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Story Redux

As of May 29th, some slight updates.

Dan learned today the majority of the tumor is actually in the inferior vena cava. If the tumor has grown into the artery walls, they'll have to cut out a portion of the artery and replace it with synthetic material.

The hepatobiliary doctor hopes for a vena to vena bypass, rather than the arterial bypass the cardiologist mentioned. He also thinks the liver is not affected and that it's just the infected adrenal gland that is pushing up into it and causing the imaging to show the metastasizing to the liver. The hepatobiliary also suggests a diagonal cut along Dan, belly button to armpit, versus the belly button to throat we were told of before.

There's also the possibility the left kidney will have to be tied off for some duration, meaning "it could take a hit," which means possible dialysis until it bounces back.

All doctors are meeting today to discuss the operation plan, and to decide on a date for the operation. Dan signed waivers today for the removal of the kidney, the adrenal gland, possible part of the liver, possible part of the inferior vena cava, blood transfusions, and the possibility of either bypass. Lots of paperwork. Lots of new information.

Lots to think about.



(The tumor is outlined, but obviously it is not all one mass.)

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