Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Kevin went into surgery at 7:00 am

His spirits are good, considering… The entire staff here is so warm and gifted at putting people at ease. Not surprisingly, Kevin drew upon his humor to keep himself and the nurses laughing while waiting. But when he couldn’t think of a joke, he was pretty subdued, thinking about waking up with that NG tube and days of pain and weakness ahead of him. But I reminded him that though he feels helpless and weak lying on that gurney, he’s a warrior to be reckoned with.

The surgical staff informed us that blood tests showed that his platelet count is on the low side. Dr. L said that can either be caused by an unhealthy spleen (which is coming out) or be a marrow issue. It puts Kevin at extra risk for bleeding, so Dr. L. said he’s taking the IHCP option (heated chemo) off the table – it’s just too harsh. He’ll take the spleen out first and see if the platelet count goes up before determining what additional surgery he feels is safe to do. Please, please pray that the platelet counts come up and they are able to proceed with taking out the tumor on the mesentery. That’s the one that could cause real problems (bowel obstructions) down the road, so we want it out!!! Taking it out in a future surgery after getting platelets up I guess is an option, but Kevin has had enough surgeries. I really want this to be the last one he’ll need.

I’ll be getting my first update from the surgical team at about 9:00 CT.

Until then, thanks for the prayers!!!! Roni

6 comments:

  1. Ellen K is a good friend of mine. I woke up early this am thinking about you guys. Sending prayers!

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  2. As always you are in my prayers Kevin and Roni. -- Iain

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  3. Kevin/Roni...hopeful for you both. Blessing Elohim for your faith in Him that is unwavering and so grateful that you are covered by His wings..."there's healing in that thar hem" an good ole Texan once said...may you grasp and hang on for "dear life"...
    Hugs and prayers...Janna

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  4. Kevin is a fighter and you by his side makes him even stronger. My thoughts and prayers are to you both. I am there in heart and spirit. He and I will ride together and make fun of each other in manly ways. LOL . Be well and my love to you both.
    carlos

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  5. We're praying for you!! I'll be watching for updates!

    Roni, for your comfort while staying in the hospital room, Creighton has some of these chairs that flatten out into a single bed. There are enough for each room, so AS SOON AS Kevin gets into his private room have a nurse help you find one and keep it! It will help your sleep immensely!!

    Take care!

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  6. Praying Hard, tell him it'll be alright and to just stay strong and let God work.

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