I waited 4.5 hours for Rich to get through his surgery so that I could see him. FINALLY at 12:30am the surgery team came to meet with my mom and I in the critical care waiting room at VGH. They said that if they would’ve waited any longer he wouldn’t be here right now. They tried to go inside his tummy with a camera and they ended up having to cut him open. So he now has 37 staples right through the middle of his tummy. So once they were inside they found a whole lot of puss and infection around his appendix. They aren’t sure if this is because of his appendix or if it’s from little perferations in his large and small intestine from all of the chemo and the medications that he is on. So they took out the infected chunks of the intestines as well as his appendix. But… he now has an ileostomy which is the end of his large intestine and the end of his small intestine sitting on the outside of his stomach in a sealed bag which his bowel come out of now. It they were to put it all back together again and have this happen again, he wouldn’t make it a second time round. So other than that he has had his stem cell transplant and his 6 specialists have decided that he not go through radiation because of this surgery. Today he has started to have some scary symptoms which the doctors and nurses are doing their best to stay on top of. He has been having the shakes really bad. As well as a uncontrollable heart rate of between 150 and 210. (his normal rate is about 75-90.)
So to say the least is that we all are kinda freaked out at this point. Please!!! If you are able… go and visit. He feels very scared and unsure right now. Everyday is a bit scary for us. If you are praying please continue, it has helped us hold it together so far. We really need all the help and support as we can get. Thanks for still being there for support.
(Taidum…. Rich wants to see Gary really bad. He asks everyday if I have talked to him. I lost Rich’s cell phone, so he doesn’t have his number anymore.)Rich’s direct line is 1.604.875.5400 ext.60633-don’t hesitate to call!!
Praying for you both still. Sorry that you’re having to go through such a scary and unsure time.
Comment by Yvonne — November 3, 2007 @ 4:26 am
I just got back from the TEMPLE. I went there to pray for you both tonight and everyone that went with me (45) are praying for you all as well. We love you so much. Keep being Strong Richard.
Love Grandma and Grandpa In CA
Comment by Grandma Carol & Grandpa Hy — November 3, 2007 @ 6:40 am
Keep your head up. We love you and keep you in our prayers.
Comment by Aunt Leenora — November 3, 2007 @ 3:59 pm
Rich & Katrina…..praying that God will give you all the strength you need to get through this struggle. Take a look at Psalm 46 and be assured that God is right there with you, you can rely on Him.
Comment by Heather — November 3, 2007 @ 6:11 pm