This was the view at dawn from one corner of our room in the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront Hotel. The room provides, as realtors might coyly say, “a partial bay view.”
That is a portion of San Francisco Bay out there. And it is visible from a part of the room. A chair has been strategically placed in that precise spot to emphasize the view. This morning, I enjoyed seeing it.
For those waiting with bated breath, my initial procedure yesterday at the University of California San Francisco medical center at Mission Bay was a success.
Its limited goals were to get a scope and some tools down my throat into my gut to examine the area around a small obstruction in my plumbing, which involved trying to get the tiny camera and tools into the lower end of a bile duct; relieve the immediate symptoms of jaundice the blockage has created; and get material for a biopsy for testing.
Two prior attempts at Straub hospital in Honolulu failed when the entry point to the lower end of the duct couldn’t be accessed.
The same thing happened yesterday. However, here at UCSF, there were multiple contingency plans. Plan B, which was to lower a miniature ultrasound tool down there as well to find an alternative path, did the trick. Plans C and D were unnecessary, but involved a radiology team standing by in case we needed to trigger those options.
What it means is that the immediate symptoms of jaundice, including my “Yellow Man” appearance, should fade over the next couple of days. That is a biggie.
And we have been cleared to return to Honolulu in a few days.
This isn’t over, since that biopsy could deliver bad news. But in the moment, it is a big relief.
I’m very fortunate to be covered by Meda’s insurance plan, a huge benefit she earned over 50 years of employment by the University of Hawaii system. Today, I’m appreciating that good luck in a very meaningful way.
We plan to be home by Saturday night.
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So glad the procedure worked! Safe travels home. I’m sure the cats will be so relieved to have their nap buddy back!
It appears most likely that we won’t be flying home this weekend as we hoped. We are probably extending our stay here on the chance that various pieces of the next step will be falling into place soon. Decision soon on whether to go or stay.
How quickly that flip-flopped, and we are again leaning toward flying home Saturday. But we won’t decide until the end of the day.
Great news, and in these days great news cannot be counted on. So, well done and carry on.
It is unfortunately a small win in an ongoing health war.
I’m not sure if you got my previous message, but I hope all is well and you folks leave CA with good news. Safe travels.
Thanks, Kat. I don’t know how this is going to all turn out, but UCSF is probably the best possible place to be treated.
So glad the procedure was a success! Many prayers for good health are with you. I love the calm and placid view from this window…quiet, still, blissfully tranquil.
I hope you get good health news and advice. Just a note regarding your helpful health insurance comment. I work for the feds; my spouse for UH. Her EUTF health plan is light years better than any of my fed options, so that is where we go. I chalk it up to local union bargaining power, but that is just my speculation. Speedy recovery, Ian.