Surgery Day

5:40 p.m. FINAL ENTRY - Dr. Haughey just called. He said Denny's surgery is done. He is getting ready to go into recovery. Dr. Haughey believes that they were able to get all of the cancer. They did not have to remove some of the tissue behind his left eye as originally planned. Denny came through with flying colors. The next few days will find him in intensive care. We are requesting that there be no visitors at this time. I will let you know via this blog when he is ready to greet you. Many thanks to all who came and waited with me, as well, as those of you who kept him in your thoughts and prayers. Miracles are still happening! Thanks for keeping the faith. Go Team Woodruff!


3:20 p.m. The surgical nurse just called and said they are coming down the homestretch. Doctors are starting to close everything up. This will take awhile but the next phone call I receive will be from the doctor. Denny's vital signs are looking good. As my dad would say, "He's winning!" Go, Denny!

1:40 p.m. The ENT is still bringing the tumor out through Denny's nose. He hasn't had to make a facial incision so far. He told us he would try to minimize the scarring but if he had to go through the front of Denny's face, then it would be necessary. Denny is still holding his own. From here on out it will be the intricate process of locating the cancerous cells in the tumor area and the surrounding margins. So far...so good.

11:50 a.m. The neurosurgeon has made his incision going in through the top of Denny's head. The ENT just started his exploration up through Denny's nose. Both are evaluating the next steps. He is in good hands. Feel confident that these doctor's know what to do. All vital signs are being carefully monitored. Deepest thanks to Pastor Garry for the comforting words to Denny before surgery. Words cannot express our appreciation. Thanks, also, for Cousin Shelly's blog comment. We appreciate your prayers! Harvey, if you are reading this, Denny really appreciated your "chin held high" comment. You helped prepare him for battle. Many thanks for that, dear friend!

9:45 a.m. Denny's surgical nurse called. The lumbar drain was put in but they were unable to get the chest catheter (also called a central line) in. His veins were too constricted. They added several IV's instead of just the one big one. His heart rate and other vitals are doing fine.

8 a.m. Denny went into surgery. The doctor said it will take between 12 to 14 hours. They have decided to put in a chest catheter and a lumbar drain. This will add about 2 hours to the original plan. Denny has the A-team working on him. The doctors are world reknown and so are their staff. Updates should be coming every 2-3 hours. Stay tuned.

Good Morning! Hope everyone slept well because today is going to be a long one. Denny and I are getting ready to leave for the hospital. I will update the blog when I get new info.

Love to all,
Deb