Oma checked in at 7:00 this morning for surgery. They called her back quickly to the pre-op room, where she changed into her fancy gown and began the pre-op rituals. Surgery was supposed to start at 9:00, but they got a late start, taking her back fully coherent at 9:15 a.m. She still needed to have the epidural from the anesthesiologist before surgery could get underway, so I'm not exactly sure what time surgery got started. The surgeon anticipated that surgery would take approximately three to four hours.
The pancreatic surgeon finally emerged at 2:00 p.m. He said that all went well, but that surgery took longer than expected because of all the inflammation (possibly because of the pancreatitis?). He indicated that the mass didn't look cancerous. It looked odd though. It looked like a cyst with material inside of it (I guess cysts don't usually have anything inside of them). It was also in an awkward spot. The pancreatic surgeon removed the mass, the back half of the pancreas, many lymph nodes and the spleen.
He informed me that the Gynecological Oncologist removed both ovaries (Oma will be pleased to hear that). That looked good as well and that mass looked like a big fibrous cyst. Pathology on both masses (and the lymph nodes) may be back on Friday, but most likely on Monday.
Oma was in recovery for a bit before being transferred to the Intensive Care Unit. Removing a big chunk of her pancreas can cause her blood sugars to go crazy and they need to be monitored closely. (Hopefully the remaining pancreas will be able to efficiently process the blood sugars, but if not, Oma will become insulin dependent.) Her breathing also needs to be closely watched after such a big surgery, and they need make sure her pain is under control. If everything goes well, she may possibly be moved to a regular room tomorrow.
Oma is in significant amounts of pain. She is on oxygen. She is receiving pain medication (Dilaudid) via an epidural. They are concerned about fluid building up in her lungs and so she is supposed to use the spirometer (that plastic contraption that you suck the tube and make the ball go up) hourly. It does not go over well. I guess after having major abdominal surgery, it doesn't feel so good. Imagine that.
My shift is over and I'm heading home. My brother and sister-in-law are on shift now. Next update will be from them.
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Good grief! The amount of stress life aims at you is mind-boggling. I wish I was close enough to help somehow. You have folks managing house and kids while you do hospital? Is there any help that folks from away can aim at you? Love ya!
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