Surgery

As of 7:30 am, Tom is now in the hands of the surgeons. He did not sleep well last night, but he should have no problems today. He has a slew of people that are taking good care of him. I have signed up for 7:30 pm to get back onto the computer to let you know how he is doing. It's nice to be able to have the computer right in the Family Surgery waiting room.

Tuesday was a 2 1/2 hour consultation with all his pre-op question/answer and signing another bunch of papers. During the surgery, we are told that they will start with the left side of his neck with what they call a "Selective Dissection". The right side of the neck will have a "Modified Radical Neck Dissection"... Which means that they will examine and take what they need to in his neck. The right side will be more extensive. He will have a Paralymphnode Dissection - also called the Calcium Glands- they will try to save at least one if they can, and of course the Total Thyroidectomy. Once he is out of surgery he will be in recovery for 2 hours before getting his room. He will have 3 to 5 drains which will need to come out before he his sent home. The other factor they will consider before sending him home is that he has stable calcium levels. At this point his Calcitonin level is through the roof. It should be a zero and at pre-op is 11,000. This will be taken again after surgery and will be the key to monitoring him for several month/years to see if they have gotten all of the cancer.

Tom seemed to be pretty up-beat or was that the "Tough guy" act for me? Either way we were both trying to joke before he was wheeled away. Thanks for all your prayers as I feel somewhat calm this morning. Please pray that Dr. Teknos and Dr. Old have a successful day!