Successful surgery yesterday!

Bermudagirl
Bermudagirl Member Posts: 114
in Esophageal Cancer #1
Dave had his THE at Hopkins yesterday with Dr.Yang. What was supposed to be a relatively straight forward procedure was fraught with complications, and was 9 hours long, but in the end successful.

First problem, the stomach was not a good candidate to fashion the new esophagus out of. It did not have good blood flow, so Dr. Yang quickly took that down. On to plan B. Let's use the colon. Well... that didn't work either. Of course using the colon meant that 2 other surgeons joined the case and worked to free the colon for Dr. Yang to use. So in essence we've got colon surgery going on in addition to the THE! They harvested alot of the colon, so took another section, which ultimately worked.

To make a very long story short he is now doing great! Doctors are thrilled with his progress. In ICU but hope to go to a private room tomorrow. He is in a fair amount of discomfort, but managing that with an epidural and IV meds. We're told the first day is the worst.

If anyone is looking for a recommendation for a surgeon and hospital, we have nothing but superlatives for Dr. Steven Yang and Hopkins in Baltimore. If you have any questions I'd be glad to help!

Sandy

Comments

  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,391 Member
    #2
    Great to hear that Dave is doing well today
    I am so glad to hear that Dave is doing well today. Normally the epidural and other pain medications work pretty well for the first two or three days. With the incisions and all the tubes sticking out of him I am sure it is uncomfortable just to move around. I was not in too much of a hurry to leave ICU because they take really good care of you there.

    But moving to a regular room is nice as well because then there are less restrictions on visitors.

    Hoping things continue to go well for Dave.

    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams
    McCormick, South Carolina

    DX 10/22/2009 T2N1M0 Stage IIB
    12/03/2009 Ivor Lewis
    2/8 through 6/14/2010 Adjuvant Chemo Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
    Two year survivor

    Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!
  • preacherchad
    preacherchad Member Posts: 60
    #3
    That is fantastic news!! I
    That is fantastic news!! I am so happy things worked out. We will continue to pray for a speedy recovery.
  • ShellyAS
    ShellyAS Member Posts: 24
    #4
    Surgery
    I am so glad to hear the surgery went well! My husband had complications during his as well and it lasted over 17 hours!

    Wishing him a speedy recovery!

    Shelly
  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
    #5
    After all of that,it's
    After all of that,it's amazing he's doing well. He was blessed to be at a hospital with doctors that can handle this kind of complications. So glad he is doing well.
    Praying for him and you,
    Sandra
  • jaycc
    jaycc Member Posts: 122
    #6
    Wonderful news
    Wonderful to hear Sandy, thanks for sharing.
    We will keep you in our thoughts for a healthy speedy recovery.

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