Surgery date and information

Marty and I met his general surgeon today to discuss possible intervention to improve his quality of life. Dr. Froines was calm and clear. He inspired confidence without any arrogance (unusual for a surgeon). In any case, after reviewing Marty's scans and history, he said that surgery to remove adhesions and probably resect the small bowel would most likely improve Marty's level of comfort and quality of life. There is no telling exactly how much of the bowel will need to be removed or how much scar tissue requires surgical attention until he is in surgery with live time viewing of the affected areas.

Thus, surgery has been scheduled for November 29. He will likely be in the hospital at least 4 days, and be home recovering for 2-3 weeks. Discomfort after surgery will be high, as in any abdominal surgery, but more so. Strong pain meds have been prescribed.

Marty also saw his urology surgeon. The kidney stone is not of major concern at the moment. If it hasn't moved within a few weeks, that also will potentially need to be surgically addressed.

Please, no panic or drama, everyone! Neither panic nor drama help us in the least! We will request help when needed, and plan with attention to detail, as we are both skilled at doing. Both of us are relieved that there may be a solution to Marty's continued discomforts, and we are very much hoping for easier daily life after he has recovered from surgery.

Post-hospital update

Following tests and scans and extensive IV hydration, Marty was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon. Although a hospital stay is never really pleasant, this sequence was ultimately quite productive for Marty. The excellent internist who oversaw Marty's care was impressively comprehensive in her thinking and solutions. The result is that the ongoing digestive discomforts and serious difficulties Marty has been enduring for years has been much more clearly identified in terms of cause. Simply put, the extensive surgery to remove the pelvic sarcoma in 2004, followed by 6 weeks of radiation treatment, has caused a bowel obstruction due to scar tissue in the small bowel. This has caused the recurrent cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and so very much terrible discomfort, as the obstruction basically shuts down his digestive system.

The presented solution, now that the obstruction is clearly identified, is to remove adhesions surgically. We will be discussing this with surgeons further in coming weeks. Although there are risks in this surgery (radiated tissue is more prone to bleeding as the tissue is fragile), we will consider the risks in hopes of improvement of his quality of life.

Scans also revealed a kidney stone poised pre-painfully on his ureter. This also will be addressed in coming weeks.

The internist released him with careful and thorough instructions for his trip to Chicago. She felt he was adequately stable for travel, and understood the importance for Marty to proceed with his plans to see his nearly 95 year old mother.

Marty, Carmella and I slept soundly before his early departure this morning. He arrived safely at his mother's retirement home, only to frustratingly find that the room he has reserved there was not available. Given that he needs rest, ease and quiet, this was aggravating news to say the least, and really the last thing he needs to deal with at present. Arrgh!!!

On other fronts, my mother is home with her right hand in a splint and her left foot in a boot. Thankfully, my parents are in good spirits. My siblings and I are assisting as much as my parents will allow.

Thank you to all who have assisted us with rides to and from the hospital, and for all the kind support expressed. We are coping with skills learned well over the past years, and with the loving presence of so many who are dear to us. Thank you!!!

back to the hospital

Marty had a very challenging week with severe discomforts including excessive cramping, bloating and vomiting. Last night was his worst night ever since surgery in 2004. He vomited every 5 minutes and had very terrible cramping. He went to Urgent Care this morning and was admitted to the hospital for observation and testing.

Marty is getting great care and attention, and is more comfortable now with an IV hydration drip and possible morphine for pain. The internist at the hospital was very thorough, asked great questions, and was rather appalled that we have been living with his limited quality of life for so long. The hope here is that with new thinking and new doctors we can find a cause and a solution to his condition.

Marty has travel plans to see his mother in Chicago this weekend. Although it doesn't seem likely to me that he will be able to travel, he is keen to go ahead. We will see.

Friends and family have been very supportive and helpful. Big thanks to Lindsey and Matt for arranging a ride to the hospital for me! Don't worry everybody, I am fine, and have good coping skills. I know when to ask for help and who to ask for help. We are blessed by good friends and caring family.

Of course, as life would have it, my dear mother fell and fractured her toe and finger, thus rendering her unable to care for herself without assistance beyond my father's loving care. She has been in the hospital also and was just released to home late today. When it rains, it pours.

I will keep you all updated as to Marty. Know that he is in good hands!

We hope for the best, as always.