Butch’s liver resection

Hello Everyone,

I haven’t posted in a while – been busy here in Pittsburgh. Butch is doing much better, and will hopefully get out of here (the hospital) on Friday – Monday at the latest. After this HUGE surgery (extended right hepatic lobectomy – 3/4 of liver removed, portal vein reconstruction, etc.) he developed a bacterial infection that got into the blood stream, causing, among other things, some temporary heart problems, and making him very, very sick. He also had to have his lungs drained of fluid twice, and quite a few other nasty things. Actually, he had three infections since July 16th! As of August 13, we were moved to a select specialty unit, where we have been because of the wound vac that is attached to him, cleaning out his wound. We will go to Family House for a few days, with Home Health helping me, and then – HOME. He is doing quite well – still weak, and needs to go home to get better, I think. We have wonderful care from the team of liver Doctors, but many, many trials and tribulations have been suffered through while we were here at UPMC. I don’t know if it is the same all over when it comes to hospitals – I suspect it is, but, hospitals are no place to be when you are sick! Anyway, liver and kidney functions are all stabilized, and he will go home with the j-tube draining theducts – couldn’t do the internal stents on him, which would have been better. He is still a bit anemic, and will not be ready to start chemo for awhile, I suspect – but – I am TAKING HIM HOME SOON – God is good.

Joyce