Monday, October 13, 2008

Amazing How Things Turn Out Sometimes.........

I'm feeling so grateful today. To say I'm grateful that my husband fell and hurt himself sounds cruel until I explain that if he hadn't had the accident and the resulting CAT Scan and x-rays, he might have had esophagus cancer within a year.

We met with his doctor at Loma Linda University Medical Center today. He does not have cancer but if the Barrett's syndrom isn't treated, he could have within a year or so. The cause of the Barrett's is excess stomach acid in the esphogus. His condition is complicated by the hiatial hernia so the doctor feels that surgery is absolutely necessary to prevent the Barrett's from getting worse.

After checking the calendar, Dennis decided to have the surgery on Friday, November 7. The hospitalization will be 3 to 7 days depending on how well he does. The recovery is 8 - 12 weeks. No driving for 2 weeks after the surgery and no lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds for a month or more. He will have to eat pureed food for a while. Yummy. LOL I told him Thanksgiving dinner will be mashed potatoes, yams and turkey out of a blender. We hope he is able to have a normal meal by then.

His doctor is highly qualifed to perform the surgery. He has studied under the best gastric surgeon in the country and he now teaches the procedure to students at Loma Linda University Medical School. The surgery is performed laproscopically (sp) ~ Five 1" incisions instead of having his chest opened. It's amazing what they can do these days. A lot less pain and a shorter recovery. We laughed on the way home as we talked about how nice it is to have Thee Best Doctor In the World (if you don't believe us, just ask the Dr.). We know Dennis is in good hands.

All prayers and positive thoughts are appreciated!


8 comments:

Ken Riches said...

Such a blessing to have discovered your husband's condition. Glad you have made arrangements to address it. Prayers and hugs to you :o)

Jan said...

Things have a way of happening for the best Kathy ,and this certainly proves it ,Iam pleased he hasnt got cancer ,but is to have his op soon Maurice is still at home recovering from his ,its nice having him here ,his hernia repair was in the groin area ,slightly different,take care my friend ..love Jan

Rose said...

God does work in mysterious ways! sending thoughts & prayers your way! rose

Beth said...

Kathy, you and Dennis will have plenty of thoughts and prayers coming your way! Keep us posted!

Beth

Unknown said...

Don't know you Kathy, but before he goes in for surgery you have to check out this awesome technology that clears Barretts Esophagus with little to NO PAIN and could allow him to eat a steak dinner the next day. Its not just remarkable, it works. They are doing it at the VA in Loma Linda and at several other hospitals in California (Scripps, UC Irvine, City of Hope, UC Davis, El Camino Hospital and possibly more). Dr. Christian Jackson is the doc at Loma Linda. It is called cryotherapy - uses nitros oxide applied using the endoscope. Here is a link to a story about how it works http://www.csamedical.com/News/Medical_News_Today_070808_First_Hospital_in_Illinois_To_Stop_Cancer_Cold_With_Cold.pdf .

Best of luck to you all; hopefully you will enjoy a painless recovery!

Jeannette said...

I'm so glad this was found Kathy, things have a way of working out don't they? Saying prayers that Dennis will fully recover from the surgery and can get to eat a real Thanksgiving dinner. Jeannette xx

betty said...

Kathy, I found you again, I'm sorry to hear this about your husband but I agree with you; its a good thing one accident led to the discovery of gthis condition; years ago my FIL fell off of a ladder and broke some ribs; when they were testing him they found he had lung cancer; they wouldn't have found it for a long time except for, you guess it, the fall and to check for broken ribs made them run x-rays etc. Amazing how the Lord works, isn't it?

sounds like he's in good hands at Loma Linda; couldn't ask for a better facility to have the surgery done at

will keep him in my prayers; sorry about your diagnosis of granular annulare (I know I spelled that wrong, I know what the condition is, not much about it, but have typed it in my line of work)

take care of yourself

betty

Linda said...

Hi
I'm getting caught up here, I've had some bad days with a new medicine I'm taking, but today I've been able to sit up all day without being dizzy or sick.

How wonderful that this condition was discovered now before it spiraled out of control. I will be praying for Dennis & You...I will also pray for your Doctor, even if he IS the best in the world!! :)

Love & Pooh Hugs,
Linda