I first want to apologize that everyone was left hanging yesterday afternoon. The servers that host this blog were down yesterday afternoon through late last night and I was unable to post an update.
The surgery ended up lasting right at 12 hours. Dr. Foster visited us in the waiting room around the 8th hour to say that they had completed the cancer removal and it was very good news. They were able to remove all visible cancer from her abdominal cavity. Although there was a lot of disease spread throughout - even more than all the scans had shown over the past several months - it wasn't anything they couldn't handle. As far as effected organs, they ended up removing 30% of her colon, 20% of her small intestine, a lymph node near the colon, her appendix, a portion of her omentum (a protective, fatty "sheet" that drapes over the intestines), and both of her ovaries. Dr. Foster admitted that their success suprised him and prior to surgery they had real concerns about being able to get all of the visible cancer. The only bit of bad news was that the nodules on her liver do seem to be cancer. We were already aware that she had some superficial spots, but the two that were thought to be cysts now need to be treated as cancer. They did nothing with the liver due to concerns that extensive liver work would create potential complications that she really didn't need to deal with right now. However, these spots have been there since she was first diagnosed and have not grown or spread. Her favorable reaction to her chemo treatments the past 3 months leads them to believe that the additional chemo following her recovery could be all she needs to clear things up. If that isn't the case, another surgery may be necessary or they could use other methods such as radiofrequency ablation (cutting the tumor out with radio waves of a certain frequency).
Her abdomen was flooded with a 2 hour infusion of heated chemo and then the doctors went back in and tidied everything up. Around 8:30 PM Dr. Loggie stopped in the waiting room. The man is nothing short of a genius and to have him say that things went very well was such a relief. He is a man of few words, but what he said was very comforting: "We caught a break today...Jennifer deserved a break...I am very pleased." He also told us in a matter-of-fact tone that the liver is very treatable and they'll take care of it. Shortly after, Dr. Foster stopped back in with a smile and said that the respirator was removed and she was being moved to ICU. Needless to say, we gave him a standing ovation and lots of thank you's.
Right around 9:00 PM I nervously stepped into the ICU. Considering what she had endured, Jen looked fantastic. She was alert and smiling. She's hooked up to a PCA (patient controlled analgesia) pump of morphine and able to control her own pain. The ICU nurses are excellent and at least through Friday she'll receive one on one care. Jan and Dennis both visited briefly with her also, and they agreed that she looked great. Even with the extensive amount of surgery she had, the nurses mentioned that they will attempt to get her out of bed on Wednesday to move around.
I brightened Jen's evening by telling her that everyone back at home was keeping up on what was going on and the blog had over 1000 hits during the course of her surgery. That's amazing!
Who smiles after a 12 hour surgery? Why Jen, of course! You are truly amazing! God has held you in His hands, and He will not let you go...I am praying for a speedy and complete recovery. And for some much needed rest for your wonderful family. They are awesome. God bless you all. Cheryl
Posted by: Cheryl Casement | May 03, 2006 at 07:27 AM
A big thanks to Dr.Foster and Dr.Loggie for all of their hard work yesterday and their commitment to Jen's case.
And Jen you are truly amazing!...I will continue to think about you and pray for a speedy recovery.
Thanks Chris for the update...I kept waking up in the night thinking about Jen and checking for an update...thanks for being her rock...Take care and breath alittle easier.
Posted by: Sarah Linford | May 03, 2006 at 07:51 AM
Sounds like things went really well! We've been checking the blog for updates and praying for you all throughout...hope things continue to get better and better.
WE LOVE YOU!!!!!
Posted by: Robin and Lilly | May 03, 2006 at 07:55 AM
Wonderful News! Now I can break my fast. I was up several times during the night to see if you had updated the blog, should have known a computer glitch would happen. Robin was keeping me somewhat updated but so glad to hear PLAN A was a success. Over 1000 hits Jen....so many people care for you. Keep smiling.
Posted by: Elizabeth Malone (Robin's Mom) | May 03, 2006 at 07:57 AM
Good morning everyone! Thank you SO much for your continuous prayers. We are definitely feeling them here in Omaha. Words can't express the elation upon seeing and talking with Jen last night. She was smiling, glad to see us, and happy to hear that Emma sat on the potty twice! What a big girl Emma!In the ICU Jen will have one-on -one nursing care which is a great relief. Chris and I are breakfasting at our very convenient hotel, which is just down the street from the hospital and then heading up to the ICU to spend the day with Jen. Please keep those prayers coming because I believe through the grace of God we were led here to Dr. Foster and Dr. Loggie. Your added prayers will complete Jen's successful healing and recovery.
Jenny, Racheal and Alexis, please give my sweet Emma and Peighton kisses from their nana. Dee, thanks for taking such good care of my wonderful class. Give them my love and tell them I'll be back in a week or so and we'll have that anticipated popcorn party! To all of our family and friends, God bless you and know I pray for you just as hard as you've been praying for us.
Much love,
Jan
Posted by: Jan | May 03, 2006 at 07:59 AM
Amazing and thank God! Thank you for keeping us posted, it truly helps.
Posted by: Shelby Twenter | May 03, 2006 at 08:03 AM
Glad to hear the surgery went well. Jen and Chris you both are amazing. Thank you for keeping us updated. Monica
Posted by: monica | May 03, 2006 at 08:09 AM
Yeah! I knew you could do it! You're a fighter, Jennifer. Keep smiling...
Posted by: Annie | May 03, 2006 at 08:20 AM
Words cannot even express how happy I am to hear that Jen is smiling! You are an amazing woman with an overwhelming amount of strength and courage. Chris and Jan I hope you were able to get some much needed rest. I pray for a speedy recovery! Love you all!
Posted by: Melanie Wiggins | May 03, 2006 at 08:30 AM
HOORAY!!!! Victory for you Jen and your family. Please tell your doctor how very grateful and blessed we feel to have you in his hands. Bless all of you and celebrate your good news. We were all following every minute of your surgery yesterday and this news will certainly be on everyones lips today at school. Can't tell you how happy all of us are.
God be with all of you,
Dee
Posted by: Dee | May 03, 2006 at 08:35 AM
All of you....Jen, Chris, your families......you guys are the toughest mother truckers I know!!!! I am glad to hear things are going ok,,,my prayers are with you!! And God better listen!
Posted by: Matt Cox | May 03, 2006 at 08:45 AM
Jen! I am so thrilled at the news from yesterday. So many times throughout the day and night I thought of you and prayed for you and the doctors. May this be that bend in the road that will lead you to ultimate and complete VICTORY!!!! Hooray for Emma and the potty!! Been there done that with my Josie :)
Love you!
Julie
Posted by: Julie Marriott | May 03, 2006 at 08:49 AM
Jennifer,
May God grant you many years to live,
For sure He must be knowing
The earth has angels all too few
And Heaven is overflowing
Posted by: kcgolf50 | May 03, 2006 at 08:56 AM
I can't even begin to describe how happy I am for you guys! I prayed all day and will continue to pray daily until Jen is completely free of the word cancer. The strength and faith that has been shown on this blog have blessed me beyond measure. God bless you guys and I will be waiting for even more good news.
Emily (Courtney's sister in law)
Posted by: Emily Mahurin | May 03, 2006 at 09:03 AM
yay! i'm so glad to hear everything went well!!! your strength is so inspiring.
love and prayers,
natalie
Posted by: natalie jones | May 03, 2006 at 09:13 AM
Super! Wonderful! Fantastic!
We are so relieved and excited. You were all in my thoughts and prayers throughout the day. The doctors are just the best and they have the best patient and family to work with. Congratulations and time to take a breath.
Love you, Angie
Posted by: Angie McKay | May 03, 2006 at 09:30 AM
Congratulations Jen!!! I am so glad that the doctors were able to do so much!! Keep smiling. You are such a strong person and inspiration to us all
Posted by: Julie Parker | May 03, 2006 at 09:41 AM
Hallejuah and Amen! He does have A Plan!
Hugs from the Heggs!
Posted by: Shelly Heggs | May 03, 2006 at 10:26 AM
Hey Jen, I am soooooo happy to hear everything went well. We all knew you could do it! Congradulations...hope you get back to your little angels soon.
steph
Posted by: Stephanie Brady | May 03, 2006 at 10:42 AM
I am so happy to hear that the surgery was a success, that certaintly is great news. As always, you and your family are in my thoghts and prayers.
Posted by: Brooke Bonadonna (Knight) | May 03, 2006 at 10:48 AM
WOW!! I am so glad to hear everything went so well! Jen you are so lucky to have such a supportive mother and husband! I hope you have a speedy recovery and I'll see you guys soon!
Stay strong!
Shannon
Posted by: Shannon Hutchens | May 03, 2006 at 10:50 AM
Thank the Lord!!! When I read what Chris had written this morning I had goose bumps for at least 20 minutes, and when they went away I read it again, and then a couple times after that!! How amazing!! I am so releaved to hear the good news, we will continue to pray for you and your family. Hang in there and keep smiling!!
Posted by: Libby | May 03, 2006 at 10:59 AM
We are rejoicing in the power of prayer! I'm hoping for you a fast recovery! Mick
Posted by: Mickey Ebert | May 03, 2006 at 11:30 AM
Jen, Jan, and Chris.....
Wow what great news. You all have been in my thoughts and prayers all day and night. I was so anxious to hear the final out come. Jen you are a fighter and that is what it takes. I will continue praying for a quick recovery for you.
Heather Carpenter
Posted by: Heather Carpenter | May 03, 2006 at 12:42 PM
Praise the Lord!!!
Jen - I'm so happy to hear you are doing well and smiling! That puts a smile on my face! Get some well needed rest this week so you can get back home. Love you!
Love, Steph
Posted by: Stephanie Hunt | May 03, 2006 at 12:47 PM