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Originally posted by ceecel.deeOh my...how did she live? (not to mention rapid wt loss.....what kind of a specimen container did they use?)
Love those shows too.
The surgeon "joked" that they had to use a wheelbarrel to take the tumor to pathology. The weight loss was purely weight of the tumor. It required massive amounts of circulation causing heart failure. Once it was removed her organs weren't being so severely taxed. 40% of her body was an open wound requiring many, many skin grafts. I can't believe she survived all the possible comp's, disasters that were highly likely such as exsanguinating (sic) during surgery and massive infection after. Must've had awesome nursing care along with that incredible surgeon(s). The anesthesiologist was great as well
Yes! It was incredible. I saw the blood vessels some of the tumor was attached too. Purely amazing. I guess after the tumor having a large wound like that was the next big potential problem. Our bodies are purely resilient when they have to be. I was even shocked to know she is still at risk of developing another tumor. I wish her well. :-)
Furball
646 Posts
Anyone else see this surgical show on Discovery Health? A lady from Mich. had a 200 lb NF tumor that doctors had refused to remove due to poor prognosis. A plastic/reconstructive surgeon from Chicago University Hospital took the huge risk and performed the marathon surgery. She weighed over 300 lbs before sx and 98 lbs after. She required 50 units of blood during the procedure.
The pt was such a sweet lady...never complained and possessed such a positive attitude. It was simply amazing.....LOVE these medical shows!
What hit me watching the surgical team struggle manipulating the heavy tumor was the fact that this tiny woman was able to still walk carrying her load.......