The Whipple procedure involves removing the appendix and spleen, disconnecting the intestines from the liver to reach the pancreas, and removal of the tumor. Then, placing all of the internal organs back in the cavity. This meant reconnecting the intestines in a different formation which left the organs in shock from being moved and handled so much. The surgeon also removed what was left of the adrenal glands.
The operation was a success, but reality set in when the surgeon came out to explain the procedure to me in detail. He told me Gaston would be critical and possibly would not live the next 24 hours. He also told me that chances were great the organs would be damaged to the point of a permanent colostomy or at the very least diabetes. Gaston was on a ventilator and had so many drains, machines and medical devices connected to him I hardly knew him when I walked into the room. Those of you who know Gaston, know what a fighter he is. Plus, he had a God that had big plans for him and wasn't about to give up on him! After fighting through the critical status, he was sent to a hospital room where the doctor would round twice daily. The physician would listen with his stethoscope for that much anticipated "gurgling" noise which was indicative of the organs waking up and functioning. This went on for over a week until that day when the room burst into cheers of joy (even the doctor was tearful and shouting). The Great Physician had brought Gaston through the worst part and now the healing could begin! Oh and by the way, Gaston did not have a colostomy nor is he diabetic.
Once food was introduced and his digestive tract began to return to normal, we were released to go home. Pathology revealed a non-malignant glucoganoma tumor in the pancreas, but the surgeon was confident he made the right decision in removing it considering how little was known about these tumors at the time. It was extremely rare to have the two that Gaston had in his adrenal glands and pancreas together. There was only one recorded case in Japan so Gaston made the medical records. His doctor recommended yearly screenings to keep a check for more tumors. Research showed these types of tumors can manifest as malignant tumors in the kidneys so he also goes for regular screenings with an urologist.
Gaston and I were transferred (through his job) to another city at this point. The doctor who did the surgery had studied under and consulted the endocrinologist where we moved so he was quite familiar with our case from the start (we started to see that God even traveled with us where we went!) At this point, we both were feeling weary and empty. We knew deep down inside there was something more than the life we were leading. We began attending church more regularly and also joined a Sunday school class. God used our teacher to light that fire inside us to learn more about Jesus through reading our Bibles. I will never forget when we decided to give up our daily newspaper and read our Bibles during that morning time. At first, it was strange and such a struggle ( I watched the clock more than read the Bible) but then the Holy Spirit started helping us understand it. We started to see changes in our hearts, we started doing things and feeling things we couldn't explain. The Holy Spirit moved into us and started a mighty work in us that cannot be explained other than God did it.
This was just the beginning of a long road of medical issues and problem solving. It was also the beginning of Jesus coming on board in our lives. Our minds are being renewed and transformed daily to accept what is ahead and having that reassuring knowledge that as children of God, it's going to be OK.
No comments:
Post a Comment