Surgery update

MRL706
MRL706 Member Posts: 9
edited March 2014 in Esophageal Cancer #1
Well hello gang,
I just wanted to give you all an update on what I’ve been up to this past couple of weeks.
On March 8th I had the MIE (Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy) by Dr. James Luketich at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh, PA. Although this operation normally takes between 5 & 7 hours, I was “on the table” for 9 ½. The doctors say there were absolutely no problems with the operation, that’s just how long it took. That just show’s that each person’s case is individual and no two are the same. I was in ICU for the next day and then to the surgical follow-up floor from Tuesday to Saturday when I was released to home. I have now been home for several days and feel well enough to mess with the computer a little each day.
I am very glad to report that I am doing very well. The doctors all say that I was a “text book” case (so far) as far as recovery goes. I have done what they tell me and worked hard to get back on my feet and out of the hospital. I do still have some pain but it is well controlled with medication. I have a j-tube in place for nourishment and I’m able to take liquids by mouth with no problems so far. I still have a J-P tube (drain) in place and incisions with staples seemingly all over my body. With the beautiful spring weather in this area right now, I took a short walk outside yesterday and went shopping with the wife today. I stopped at my office for a couple of minuets to say hello to my co-workers and they sure were surprised to see me.
As of today, the doctors have found no evidence of any extension to any lymph nodes or any other organs (Thank God). I won’t have the final word on the prognosis until my post-op appointment on March 25th but so far they say I have a 90% chance for a cure without the need for chemo and/or radiation. I can’t believe I feel as good as I do after going through what I have. I think it’s a testament to the skills of the surgery team and the post-op staff at UPMC.
Thank you all for your kind words and wonderful advice. I look forward to corresponding with you all for a long time to come. I’ll be in touch.

My very best to you all,
Michael R. Leahy

Comments

  • K_ann1015
    K_ann1015 Member Posts: 500
    #2
    WOW---Michael--that is truly
    WOW---Michael--that is truly is wonderful news! thank you so much for sharing it with all of us! You are lucky to have the weather improving as you do---my dad had his surgery 12/7/09 and had to fight unseasonable cold weather in NC. Keep doing what they tell you to do and what you feel that you can. Keep living each day as a gift! I am very happy for you!
    Kim
  • mumphy
    mumphy Member Posts: 440
    #3
    K_ann1015 said:

    WOW---Michael--that is truly
    WOW---Michael--that is truly is wonderful news! thank you so much for sharing it with all of us! You are lucky to have the weather improving as you do---my dad had his surgery 12/7/09 and had to fight unseasonable cold weather in NC. Keep doing what they tell you to do and what you feel that you can. Keep living each day as a gift! I am very happy for you!
    Kim

    Thanks
    Hi Michael,

    Thank you for the update. I do know what good hands you were in and Al's surgery did take over 9 hours also.

    ALL I CAN SAY IS EAT,EAT AND EAT SOME MORE.
    Please keep us posted on your progress.

    God Bless,
    Kath
  • survivorfam
    survivorfam Member Posts: 41
    #4
    I am so thankful to hear
    I am so thankful to hear your news. Your story is similar to my husband's but he did have a few complications. Hope and pray that you'll get great news at your post-op appointment. Continued progress and great health.
    Jane
  • unclaw2002
    unclaw2002 Member Posts: 599
    #5
    Wonderful news - my prayers
    Wonderful news - my prayers and thoughts are with you as you continue your recovery. In addition to eat eat eat --- move move move and keep up your strength :)

    All the best,
    Cindy
  • cjmac49
    cjmac49 Member Posts: 100
    #6
    Mike,
    Great news. Seems
    Mike,

    Great news. Seems like you are well on your way to recovery. I had a MIE in August of 08 and my recovery went well and I hope yours does too.

    All the best.

    Jim
  • Donna70
    Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
    #7
    cjmac49 said:

    Mike,
    Great news. Seems
    Mike,

    Great news. Seems like you are well on your way to recovery. I had a MIE in August of 08 and my recovery went well and I hope yours does too.

    All the best.

    Jim

    Congrats
    Mike,
    Great news!! You sound like you are doing wonderfully and doing so much, my hopes and prayers are that you will continue to do so well. The J tube can realy help but when you can do solids be faithful with the 6 meals a day and even supplement with Ensure or Boost too. Weight gain really makes a difference and you sound so energetic already. Prayers always,
    take care,
    Donna70
  • avvjr
    avvjr Member Posts: 2
    #8
    MIE (Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy)
    Mike,

    I am a potential candidate for that procedure, following chemo and radiation to begin Tuesday, 03/30/2010. Will you define what your surgery consisted of?

    I am a newby here on this site and to the esophageal cancer hayride. I'll put my brief but eventful history on another post.

    Thanks,

    Vic Voorhees
  • g041579
    g041579 Member Posts: 18
    #9
    That's great news to the
    That's great news to the ears Michael.I just joined this forum today and was wondering
    what stage your cancer was in?I'm going to have the same surgery on April 12th and really appreciate your update.

    Thanks Phil
  • Lylesmyprince
    Lylesmyprince Member Posts: 130
    #10
    Woot Woot!!
    We are celebrating with you over here in sunny Arizona!! It is always good to hear happy news!! Take care of yourself!!

    Susie
  • CancerBeater
    CancerBeater Member Posts: 11
    #11
    That's GREAT News!
    Sounds like you and I were on the table around the same time. I had my surgery on March 8th also and was released from the hospital March 18th. Had my follow up and they confirm that I'm cancer free! Take care and I'll be following your progress!

    Dave
  • Hope_Faith
    Hope_Faith Member Posts: 150
    #12
    Wonderful!
    Congratulations! I'm so glad your surgery went well and that you are recovering nicely. My husband had the same surgery you had and for the amount of time too. He was staged a 3 with no lymph node involvement.
    What stage were you diagnosed as?
    Keep us posted on your progress,
    Shelly

Discussion Boards