Sunday, April 19, 2009

Bile drainage went well

This morning Kay went to the interventional radiology suite at Good Sam, and John, the self described "candy man" who administers the drugs for conscious sedation, and Dr. Frood were able to safely drain Kay's obstructed biliary system. There was a very high grade obstruction of the common bile duct, allowing very little bile to drain into the intestine. One advantage of being thin is that he was able to access the bile ducts through the left lobe of the liver, through the abdominal wall beside her prior surgical incision. This avoids the need to go from the right side between the ribs, the usual approach, and avoids the pain of this tube moving with each breath causing a lot of pain. They drained a large amount of bile, and were able to pass a small drainage tube down through the bile ducts into the duodenum. The tube has small holes above the blockage, and in the tube into the duodenum, so bile can drain into the gut. What bile does not drain that direction, can drain out into a small bag through the tube allowing complete decompression of the biliary system. We anticipate that this will allow Kay's bilirubin to go down to normal, and her liver to function normally, so she can start chemotherapy later this week. Kay was as I knew she would be, a "patient" and tough patient, allowing them to work for nearly 3 hours to accomplish all of this work. Thanks to Dr. Frood, the supporting staff, and all concerned for giving Kay their Sunday morning to do this excellent work.

Brett is with Kay now, Fay and Mary plan to visit this afternoon, and I'm going to nap. After a nap I'm going on a bike ride with Peter Wiederspan, and maybe other church friends, on the Orting trail. This is a beautiful biking and walking trail along the Puyallup River, through the Orting Valley. It was 71 degrees F and bright sun on my ride back home from the hospital. We are getting so much help, that it is blurring in my mind, but much thanks for the taco soup I have for lunch today. I think Mary Rose brought it, but I am honestly so tired now I just cannot think straight. I am happily tired though, nothing a nap won't fix.

Thanks for all your support. I hope this blog is as good for all of you as it is for me. I feel so much love and support from everyone I just cannot express my gratitude.

Love to all.

Ed

8 comments:

Sue said...

Rejoicing with thanksgiving in our hearts! Extra, extra love to Kay. Sue and Sammy

Barb Hoffmann said...

Kay darlin'
Thoughts of you run like a background "hum" in my mind. Ed's doctorly descriptions make it possible to actually visualize the good guys and the bad guys in your gut so we can pinpoint exactly where to send our strength and energy. We were pulling for those "tiny tubes" and the doctor wielding them. So relieved that chemotherapy can progress optimally. We love you dearly. Sis, Tom, Imee

Unknown said...

We are so happy to hear about the successful procedure. Thank you for all the updates as well. Keeping you in our hearts and prayers. We love you kay

mindee said...

Kay, you are a trooper. I'm sending along some love and support. Laughted out loud to read Ed's comments about 1-800-COM-CAST. Glad to see you are still in place as drill seargent...would expect nothing less. Love you! Mindee

mindee said...

Kay, you are a trooper. I'm sending along some love and support. Laughted out loud to read Ed's comments about 1-800-COM-CAST. Glad to see you are still in place as drill seargent...would expect nothing less. Love you! Mindee

Hamsterina said...

Barb said it better than I can. We think of you both constantly. Every time I come back in the house, I check the blog. Thanks so much, Ed, for keeping us all connected.

Unknown said...

Hey Kay + Ed, ecstatic to hear the procedure worked! A lot of my friends down here are praying for you all. I bet you're finally grateful for all the years of torment Ken and I heaped upon you when we were little kids, to make you as tough as you are now. No thanks needed, we all know you're a fighter. Seriously, I love and miss you very much Kay. Hope to see you very soon. Ed, Jean + Brett, words can't describe
love Keith

Sail Grace E said...

Kay,
Continue one step at a time, we are with you all the way!

Oh, and Ed, the blog is priceless. We are all wanting so badly to know every detail, yet wanting to allow you the space you need to support Kay and the kids. Thank you for keeping us updated.

Love, Coach Cheryl