Meeting with the surgeon.
We met with the surgeon today. So much information, so I think I am going to just list out what we found out.
1)
The PET scan I just did, was with the wrong
contrast agent. Meaning we have to do
another with a different contrast. The
one I did would have been correct if we were testing for Stomach or Pancreas
cancer. The correct contrast detects the
bile duct cancer cells. I have the new
PET scheduled for Feb 23rd at Moffitt.
2)
He would like to rule out this coming from the colon,
so, I have to schedule a colonoscopy with an EGD. This means that they look at my colon from
BOTH ends. This would be done during the
same procedure. I still need to
schedule this.
3)
From the MRCP/MRI, it still looks like this is
Bile Duct Cancer. He did mention that
this is a rare cancer, specifically where it is located. But it would not be mine, unless it was
unusual.
4)
He did mention that diagnosing this as bile duct
cancer is an elimination process. That
is why we want to make sure it is not colon or anything else.
5)
Surgery is definitely the path we are going to
take. Right now, they are looking at
MAYBE March 20th, but they will be calling me on Tuesday to clarify.
6)
We asked if the procedure could be done laparoscopically,
he said that where this is located the most likely process will be a normal
open surgery. Which means a longer
recovery, but it will be a shorter surgery and one that is easier to control any
issues that come up during the procedure.
7)
The surgery is a long one. It will be a 7-hour surgery. Mine would be the only procedure that day.
8)
The surgery will remove over 30% of my total liver. It would be taking about one half the right
lobe of the liver. In addition to removing the tumor and surrounding
liver, they will be removing my gallbladder and a few lymph nodes that are
located near the gallbladder.
9)
The hospital stay would be 4 – 5 days. They need to monitor for blood loss and for
any bile leakage. I will probably have a
drain inserted during surgery, which should be able to be removed before I leave
the hospital.
10 The initial recovery phase is 4 – 6 weeks. At that point I should be able to resume
regular activity, but it will not be until 3 months until I am back to “Normal”. (And with me, that is a very loose definition
of normal)
11 I would be on a blood thinner for 4 weeks, to
help avoid clots and other complications.
12 Most likely I would need Chemo. They would start the chemo within the first 2
months after surgery. It would be 4 – 6
months in length. He did think that it
would probably be in the form of a pill.
But all of that can be covered after surgery.
Can’t believe they used the wrong contrast. Pretty crazy!
ReplyDeleteThe issue was that initially they thought this was Stomach or Pancreatic cancer that had SPREAD to the liver. So it makes sense, but they had plenty of time to realize it was incorrect and should have change it. It does not change any timing, but it just means another trip down to Tampa and me stuck in a tube for 45 minutes.
DeleteI'm glad you have a plan! I like the little bits of humor embedded in your post. I hope you get through this and get back to fixing your swing and your normal life as soon as possible!
ReplyDeleteLove ya Jim, keep on keepin on!!
ReplyDeleteWe are hoping and praying for a speedy recovery!!! You are a very strong individual that will not let this interrupt your life’s journey. We are thinking of you and Deb everyday.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your journey, we are so glad you are in good hands. Praying that your great attitude and strength will return you to good health
ReplyDeleteI am not aware of this type of test. They did not bring it up. Not sure if that is something they do AFTER they remove it.
ReplyDeleteJim- I had no idea and am very sorry to hear the news. I am catching up on all the information. YOU will beat this!!! Thinking of you and Deb.
ReplyDeletePrayers for a complete recovery and successful surgery!
ReplyDeleteMr. Jim I’m so sorry to hear this. Please keep us posted. I’m not a surgeon nor an oncologist but don’t hesitate to text, call, or message me with medical questions anytime. I can get quality answers from my specialist colleagues and UptoDate.
ReplyDeleteWow Jim, just read through all this and so sorry for what you're going through. Our prayers are with you and Deb-Venise and Brian Mann
ReplyDeleteJim, we also are so sorry to hear this news. We will be praying for you and Deb as well as your family. A cancer diagnosis is always hard to hear wether you are the patient, family member or friend. Appreciate your updates and wish you nothing but good outcomes. It sounds like you are getting great care, praise for that. God's blessing and hugs...Netta and Larry
ReplyDeleteGlad you are feeling so well and that you're in good hands at Moffitt,
ReplyDeleteThey can do DNA/genetic testing with bio markers, which are done with tissue taken from the tumor. It helps determine the right targeted therapy, usually classified as immunotherapy. This isn’t appropriate for all cancers across the board.
ReplyDeleteJim and Debbie
ReplyDeleteI am sorry you are taking this journey. I am saying prayers for you and Debbie. The words that come into my mind is:FIGHT Fight. Fight.
Jim - I am sooo sorry to hear the news. My family and will be cheering you on through the process. I agree in one of the above comments "of having a plan". Medical science in today's world has become so advance. I appreciate that you have been so open to sharing this info and will be praying with you every step of the way. Stay positive and strong! We are all here for you. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteHey Jim; wishing you the Best of Success on your surgery today! Your courageous fight will beat this and your positive outlook will go along way to meeting that goal. You’re probably feeling a little sore right now if you’re reading this message after your surgery; but I wish you nothing but the very best and everything that you do for your continued good health & speedy recovery. May God bless you. Michael Gaines.
ReplyDelete