Mom's surgery took about 5 and a half hours. Dr Burke came out at 8:30 and gave us the rundown. {Dad might edit this later if I forget something!}
*The tumors were actually bilateral - on both ovaries - not just on the R side as the ultrasound had shown.
*Performed a complete hysterectomy - took ovaries, tubes, uterus, and cervix.
*Removed 'multiple tumors' in abdomen
*Drained 1.5 quarts fluid from abdomen
*Removed omentum (shiny translucent 'sac' that kind of holds your guts in place)
*Removed 2" section of bowel, were able to reattach and should have normal function after recovery time
*Removed whole spleen and 1" section of pancreas
*Stripped diaphragm of cancer nodes
*Drained 1 quart fluid from pleura (sac/space around lungs)
*Nodes were visible in the pleura but were under 1/2cm in size so they were left in place (will be targeted with chemo later)
*Installed a Portacath (sp?) (port where chemo will be administered later)
Mom lost about 1300 cc's of blood, so over the next few days she will probably receive a couple of units. She'll also be getting a lot of fluids to help her body stabilize after having so much drained.
She was sent to a "Step Down ICU" unit tonight for the upcoming 24-48 hours. This will provide more close monitoring than a regular room on the floor, but a little less than a normal high-octane ICU. After she is stable, she will be transferred to a normal room on the oncology floor. (I'm not sure about visitor limitations in the step-down unit, so local people, I'll try to find out and get the word out about visiting!) She will be in the hospital 7 days.
The pathology on all of the tumor sites which were removed should come back in about a week, so hopefully the day before or day of discharge, Dr Burke will have that information as well. That will allow him to start working with Mom & Dad on the treatment plan, including which clinical trials Mom may qualify to participate in.
Now I'm off to bed -- and this has been a VERY long day, so I apologize in advance for any errors in spelling, grammar, or medical jargon. ;-)
Please let us know if there is something we can do. George is the only one of us who is able to donate blood, but if we can specify it's for Cheryl,we will. Sounds like they did a lot. All of you will be in our continued prayers over the next few days and weeks. Travel safely. Aunt Gen, Aunt Marcie and Uncle Charles are praying also. God bless....
ReplyDeletePraying continually. We hope to see you up and around soon, Cheryl. It was great meeting Michelle. It was good to have such sweet fellowship at the hospital during the surgery. Hope we kept your mind at peace, Jud. We heard a beautiful rendition of "It is Well" on Christian radio in the car on the way home. Lord continue to grant your peace.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteContinuing to pray for all of you, but especially for Cheryl and her healing after the surgery. Thank you for the articulate update. May God grant you rest and peace in the next few days.
ReplyDeleteThanks again, Dad & Sis, for keeping up this blog. It's great for getting info out about Mom. I love you!
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