Wow!

David went in on Wednesday for his procedure.

Let me just tell you that the week preceding this event was one of the most tense and stressful times of our lives. We had been told that the operation had a 5-10% chance of success, a 90% chance of failure, and a 20% chance of him bleeding out and dying on the operating table.

Before going into surgery David made his wishes clear to the surgeon. "When you get to the point where you feel it's time to quit, just push on through and get the thing done", he said.

Deb and I sat waiting in the waiting room. The doctors had told us the operation would be at least two hours, but could last up to 4-5 hours. After 5 hours had passed and we had no news, I started getting worried, picturing David bleeding out on the table. Then, 5 1/2 hours into it, he came out. The operation had been an unexpected and complete success! The surgeons had achieved all the goals they had hoped for! They dissolved all but a small part of the blood clot, the inserted the stent, opened the portal vein, and the varicies had immediately gone down. It was a moment of pure joy!

To make a long story short, David is spending a few days at Mass General for observation, but is recouperating from this grueling procedure, and getting stronger and better each day. I tell him he certainly has a way of beating the worst odds, and that maybe the next thing he should do is to buy a lottery ticket. The main thing here though is that he is, presently, doing well, in spite of expectations to the contrary. Keep your good wishes, prayers and healing thoughts coming. We are not yet out of the woodworks, and welcome any help we can get. That said, we are deeply grateful for all the love and support we have already received.

Peace and Love,

Monika