help with tapping

[Conners]

I am Stage II Recurrent and just had my 2nd chemo out of 6, carbo/taxol. My stomach is constantly hurting and swollen.  I have no  appetite at all. I have a 6cm. tumor with CA125 at 47 in April, 82 in May and now 102. The doctor told me she could have my stomach tapped. Does this hurt? Who performs this procedure? Would the pain I have be from the tumor or from the fluid build up. Is the fluid always ascites?  I have a CT Scan in three weeks, would the tapping affect my results? I need your help. Thank you.

[onthemendmomma]

I had "tapping" as part of my debulking. The result was a jp tube which was a straw like tube that allowed the excess fluid to come out. I'm not going to lie...although this wasn't painful (in fact it alleviated a great deal of discomfort from the ascites) it wasn't pleasant. This was just after my diagnosis and so the whole idea of being sick was new to me and I wasn't prepared for this tube coming out of my tummy. I they can also do a tap where they just let the fluid out then close the punctured area back up. Niether are as painful as they are just "freaky"...but each time they did alleviate pain for me anyway. I hope this helps.
As for the fluid effecting the CT scan results I'm not sure if more liquid would give them a better image or not...but who cares if you are suffering for 3 extra weeks and you don't have to be.

all the best,
Christina

[dian07]

I can't respond with experience, but, from what I have read,  there is tremendous relief  after being tapped.  I have read about some discomfort, however, some women have said when the radiology dept. performs the procedure it is a piece of cake!  I hope you are able to get relief and soon!
Peace.
dian