Judy is out of surgery; things look positive--UPDATED

After a little over 3 hrs of surgery Dr. Phillips gave me the following update:

As suspected, Judy has Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma that has affected her body cavity. The colon was affected the worst and he had to remove a section approximately 10 to 15 cm long. This section was practically closed because of the tumor. He was positive that the dissection will not cause any long-term ill effects.

Cancer cells were spread over the omentum, presenting a thick layer. He was able to remove approximately 80% of the cancer cells, with the remaining 20% being smaller than 1 cm, except one 2 cm area that he hopes will respond to chemo. He expects to start chemo within 3 to 4 weeks. At this point it looks like chemo via IV instead of IP (via a direct port to the body cavity) because of the bowel dissection.

Judy will spend tonight in ICU as a precaution. She lost a fairly large amount of blood, but Dr. Phillips was very positive about the surgery and is very sure that she will recover fine from the surgery. He was equally optimistic about the chemotherapy and killing off the remaining cancerous cells. Any prognosis beyond that is out of reach at this point and academic.

He labeled her carcinoma as Stage 3c since it involved tumors of larger than 2 cm.

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Sorry to stop abruptly earlier but I wanted to get some info to you but then I had a chance to see Judy in ICU.

When I saw her, she was sedated and had a few tubes in her. The nurse said that everything looked OK and that she would be under full observation for the night. Judy was given 3 units of blood, which I assume is a pint each. The plan is for her to come out of heavy sedation tonight and be moved to her room sometime around midday tomorrow. I am spending the night at home to get a good night's sleep--not much I can do in ICU anyhow. The hospital is less than a 10-minute drive from home.

This was a long day, but I assume that scheduling works like this. Dr. Phillips smiled when I thanked him for his long day in surgery, and he said sometimes everything takes just a little longer than expected. I wish I could convey how positive he was about the outcome of the surgery and the prospects for the initial chemo--there seemed to be genuine satisfaction and relief emanating from him. Quite frankly, I had expected worse, stage 4, and maybe he did, too.

To all those of you who stopped by the hospital today (Becky O., Kathy and Walt, Becky and Phil, Toni, John, Don, Barbara, Alan and my wonderful buddy Wes), I can't tell you how much we both appreciate your support. To all of you posting comments here on the blog or sending an e-mail, let me tell you that I have either read your notes to Judy already or will do so once she comes off her unnatural high.

Judy finished today's tough stage of her race a little battered but, in the long run, with some nice prospects for the next few stages. You guys have been an unbelievable cheering crew. The race is on, as she says.

Jürgen