Details from surgery
A few days ago I promised you more details on the surgery... Here they are, as I remember what Dr. Tozzi told us on Friday morning.
Michelle had a full hysterectomy, and had both ovaries removed. The doctors also took out all the cancerous growths they could find (they looked hard, and think they got them all). The main growth was on the right ovary, which is presumed to be the origin. Locations of the other growths included the left ovary, the outer surface of the bowel, the omentum, and the right diaphragm. The growths were in general easy to remove; in particular they didn't have to do any bowel surgery. They did have to excise a bit of the right diaphragm, which they "patched" (not sure what exactly that means).
Ovarian cancer is rated on two scales. The stage has to do with how far it has spread. Since it had spread beyond the pelvic region to the abdomen, and some of the abdominal tumors were larger than 2cm, Michelle's cancer is formally classed as stage 3c. BUT (and this is a big but) Dr. Tozzi says that Michelle's cancer was much less advanced than the "typical" 3c cancer (which involves the cancer getting into the lymph nodes - that did not happen to Michelle), and so the statistics about stage 3c do not apply to Michelle.
The cancer cells also have a "grade" that relates to how fast they divide and spread. The options are "borderline", "low-grade", and "high-grade". The actual determination has to wait on the lab tests, which probably won't be back for a week, but Dr. Tozzi says that, based on his years of experience, the overall look of the tumors suggests to him that they are borderline or low-grade. If that stands up, then Michelle wouldn't go through chemotherapy, as chemo is relatively ineffective against those cells; but at the same time the overall recurrence risk is much lower than for high-grade cancer.
Overall, Dr. Tozzi was quite positive about the outcome of the surgery, and he says that he is not someone who is unreasonably optimistic just to keep the patient's spirits up.
Comments (9)
Such good news Bruce I don't know Dr Tozzi but please give him a big grateful thank you from Michelles mom Mom
Thanks for sharing the details and good news Bruce. That sounds like it is the best possible outcome of the surgery.
Bruce, Thanks, this is excellent news! It is particularly wonderful there was no lymph node involvement found! Hang in there buddy, we are sending bunches of hugs and love. Kathy
Michelle and Bruce - just figured out that you have lots going on in the UK. My positive thoughts are with you both, to Bruce for lots of support to Michelle, and to Michelle for quick healing, and to both of you for being able to get back to 'normal'... or at least home and being comfortable. Hugs from SB. Jenny
Thank you for the update. We are so grateful to Dr. Tozzi and his team! We are sending our love and thoughts to both of you! XOX Satie and Jeff
Great to hear there is no lymph node involvement! Thinking good thoughts . . . .
Bruce and Michelle, thank you for the detailed update! This is fabulous news. I am thinking and feeling health vibes your way. Btw, Stool softeners are your new daily best friend Michelle. Get a big bottle for for home Bruce. Sorry to here about the difficulty with the painkiller choice, they will get that dialed in soon. Stay comfortable and pain free. Hugs and good yummy warm wishes from Nan and your Oregon Evelyn. Xxx hugs.
Wonderful new. Thanks for sharing in such detail. I only hope Michelle isn't offended by your "big but" comment. 😉
Dear Bruce and Michelle, what wonderful news. I hope you are feeling better & better each and every day Michelle. Bruce, I send warm hugs from Aus to you too - it can be terribly hard watching someone you love so much going through this terrible time. I hope the journal is cathartic, and I thank you for sharing everything. The more people know, the less we worry, and the more we know for ourselves and our own loved ones, should they ever have to face this. Thank you and sending positive "get well soon" vibes your way. Hope you get back to Aus some day so I can deliver hugs in person xx