A Surgery to Celebrate!
Success
Yesterday’s surgery went better than we had hoped!
The original plan was to install one or two stents to maintain the function of Sam’s limited but existing blood-flow (i.e. reinforce one of his small collateral veins). However, the surgeons1 presented a new plan. The new ‘Plan A’ would be to reestablish flow through the brachiocephalic vein ! They were hopeful they could reopen the left side. They would fall back to ‘Plan B’ as described in my previous post if they were not able to do so.
Plan A was a success! It took significantly longer than planned but 3.5 hours later the doctors came and talked with us. They were obviously pleased that they were able to do this. Tina and I are are ecstatic! Sam is feeling good! We are currently in the hospital for observation but we expect to be back to the RMH by the end of today.
Where?
The left and right bracheocephalic veins were believed to be fully occluded. The right was occluded when we first arrived due to blood clotting associated with the disease. As of last week’s scans the left is also fully blocked.
During yesterday’s surgery the team was able to reestablish flow in the left bracheocephalic and to install a stent there to keep it open. This result gives Sam much more ‘normal’ blood-flow and takes the literal pressure off his collateral vascular network.
In addition, measurements during surgery indicated that the Superior vena cava (SVC) is functioning normally.
Victories and concerns
We are celebrating the success of Sam’s surgery. The outcome was far better than we had hoped for resulting in a return to near-normal blood-flow!
The cancer has grown and the impacts of the disease are threatening Sam’s vascular system and thereby his life.
Sam is on higher levels of Nivolumab. Side effects of this medication include fatigue and agitation of the liver. In the past we were not able to use this drug for numerous weeks due to liver inflammation. Current support medications are being used to reduce negative side effects.
To date, the medicines and interventions that have been tried have not had any significant or lasting effect at controlling this disease. We need something that will work. We need a miracle.
It was amazing to see Sam join the Ness Lake Bible Camp team (July 28 - 31) . He served, ran, talked, played – he got to be fully there! Many thanks to the NLBC team who welcomed him in.
We are thankful to the medical team here at BC Childrens’ Hospital who have explained things incredibly well and who have worked professionally and confidently. Your clear communication, compassion, and medical care give us great confidence.
We are thankful for the gift of a place to stay so close to where Sam is receiving his care. The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) has provided us a home away from home. This place is an amazing example of charity at work.
Thankful for friends who have chosen to meet regularly to pray for Sam (we are also thankful for everyone praying for Sam whereever you are). If you would like to join them talk with Beth H., Krista C., or contact the Westwood Church office.
Thankful for such supportive family and friends caring for us all through this journey.
We long for the day when Sam is free of this disease.
Footnotes
technically these doctors are Interventional Radiologists↩︎