I returned home from NYC Sunday after an eight day stay in MSKCC. I had my primary tumor removed and the HAI pump implanted. My primary tumor in my colon was the size of about half of my thumb. The surgeon suspected that the last year of chemo must have shrunk it well. I wished it had worked as well on my liver lesions. Surgery went well, but recovery was kind of rough. My bowels didn't want to wake up, causing my stomach to hold excess fluid and required a NG tube down my nose. That was unpleasant to say the least. My heart rate was way elevated (120s resting) and my oxygen was low (in the low 80s). I also developed the beginnings of pneumonia in my lungs. Once all that was handled, I was released on my eighth day in. I go back to NYC Tuesday for the first pump fill.
The staff at MSKCC was wonderful. I wasn't the best patient considering the first few nights were so bad. They kept my pain under control and kept me walking as much as possible. The surgical teams kept the wife and I informed about everything daily. I would recommend anyone check out MSKCC for colon/liver mets. I am a little anxious about the pump fill next week, but I know I am in good hands. If you are going to be at 53rd Tuesday or Wednesday next week, let me know and maybe we can meet.
Psalms 91
Richard Biggins