2nd op done. Status....

Op started before 6pm on 19th March, and only finished around 9pm. Much longer than expected because of some complications...

First, they did the chemo-port implant... as that was quick and clean and they figured they might as well get it done first. Need to do an xray tomorrow to make sure it is positioned correctly, but other than that it was straightforward. (UPDATE as of 20th Mar: They did the xray this morning without Husband even having to leave his bed. Brought a portable Xray machine, slid a metal plate under his upper body, took the Xray, and left!! Fast and relatively easy!)

Second, they did the reverse ileostomy - and that was more complicated than expected as all Husband's "internals" had shifted around and clumped together - apparently a normal happening with ileostomies, but worse than expected!! They took time to 'unclump' everything and get them all into place, especially as they did not want to make any more incisions and had to work through the small incision that was there from the original ileostomy. Anyway the incision is sutured shut, there is a gauze dressing on it, and there is NO MORE COLOSTOMY BAG REQUIRED (PHEW!!). Husband can now sleep on either side without worrying about the bag leaking. However, he cant eat yet - only sips of water - and when he can eat it will have to be very very mild foods (eg, rice porridge). And, if he has to cough or sneeze anytime in the next 2 - 3 weeks, he has to hold firmly to his side so that nothing gives way. (UPDATE as of 20th March: He is much better today. Pain is less obvious. He is able to speak normally.. just has to be careful not to make any sudden moves. Still only allowed sips of water...)

Finally, they went to debride the sore on the bum, and got a shock as it was far deeper than expected ( a full fingers depth!!), and there was apparently a huge pus-filled abscess below the thick surface layer of dead skin... so it took time to drain it and clean that out, leaving quite a big hole in the bum. The surgeon has packed it with silver paper and iodine, which will remain in place for at least 2 days - then when it is removed Husband will have to be under anaesthetic again as the removal process will be quite painful. Apparently it will take at least one month to heal up properly! (UPDATE as of 20th Mar: Even though he is sleeping on his back, ie, on the sore bum, it is still much less painful now, so he is not suffering from that at least!)

Right now, it looks like Husband will have to remain in hospital for at least the next 10 to 11 days or so - depending on how fast he heals up. Also, the chemo will have to wait till the bum is healed up nicely... which puts that somewhere at the end of April. To complicate matters a wee bit, I have to be back in SG from 25th - 28th March, to pay taxes, to renew car road tax, to terminate StarHub services, and to be there when the movers come to pack up our stuff. I HATE having to leave Husband, but I have no choice!

That's the udpates folks... and it would be great if you could continue to keep Husband in your prayers and your thoughts, as he is still not out of the woods yet.

Till next time, may life treat you kindly.