I guess its time for an update. On April 14'th Dr Cleary and his team went through the same incision (as from the Feb 21 surgery) to address the right lobe of my liver and take out my gall bladder. So today is day 11 from my second surgery and I am doing very well. From what I can tell, scheduling this large procedure over two operations is rare, but the whole point is to get 90% of the tumors out (or more) ; while at the same time not kill my liver and keep me safe. The hardest part for the surgeons = getting through the scar tissue while in surgery #2 , as a result from surgery #1. I am 56 years of age with no other co-morbidities and was in shape. I left the hospital after day 4 because I was doing so well (my pain has been managed with acetaminophen and ibuprofen only since day 3). My incision is healing nicely. I do have pain throughout my abdomen and it can be quite painful and sharp. And I am still anemic; my hemoglobin is low (I did get 3 units of blood while in surgery and one unit on day 2). I get up to walk throughout the day, but I am very tired often and have to lay down. One thing that is really helping; I almost never take off my abdominal binder ...I think it helps lessen the tension on the tenuous fascia (from surgery #1) around my sutures; and it feels good. I am sleeping well which is is so important! So although my energy level is low and I move slow; my healing is good :).
The other thing ...my gall baldder is now gone ....so let's talk about that. Do not do what I did. I went to the internet and looked up complications from gall bladder removal; you will eventually get to something called "Post colysysectomy Syndrome" which is not good. I do not know how often it occurs but is is scary in terms of quality of life and pain. Having my gall bladder removed has not been of any great consequence thus far. I do get some intestinal pain as my food digests but it is mild and does not last. Almost no diarrhea. But I am strict with my diet ...lots of water...fruits and veggies ..grilled chicken...protein drinks ...ie .... I am trying not to give my body anything to get mad at me. The gall bladder produces bile which helps to digest fats.....so I try not to eat any fats.
In summary I am doing good and grateful from all of my doctors and nurses that take care of me. The nursing staff at the Mayo clinic, while in recovery, well I can't sing their praises enough. So now I heal and enjoy each moment, each day, and practice gratitude as much as possible.
I pray a lot too; it is the best the thing for me hands down. I could not do it with out Jesus; I surrender it all to him....it takes the pressure off 🙂