What Condition His Condition Is In
Andrew has recently developed a significant bowel obstruction. It seems to the doctors that this is a mechanical (tumor, scar tissue, etc.)blockage, and will require a very difficult surgery to resolve it. They have been withholding food and draining the stomach via NG tube to let the stomach/bowels rest. Once they've confirmed that it is a mechanical obstruction, we will begin plans for surgery.
We're in hopes that we can find a local surgeon willing to and confident about performing the surgery. Dr. Jacobson (IU)referred us to a colleague (very highly recommended trauma surgeon) at university of Oklahoma hospital who has given us recommendations for surgeons at St. John's, but also she would be willing to have him transported to her group at University of Oklahoma hospital in Oklahoma City if necessary.
Andrew's oncologist has great concerns about Andrew's ability to handle a surgical procedure. He said if it were his personal choice, he would not do the surgery. He says Andrew could opt to go home with the NG tube and IV feeds and that could sustain him for a few weeks to a month. Andrew says he doesn't want to starve to death, and that he will go ahead with surgery and take his chances. Based on nutrition tests his prealbumin is very low, which does mean that he will be a poor prognosis patient for surgery. They've since changed his TPN to a higher fat/protein content so he's getting over 2000 calories, which is a good amount considering how inactive he is. Even with a successful surgery, and making it through recovery okay, this will be a big set-back, as Andrew will not be able to continue chemotherapy for some time. If this is tumor in the bowel, it could likely come back, and cause new problems shortly. However, the surgery would possibly bring some relief and the ability to eat again.
Tomorrow morning we should have a plan of action. We were warned by the internal medicine doctor that the plan could mean surgery as early as tomorrow. Andrew received a contrast dye test, and they've been taking x-rays every hour to check the progress. Last check the barium was moving through, but hadn't reached the area of concern. So, keep your fingers crossed.
Hopefully I wasn't rambling to terribly, and some of this makes sense. :) I'll keep everyone posted.
Send lots of prayers and good thoughts our way!
LiveStrong,
Amy Molenda
We're in hopes that we can find a local surgeon willing to and confident about performing the surgery. Dr. Jacobson (IU)referred us to a colleague (very highly recommended trauma surgeon) at university of Oklahoma hospital who has given us recommendations for surgeons at St. John's, but also she would be willing to have him transported to her group at University of Oklahoma hospital in Oklahoma City if necessary.
Andrew's oncologist has great concerns about Andrew's ability to handle a surgical procedure. He said if it were his personal choice, he would not do the surgery. He says Andrew could opt to go home with the NG tube and IV feeds and that could sustain him for a few weeks to a month. Andrew says he doesn't want to starve to death, and that he will go ahead with surgery and take his chances. Based on nutrition tests his prealbumin is very low, which does mean that he will be a poor prognosis patient for surgery. They've since changed his TPN to a higher fat/protein content so he's getting over 2000 calories, which is a good amount considering how inactive he is. Even with a successful surgery, and making it through recovery okay, this will be a big set-back, as Andrew will not be able to continue chemotherapy for some time. If this is tumor in the bowel, it could likely come back, and cause new problems shortly. However, the surgery would possibly bring some relief and the ability to eat again.
Tomorrow morning we should have a plan of action. We were warned by the internal medicine doctor that the plan could mean surgery as early as tomorrow. Andrew received a contrast dye test, and they've been taking x-rays every hour to check the progress. Last check the barium was moving through, but hadn't reached the area of concern. So, keep your fingers crossed.
Hopefully I wasn't rambling to terribly, and some of this makes sense. :) I'll keep everyone posted.
Send lots of prayers and good thoughts our way!
LiveStrong,
Amy Molenda
posted by Amy at 8:38 PM
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