5/11 - Surgery Day

Well we arrived at CMH at 5:00 am this morning and realized that we were in for something bigger than we thought. I suppose it is the nurses and hospital workers jobs to tell you the worst case scenario, and it seemed a bit more serious surgery than a glorified "out patient" deal.

Peggy went in about 7:15 and was done about 10:30. Dr. Bushnell said everything went well and they were able to get some good samples of the mass. They made a 2" incision on the right side of her chest and were able to use a scope and instruments to inspect the mass and to get samples. The procedure was called a Thoracotomy. She is currently in the CCU at CMH and will probably be there until tomorrow morning. She might be in the hospital another day or so.

He said the mass seemed to be about the size of a grapefruit, not attached to any structure (lungs, ribs, heart, etc.), fairly encapsulated and contained in one area. Although it is pressing on the lung and touching the heart, it doesn't appear to be attaching to either. The lung is being slightly displaced which isn't too disconcerting in that people can live with only one lung, let alone a slightly displaced. He said the shape, the location, and these other factors lead him to believe it is benign and can be removed most likely fully intact.

The cells they have extracted will be tested by many pathologists both local and out of the area, possibly even pathologists at Stanford. Apparently they still do not know much about it, except it seems to be some sort of germ cell tumor. When asked about Chemo, Dr. Bushnell felt that was not necessary based on what he has seen thus far.

Thanks for all the prayers, love, help and support. The kids have been having fun sleeping over at various friends, family and grandma & grandpa's houses. Please pray for strong recovery for Peggy and for peace and a strong reliance of God's providence in our lives.

You can post your comments, thoughts and prayers, by clicking the "Comments" link below this blog. Love you all...Larry