August 19, 2004

Surgery is over!

Dr. Takayama just came and gave us the report. Dad's out of surgery. Quick news: the doctor is very happy with the way the operation went. Dad is being moved to the ICU right now, and will probably be knocked out all night. More detailed news: The tumor was larger and had spread farther than Dr. Takayama had expected. It had travelled further up the Inferior Vena Cava, and had grown so that the IVC was distended to three times its normal size. This sounds bad, but in the end turned out to be for the best because it meant that Dr. T was able to cut out sections of the vein and simply close with the existing structure, instead of patching in sections. Currently, his IVC is about the size of a normal one, and is flowing blood normally. It was a bit more difficult than expected because of how high the tumor went. The doctor had to physically flip the liver to the other side so that he could clamp higher up the vein. This is to stop sections from traveling through the heart, and possibly into the lungs. The tumor did come apart into pieces--Dr. T says that some pull right out, but some attach to the vein walls--and this is what happened to Dad. Dr. T said that he felt the inside of vein with his finger and felt no sections of tumor left. They had to scrape some of the interior walls, but despite these complications, he says that Dad's heart is strong, and his lungs are fine. He's expecting him to heal up just fine. But, of course, he's in intensive care for the night, and will probably stay intubated for the evening. The really good news is that the doctor said that if the tumor had gone unchecked, he would have only had a few weeks to a few months before it would have caused a major problem. Dad should be able to start talking tomorrow, and will probably be out of IC tomorrow as well. Of course, you know where to find updates. Thanks again for all of your prayers and thoughts--we're all ecstatic, beat, relieved, and ready for dinner! More to come... Posted by Martin at August 19, 2004 06:49 PM

Hooray! I echo Jennifer's comments....go relax. We'll keep up the praying front for now. You guys have done your job for the evening. Love to you all and kiss the surgeon for me when you see him and kiss Papa Donel for Erin in the morning.

Posted by: Janet at August 19, 2004 06:56 PM

And we all know your dad's heart is strong. Glad to hear it confirmed by a medical authority. :)

Posted by: Janet at August 19, 2004 06:59 PM

WOW - What a day you have experienced!!! We rejoice with you that the surgery is over and we pray for a speedy and complete recovery. Hugs to all of you from Etta and Mike

Posted by: Etta at August 19, 2004 08:25 PM

Wonderful news! What a relief! Now the healing begins. Have a restful evening. I'm sending hugs.
Love, Aunt Linda

Posted by: Linda at August 19, 2004 08:37 PM

I've been thinking about you all day and am so glad the surgery is over. May you rest well this night. Let the healing begin.
Love, Mary

Posted by: Mary Becker at August 19, 2004 09:20 PM

This blog is a terrific idea. The pictures added visual reality to the process. Count on Donel again, to be something of a pioneer. I don't envy his surgery but I am glad for the favorable reports and hope and pray for healing strength during these next days and weeks. Also prayers for the medical team as they care for him and all the other patients there.

Jim Winters
(Retired UCC Clergy)

Posted by: Jim Winters at August 20, 2004 05:04 AM

hugs and kisses to each of you from me. thanks for the postings. it makes it possible for all of us to rally around, too.

Posted by: beth at August 20, 2004 06:30 AM

We are so happy for all of you! We continue to pray for a speedy and complete recovery!

Posted by: Bruce at August 20, 2004 08:27 AM

HALLELUJAH!
We are thrilled with the abundance of good news.
Blessings on all of you as you travel the road to recovery together.
I wandered into the sanctuary yesterday and was drawn to the beautiful Bible placed in front of the pulpit. Curious, I wondered what verses the Bible was opened to and found it was Pslam 106:
"Praise the Lord! O Give Thanks to the Lord for he is good; for his steadfast Love endures forever"
How perfect for yesterday, today and the days ahead!
Big hugs to all of you! And a gentle hug to Donel!
Love, David and Cheryll

Posted by: Cheryll Blair at August 20, 2004 08:29 AM

We're so glad to hear the news! Our prayers continue for all of you. Marilyn, I can hardly wait 'til you get home so I can give you a real hug. Meanwhile...have a virtual one from me to you. Love, Barb S

Posted by: Barb at August 20, 2004 08:35 AM
Comments are now closed, thank you.