"An Operation to Make Papa Better"

The Chemo and radiation therapy helped shrink and contain the cancerous tumor. We waited over a month to find out if surgical removal would now be possible. During this waiting time Rick was regaining weight and strength lost during the treatments. With mixed emotions we received the news from Dr. Nava that the tumor could be removed. The long awaited surgery is scheduled for today, December 3, 2001. It has been physically and emotionally draining the past four and half months. Our initial reaction to the surgery was "we reached Rick's goal of stopping the growth of the tumor and spread of cancer cells!" Our second reaction was one of fear. Our third was "we will get through this together, with our circle of support, Dr. Nava and our Lord's grace." Ricky made it this far, there is no reason Rick can't go all the way and win his cancer battle.

Our next step was to absorb the surgical procedure, risks, probabilities, and long range recovery. Quite a bit of information to accept and digest. The surgery involves exploring the stomach, intestines, and other organs, checking for any sign of abnormal cells. If any abnormalities are found the surgical removal of the tumor will not proceed. If all is clear, another incision is made, ribs are spread and the removal of the top of the stomach and the esophageal tumor begin. The tumor and cancer part of the esophagus is cut out, making the esophagus shorter. The muscles around the stomach are cut in order to stretch the stomach enough to reconnect it to the remaining part of the esophagus. A temporary feeding tube is inserted directly into the stomach and will be removed as soon as Rick can eat enough by mouth to sustain proper nutrition. The surgery is expected to take 10 to 12 hours. Rick will than be in the ICU for about a week. Then as he progresses, will be upgraded to the surgical ward for another week of recovery. Hopefully Rick will be home recovery a week before Christmas.

Our circle of friends and family have been given all this information. Everyone has offered their help and prayers. Our next step was to plan out scheduling and allowing everyone a chance to do something. Immediate family will be taking shifts visiting Rick and relieving me for short periods during his hospitalization. Our friends will be helping by taking care of our pets and taking care of our household chores. Even the grocery shopping and weekly errands are taken care of. Once Rick returns home, we will revise our plans to fit his needs. We have also given resource information to everyone who wants it. There is a Cancer Resource Center in Roswell Park Cancer Institute, where Rick is receiving his care, anyone concerned can access information and support at Roswell Park Cancer Institute .

Go To Page: 1 2 3