| April 16, 2004 Friday Day +43 of Transplant Mommy and Daddy are busy with Paige this evening. This is Mina (Paige's Nana) doing the writing. We know you are all anxious to here the results of surgery. Paige did very well through the nearly 5 hour surgery. The surgeon explained that he removed an almost grapefruit sized tumor that will be sent to pathology to check for live neuroblastoma cells They cleaned the area, removing some lymph nodes as well as a small wedge of her liver. Andy and Sandi were able to see her when she arrived in recovery room. She was soon transferred to the Pediatric Oncology unit to the same room where she had her stem cell harvest done. She does have an epidural for pain control. This is given via a small IV line into her spine. It has kept her very sedated. As of about an hour ago her blood pressure began to drop and her heart rate and respirations increased. This is a result of the major surgery trauma that her little body has undergone today. However not to be ignored. Reasons need to be found and problems solved to correct abnormal signs. The Dr. came in and it was decided that since she is able to move her arms and legs when asked and does arouse when stimulated it is not caused by the epidural. It is giving her good pain control . They did some blood work and most values were good. Her blood sugar was quite low and they felt she needed some blood to get her fluid volume up. There was minimal blood loss during surgery and so there was none given then. They have given her some glucose IV and her blood pressure has begun to come up. The unit of blood is on the way. They may send her to ICU for the night to be able to monitor her more closely. If this report leaves any of you with a sense of concern - Sandi and Andy say to reassure all of you that this is not an unusual occurrence after major surgery. As Grandparents we three, Geneva, Jack and I are so thankful that "Our Kids" are a part of the medical profession. Another thing to thank God for. Our prayers continue and we thank you for yours too. Love, The Rutters |