Posted by Becky
Yesterday's ultrasound did not identify any pus buildup or fistulas in the area of Leif's butt that's been infected. However, the surgeon did see an anal fissure, and he strongly suspects that it has formed a fistula, which is an open tube going away from the fissure toward the former abscess site. This combination is a serious infection risk when Leif gets more chemo.
There isn't time before Leif needs chemotherapy to do the surgery that would allow the fissure to heal up. The colorectal surgeon and transplant specialist discussed the options last night, have decided that the best course of action is to put in a Seton drain. This is a small, soft tube that will loop through the fistula and out of the body. Think of a hoop earring, in a very unglamorous location.
So, today the doctor is putting that in. The surgery is scheduled for about 3:00 today; Leif's in the patient prep room now. We have no word on how long this will delay Leif's next chemo treatment, although he can't wait for long.
Since Leif had to fast today prior to anaesthesia, he stayed up rather late last night eating all the healthy leftovers in the fridge before the midnight deadline, in order to keep his weight and energy levels up. Then he slept for most of this morning. Although the surgery and risk of infection are stressful, to say the least, his energy level on the way into the hospital today was pretty good. He was walking close to his "normal" pace - i.e. faster than me.
Yesterday's ultrasound did not identify any pus buildup or fistulas in the area of Leif's butt that's been infected. However, the surgeon did see an anal fissure, and he strongly suspects that it has formed a fistula, which is an open tube going away from the fissure toward the former abscess site. This combination is a serious infection risk when Leif gets more chemo.
There isn't time before Leif needs chemotherapy to do the surgery that would allow the fissure to heal up. The colorectal surgeon and transplant specialist discussed the options last night, have decided that the best course of action is to put in a Seton drain. This is a small, soft tube that will loop through the fistula and out of the body. Think of a hoop earring, in a very unglamorous location.
So, today the doctor is putting that in. The surgery is scheduled for about 3:00 today; Leif's in the patient prep room now. We have no word on how long this will delay Leif's next chemo treatment, although he can't wait for long.
Since Leif had to fast today prior to anaesthesia, he stayed up rather late last night eating all the healthy leftovers in the fridge before the midnight deadline, in order to keep his weight and energy levels up. Then he slept for most of this morning. Although the surgery and risk of infection are stressful, to say the least, his energy level on the way into the hospital today was pretty good. He was walking close to his "normal" pace - i.e. faster than me.
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