I was asleep when the house phone rang at 2:07am this morning. Dad answered the phone. He knew who was calling. He knew something was wrong. No one calls a house phone in the middle of the night unless there is a problem.
Dad and Natalie came into my room and woke me up to tell me the news. To put it mildly, I was very angry that my sleep was being disturbed. Dad started explaining things in detail. I was having trouble following what he was saying because I was so sleepy. I barked at him to get to the point. He said that Mom had to go back into surgery.
What Dad had been trying to explain to me was that a clot had formed in the main vein carrying blood back from the reconstructed portion of Mom's new tongue (called a "flap") and blood was pooling inside. Surgery had to be performed immediately in order to try and save the tissue. The head surgeon, Dr. Ryan Heffelfinger, was called back in to reconnect the flap. Luckily the clot was discovered early enough that the tissue was still healthy. In the vast majority of similar cases, the flap tissue does not survive.
Attaching thigh tissue to a tongue is a long and tedious process in which nerves and blood vessels must be sewn together. It requires a talented and experienced surgeon (imagine trying to sew two angel hair noodles together end-to-end, and you'll have some idea of what microsurgery involves). Mom was in surgery for another four hours (approximately 2:30-6:30am) while the flap was successfully reconnected. Dad made sure to thank Dr. Heffelfinger. It had been a long 24 hours for him and his team.
It was a scary night for Mom, but she is doing well now. Other than dealing with standard intensive care procedures, we spent the day opening letters and gifts (thank you to those who sent in cards!), talking with family, combing Mom's hair, and watching MythBusters. Mom is really excited to see her sister, Ellen, who flies in tomorrow.
We all are relieved that everything is back on track despite the complications early this morning. Thank you all for your comments and continued support. Thank you Holly B. for the amaryllis.
- Matthew
Again, thank you for the update.
Posted by: Virginia | 12/30/2010 at 12:31 AM
There are no words to express what all of you are going through. My heart and prayers and love are with you.
Posted by: Connie | 12/30/2010 at 07:11 AM
Matthew: Love and strength to all of you. Baba
Posted by: Barbara Eldridge | 12/30/2010 at 10:25 AM
I'm so sorry to read about the complications, but it sounds like they got on it quickly. Sending love to all of you.
Posted by: Ann | 12/30/2010 at 06:52 PM
Lisa, like we said on Christmas eve, standing in the hallway of your home, you are SO strong and you CAN do this. It sucks that you have to, but you will! Looking forward to hearing what word you have come up with for this new and improved tongue. Maybe Thrung
Ringing in a cancer free 2011 tonight! (HUGS) - Rachel and the Pavis gang
Posted by: Rachel | 12/31/2010 at 01:45 PM
Lisa, All of my prayers have been answered...I am so grateful the surgery was successful...what a scare for us all. Love you and yours.
2010 can be left behind........
Beautiful, fresh, new, healthy beginnings in 2011.
Love, Beth
Posted by: Elizabeth Wray | 12/31/2010 at 06:24 PM
I am so moved by your strength and the powers of such a connected loving family. Our hearts and prayers are with all of you everyday. Thinking of you... Warmly, Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer Yakupcin | 12/31/2010 at 06:41 PM
Lisa, John and I are thinking of you constantly, believing that your strength and optimistic determination and all the love and support from your incredible family and your friends will carry you through. May peace, wholeness and health be yours in 2011. Love, Sarah
Posted by: Sarah Mills | 01/01/2011 at 12:46 PM