Big day today - we spent 3 hours at UofA Medical Center and came out feeling much better than when we went in. We met Dr. Ong and he was great - young, energetic, extremely intelligent, optimistic and great bedside manner. We had so much thrown at us that it took 3 hours to absorb it all. The doctor had patience with us. Basically where we stand now is the Dr. thinks Joe may be a great candidate for the Hot Chemo Surgery. We are going to proceed as if he will get the surgery, but he has a couple obstacles to overcome. They can't do a laporascopic look due to his previous surgery. The scar tissue (and cancer that has attached to it) is prohibiting any look inside. Therefore, Joe has to have a complete MRI of his abdominal region to try and figure out how much cancer he has and if any of the cancer has grown inside his organs (like his liver). The MRI is scheduled for March 31st and we'll get the results shortly after. The next phase will be during the surgery. If Joe passes the MRI, he will head into surgery either the week of April 16th or April 23rd. The next phase is during surgery. When the doctor opens him up and sees too much cancer to remove or cancer that has penetrated his organs (that can't be removed), he will cancel the surgery and close him up. Provided he passes those 2 phases the doctor will proceed with the surgery and the hot chemo.
We almost fell off our chairs when he told us all that is involved. He basically explained that the chemo Joe has been doing has stopped the progression of the cancer and killed some cells (they think). What it can't do is penetrate through the tumors. The tumors are "fused" and extremely hard. The chemo can't penetrate. The only way to remove them is with a knife. So with that, Dr. Ong explained he has to remove those areas that are covered with tumors. He will remove the appendix, gall bladder, right colon, terminal ilium (small bowel), omentum (stomach lining), rectum, part of his liver and spleen. He may have to remove part of his stomach as well. After removing all of that, he will be "re-plumbed" and they will proceed with the hot chemo. The doctor said "this is not the mother load of all surgeries, but it comes pretty darn close", so we're calling it the mother load. The surgery can last up to 36 hours, but he expects it to last somewhere around 18 hours. Joe will be in the hospital at least 14 days and it will take at least 6 months to recover. Joe will have a different lifestyle afterwards, but to what extent is unknown. We'll learn more as he passes each phase. In the meantime, you can watch this video which explains the hot chemo surgery (it doesn't take into account the removal of organs and reconstruction).
http://www.cancercenter.com/stomach-cancer/hipec.cfm
The other thing they discovered from the last 800 pictures they took, is the source looks like it is from the appendix, which is extremely rare.
The doctor has performed 45 of these surgeries. Folks come from all around the world to meet him and hopefully get chosen for this procedure. He was thrilled to have Joe as a patient since he is so young, strong and in great health - other than the cancer.
So with that, Joe and I were talking on the way back from Tucson that we feel our miracle has arrived thanks to all the prayers we've received. We really feel that God is listening to all of you and answering our prayers. No words can express our gratitude.
We love you all so much and please continue doing what you're doing. It's working!!
XOXOX
Sherrie, Joe and family
No comments:
Post a Comment