April 29

The time is now 1:40 BC time. Judy's surgery ended shortly after 1:00 pm PST. In total, the operation was 4.5 hours. Dr. Nasir, the surgeon, said the operation was very involved, but he felt the goals for this operation were met. Remembering every detail shared with me by the surgeon is a challenge, then framing the information in a way that does not cause undue pessimism or false hope is a bigger challenge. I shall try to follow the example of Joe Friday...the facts, Mam, just the facts. The following is what I believe are the facts. 1. The surgeon operated on the right lung only(as per plan). He had to take more than the expected 20% of the right lung. In fact, 50% of the lung was removed. 2. The surgery did not follow the minimally invasive plan. The surgeon made a 10cm incision just below the right rib cage. He was able to go in and actually feel the lung. He removed the 12mm lesion as well as some nodules that were present on the lung. One nodule was scar tissue from a fungul infection perhaps as a result of a collapsed lung Judy experienced in the late 70s. The other nodules that were removed will be checked to determine whether they were cancerous. 3. The surgeon will likely follow the same strategy on the left lung. That is to say, a 10cm incision will be made below her left rib cage. The next surgery will likely be in 6 weeks. 4. Judy is in recovery at this time. Mary and Haley are busy relaying information to friends and family. The girls are doing well and staying strong. We will be going to the hospital in one hour to see whether she has been moved to a ward. 5. Judy's brother, David, has been with us for the last 2 days. He has been a wonderful support to Judy, the girls, and me. In other news, Judy's mother's condition continues to deteriorate. She is awaiting a room in Palliative care. After David feels Judy is stable here, he is going to Saskatoon to support Audrey and Judy's mom. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to text me at 306-371-6563.