I talked with Dr Assifi at around 11:45. The surgery was over. Much of what we hoped would happen could not be done because there was too much scar tissue and too much tumor. The surgery did need to happen to take care of the bowel obstruction which would have become an emergency situation eventually (and much better to deal with it before that point). So we were successful on one of the two key objectives. But as the doctor said, "I'm so bummed I couldn't do more."
It isn't entirely clear what this means for recovery. It shouldn't be quite as bad as it would have been after a longer surgery that did more debulking of tumor, but it sounds like a fair amount of trauma was caused trying to get fused things apart and deal with the things that were done. We probably won't know for a few days just how well or how quickly everything will recover. And there is still the same large incision (sternum to pubic bone) and it takes a while for that to heal.
After spending an hour or two in surgical recovery, Penny will be transferred to a regular post-surgery room (no stop at ICU).
Going forward, the first thing will be to recover from the surgery. Then we will need to see what options are available to address the cancer.
Sorry the news isn't better. But don't stop praying now.
Comments
Marie VanderLinde : Scott and I are continuing to pray for healing. You and Penny and your family are loved!
Susan Langeland: We are sorry that all could not be done, Randy. It’s so good you have the surgeon you are familiar with and can trust to have done all he could. We continue to pray. Bob and Susan