The Colon Club

Hi everyone! So happy to share that after 9 LONG months, my husband's last surgical drain has finally been removed. I can't express how happy and relieved we both feel right now. This means that his fistula has finally healed naturally, and he WILL NOT need surgery! In 2-3 weeks he can start swimming again and he can even drink beer (which was forbidden with his fistula). This also means that his maintenance chemo does not need to be postponed! All good news. Thanks to everyone for all of your responses and support. I have learned so much from this forum and it's helping us navigate this surreal new norm.
-jep

HUZZAH!!!

I’ll have a beer for him as well

AAC

Great news! I'm sure you're all relieved

Amazing to hear. It goes to show that even in a dark tunnel you still can find light and find your way back. May he always be healthy. God is good.

Thank you AAC and Shana! Yes, it's a small victory for him (us), but not really that small. The thought of another surgery on his colon to fix that fistula was weighing so heavily on everyone. We're thrilled and ready to move forward! Thanks again for the support and insight.
jep

Congratulations Jep that is wonderful news!

Yes, thank you everyone, but we may have celebrated too soon. My husband woke up with a fever this morning, so of course I immediately thought sepsis . . . maybe they took the drain out too soon . . . my husband thinks he may have the flu and it's just a crazy coincidence that he's having sypmtoms the day after the surgical drain came out. We both work in public schools, so the germs are everywhere. He's been so healthy throughout chemo and everything, so we weren't expecting this. Going for a flu test today, and then he will meet with his surgeon today as well (unless the flu test is positive . . . no need to spread that around). Hopefully this is just another hurdle that we will conquer together! Hope everyone is doing well and staying healthy during this winter season.
Thanks!
jep

It's so good to hear great Wes. Congratulations!
Susan

jep wrote:Yes, thank you everyone, but we may have celebrated too soon. My husband woke up with a fever this morning, so of course I immediately thought sepsis . . . maybe they took the drain out too soon . . . my husband thinks he may have the flu and it's just a crazy coincidence that he's having sypmtoms the day after the surgical drain came out. We both work in public schools, so the germs are everywhere. He's been so healthy throughout chemo and everything, so we weren't expecting this. Going for a flu test today, and then he will meet with his surgeon today as well (unless the flu test is positive . . . no need to spread that around). Hopefully this is just another hurdle that we will conquer together! Hope everyone is doing well and staying healthy during this winter season.
Thanks!
jep

Crossing fingers it's just the flu! (Funny how cancer changes the things we wish for )

In case it's the fistula though, I would check to see if onc/surgeon wants him on an antibiotic just to be safe.

Best of luck to you!
Juliej

Yes, juliej, we were both kind of disappointed that it wasn't the flu! His surgeon has put him on 2 antibiotics just to be safe, but he's not overly concerned right now. He told us to call him if the fever persists or if my husband starts to have abdominal pain of any kind.
Thank you!
jep

Best wishes to your husband.
He will be alright soon.

Wonderful news! I hope his chemo goes well!*hugs*