Posted by Jason:
Today was the day for surgery (as most already know) and as of now, all indications are that it was a success! Big sigh of relief. The CT scan showed that the cancer has most likely not spread and the doctor was able to successfully remove the tumor along with a bit more than 50% of Steph's large intestine. Being the science geeks (& just general goof balls) that we are, we wanted to ask if we could take the tumor home in a jar of fermaldihide, but they have additional tests to run on the specimine and we thought it probably best not to push the issue. Dr. Belazaire was great, however, and did let me touch, poke and prod the tumor and take the following pictures.
What you're looking at here is the portion of Stephanie's large intestine that was removed (ascending colon and right half of her transverse colon). The tumor (a bit smaller than my fist) is still inside and is the large bulge on the left end. The stringy gunk are the lymph nodes that were removed along with the intestine. Hard to imagine how her body functioned this last year or so!
Steph is obviously worn out, but is doing well and has high spirits. The doctor estimates that she will be in the hospital for 4-6 days and then will be recovering for up to a month later at home. The only "catch" in all of this is that the doctor has recommended that she follow this surgery up with some chemo-therapy just to make sure ("insurance" as he called it). So, as Steph heals, we will begin talking and working with an oncologist.
In all of this, we feel extremely blessed, loved and want everyone to know how gratefull we are for your support. This situation could have turned out a lot worse and we feel that we have been looked out for not only by a loving Heavenly Father, but also by all those who's prayers for us have been answered. You guys are great and we love you all!
Today was the day for surgery (as most already know) and as of now, all indications are that it was a success! Big sigh of relief. The CT scan showed that the cancer has most likely not spread and the doctor was able to successfully remove the tumor along with a bit more than 50% of Steph's large intestine. Being the science geeks (& just general goof balls) that we are, we wanted to ask if we could take the tumor home in a jar of fermaldihide, but they have additional tests to run on the specimine and we thought it probably best not to push the issue. Dr. Belazaire was great, however, and did let me touch, poke and prod the tumor and take the following pictures.
What you're looking at here is the portion of Stephanie's large intestine that was removed (ascending colon and right half of her transverse colon). The tumor (a bit smaller than my fist) is still inside and is the large bulge on the left end. The stringy gunk are the lymph nodes that were removed along with the intestine. Hard to imagine how her body functioned this last year or so!
Steph is obviously worn out, but is doing well and has high spirits. The doctor estimates that she will be in the hospital for 4-6 days and then will be recovering for up to a month later at home. The only "catch" in all of this is that the doctor has recommended that she follow this surgery up with some chemo-therapy just to make sure ("insurance" as he called it). So, as Steph heals, we will begin talking and working with an oncologist.
In all of this, we feel extremely blessed, loved and want everyone to know how gratefull we are for your support. This situation could have turned out a lot worse and we feel that we have been looked out for not only by a loving Heavenly Father, but also by all those who's prayers for us have been answered. You guys are great and we love you all!
16 comments:
HOLY CRAP that has to feel like they removed part of a city!!! Bless her heart!! I am so so so glad that all went well! We love you all so much and will continue to pray for you guys and Steph's health throughout her chemo!!!! Love you tons hugs and kisses coming your way!!!
Thanks for the update Jason! I am glad to hear that it hasn't spread and that she'll be ok! Y'all ar stil in our prayers and look forward to hearing more great news!!
Wow that is a huge thing they took out of her! Glad it all went well and hope the recovery is smooth! We love you Steph!
Thank goodness, and eww!
That is truly the grossest and awesomest thing I've ever seen all at the same time! Thanks for that! I'm glad the surgery went well though, and best wishes to a speedy recovery. We've been thinking about you. -BOB
Now you know why you weren't selected to go to Kazakhstan! -BOB
I have only known you through friends (Zollingers, Jen and Virginia). I heard about you through Kate's blog and fb. You are definitely living with your glass half full...if not 3/4 full. Thanks for your inspiration. Colon cancer runs in my family. I am due up for my first colonoscopy next year (at 30). I will not procrastinate a day. You are so young! I wish you the best and am grateful for your fortitude! Amanda Galloway
Glad to hear the good news!
You don't know me, but I heard about you from my friend Wendy - through her blog I saw your title snippet and took a peek at your blog tonight. Wow. First of all the smiling faces in the hospital is an inspiration. Second, I've never seen an intestine before and I was afraid I would gross out when I scrolled down, but that is really cool, thanks for showing and explaining. I hope I don't have to face something like this but if I do, I hope to be as positive as you are. Way to keep your perspective. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story. Admiringly, Erin Didion
Steph-- My computer has been down for a week and I missed all this news. Man, what a roller coaster during the course of the last week and a half for you guys. I'm so glad the surgery went well. I will be praying for you and checking for updates. Hang in there!!!
We are so glad that the surgery went well. Please let us know if you need extra babysitting or more food, we want to help any way we can!
I'm glad to hear that everything is going well so far. We continue to keep you all in our prayers. Best of luck for a speedy recovery!
We are SO happy to hear the positive news! I have been out of town visiting family for the last week, so I have been getting info via friends here. I was thinking about you all week and was so happy to hear the news. You are truly a strong woman...what a great example to your beautiful girls! I am happy to help in any capacity. Loves.
Thank goodness they got that out of you. My goodness. That was big... gives Jason's fist a run for its money. wow. Goodness. Thats all I can say. Very thankful they found it when they did. LOVE YOU.
Sorry I'm commenting so late...we just got home from vacation. Steph, we love you and are so glad things went well! I can't believe how big that tumor is...WOW! We'll keep you in our prayers!
Love, The Chamberlains:o)
Post a Comment