June 15, 2020

Blessed!

Jen’s surgery was a success. She is stable and recovering from the anesthesia.

Though stabilizing the spine was priority one, and was 100% successful. Removing the tumor was the most challenging part of the surgery.

The tumor was bloody and resection was slow. One cell at a time. Dr. Shasti (assisted by Dr. Moshirfar) had to cauterize after every step to control the bleeding.

Jen lost about 500cc of blood, and was transfused 3 units.

Her surgeons were able to get most of the tumor, taking almost all of Jen’s T12 vertebrae with it.

Pathology will take about 2 weeks. So, we’ll know what kind of cancer we’re dealing with then.

In the meantime, we need her bones to heal quickly, so that she can begin chemo and radiation as soon as possible. As part of her post op, Jen will be fitted with a bone brace, a device that stimulates bone healing.

Jen’s incision will take 3 to 4 weeks to heal, and she will feel pain mostly where her rib was removed.

Unless there are any complications, Jen is expected to come home Wednesday or Thursday.

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