemo goes through the abdomen directly. I'm just so worried about her. She's hoping to make it to Europe for 3 weeks again, in between treatments. What are her chances? Any help is so appreciated. You are all in my heart and mind as  you go through this. We need to strongly believe in the powers above! Thank you! Peace

[MickeyVicki]

I can tell you that it is serious.  Is it possible for you and your family to visit her, instead of her making the trip to you.  My concern is that chemotherapy patients can suffer unexpected side-effects and results of their treatment.  It is important for her to be near her doctors.  Then again, what are her doctors telling her, and you?

[SM2006]

Thank you so much. The doctors are not in touch with us. Strange but she doesn't seem to want us to be in touch with them. I believe she knows more then we do. I just want to know more,and this website is my only hope. I don't know how final it is when you have liquid in your abdomen, reacurring every 2-3 weeks and need to have it drained? I hear so many different stories. She claims she's happy not to be on chemo daily. That is true. But could you PLEASE let me knwo what I need to expect? it's not so easy for us to go to the US. We live 3 continents away. I'm really worried, I have 2 young children and a husband who's in a VERY busy business. How is this serious? I am worried that at times I'm blinded or my mind blocks the truth of her illness and everyone around me are sounding alarm bells.

[MickeyVicki]

Well, I do not want to upset you, but the situation with her ascites is  serious.  Generally, ascites (the medical term for  fluid in her abdomen) is an indication that organs and/or processes of the body have been severely compromised by the condition. In her case, it is cancer.  However, other diseases, espcially liver disease, can cause ascites.

You are most likely correct in your guess that she is hiding information from you.  She does not want you to worry, as there is not anything 'medical' that you can do for her and she would rather simply enjoy your company. I know that it is difficult, but I can see her reasoning if this is the case.  Why cause everyone worry if there is little to be done about the situation?

A similar situation happened to a co-worker (and his family)  of my ex-husband.  This man was told by his doctor that he had a terminal heart condition.  He told no one, not even his wife, and his "sudden" death from a heart condition was a shock to everyone...then they learned from his doctor at the funeral that the man had known for roughly a year that he could die any day.

I myself, when I was going through the pre-operative testing and planning for my surgery in 2004, never once mentioned to my family that there was a chance the mass could be cancer.  I told my closest friends, but not my own family.

[Gatsby]

She is your mom and she is doing what moms do, protecting you.  Try to be with her as much as possible.  She will tell you when she is ready to.  You and your mom are in my thoughts and prayers.
~Tascha

[NikkiPoo]

Hi, so sorry your mom is going through this I pray that you all get through this well.  If your mom is determined to come visit you should make sure that she brings copies of all of her midical records just in case she were to need to go to hospital while she's there. Better the doctors in Europe know whats going on in case they see her. Hugs to you all..