5-12-2026
Post-surgery Update #3
We missed grabbing the brass ring.
The earlier imaging, both in Honolulu and here at UCSF, appeared to show a small obstruction in the Y where two bile ducts come out of the liver and join into a common duct that carries bile down to the intestines.
It appeared isolated, but a couple of areas could not be seen by the various scans.
So the plan was to remove that obstruction by surgically removing the section of the duct, inserting an artificial duct, and removing a section of the liver that it was closest to.
If this was done, it could be “curative.”
But one hidden area changed the whole picture. The surgery was done using a robot-assisted minimally invasive process. It soon found that an artery running through the area also had cancer in it, leading back to the gall bladder.
The doctors now think it is a gall bladder cancer that migrated and spread out into the artery and bile duct.
They removed my gall bladder and scaped out some of the cancerous obstruction. But there wasn’t any safe way at this point to surgically remove all the cancer.
So at this point, it moves to a more traditional period of chemo and likely radiation. A biopsy has been submitted for DNA testing which can then be used to better target treatments like immunotherapy (look it up!).
I’m in a very nice private hospital room with big screen tv, my iPhone, etc. Very little pain. I’ve started walking the hallways getting my balance and some strength back. But I have a tube running in my nose and down to my stomach which means I can’t eat until til it is removed, which they expect to do later today. Then I can start with broth and pudding, and work up to Food!
I expect to be discharged from the hospital on Friday and start the long process of recuperation, after which we hope to head home, hopefully before the end of June. Chemo and radiation can hopefully be done there.
So that’s the situation as it looks today. There are logistics involved. Right now, I’m not supposed to lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk, so getting our suitcases down to Redwood City and into the house will be interesting. I may have to upgrade from Uber to a limo with professional driver used to providing the added services.
And we get cat photos from home at least once a day.
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Outward appearances of dis-ease are temporary. I am healthy, well, and whole in mind, body, and spirit. This is my truth. I claim this truth and I walk in this truth each and every moment of each and every day.
Oh Ian! I’m so sorry to hear of this set-back. Thank you for keeping us informed. My best wishes for a full recovery. with minimal discomfort.
Take care Ian. My friend’s husband had immunotherapy for liver cancer and it worked wonders on him. No chemotherapy side effects.
Sounds like a plan. Cancer treatment is miles above what is was in my aunties’ days. You have a great attitude and that’s half the battle. Lorna in
heck! sometimes it’s not easy. we too have friends who have had great results with immunotherapy.
Good to know!
Continuing to lift you up in prayer, Ian. You could have luggage picked up and delivered separately. Google “luggage courier” to see what may be available in your area.
Thank you for sharing. Like others, thinking of you often and sending good vibes, healing energy. Count me in if you need assistance.
You?re surviving to tell, and able to breathe, so we are grateful to hear from you. You?re still able to do the things which bring you joy which is writing your blog, so yes plenty to be thankful for. Everyday breathe is not guaranteed in our lives, so we enjoy every moment. So proud of your determination to keep doing the things that bring you life. Splurge on the limo driver or maybe there?s a non-profit for these kinds of needs that will bring a personal caring touch to getting your ukana to your car, and to the airport. Your cats await you with open paws. E huka?i ho?i me ka palekana Safe journey back. . ke aloha mau.
You’re showing a lot of grit. Thinking of you.
Dear Ian
I admire and respect your strength reporting and informing us of your journey. Glad you don’t have pain. Wishes for fast recovering your strength and return to Honolulu where your four legged family is waiting.
All the very best!
So glad you are currently pain free and able to begin the process of ‘up and about toward discharge’. I know the elusive brass ring and prognosis is not what we’d all hoped for, but like Marnie and others, I believe it’s nothing you can’t handle. Just a different path, so Imua! I’m a firm believer that you got this, Ian. Today’s victory will be the removal of that feeding tube!!! Yay! In the meantime, continued prayers and aloha to you and Meda. A hui hou!
Immunotherapy is THE BOMB!
Uber has a courier service as well as something called Assist that might work for your needs.
Wishing you a smooth recovery.
Best wishes for your speedy recovery. ????