Now that I’m nearing the end of the chemo it’s time to give serious thought to a final choice of a surgeon.
We’ve already narrowed it down to two. Dr. Cook and Dr Tseng.
Dr. Cook is a traditional surgeon who operates by opening you up with a sharp kitchen knife then removes the cancer using a pocket knife and an ice cream scooper. Technically that might not be exactly how he does it, but it gives you a general idea.
Dr. Cook installed my Port. He did a very nice job. Nice clean incision and no complications. Everyone says nice things about him and he seems to be an excellent surgeon.
Dr. Tseng specializes in Laparoscopic surgery. In Laparoscopic surgery they cut a hole in you and insert a garden hose with a camera, key chain flash light, shop vac, and Swiss army knife attached. Once again, this isn’t exactly the equipment they use to do it, but the principle is the same.
An advantage of traditional surgery is that when they open you up there is a big cavity to peek into. They can borrow a high power flashlight from one of those guys who inspect sewers and take a really thorough look for cancer.
With Laparoscopic surgery they are working through a narrow tunnel so it’s pretty much what you see is what you get. Because there is a chance you might miss something, Laparoscopic surgery is somewhat controversial. Particularly with older doctors who don’t know how to do it.
The biggest advantage of Laparoscopic surgery is they do it without opening you up. That way it is less traumatic to the body and you heal significantly faster. A shorter hospital stay is appealing.
Laparoscopic is a much more difficult surgery to perform, so you spend more time on the operating table. However, I don’t care much because I was planning on sleeping through the whole thing anyway.
We haven’t met with Dr. Tseng yet but have a visit scheduled within a few weeks. After that we should have enough information to make a decision.
We’ll probably make the decision by having a poll on this web site. That way we’ll have someone else to blame if something goes wrong.
This might be your funniest post ever. Your sense of humor seems to have become intensified from the chemo. Was that listed as a side effect?
Consider the reason that you’re having this surgery, which will help you make your decision.
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I don’t care for traditional surgery due to the longer period of healing, BUT I really dislike the idea of malignant remnants, which can be removed with the ice cream scooper and the pocket knife. Hopefully, a BBQ tong won’t be needed.
Now I remember why I haven’t left a comment for a while. it keeps telling me that I have to have Java Script and Cookies enabled. They are, but it insists that they aren’t and when I go back my content is deleted. Maybe this time I will be smart enough to copy and save it first. Third time is the charm.
I’m glad you are doing as well as you are after Super Duper Chemo. I know others who haven’t fared so well, permanent damage and all.
I just wanted to cast my vote for traditional surgery with freight train access and visibility. That’s what I chose for my colon resectioning two years ago, in spite of the possibility of a longer hospital stay. No regrets here.
Keep up the good work and attitude. DC
Marcia – As odd as it might seem, most people don’t find much humor in cancer. Which probably accounts for humor not being listed as a side effect. Without a good dose of humor it seems cancer would be down right depressing.
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Candace – I’m not too sure about how high a risk there is for those nasty malignant remnants, but It’s certainly something we’re going to consider before making a decision. I agree it would be good if the BBQ tong weren’t necessary. That barbecue sauce stings.
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Dale – I don’t know a great deal about the laparoscopic surgery, other than it sounds cool. Or at least as cool as nasty invasive surgeries can get. It will be interesting to see what the risk level is, and whether I’m even a candidate for the procedure. Time will tell.
Gary, I think Obama should have hired you to explain health care – it’s all so comprehensible when you ‘paint the picture’…
Experience proves poll driven decision making can get you into trouble – superhero like you are probably best served if you “Use the Force”.
Keep up all the good attitude!
Before I could explain health care someone would have to explain it to me. Anne’s tried to on many occasions, but it just makes my head hurt. I think I’ll leave that to someone else.
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I was only going to partially use the poll to make the decision. The final conclusion would be drawn from gutting a live chicken and reading the entrails. A blood and guts approach to divining the best course in a blood and guts procedure seemed appropriate.