That time again

Family and Friends, it is indeed that time again. Justin is headed into surgery next Thursday, January 23rd, for more “debulking” and likely another HIPEC (hyperthermic  intraperitoneal chemotherapy) treatment. During his last surgery, although a grueling 18 hours, doctors were unable to address disease on his liver. Since then, his disease has thankfully remained relatively slow growing and contained mostly to his upper peritoneal cavity (naval up). The goal of this upcoming surgery will be to address the liver and localized deposits of disease in this region. However, this does not preclude the surgeon from exploring the lower cavity and adjudicating lesions as he sees fit.

Since the objectives of this surgery are broad and only so much can be discerned ahead of time from CT imaging, what will actually occur during surgery is in flux. Time estimates are a wag at best. But with that being said, my best guess, with my unofficial, online, recreational, weekends only, medical degree, would be about 8 hours. HIPEC alone is 90-100 minutes.

On the bright side, since the last update in April, which marked the one year anniversary of his previous surgery, Justin has absolutely been enjoying life. He and I took several trips and even let the kiddos tag along for a couple 😉

Justin has been working roughly 29 hours per week. Some weeks more, some weeks less. All made possible by the remarkable folks at ACC who have been unbelievably gracious to Justin and our family over the past (nearly) 5 years of fighting this disease. I cannot say enough wonderful things about his work “family.” 

Please, as always, keep Justin in your prayers, thoughts, positive energy, whichever you subscribe. I promise it’s working. Proof is in the numbers … Justin’s cancer marker last read in “normal” range. Even slightly lower than exactly this time last year.

Until Thursday, 

Christina