MJ just got out of surgery, and THANK GOD it went well. Dr Krivak was able to get all visible and feel-able tumor out. So he says MJ is now macroscopic tumor free. He did not have to remove any part of her intestines (YAY!). Surgery lasted just short of four hours.
He had to "strip" a fair amount of tumor from under her diaphragm, so this will be quite irritating to the lungs. He also had to remove tumor from much of the peritoneum (the filmy lining of the abdomen). These two things mean that the next 24-48 hours will be rough for MJ. She'll be in the ICU where they will be better able to monitor her fluid balance (the risk is that as a reaction to this much surgery, MJ's body will flood the abdomen and lung lining with a lot of fluid, which they will have to replace with IV's). She's presently on a ventilator, and may remain on it for the rest of today. We can't go back to see her... and even if we could she wouldn't know we were there. They will keep her pretty drugged up for the rest of today and perhaps tomorrow.
So the bottom line is: The surgery went well. They got all the tumor that could be seen or felt. And no indispensable items were removed. So on to the next phase... a day or two in the ICU.
We are taking a break and going home, hoping to return later this afternoon when we can give her a brief hug. We'll keep you posted....
Thank God that no indispensable 'body parts' (MJ's term) had to be removed. So glad the surgery went well and they feel optimistic that macroscopic tumor was removed. Praying for a comfortable and uneventful recovery. Let me know if I can be of assistance in any way.
ReplyDeleteMay you all recover quickly and completely from this intrusion to your lives...and THANK YOU for setting this blog up to keep us posted.
ReplyDeletePrayers continue full force.
Fabulous news. Agree with Joanne -- having this as a resource rocks.
ReplyDeleteMazel Tov! Terrific news about the indispensable parts being preserved. THANKS for the update.
ReplyDeleteSending all of you my warmest wishes and positive vibes from the west coast.
ReplyDeleteJonathan-
ReplyDeleteThanks for the updates..
there is a wonderful website called "lotsahelpinghands" that helps to organize people helping out (visiting/bringing meals/childcare..whatever) Check it out...it would be a great way to gather up everyone's energy and help in a way that works for you.
Love to MJ..when you speak to Zoe.please send her my love too.
Debbey
Jonathan, Thank you for sharing this information. There are so many of us wanting to know how MJ is and how we can help. Please give her my love. Diane
ReplyDeleteOMG, I'm so glad it's over! I'm send more of what I've already sent. Thanks for the complete (even including a photo - those are awesome hands!) report, J!
ReplyDeleteHope you ALL get a rest, Rests, and Toccis, too!
XOXO,
Cousin Scoozie
What's bat time, bat channel, T?
This is vintage Tocci. Just when you are ready to tear your hair out, she succeeds with flying colors! Very impressive, Mary Jane! And what a family she is so blessed with. Thanks so much for the Blog. How did we live without them? Much love, Nicki
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