Post-Op Report

I want to begin by thanking everyone who has prayed for Mom. Many of you called, texted, or sent an email which was very appreciated even if all I could say at the time was “thank you.” We have been stretched thin between caring for Mom at Vanderbilt and the kids here at home and I am only now having the time to sit down and write this up.

Mom’s surgery went well. When it was over the surgeon came out and told us there were no surprises and that everything looked like he had expected from the biopsy. While they were in surgery they had the tissue around the margins tested and that all came back clear. The only test we do not have results on yet is the bone pathology (those come back in a week). Overall he was really pleased and doesn’t feel that any additional treatment is necessary.

The procedure did take nine of Mom’s upper teeth starting with the four front teeth and stretching around to include all of the molars on the right side. Early on we were told there would not be enough bone left to support dental reconstruction or any type of denture, but after the surgery he sounded like that could still be a possibility. We’ll just have to wait until she heals to know for sure.

The one speed bump in all this is that during surgery Mom’s blood pressure dropped and heart enzymes spiked. They were on top of it so she was not in any danger, however, this brought a cardiologist into the picture and it sounds like a heart catheter is in her future in a couple of weeks.

For now all Mom has to do is sit back, drink smoothies, and heal. Judy has her fixed up with what looks like a year’s supply of soda straws so I’m thinking I just need to stop by the store and get her some drink umbrellas.

Joe