Thursday, October 9, 2008

Back in O R

Just as Sam started feeling better this morning we gave her the bad news that she had to go back into surgery again today.  Like, in about an hour.  She took it well.  Her response as they wheeled her away was " this is getting really old".  Sam was pretty weak but the Doctors said she is strong enough.  We decided not to tell her last night in attempt to let her have a better night.  

The reason  for going back in, is that the doctors while doing an examination of her removed organs found some cancer cells in a margin area that they didn't expect.  So to be safe they are going to clean up and remove tissue from that area ( which is located behind her pancreas ).   

Sam was taken into surgery about 9:00am.  Dr. Tzakis informed us about 1:00 pm that his part of the surgery went well and now Dr. Moon will finish it up. He stated there was no visible cancer in that area of concern, so hopefully it was just some type of cross contamination of the removed tumor up against her tissues.   

So now it will be back to the SICU for a few more days.  Then with a little luck there won't be any more surprises and she'll be able to rest comfortably on the 15 floor with her cell phone in her left hand, her I-touch in her right hand, and her Mac on her lap.  Lots of Love, Chris & Doll 


16 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's like "Ground Hog Day" for Sam, only its a hospital room, not Woodstock. She has given her name 'tuff cookie" new meaning. So glad to hear that they couldn't find any new visible c. H
((hugs))
Cara

Uncle Mikey said...

Hey Samster,

Today one of the nurses noticed my bracelet and said "HEY, One Tuff Cookie". I could not respond due to the mask they have me in. I will straighten them out tomorrow.

You Go Girl!!

Uncle Mikey

Anonymous said...

God bless the two of you, Chris and Dolly, for being so strong for Sam. I just hope the two of you have the support you need. Sam is lucky to have the two of you by her side.

And a really nice article about her in today's Glenview Announcements as well.

The world is praying for her and hopefully that support can be felt by you two as well.

Unknown said...

Just another hurdle for her to jump. We continue the strong prayers and thoughts. Hang in there!
xoxox
Bruce and Margaret
Becky and Eric

Anonymous said...

We are thinking about you back here in Chicago at UCH day treatment room. We hope that this is your last surgery. We are praying for you and send our support and love.

Marie and Mary

Anonymous said...

Sam

Sorry to hear you are back in SICU but glad you are well. Caroline has had a few bumps too with a bacterial infection and they found 2 tiny nodules on her left lung probably left from the original pancreatoblastoma. You girls have had quite the medical journey. Hats off to you both Caroline is in Holtz on the 6th floor and has been since last Thurs. Will and I are flying to miami on Sat so I"ll call your dad and try to hook up with you guys. Lots of love and prayers for healing
Marcjana Caroline and Pat

Anonymous said...

Sam, Chris, and Dolly,
More prayers coming your way!!!!
Wendy and Peter Schlax

Nancy said...

hi guys...

Hope all of you are doing good.
Hang in there... all our love and prayers!

Nancy & girls

Anonymous said...

Sammy, You are a huge star! I can see you on Oprah in a short time! Your blog is an exquisite demonstration of fortitude, grace and faith. I am inspired by you. Bob Sagan

Dillon said...

glad to know that Sam is feeling much better! I have been with tony a few times and he is doing great. Hope you feel better soon, Sam!

Anonymous said...

I hope everything is going well and Sammy is up enjoying her cell phone, her I-touch and her Mac - I check every hour...

Sending positive, positive thoughts your way!

Anonymous said...

I check several times a day as well. You're always in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong tuff cookie. Lots of people love you and miss you back home :).God bless you all!

Mrs. C

coach cichowski said...

Hello Sam and all the Cipollas. Hope all is going well. Thinking of you guys all the time . Stay strong and Tuff.
Coach Cichowski

Anonymous said...

Hey Sam,
We just wanted to let you know that we have been checking in to see how you are doing, and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you fight through this. Hope you are feeling a bit better every day!
The Kaspers

Anonymous said...

Hey Sammy,

Lifting you and your family up in prayers. Lord,help them to find comfort in you. May they know that you have them in the palm of your hand and they only need to rest. The battle is the Lords, not theirs. Claiming victory in the precious name of Jesus. Sammy keep your good attitude! Chris and Dolly, hang in there.

The Burris Family
Goshen, KY

Anonymous said...

Keep the faith Sam! Hope you are up & about soon. I enjoy reading your postings & keeping track of your progress. You are an amazing role model!