Preparing for Liver Resection

We arrived at MD Anderson this morning for Anesthesia Assessment and a PreOp appointment with the surgeon.  Everything went smoothly in anesthesia and we were left with almost four hours until the afternoon appointment.

Tim and I ventured over to the McGovern Commons for lunch outside.  It only took us one new elevator, but Tim said he felt like we’d been on six.  After lunch we rode up to the observation deck on the 24th floor.  You can see all of the medical center, the ship channel, and back over to NRG on the side we were on.  From our chairs, all you could see were blue skies and clouds.  It’s supposed to be a quiet place, but others must not have realized that or cared. Nonetheless, we spent several hours reading and relaxing.

This afternoon, we met with Dr. Chun’s fellow who will be in the OR tomorrow morning and she explained that Tim’s case is one of the trickier ones.  When I asked to confirm the six- to eighth- hour length of surgery, she responded with “at least.”  She also explained that he will likely need a blood transfusion and explained the two possibilities for pain management. Dr. Chun and the anesthesiologist have already discussed that he will like have an epidural rather than tap blocks and they would get him up to walk on Saturday.

Basically, the most disappointing news was when the nurse’s aid said that he is on clear liquids from this point forward.  Too bad we didn’t have a good lunch. But then Dr. Chun came in and said he could eat a light supper.  We already knew we liked her, but he sure liked her more with that.

In all seriousness, we both really like her and have confidence in God’s work through her. Her bedside manner is excellent, as was her fellow’s.

We are now off to the Rotary House to attempt to get some much needed rest.  I know it’s going to be a long few days.