Dr. Miller considers the surgery a success. No complications, tumor fully removed, sample of lymph nodes taken. No problem.
However, I will have to get a few endoscopy visits to enlarge / stretch my stomach/esophagus opening as the scarring has made the swallow hole very small. It can currently only fit a large green pea (Advil extra strength migraine gel pill got stuck, had to force through and there was an audible pop, so that's apparently my limit).
Other than that, X-Ray shows stomach "tube" is in the correct location (follows my spine a bit on my right side) between my heart and lungs. All other parts of x-ray also look good, no lung problems etc.
He estimates my cough is due to constriction on my lungs because of the stomach, also other nerve irritation, but no fluid in the lungs, no collapsed lungs, just irritation. So my body has to adjust to everything. Until then I have to resist the urge to cough and get used to a restricted air flow (that's why I feel out of breath so easy!)
Great...
Shane
Short Executive Status (Summary) -- Blog is below
Active Tumors:
» 5+ liver tumors -- largest is 7 cm by 5.2 cm (70 x 52 mm), Gold tracers inserted Nov 21 for CyberKnife x-ray 3D movement tracking. Thu Dec 1st,2011, CyberKnife planning. Dec 16th, treatment 1/3 done to whole liver. Dec 19th, treatment 2/3 done to whole liver. Dec 21st, treatment 3 failed, couldn't get tracer alignment. Dec 22nd, treatment 2.5/3 done using 2 of 4 tracers. Final 0.5 treatment was to be done Tue Dec 27th. Cancelled due to complications and hospitalization.
» 12 lung tumors -- largest is 8 mm in size (0.8 cm)
» 1 lymph node tumor -- near left renal vein & artery of left kidney (1.4 cm). Nov 14th: Ultrasound done of both kidneys and bladder area, all 3 areas are cancer free.
» 3rd-8th brain tumors -- 6 new brain tumors. Sizes all less than 5mm(0.5cm). Some as small as 2mm(0.2cm). Full brain radiation or CyberKnife TBD in Jan after 2nd MRI to see speed of growth.
Inactive Tumors:
» 2nd brain tumor -- Killed via CyberKnife Sep 29/2011, 5 mm in size (0.5 cm).
» 1st brain tumor -- Killed via CyberKnife May/2011, was 20 mm in size (2 cm). Nov 21st, still showing brain tissue swelling, but not active.
» Original Esophogeal Cancer tumor (source of everything) -- Surgically removed June/2010 by 3-field Esophogectomy. Was roughly large egg sized.
[ Note: 2.54 cm = 25.4mm = 1 inch ]
Link to 34 surgery June 2010 pictures and some post surgery shots.
» 5+ liver tumors -- largest is 7 cm by 5.2 cm (70 x 52 mm), Gold tracers inserted Nov 21 for CyberKnife x-ray 3D movement tracking. Thu Dec 1st,2011, CyberKnife planning. Dec 16th, treatment 1/3 done to whole liver. Dec 19th, treatment 2/3 done to whole liver. Dec 21st, treatment 3 failed, couldn't get tracer alignment. Dec 22nd, treatment 2.5/3 done using 2 of 4 tracers. Final 0.5 treatment was to be done Tue Dec 27th. Cancelled due to complications and hospitalization.
» 12 lung tumors -- largest is 8 mm in size (0.8 cm)
» 1 lymph node tumor -- near left renal vein & artery of left kidney (1.4 cm). Nov 14th: Ultrasound done of both kidneys and bladder area, all 3 areas are cancer free.
» 3rd-8th brain tumors -- 6 new brain tumors. Sizes all less than 5mm(0.5cm). Some as small as 2mm(0.2cm). Full brain radiation or CyberKnife TBD in Jan after 2nd MRI to see speed of growth.
Inactive Tumors:
» 2nd brain tumor -- Killed via CyberKnife Sep 29/2011, 5 mm in size (0.5 cm).
» 1st brain tumor -- Killed via CyberKnife May/2011, was 20 mm in size (2 cm). Nov 21st, still showing brain tissue swelling, but not active.
» Original Esophogeal Cancer tumor (source of everything) -- Surgically removed June/2010 by 3-field Esophogectomy. Was roughly large egg sized.
[ Note: 2.54 cm = 25.4mm = 1 inch ]
 | 5 pictures included in album | ||
| 2011_11_16, Shane in BIG CHAIR |
Link to 34 surgery June 2010 pictures and some post surgery shots.
Latest Picture
Shane - 2011_11_27, Photo Shoot lighting prep
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...kinda like being pregnant when the baby is really big and the uterus is pressing everything up, compressing stomach & lungs.
ReplyDeleteGlad they are able to stretch the esophagus.
Though keeping it teeny will keep you from overeating and potentially busting your new tummy, not being able to take pain meds when you need them is not good.
Modern medicine is truly a wonder.
Love you, bro.
It was good to see you this weekend.
Will try to find some high calorie recipes for you. Yer too skinny!
...Deb
Hey Shane, sorry I've been a bit absent lately.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear the surgury was a success. But like BB training there are always more hurdles to get over until you get your belt. This belt is getting your health back to some semblance of normalcy - and being able to pig out at xmas!
I'll call you to see if you are up for a visit this weekend...
GP