22nd July
As I sit here in South East London I thought what could be more appropriate than a tube update (and other things). So then, I have had my CT scan and the gastrointestinal tract seems very well. In particular, they were very happy with the anastomosis. Deb and Emily will confirm that it is au revoir to Harry. The operation itself went well although did last 3.5 hours. The tumour they removed was the size of a plum. The amount of ascending colon I lost was about 25cm long. They had to call my liver surgeon in as my stomach was stuck to my liver. However it looks like a complete success. The bit they cut out will now be looked at to determine if the cancer had spread. Should hear on this in 2-3 weeks.
Major engineering works have been completed in the South East London region. However there are some knock effects. On departing theatre I had the following tubes. In no particular order:
1 cannula for drip and drugs line,
2 cannula for taking out blood line,
3 right side abdominal anaesthetic tube,
4 left side abdominal anaesthetic tube,
5 personal pain management cannula line,
6 catheter tube,
7 right side abdominal drainage tube,
8 left side abdominal anaesthetic tube,
9 nasal gastric tube.
However, good time has been made on dealing with the network’s over running works. The nasal gastric tube line, the cannula for taking out blood line, the right side abdominal anaesthetic tube line and the left side abdominal tube line have had all over running works complete and all works are completed and removed! After being contacted for a comment a network representative said that they were hopeful that the catheter tube line works would be finished early on Wednesday morning although the representative was unable to give an update on the right side abdominal drainage tube, the left side abdominal drainage tube or the cannula for drip and drugs tube line. Finally they are fairly certain that my infection was in the lungs and will treated with antibiotics. My oesophagus is very painful due to the nasal gastric tube but I am so happy it is out. The rumour mill suggests that the NHS may have a bed vacancy sometime on Friday afternoon. I sincerely hope that I only have one more and brief update to provide.
23rd July