How you know Wayne is not suffering from neurological problems ...

As the nurses were trying to rouse Wayne from anesthesia they said, "Wayne the operation was a success! You are now a girl!"

His eyes flew open in a split second. ;)

Done.

Forgive the hasty post. I want to get back to Wayne ASAP. 

The surgery was a success. Dr. Parker was able to remove the tumor and re-routed the pulmonary vein so that the tumor could not intrude again.

The surgery took 3 hours and I have already been in to see Wayne. He was "awake" and asked if they got the tumor. He is, of course, completely out of it and will be for another day (at least).

He will be in ICU today and part of tomorrow, then back into a recovery room for 4-6 days. Then, he gets to come home and finish healing. No lifting for 3 months, no driving for a couple of weeks, and no flying for 2 weeks.

Once we hit the 2 week mark, we are off to Houston for a second opinion at MD Anderson. Most likely, he will have multiple rounds of chemo before another surgery (his hip) is scheduled. 

So for now, the first hurdle has been cleared. He passed with flying colors and the immediate danger of the tumor breaking off and causing a stroke is gone. I cannot find the words to express the relief and joy we are all feeling.

Back to hold his hand.

This cancer does not stand a chance. Not a chance.

We Wait.

Wayne is in the O.R.

They got a late start - his surgery started at 11:25 am.... We waited together in the pre-op unit, watching Doctors come and go - watching other patients and hearing their stories through the sheet curtains. They shaved his chest, talked to us about the procedure, what to expect post-op, and how his pain would be managed. 

Wayne was impatient; he loathes waiting. As anxious as he was, he said mostly he was relieved to be moving forward. To get the tumor out. He was not scared. Just brave. 

Dr. Parker is expecting surgery to last 3-4 hours. He is such a great guy - gave Wayne a hardy handshake and me a big hug. It's easy to believe that everything is going to be okay. I ventured to ask how big the tumor was. It's as big as a lemon. Wayne and I just looked at each other like, "What?!" How had we not asked this question before? I was expecting them to say a couple of inches long. Still in shock about that. 

For now we're sitting in the waiting room, waiting for news.

I'll post as soon as I can. I know you are anxious to hear.