Rod's Surgery Was Cancelled

In the time it usually takes to have the robotic procedure done, was the amount of time the team tried to administer anesthesia. Rod kept having bronchial spasms in spite of all attempts. Thank goodness it happened before they made an incision because the outcome could have been much worse. We were told the dangerousness with the anesthesia far outweighed the risk of cancer at the time. They had to wake Rod up with the tube still down his throat. He felt duress as they were telling him to breathe, breathe.... I feel so terribly bad for Rod.

Two pulmonary specialists came to talk to him. His CXR was fine. We go back to the hospital tomorrow for a pulmonary function test and to reschedule the surgery, but the pulmonary doctors want Rod to see an allergist too. More delays and in the meantime we worry about the cancer spreading.

Rod still has Medical LOA and Disability paperwork that needs to be completed by a physician. And now this setback is only going to cost us more money. We worry about becoming financially ruined.

I was so worried this would happen because a couple of weeks after Rod had the biopsy, he developed this horrible rash all over his body. He refused to go the doctor. And since the biopsy he had a bad sinus infection where the side of his nose even swelled up and he has had tightening in the lungs. I can even hear wheezing when I put my head on his chest. He has been self-medicating with Claritan, Mucinex, Robitussin cough drops, and a combo med that contains a decongestant, expectorant and Tylenol. I told him to stop and go to the doctor but he wouldn't listen to me. Rod smoked for 37 years, but quit four years ago. He works as an electronic technician handling solder, circuit boards, etc. A couple of weeks ago when he tried to cut the grass I found him outside squatting against the wall because he was short of breath. Maybe our house is making us sick? Our cat died in January, our other cat is sick, one of our dogs is sick, I have ear problems, and now Rod is sick. The only thing I recently changed in the house was the cat litter from clay to a combo of wheat and pine.

My first reaction was to ask God why did this happen because everyone I know has been praying so hard and now this had to happen. Right now I feel like a mom full of tenderness towards a child, but in this case it is my husband. I feel so sad for him. This really stinks! I feel like we're just flapping in the wind.

Now I just feel like sitting in the corner and crying... What a let down!

Maria Teresa

Rod and Maria Teresa, I am so sorry to hear of the complications with the anesthesia, but on the other hand you can count your blessings it happened before and not during. They say god works in ways we will never understand but, almost always it is a blessing. There are many stories of pre-surgery findings that have worked out to save people's lifes, my mom was one of them. We will keep you close in our prayers and wait to see what you find out. Did the surgeon know about Rod's sickness before the surgery? Mayby this will help him realize just how important it is to communicate with the doctors. They need to know everything, always.
Keep us posted. Our hearts go out to you both.
Cheryl

Talking about things happening for the good. My son had a friend he mountain bikes with who had a wreck and broke a collar bone. On the xray they happened to catch a small section of the heart. His heart didn't look right so they did another xray of only the heart. His heart was encased by a tumor, yet he had no symptoms. They said if they waited till he had any symptoms it would have been too late. He is back riding his bike again. Sometimes things just work out and I beleive that God has his hand in it. We have you and Rod in our prayers. God Bless, Uncle Dan

Hi Maria Teresa,
What a let down. Jim is right, a lot of times people find new allergies to medications and anesthesia's when going through this stuff. I know right after my biopsy I had a severe rash from the Bactrim that I took as an antibiotic. I took the medication for a few days before and a few days after the biopsy. I had welts all over my body. I learned I was allergic to sulfa medications. And that might be all that has happened to Rod on the anesthesia. That would explain why they suggested an allergist. Hopefully they will find an anesthesia that he can take and get back to work. God bless you kids and hang in there.

Tony

Maria Teresa, sorry to hear about the delay, but things will move forward. the cancer will not spread that quickly so take your time and find out what's wrong with Rod. maybe this is a wake-up call to him that he needs to call the doctor when things are right. take good care of yourself.....kat

So sorry about this setback.

Take care of yourself and each other.

Julie

Because I have Parkinsons, they tell me that the anesthesia is a very important consideration.  Unfortunately that is all that they have told me and I hope that they don't expect me to tell them what medication to use.  I know a tiny bit about a lot of things, but anesthesia isn't one of them.  This is frustrating for you, but take it for a learning experience and if we could ask a favor please let us know anything else that you find out about this.  Life is throwing us some curves, but I'm swinging for the fence.