Re: Back from meeting with the surgeon...

[Guest guest]

My thoughts and prayers are with you, wishing that your surgery would go very well, tomorrow.

Subject: Back from meeting with the surgeon...To: Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 2:50 AM

I'm back...It is definitely cancer, and they think it is cholangiocarcinoma. But it is not in the ducts -- that they can tell. They are going to be operating on my on Thursday the 21st. Would you believe that there is another patient with the same condition and needing the same surgery? They scheduled him for a resection of the right lobe, and he backed out. Dr. Hertl left the surgery booked, thinking that I might take it. I guess there are no coincidences.SInce the tumor is pressing on a poral vein, and I have an enlarged lymph node just outside my liver, the big concern is if seed cancer cells have gotten into my blood stream and taken root elsewhere. He told me that I will likely loose 8-10 pounds (I weigh 120 pounds as it is) from the surgery and that I need to make eating and gaining weight my job. He told me that lots of dairy will be key in regrowing my liver. I must say that

he was a wonderfully warm and kind man. I've not met many Bavarians with good senses of humor! I feel very good about having him perform the surgery, and that my care will be excellent. The lady who did my pre-admission EKG gave me a hug today! I must say that everyone there has been super-kind and helpful.That is about all I can think of now. I will be in touch and perhaps I can set up an email blast or one of those patient care websites to keep you all updated.Regards,Colleen