Adding another bump in the road…

December 9, 2012 by Jenn Lindsey

Hi All –

Jenn here 🙂 I wanted to post an update so you’d all know what’s been going on the past few days since Hunter’s post last week. We had an appointment with the oncologist on Friday because there was a weird “clicking” noise in Hunter’s chest whenever he was in a certain position. His physical therapist heard it on Thursday and thought it best for us to have it checked out. Needless to say, the clicking wasn’t happening at our appointment, but the nurse practitioner ordered an EKG and chest X-ray just to be safe. The EKG was fine. The X-ray on the other hand, showed a small hole in each of his lungs, so he was admitted and put on oxygen. Not quite what we were expecting (who does expect to hear they’ve got holes in their lungs?!) and doesn’t seem to have anything to do with the “clicking” noise (which hasn’t returned since), but at least it was caught before it turned into a major problem. They assured us that the holes sounded scarier than they really were, and were fixable without major surgery. The technical term for what was going on is a pneumothorax, or collapsed lung. His aren’t fully collapsed, and to give you a visual idea in looking at his X-rays, his lungs looked to be about 85% expanded in his chest cavity, with the escaped air surrounding them.

He was put on oxygen and had more X-rays taken Friday night and Saturday morning so they could determine whether the holes were getting larger or not. They also did a CT of his chest to get a better view. More waiting. Fortunately he wasn’t having any symptoms from the holes – no shortness of breath or pain when breathing, so he wasn’t experiencing any additional discomfort than the usual. Last night they talked to us about the possibility of inserting a chest tube to draw out the air that had escaped his lungs into the chest cavity, which would in turn allow his lungs to expand to their full size again. More waiting overnight, and another X-ray this morning determined that they would be inserting the chest tube in only the left side, as the hole on the right side hadn’t gotten any larger. As it stands now, he should be having the procedure tomorrow morning, and then it takes a day or two for the lungs to expand again, which in turn should cause the holes to seal themselves as well.

At this point we don’t have an exact reason why the holes formed, but hope to see our oncologist at some point tomorrow. Hunter will be posting in much greater detail at some point after we’re back home. On a more positive note, at least it seems that his energy level is starting to perk back up now that he’s on the upswing from the first chemo treatment. Two weekends in a row spent at the hospital… we’re keeping our fingers crossed that we can stay away from there next weekend!

Thanks again to all of you for your continued support and words of encouragement. It really helps so much 🙂

Posted in Uncategorized | 18 Comments

18 Responses

on December 9, 2012 at 8:15 pm | Reply Jenifer Ford

Oh Jenn, you guys just can’t get a break. Thanks for posting this – I’m sure you’ve got so much going on and your thoughtfulness is amazing. As always, you guys are in my thoughts and prayers. If you need an ear I’m here.
on December 9, 2012 at 8:26 pm | Reply Clifford M. Denny

I had one of those things in 1958 in Atlanta — Spontaneous Pneumothorax.
It reabsorbed after bed rest – no tubes. The Engineers at the Ga Tech infirmary with its creaky wooden floors did the trick. Wrecks can do anything.
Reception at Ft Knox tried to keep me out of the Army because of it after I had enlisted to escape the draft in ’63. That Dr. was incredulous and finally passed me on.
Yes, this IS a bump in the road. I trust it’s just a small bump.
Uncle Cliff
on December 9, 2012 at 8:32 pm | Reply Katie

Wow, I’m sure you guys must be getting tired of going to the hospital! I sure hope it all goes smoothly and those lungs get all filled up again. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.
on December 9, 2012 at 8:45 pm | Reply Fred Coppell

Hunter/Jenn: You are in our prayers. – Fred and Ellen C.
on December 9, 2012 at 9:03 pm | Reply Gena Sloan

Bless you both. Wish I could help with the boys. Hope you are home soon. Gena Sloan
on December 9, 2012 at 9:15 pm | Reply Amy and Chad Treadwell

Not exactly a fun weekend away from the kids…. We are thinking positive thoughts- hugs from Texas.
on December 9, 2012 at 9:21 pm | Reply joan and skip stalloch

Jenn,Hunter,and boys we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
One of our vists to a hospital ER involed our oldest son having rib/lung issues.
It was scarry but he did heal and did not spend too long in the hospital. Hope the same thing is true for Hunter.
on December 9, 2012 at 10:28 pm | Reply Jadelle and Rich comitz

Thanks Jenn for posting this. You are in our constant thoughts. Hugs, Jadelle (and Rich and kids too.)
on December 10, 2012 at 6:41 am | Reply Sarah

continuing to pray for you both Jenn. Hope the holidays bring you both a much needed break from the hospital and time with your kids.
-Sarah
on December 10, 2012 at 10:25 am | Reply Mary Peterson

Jenn,

Sorry to hear you have had another hurdle, but hopefully something good will come from all of these new issues. I am still praying for a miracle. You are a gift to each other, and I know your trust in God will keep you strong. Thanks for keeping us posted.

Take care!
Mary
on December 10, 2012 at 5:46 pm | Reply Michaele

Prayers are sent to you and your family. Both of your courageous and fearless attitude is so amazing……..God bless you and your whole family and I hope there will be a small miracle for your husband! Sincerely, Michaele
on December 10, 2012 at 8:16 pm | Reply Dee DeFoor

Jenn, I was so sorry to read this latest medical challenge. Thank you for posting this update, as I can only imagine this was not easy news to have to relay. Prayers are streaming for quick resolution and discharge home!!!
on December 10, 2012 at 9:17 pm | Reply Rhonda

Thinking about you today and hoping for better news–and more time at home for you both!
on December 11, 2012 at 8:22 am | Reply John Schaefer

Sending prayers to you all from VA. Thank goodness for Hunter’s Running Lungs. God Bless and hope this weekend is Hospital free.
on December 11, 2012 at 1:20 pm | Reply Charlie Teague

I wanted to post something witty, but, as Hunter would say, I got nothin’. Jenn, I hope you’re taking care of yourself as well through this. You always knew he was high maintenance, but please let us know if you need anything (spa day, bag to scream into, etc). Love you guys!!
on December 12, 2012 at 5:34 am | Reply jean driskell

We are following your blog faithfully and praying for you every morning. Hang on to that rope(no pun intended). Warm hugs to you all!
Love Jean and Ken
on December 12, 2012 at 7:29 pm | Reply Steele & Co.

Jenn, You are a trooper. I can only imagine these hurdles. If we can do anything…. Your brother is back in Michigan for two wks. So, Steele and I are sending all our love and prayers from NY. He wishes he could be there with Ben and Jack. Thanx for keeping us posted and giving me a reason to turn on this darn computer every day. I’m starting to get used to this. =) We love you guys, miss you all, and wish we were there to help you.
on December 13, 2012 at 2:47 pm | Reply Daniel Haslam

Hang in there Hunter! We continue to think of you and your family. Hope you and your family get to enjoy the rest of the Holiday season without any other surprises!