Option WHAT?

Once again, expectations and reality do not match on the path to being cancer-free. Today, I went to see the thoracic surgeon, so he could tell me that we need to do a mediastinoscopy so we can get a better look at what is in my chest. Or at least, that was our EXPECTATION…

We got there at 11:15 for our 11:30 appt. The nurse called us back  from the waitin area about 12:15, normal for a doctor’s office. We saw the doctor about 30 minutes later, also normal. The doctor was very, very nice. He showed us the PET scan on his computer, and the mass in my chest that he will be doing surgery on tomorrow.

It turns out that the mass is in an area that is not really possible to reach with a scope, and so the mediastinoscopy is OUT. With that, the expectations go out the window as well. Not necessarily a bad thing (though it often feels that way), but it’s frustrating to have things change suddenly and have to refocus your focus, edit the playbook, and change the game plan.

The REALITY is that the doctor is going to do a procedure called an anterior mediastinotomy, aka the Chamberlain procedure. The Chamberlain procedure does not use the scope. Instead, they will cut a hole in my chest, take out a piece of rib, then take the lymph node biopsy through the new window in my chest. Over time, the rib is hoped to grow back.

Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday) around 1pm (but I am ‘third on a match’ so may go later, depending). The surgery should only take around an hour, but I will stay at the hospital overnight to make sure my lung does not collapse post-op.

As usual, doctor’s orders are nothing to eat after midnight tonight, wash with antibacterial soap, show up ridiculously early in the morning etc. After surgery, I can return to work on Monday, but I am allowed no strenuous activity for 3 weeks.

The goal of this biopsy is to get a big chunk of tissue to analyze for cancer so we can put the uncertainty to bed and move on to CURE! We have an appointment scheduled with the oncologist Thursday morning to discuss those results.

In the meantime, we appreciate your continued support through this difficult time. The next few days are going to be really tough. Posting reassuring comments on this blog post, showing love on the Facebook walls, sending good vibes, positive energy, juju, and of course your cards, comments, messages, thoughts, and prayers will help make the next several days EASIER. Your help and support means so much to Jacqui and I. We are so thankful to be surrounded by your love and support.

Time to go read Rudy’s pep talk again. We’re gonna WIN!!!