The 12/10/2025 surgery

It’s late afternoon here on December 11, and I'm still struggling a bit with the effects of anesthesia and oxycodone, but so many have reached out that I wanted to share what I can.

The surgery started about 9:30 and ended about 1:45 yesterday. Dr. Zani went first (working for roughly 2 hours) and then Dr. Rossi finished up (again, working for roughly 2 hours). Rick and Ethan met with both surgeons.

Dr. Zani was happy to share that most of the disease was in proximity to the liver rather than attached to it or in it. However, above the liver there was disease attached to the diaphragm. In removing that disease the diaphragm was perforated, and they had to repair the diaphragm. Further, on the back side of the liver, there had been three spots on the PET scan and they removed what appeared to be the disease that matched the scan.

Rick's impression was that Dr. Zani was generally positive about the fact that much of the disease was not in or attached to the liver.

According to Dr. Rossi, disease was widespread throughout the abdomen. She removed all visible disease, but she emphasized that she could only work on what she could see, and there is certainly widespread microscopic disease throughout the abdomen, as well.

There was disease on the appendix, and she removed my appendix.

There was disease on the colon and lower digestive tract, but she was able to remove this without damage to or removal of any of the colon. The colon and the bladder were pressurized to make sure there was no damage there.

Further treatment options will be discussed at my post-op appointment on December 29.

Though we had been hopeful I would be able to come home yesterday, due to the amount of blood that I lost during surgery as well as a few minor complications such as a low body temperature (88 degrees), it was best for me to spend the night at Duke. I had a great nurse named Lionel, and I actually slept quite a bit.

I was discharged about 10 am today, and it was a smooth trip back to Wilmington. I was greeted by some peonies my sweet (and 39 weeks pregnant) daughter-in-law had left for me.

Big decisions lie ahead, but for now, I'm just thankful to be home.

Today these lyrics have been playing in my head:

I remember how You told me
That life may not be easy
And everything that I need
You've already given me

You've walked me through fires
Pulled me from flames
If You're in this with me
I won't be afraid.

When the smoke billows higher, oh and higher
And it feels like I can barely breathe
I'll walk through these fires
'Cause You're walking with me.

-Jordan St. Cyr

Thank you to the many who have prayed and shown your love in tangible ways. I am humbled by your thoughtfulness and kindness.