14 August 2003

Liddy was moved from the ICU to the Neurological Patient floor on Wednesday.  She is showing some of the side effects of the operation such as swelling around the eyes. The X-rays showed a significant pleural effusion due to the large tumor in her lung (the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space). Her oncologist wanted to deal with this as quickly as possible and, in consultation with the pulmonary specialists at the hospital, ordered the insertion of a vacuum-assisted chest tube to drain the fluid. This was done just as the extensive electrical blackout hit the northeast and we (Tom, Bev and Bruce) were forced to leave the hospital shortly after the tube was inserted. She is experiencing both discomfort and pain from the tube. We checked on her several times by telephone. The oncologist believes the tube will be in for several days. She is currently using a "walker" and will enter a rehabilitation program as soon as the chest tube is taken out.

Copyright © 2003 The Shriver Family: Last modified: 12/14/03.