Surgery to Remove Tumor......Check!

As promised, an update....

As you all know, dad had surgery to remove the tumor on his esophagus on Thursday, May 1. Mom and dad were up by about 4 AM and to the hospital at 5:30 AM. The surgeon began his part at around 9 AM. He had slated 12 hours for the surgery. Dad was transitioned (i.e., flipped over) and was halfway through the surgery at around 12 PM, and dad was out of surgery at 2:58 PM. The surgery ended up taking half the estimated time! They took out the tumor on his esophagus and will be checking the margins to make sure they got it all. They did not take out the lymph nodes in his chest as they had shrunk and trying to take them out would be like searching for a needle in a haystack and there was no guarantee that they could even find them. Dad was a little groggy coming out of surgery, but everything went so well that instead of going to ICU, he went straight to the oncology ward.

Gretchen was at the hospital with mom and dad the whole time. She was able to show dad his video of all the dancing prior to his surgery. There were tears of joy and laughter as he watched the video. Gretchen did a great job with it and all who contributed were absolutely amazing.

Tears of joy as mom and dad watched the video and the outpouring of love

The support at the hospital was absolutely wonderful. Dad got flowers from the Girl Scouts and pictures from the Hogsten children. Aunt Barbara, Uncle Gene, and Aunt Claudia were also able to come to the hospital and hang out with mom and Gretchen while they waited to hear that dad was out of surgery and ready for visitors.

We were politely told about the kid's play area in the waiting room....we might be a little rowdy ;)

Kids are a great distraction!

Dad did much better after the anesthesia this go around. He was still a little confused and didn't want the oxygen mask when he was first waking up, but in all, a better wake up. Dad had the oxygen mask on during the day and was finally switched to a nasal cannula (in the nose) for the night, which was much quieter. Dad had his ribs spread and a lung collapsed to be able to access the tumor, so the oxygen was to help him get back to normal. Mom stay the night with him the first two nights but was then able to come home and get some rest.

While we were there, dad had a lot of tubes coming out of him (for drainage, oxygen, pulse ox, BP, and catheter). Hopefully the tubes are removed soon. He is on strict orders not to have anything by mouth, so his throat and mouth are a little dry.

Dad is doing as well as can be expected. He was put on morphine to help with his pain. The first couple of days in the hospital, dad moved from his bed to the chair with not much other movement. Mom told me that he was up and walking today, which is absolutely wonderful. He had been getting in 2 mile walks prior to his surgery so he is strong and ready!

The biopsy results came in and dad will need another round or two of chemotherapy. The margins were clean, but they are doing the chemo as a precaution because of the lymph nodes. They are just gonna kill those buggers and then we will be good to go! Dad is still all smiles, as he always is.

Dad with Dave Haught and Randy Anderson

Thank you for all the prayers and well-wishes. We believe that dad is healed. We have been so blessed as a family to have all the love and support and we know that you will continue on this journey with us, and we love you all for it. You have made these past couple of months, much easier on us all. Please keep those prayers coming as dad gets ready for chemo again and as he continues to heal from his surgeries. I have the 5-year point marked on my calendar so we can celebrate in grand style!

Deuteronomy 31:6      Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.