There were really no surprises. The surgeon said, generally speaking, the surgery should be done once the patient has 20+ polyps. Wesley is well past that point. He said it is a good time to do it. Wesley is healthy.
One of my questions for him was if he knew of anyone in the Phoenix area who specializes in FAP (or at least knows a bit more about it). We all like Dr. B, but he is the first to admit that he doesn't have a lot of experience with this disease. He has recommended getting a second opinion several times. I never felt the need to get a second opinion regarding the diagnosis. I always thought I'd save the second opinion for surgery timing. Looks like that time has come. We got a name and made an appointment, but we can't get in until late March. We would like to see that doctor before surgery so that pushes things out until at least April or May.
Although we had already read about it, it was good to hear Dr. N explain the surgery. It will take place in two parts each requiring an approximate 5 day hospital stay. During the first surgery, they will laparoscopically remove Wesley's large intestine (total colectomy). The surgeon will form a "j-pouch" with the far end of the small intestine. However, this pouch needs some time to heal before it can hold feces so they will temporarily run Wesley's small intestine to a hole or stoma on his abdomen where his waste can flow out into a bag. This is called an ileostomy.
After about 8 weeks, when things are sufficiently healed, they will perform another surgery connecting the small intestine to the j-pouch section and close the stoma. Feces will then be able to come through the small intestine and j-pouch. It will always be more liquid and more frequent than that of a normal person. The surgeon said there really aren't any particular dietary restrictions with a j-pouch, but patients learn what causes things to move through more quickly and avoid them if they won't be near a bathroom.
Wesley will continue to need ongoing "surveillance" of his remaining digestive tract. Endoscopy to keep an eye on his stomach and duodenum as well as the remaining part of his rectal area.
Wesley continues to feel great. I don't think he was really surprised by what the surgeon said, it was all things we had talked about ahead of time. He doesn't have too many concerns at this time, he's most concerned about being in the hospital for so long. Can't say I blame him! As always, continued prayers are appreciated.
This year National Dress in Blue Day for colon cancer awareness is Friday, March 3rd. Wear blue and post a photo to Facebook and tag me or Wesley. He sure enjoyed all the photos our friends and family posted last year!
