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Simcoe's New Math 1 + 1 = 3
First and foremost, we are thankful to Almighty God that
Kent came through the surgery OK.
| 1 |
They started out with the
spinal tumor. It is in the spinal cord. They were able to remove a piece
of it to biopsy, but could not remove the whole thing without risking
permanent damage. They did however, grind out a space in the vertebrae to
give enough leeway to relieve some of the pressure and handle any growth
of the tumor until they can attack it from another angle (most likely
either chemo or radiation). They are hopeful that he will regain some of
his functionality. The biopsy was inconclusive as to the origin of the
tumor which they originally thought might be breast tissue.
|
| +1 |
They flipped him over on the
operating table and took a core biopsy of the lump in the breast. I did
not get a report back from the surgeon on that one yet so we don't know
what to expect there.
When we caught up with him, he was alert and in some
pain, but looked great considering what he had been through. Linda and I
left him to get ourselves some lunch.
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| 3 |
Later we found out that while he was on the
operating table his legs swelled up. They put pressure cuffs on the calfs
and thighs so they could finish up. They moved him to the Neuro Intensive.
Care Unit where they did a venous ultrasound.
Results showed clots on the left from ankle to
thigh. On the right, there are clots from ankle to knee. The immediate
concern was that if he threw a clot it could stop his heart so they
installed a filter in the vena cava to catch anything before it could
reach the heart or lungs. The device was described as an umbrella (very
small of course) that is inserted via a catheter through a small incision
in the groin. Quick procedure with a local. In fact, he got to watch the
fluoroscope as the catheter wound it way to the target area. When they got
to where they wanted to be, they pushed the "umbrella" out the
catheter and opened it up. It catches on the wall of the vein and blocks
any clots from traveling northward. He came back to his room with a look
of relief.
The clots did not form during surgery. They were
discovered during the surgery. Apparently, they had been forming for quite
some time. We think that they may actually have been there since the
initial complaint to the doctor in March when Kent was told the left leg
was "inflamed" and was given a 2 week course of Vioxx. |
We left him this evening in good spirits and somewhat
tired (or is that Sally's projecting?) and ready to get a good night's sleep.
It's been a scary day. I'm looking forward to getting some
rest tonight since I will be getting doctor's updates tomorrow and we should
have a better idea what to expect. Stay tuned for step 2.
In the meantime, he is in intensive care and they do not
allow cell phones in there, so for the present, he is in communicato. While I am
visiting, I have to turn mine off (916-223-1499), but if you try to call, leave
me a voicemail with your number and I will call back when I can.
Thanks to all for your letters of love, prayer and
support. They are very much appreciated.
Love,
Greatly Relieved
Sally
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