13 hours. I am married to a Super Hero . . .

I owe a quick update before I crawl into bed. 13-hour surgery . . . didn't even know that was human or medically possible . . . Bob's orthopedic surgeon emerged from the OR around 9 tonight, to give us the synopsis of the 1/2 day surgery: Bob's heart was stable and strong the entire time, we're told. Lost a lot of blood, but was to be expected, given the duration and intensity of the surgery, so the decision to keep him off blood thinners till early tomorrow morning was made, due to the risk of increasing the bleeding. Yes, I freaked "a little" about this, questioned the decision, and later sent a quick e-mail to Bob's cardiologist, who is in Sweden, on vacation at the moment, to let him know of the a slight divergence from his orders. I know, I know, the surgeons were with Bob for the past 13 hours and know first-hand the situation, but . . . Been there, done that, do not want that t-shirt . . .

So much to say . . . surgery in many ways, was a success, we're told, but I can't even begin to utter those words, given that Bob's knocked out, in ICU, will be there likely several days, and we won't know the extent of the effects of the surgery for at least that long. The tumor was removed, and from what the surgeon said, he removed enough peripheral bone as well, to make sure all the cancer was taken with it. However, during the course of the several months that the surgery had to be postponed, the tumor grew enough to impact his sciatic nerve and S1-S3 nerves, all of which had to be sacrificed (best case scenario, prior to surgery, was that only the S2 nerve, the one definitely entwined in the tumor, would have to go). What that means at this point, we don't know for sure. Definitely limited mobility in his right leg, a "drop foot" syndrome; the nerves affect the ability to move the foot upward and therefore will drop downward. And, permanent numbness down the back of his leg. He'll have to have a brace on his foot/ankle, to support and assist the foot in mobility. . .

The tumor also grew into a blood vessel in the area, which they were able to cut and reconnect, It's still functional, but it is a concern, because it's a main vessel leading to the lungs, the area where osteosarcomas tend to spread to, and blood supply is usually how it spreads . . . we're told constant CT scans on the lungs will be necessary from here on out . . .

I will post a more detailed entry tomorrow, but just wanted to get at least this much out. I am so tired, but we are so very blessed, grateful, appreciative, happy, for all our family, friends, near and far, for everything you've done and continue to do for us. My faith in the human spirit has been strengthened 100-fold. . .

And, have I ever told you how amazing it is to be married to a Super Hero? I don't think I'm worthy . . . And, as sick and anxious as I've been all day, I also felt the lightness of a safety net below me . . .that was the beautiful love radiating from all of you, and the inner strength that came from Bob, throughout the surgery. We felt it, in the midst of the nauseating anxiety, the nervous energy, the restlessness, the downright frustrating and horrific day, we felt your presence.

xxooxxoo Love! to all!