(Written by Bob's brother Bill. Remember, I'm a lawyer, not a doctor, so I hope I got the medical stuff right!!! :-)
Bob came out of surgery around 7 p.m. tonight. Relatively good news in that the docs feel chemotherapy is still warranted.
The docs removed a significant amount of cancerous tissue and they were able to create a "negative margin," which means they were able to get to places where there was no more cancer. It's like clearing the debris around your home to keep fire safe. The fact that they were able to reach the negative margin means, at least for the area in which they operated, they removed as much of the cancer they saw and there is "clean" (non-cancerous) tissue remaining.
Also, while the urologist was performing the cancer surgery, the vascular surgeon was tying off and cleaning up from the artery surgeries. The docs are very pleased with the arterial surgery outcome and don't believe that should be any more arterial problems in his recovery. However, due to the length of this surgery and all the stress caused by the other operations these past 7 days, the docs were unable to close the external wound from the infection and surgical entry site. They were able though, to cover the internal portion of the wound with some of Bob's own muscle. The plastic surgeon will have to handle the external wound in the future before he goes home, but that is a battle for another day.
Barring any unforeseen major complication (such as the second arterial bleed he had last Wednesday), Bob's primary medical provider (his urologist) believes he will eventually make it home after this long recovery process. It is our hope that he heals quickly so that the chemo may begin. Wound healing, no further complications and chemo appear to be his best prescription for recovery. All of his vital signs remain strong, which is very good for a person who has been through what he has.
The road is still long. His recovery and time in ICU and in the hospital remains significant. He is not out of the woods yet, so to speak, so he will continue to need your thoughts and prayers. He remains in isolation and visitors are still limited to immediate family only. Keep checking here for the latest.
Again, our heartfelt thanks.
The Freemans
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So glad to hear all the good news, thanks for keeping us updated.
ReplyDeleteThe Wann Family
Bob,
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family....Bill thanks for all the updates.
The Lopez Family
Uncle Bob & Aunt Shelly,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say hi, and let you know that we are thinking about you guys and you are in our prayers. Let us know if you or the family ever need anything. Love you!
Love,
Mark & Kristina
To the Freeman family,
ReplyDeleteWanted to pass along our concern for your well being and hope you get well soon. We will keep you in our prayers.
Larry & Daisy Jones
(Kevins Uncle)
My daughter Shawn let me know about the health issues going on with Bob. I just want you to know my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
ReplyDeleteYour old neighbor,
Carolyn Mesler
The district has this blocked - so what would you expect - this is the Blogosphere. I am having a friend copy the contents and email it to me. I am then sending that to the Miller family.
ReplyDeleteBob you are one 'ol tough bird. This is not the last course of brick nor is it the bottom of the ninth inning. We all send the best to you and you family. Come back home.
Roy Reaser, Miller staff