Medical Arts... Update

RayThom · Post by **RayThom** » Thu Mar 12, 2020 7:09 pm

So, here's where I have been.

On February 26th I entered UofP Presby/Philly hospital for a TOTAL GASTRECTOMY WITH ESOPHAGOENTEROSTOMY.

I'm still here with a "possible" discharge on Monday.

So many complications, procedures, and precautions -- it's a literal chart buster.

My life has changed forever, but at least I'm still on this side of the sod.

What's new with you?

Scooter · Post by **Scooter** » Thu Mar 12, 2020 7:17 pm

Sorry you're going through that, it sounds pretty brutal, hoping you're soon on your way to recovering.

Econoline · Post by **Econoline** » Thu Mar 12, 2020 9:51 pm

Sorry to hear about all that you've been going through, Ray (not to mention all that's been going through you). But yeah, this is still the more interesting side of the sod. You seem like a pretty adaptable kind of guy, but no one should have to adapt to "my life has changed forever" too many times...

ETA: Sheesh, I had to look up that word "esophagoenterostomy" (well, it makes sense that you need one of those once your stomach goes missing) and like Scooter said, it does sound pretty brutal. Thoughts and prayers and luck and hope and strength, buddy.

Long Run · Post by **Long Run** » Fri Mar 13, 2020 12:41 am

Hoping for the best, Ray. Thanks for updating us.

Burning Petard · Post by **Burning Petard** » Fri Mar 13, 2020 12:59 am

Wow ! your hospital is more hospitable than the one I was in in January. From your posts here in the new digs I thought you were home and making a good recovery. Science marches on and I hope you do\find much to enjoy as you continue on this side of the sod.

Snailgate.

Joe Guy · Post by **Joe Guy** » Fri Mar 13, 2020 1:01 am

Ray, I'm really sorry and shocked to hear about your situation. I wish the absolute best for you and I'll say a non-prayer to help you out.

MajGenl.Meade · Post by **MajGenl.Meade** » Fri Mar 13, 2020 7:32 am

You know, RayT . . . whether you want 'em or not, here they go. And you, you stay.

Guinevere · Post by **Guinevere** » Fri Mar 13, 2020 7:40 am

RayThom - be well. Sending you healing thoughts.

Lord Jim · Post by **Lord Jim** » Fri Mar 13, 2020 11:36 am

Wishing you all the best Ray.

Gob · Post by **Gob** » Fri Mar 13, 2020 11:57 am

Sounds horrendous mate, glad you are looking at recovery though!

Big RR · Post by **Big RR** » Fri Mar 13, 2020 1:45 pm

Hang in there Ray; wishes for a comfortable recovery. Your attitude will help you through it all.

Sue U · Post by **Sue U** » Fri Mar 13, 2020 3:05 pm

Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Ray. You're getting the best care at Penn-Presbyterian; I hardly ever sue them.

TPFKA@W · Post by **TPFKA@W** » Fri Mar 13, 2020 3:45 pm

this is still the more interesting side of the sod.

We don't actually know that.

Sorry to hear this, it is an ordeal. I haven't worked med surg in a while so I am not up on the latest, but I would imagine that the diet you will have to follow will be similar to that of a barbaric surgery patient? No bread, tiny meals and so forth? Still and all better than tube feeding. Lots of vitamins?

Keep us posted.

ex-khobar Andy · Post by **ex-khobar Andy** » Fri Mar 13, 2020 5:15 pm

Glad to hear you are doing well, Ray. And as TP said, keep us posted.

Crackpot · Post by **Crackpot** » Fri Mar 13, 2020 5:48 pm

TP? She’s in high demand these days

RayThom · Post by **RayThom** » Fri Mar 13, 2020 6:13 pm

Thanks for all your well wishes.

I've had major illnesses most of my adult life and I've dealt with them as they manifested. What gets me is that I never, ever, thought it would be cancer (T3/T4) that had the best chance of taking me out.

I've promised my daughter that I would take the surgery, chemo, and possible radiation therapy route, at least initially, to let her know it's worth it for me to stick around for a while longer. I am now 71 years old and, if I go into remission, that will probably give me another six years or so before the cancer makes a recurrence. I will not go through with even half of these procedures again at the age of 77 +/-.

Of course, I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

FWIW -- many people tell me it's due to the superior skills of the surgical team that my PCP pulled together that has gotten me this far. I dispute this. I feel strongly that it due to all the collective thoughts and prayers from my Thursday evening bible study group that has saved me. Hallelujah!

I'll keep you updated.

Econoline · Post by **Econoline** » Fri Mar 13, 2020 6:49 pm

FWIW -- many people tell me it's due to the superior skills of the surgical team that my PCP pulled together that has gotten me this far. I dispute this. I feel strongly that it due to all the collective thoughts and prayers from my Thursday evening bible study group that has saved me. Hallelujah!

I wouldn't throw either team under the bus...yet.

BoSoxGal · Post by **BoSoxGal** » Sat Mar 14, 2020 1:28 am

Here’s some more for you, RT - wishing you the best possible outcomes.

Bicycle Bill · Post by **Bicycle Bill** » Sat Mar 14, 2020 3:30 am

BoSoxGal wrote: ↑
Sat Mar 14, 2020 1:28 am

Oh.... tots and pears.
NOW I get it.

-"BB"-

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