Sending good vibes and prayers your way! Keep us updated.

I would think that the blood markers would show up well before any symptoms.

Hope I'm right!

Mel

I have a friend with Hep C who has ascites. He periodically gets it tapped and immediately feels better. In between, he manages it with diuretics. Please let us know how it goes at the visit.

- Allen

Wishing you both the best and hoping that you get the new issue under control.

Gary's Dr visit didn't go so well. There was fluid in his abdominal cavity and so Dr decided to "tap the keg" right then and there to get fluid for diagnostic and then drain enough to get some level of relief. He had him sitting up for the process and got the diagnostic fluid. Commented that it looked clear, and that was a good sign. That's about the time Gary turned white and passed out cold. He also seemed to be having a lot of trouble breathing. Very scarey to witness. He came to as soon as doc lifted his legs above his hips. He was hooked up to the vital machine and all was fine, but by then Gary was tapped out, so to speak. I brought him home and he's been asleep ever since. He will get a cat scan this week and blood draw next week to determine what's up. Might be a clot in the vein above abdomen (I've forgotten what that's called), and not related to liver mets.
The medonc wants to begin a regimen of novantrone if his PSA has gone up next week.
The Dr didn't think diuretics would help his edema or the ascites much, but I'm not sure Gary will go for another drain after this experience, so I will add a little pressure to at least give it a try, as well as encouragement for adding in zytiga along with the xtandi he is already taking.
For now, I'm holding out hope that the fluid is free of cancer cells and there is another explanation for the ascites.
Thank you all for your words of encouragement today and your continued prayers.
Beth for Gary

Dear Beth and Gary, Known To Us All As "Celebrate Life" ~

I just wanted you both to know I am mindful of everything you are facing right now --- thinking of you both --- sending along a line filled with quiet hope, encouragement, and support right now.

I know you have both crossed many seas together and weathered many storms on your medical journey ---

Stay in touch with us here --- I hope you get some good medical answers for the situations you are facing lately ---

Sending along my care, concern, and compassion to both of you,

"Cyclone Fan" From Iowa State University

TA, as always, thanks so much for good info. Gary didn't get enough fluid out prior to the reaction to get much relief. His stomach still swollen like a basketball. I believe he had some tachycardia going on too, as the reaction was more than a short snooze. It may be difficult to convince him to try again, but we go back in next Thurs for regular appt and his CAT scan is this Fri.
@ Cyclone, I always appreciate your kind words and support. Thank you. I haven't seen too many posts from you lately and I hope you are fairing well.
@ Nashville, I am going to post on your thread too, but please know you are welcomed to the HW family and I hope we can help you through this so you're not feeling so anxious.
Beth for Gary

Hi Beth, I also wanted to offer thoughts and prayers for Gary and yourself. I don´t think cancer can "rapidly" destroy liver, and there are many other issues that could be causing the edema. It can be a lymph blockage, kidney issue, all which can arise with PC. My father has also had edema, but is controlling it with diuretics. He does not have liver invovement and his heart is perfect. Gary is lucky to have you.