I take a moment to inform you of the good news. Wednesday morning 8:30, Martin found himself in the operating room for surgery, a long-awaited moment.
Doc Y, accompanied by a good medical team, was ready for a long and delicate intervention that lasted 11 hours. They removed the cancerous masses, rebuilt the duodenum, took out part of the stomach, removed 51 cm of small intestine and 50% of the colon and ended with the HIPEC intervention . The doc has accomplished its mission, 98% of the cancer was removed, a total success.
Martin was then transferred to the intensive care unit for observation. I welcomed him by saying "You've won my champion, you are now in intensive care and everything went according to YOUR predictions, He responded with a huge smile. He could not talk, was still intubated but I could read his thoughts "I told YOU!". Nurses taking care of him turned to me and said "WOW we have never seen an conscious intubated patient as calm as he is and on top of it smiling! What an extraordinary patient" and I replied "Yes, yes, you're right he is a man quite out of the ordinary " This morning, after a short stay of 12 hours in intensive care, he was transfered on the surgery-oncology ward. The battle is not yet won, a long rehabilitation begins but knowing him, he would tell you tonight "Don't worry, watch me, I'll get there in no time" Speedy recovery my love.
We look forward to your return.
Your wife
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
See You Later
This is my last post before surgery. Tomorrow, I'll get a call from the hospital telling me at what time and where to go. I am admitted the day before because of the preparation needed which includes a total "oil" drainage ;-)
I thank everyone who sent messages of support on Facebook, by email, phone, in person or on the blog. I am telling you, I feel all the energy you send me.
Today MJ and I went to the St-Joseph Oratory. We prayed, attended mass, prayed again and bought souvenirs (we bought angels pins, a book of prayers and medals of St-Joseph). We lit lanterns and I believe I got a sign from God. Marie-Josée and I climbed up a very narrow staircase to light 5 small lanterns, we were stopped in our descent by a small boy about 8 years old. He, also, wanted to lit a lantern as high as possible, to a point where he leaned on me to do so. After ligthing his lantern, which took some time, he joined his hands to pray. All this time I watched him because I could not get down. I lifted my head a moment and saw his mother signaling with her hand for him to get out of the way. I responded to his mother with my hand saying that I was not in a hurry, he could take his time. I was very calm. When we got at the bottom of the stairs I told MJ: "God sent me a message through this boy, he gives me his blessing and will let me live longer so I can look after my children, his children. I was filled with a holy certainty if you allow me the expression.
If you are up for it, I've found an example of my surgery in a video on the web. The link is: http://www.or-live.com/WFUBMC/1478/event/rnh.cfm . You need the RealPlayer plugin installed to view it. It's really interesting, you can see the installation of tubes to circulate the hot chemo. You can also see what the cancer cells in the abdomen look like.
Many people sent me messages of support and I appreciate it. Since I will be unconscious I don't believe that day will be so bad for me but for my wife... June 3 will be hell for her. She will not be under anesthesia and she will live every minute of this long day. In my unconscious state I will try to send positive and reassuring thoughts, but I doubt that this will be enough. Think of her on this day of her birthday. I will talk to you through MJ as soon as there is new development. She will write on the blog and also on her Facebook account. If you want to contact her write to mjlafrance@videotron.ca because her phone won't be on ;) in the hospital.
A bientôt!
I thank everyone who sent messages of support on Facebook, by email, phone, in person or on the blog. I am telling you, I feel all the energy you send me.
Today MJ and I went to the St-Joseph Oratory. We prayed, attended mass, prayed again and bought souvenirs (we bought angels pins, a book of prayers and medals of St-Joseph). We lit lanterns and I believe I got a sign from God. Marie-Josée and I climbed up a very narrow staircase to light 5 small lanterns, we were stopped in our descent by a small boy about 8 years old. He, also, wanted to lit a lantern as high as possible, to a point where he leaned on me to do so. After ligthing his lantern, which took some time, he joined his hands to pray. All this time I watched him because I could not get down. I lifted my head a moment and saw his mother signaling with her hand for him to get out of the way. I responded to his mother with my hand saying that I was not in a hurry, he could take his time. I was very calm. When we got at the bottom of the stairs I told MJ: "God sent me a message through this boy, he gives me his blessing and will let me live longer so I can look after my children, his children. I was filled with a holy certainty if you allow me the expression.
If you are up for it, I've found an example of my surgery in a video on the web. The link is: http://www.or-live.com/WFUBMC/1478/event/rnh.cfm . You need the RealPlayer plugin installed to view it. It's really interesting, you can see the installation of tubes to circulate the hot chemo. You can also see what the cancer cells in the abdomen look like.
Many people sent me messages of support and I appreciate it. Since I will be unconscious I don't believe that day will be so bad for me but for my wife... June 3 will be hell for her. She will not be under anesthesia and she will live every minute of this long day. In my unconscious state I will try to send positive and reassuring thoughts, but I doubt that this will be enough. Think of her on this day of her birthday. I will talk to you through MJ as soon as there is new development. She will write on the blog and also on her Facebook account. If you want to contact her write to mjlafrance@videotron.ca because her phone won't be on ;) in the hospital.
A bientôt!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Vélothon Gaston-Pilon (Gaston-Pilon Bike-o-Thon)
Some of you are aware of this event but I wanted to advertise it even more since it’s coming soon.
Tristan (my oldest, 12 years old) in 2007 had the desire to organize a fundraising event. I had not been diagnosed at the time so it is not connected with my situation. It was just something natural for him, encouraged by the philosophy of the school that has an important community component. He talked to his two best friends who were immediately enthusiastic about the idea.
Then the date was chosen in June 2008. With the help of my brother Omer and the parents of his two friends we organized a bike ride from school to the house of my sister Lucie in St-Janvier. 80% of the ride was on the cycling path of “Le Petit Train du Nord”, 43 km with 15 cyclists including 4 adults. Thomas's mother and I followed as best as possible with our cars to ensure safety at intersections.
This project, conceived and developed by young people, has touched the entourage of Tristan, Thomas and Olivier. So they have managed to raise $ 1655 for La foundation de l’Hôpital Ste-Justine (French children’s hospital in Montreal). The choice of charity was probably influenced by the death of our friends’ son(he was 10 years old and lost his battle against leukemia in late 2007).
Given this success, the three buddies decided to do it again in 2009. The date is June 14. They obtained the support of the school and the parents' committee.
This year's ride will be 60 km as they will travel up to the St-Jerome train station to picnic and back.
I talk about this today of course because I want to invite you to attend the event. I know that several members of the cycling club Le Suroît read the blog and I hope you'll be tempted to come ride with Tristan and his friends. For information and registration visit the website http://www.velothongastonpilon.org/.
My second goal is to solicit your help. Normally I'm there to help the organization, but this time I'll be in the hospital recovering from my surgery. So if some of you are willing to lend a hand to Tristan it would be greatly appreciated. You can contact him by email at tristan.raymond@live.ca or call home at 450-434-4833.
I hope you understand that what I have done here is very difficult. Asking for help for oneself is one thing because you can communicate your needs, but do it for someone else is more complicated especially when it's your child. When it's your child, you always want to be the resource person. In this case I can not be that person. I could ask someone in particular but I do not want to impose this on anyone. I prefer that the help comes spontaneously and voluntarily.
Finally, if you can’t be present and you can’t help either, I encourage you to financially support the event. You can donate through the site of the bike-o-thon where there is a link to the foundation’s donations page. These electronic pledges are easy to do. Please indicate in the comment box that you made the donation for the Vélothon Gaston-Pilon. You can also donate by check or cash directly to Tristan. If you want to send a check to Tristan, send him an email he will reply to you with our address. Make checks on behalf of La Fondation de l'hôpital Ste-Justine.
Thank you for helping my son and his friends achieve their goal of $ 2000.
A proud Papa
Tristan (my oldest, 12 years old) in 2007 had the desire to organize a fundraising event. I had not been diagnosed at the time so it is not connected with my situation. It was just something natural for him, encouraged by the philosophy of the school that has an important community component. He talked to his two best friends who were immediately enthusiastic about the idea.
Then the date was chosen in June 2008. With the help of my brother Omer and the parents of his two friends we organized a bike ride from school to the house of my sister Lucie in St-Janvier. 80% of the ride was on the cycling path of “Le Petit Train du Nord”, 43 km with 15 cyclists including 4 adults. Thomas's mother and I followed as best as possible with our cars to ensure safety at intersections.
This project, conceived and developed by young people, has touched the entourage of Tristan, Thomas and Olivier. So they have managed to raise $ 1655 for La foundation de l’Hôpital Ste-Justine (French children’s hospital in Montreal). The choice of charity was probably influenced by the death of our friends’ son(he was 10 years old and lost his battle against leukemia in late 2007).
Given this success, the three buddies decided to do it again in 2009. The date is June 14. They obtained the support of the school and the parents' committee.
This year's ride will be 60 km as they will travel up to the St-Jerome train station to picnic and back.
I talk about this today of course because I want to invite you to attend the event. I know that several members of the cycling club Le Suroît read the blog and I hope you'll be tempted to come ride with Tristan and his friends. For information and registration visit the website http://www.velothongastonpilon.org/.
My second goal is to solicit your help. Normally I'm there to help the organization, but this time I'll be in the hospital recovering from my surgery. So if some of you are willing to lend a hand to Tristan it would be greatly appreciated. You can contact him by email at tristan.raymond@live.ca or call home at 450-434-4833.
I hope you understand that what I have done here is very difficult. Asking for help for oneself is one thing because you can communicate your needs, but do it for someone else is more complicated especially when it's your child. When it's your child, you always want to be the resource person. In this case I can not be that person. I could ask someone in particular but I do not want to impose this on anyone. I prefer that the help comes spontaneously and voluntarily.
Finally, if you can’t be present and you can’t help either, I encourage you to financially support the event. You can donate through the site of the bike-o-thon where there is a link to the foundation’s donations page. These electronic pledges are easy to do. Please indicate in the comment box that you made the donation for the Vélothon Gaston-Pilon. You can also donate by check or cash directly to Tristan. If you want to send a check to Tristan, send him an email he will reply to you with our address. Make checks on behalf of La Fondation de l'hôpital Ste-Justine.
Thank you for helping my son and his friends achieve their goal of $ 2000.
A proud Papa
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Ottawa Race Weekend is Over
It was a beautiful weekend. Marie-Josée had a brilliant idea to get all of us to participate in the family 2 km run. The whole family was very excited at the finish line.
Well ... Élodie was somewhat in pain because we wanted to finish as a family, hand in hand, and Tristan accidentally tripped her. She fell on her knee. Her mother had her by the hand so she was lifted up pretty quickly. I would say she floated in the air for a moment before putting her feet back on the ground.
The family made the 2 km in 13:57. This puts Élodie 39th of 371 in her category (- 8 years old but she is 5). The boys could have run much faster but the goal was to finish together so they slowed for me.
It was the first race for Tristan and the third for Jordan. "They got the bite". Both now have the objective of running the 5 km run next year.
In my case, I liked the friendly atmosphere but at the same time the competitive side. Running by yourself is one thing but to run beside someone motivated me to keep going;-)
If you want to see full details of our results visit Sportstats. Search by the person's name and you'll have the results of all their official races.
The next day, Mom ran the half marathon. She did it in 2:21:01. It is 15 minutes less than her winter half marathon in Montreal. Good job my love! We were a great gang, Yves' family, Christine's family, MJ's aunt and uncle and Michelle's in-laws. In all 25 people either ran or cheered. All these people in a sea of 36,000 runners and 50,000 supporters.
Yes, you must be patient when you move around in Ottawa during that weekend but it's worth it especially since the weather was fantastic.
For photos, see the Josée's Facebook album at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2022586&id=1057565304&l=1c0200e2c1.
Well ... Élodie was somewhat in pain because we wanted to finish as a family, hand in hand, and Tristan accidentally tripped her. She fell on her knee. Her mother had her by the hand so she was lifted up pretty quickly. I would say she floated in the air for a moment before putting her feet back on the ground.
The family made the 2 km in 13:57. This puts Élodie 39th of 371 in her category (- 8 years old but she is 5). The boys could have run much faster but the goal was to finish together so they slowed for me.
It was the first race for Tristan and the third for Jordan. "They got the bite". Both now have the objective of running the 5 km run next year.
In my case, I liked the friendly atmosphere but at the same time the competitive side. Running by yourself is one thing but to run beside someone motivated me to keep going;-)
If you want to see full details of our results visit Sportstats. Search by the person's name and you'll have the results of all their official races.
The next day, Mom ran the half marathon. She did it in 2:21:01. It is 15 minutes less than her winter half marathon in Montreal. Good job my love! We were a great gang, Yves' family, Christine's family, MJ's aunt and uncle and Michelle's in-laws. In all 25 people either ran or cheered. All these people in a sea of 36,000 runners and 50,000 supporters.
Yes, you must be patient when you move around in Ottawa during that weekend but it's worth it especially since the weather was fantastic.
For photos, see the Josée's Facebook album at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2022586&id=1057565304&l=1c0200e2c1.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Ottawa
We are leavingg for Ottawa in a little while (it is 3:00 in the morning) for the race weekend. Saturday 16:00 the five family members are running the family 2 km. Élodie (5 years old) did it in 14:29 min during training. And it's because she has to slow down to wait for her oldman.
Sunday, Marie-Josée is doing the half-marathon. There will be a big group: Yves my brother, his wife Danielle, their children Michelle, Christine, Julie and Stéphane (I can not remember if Patrick is running).
Those who wonder why I'm not sleeping at 3 o'clock, my brain is doing overtime. This is my third night like this. Is this due to withdrawal from my Hydromorph Contin? Yet I gradually decreased my dosage using my Dilaudid. Is this due to surgery anxiety ? Consciously I say no, but unconsciously? Anyway tonight I could not get out of my head the last song that we downloaded, Thks Fr Th Memrs from Fall Out Boy. That endless loop of the chorus in my head, it's stupefying. I have to try to sleep 3-4 hours ...
Good night!
Sunday, Marie-Josée is doing the half-marathon. There will be a big group: Yves my brother, his wife Danielle, their children Michelle, Christine, Julie and Stéphane (I can not remember if Patrick is running).
Those who wonder why I'm not sleeping at 3 o'clock, my brain is doing overtime. This is my third night like this. Is this due to withdrawal from my Hydromorph Contin? Yet I gradually decreased my dosage using my Dilaudid. Is this due to surgery anxiety ? Consciously I say no, but unconsciously? Anyway tonight I could not get out of my head the last song that we downloaded, Thks Fr Th Memrs from Fall Out Boy. That endless loop of the chorus in my head, it's stupefying. I have to try to sleep 3-4 hours ...
Good night!
Friday, May 22, 2009
John Fogarty Tour
Yesterday I was at John Fogarty's show at the Bell Center. For those who don't know him, he is the principal member of CCR, Creedence Clearwater Revival. Extremely popular band of the 70's. Their hits include: I heard it through the grapevine, Susie Q, Proud Mary, Up Around the Bend and others.
Thanks to my friend David I saw a show, for the first time in my life, in row A, the very first row. Yes Yes I spent two hours standing and leaning on the security fence to see John Fogarty within 3 meters.
He changed his guitar every song, he had at least 5 different ones. As a guitarist, he is completely different from Eric Clapton, but he is equally fascinating.
His drummer was excellent. Unfortunately I have not heard his name, Kevin something. If any of you play Rock Band on xbox 360 he looks like the bald drummer. He has biceps of a bodybuilder and wears big rock sunglasses with a white T-shirt. The sound of his bass drum has probably disintegrated my remaining tumors since my body vibrated so much with each beat.
There were two guitarists, a bassist (David Santos), and two musicians who played guitar, fiddle, mandolin, keyboard and conga.
What a show. I can tell you I got goosebumps a few times.
Speaking of show, my cousin Genevieve is organizing a fundraiser event to benefit Relay for Life of the Canadian Cancer Society. My situation was her motivation. It will take place at the Bourbon in the west-island on Sunday, June 7. There will be several local groups to discover and of course Genevieve will sing some songs. I urge everyone who can go to enjoy a great show for a good cause. If you want info contact Geneviève de Léry through email (gendelery@hotmail.com) or on facebook. By the way for those of you who were at my birthday in October, Geneviève had sung.
Thanks to my friend David I saw a show, for the first time in my life, in row A, the very first row. Yes Yes I spent two hours standing and leaning on the security fence to see John Fogarty within 3 meters.
He changed his guitar every song, he had at least 5 different ones. As a guitarist, he is completely different from Eric Clapton, but he is equally fascinating.
His drummer was excellent. Unfortunately I have not heard his name, Kevin something. If any of you play Rock Band on xbox 360 he looks like the bald drummer. He has biceps of a bodybuilder and wears big rock sunglasses with a white T-shirt. The sound of his bass drum has probably disintegrated my remaining tumors since my body vibrated so much with each beat.
There were two guitarists, a bassist (David Santos), and two musicians who played guitar, fiddle, mandolin, keyboard and conga.
What a show. I can tell you I got goosebumps a few times.
Speaking of show, my cousin Genevieve is organizing a fundraiser event to benefit Relay for Life of the Canadian Cancer Society. My situation was her motivation. It will take place at the Bourbon in the west-island on Sunday, June 7. There will be several local groups to discover and of course Genevieve will sing some songs. I urge everyone who can go to enjoy a great show for a good cause. If you want info contact Geneviève de Léry through email (gendelery@hotmail.com) or on facebook. By the way for those of you who were at my birthday in October, Geneviève had sung.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
HIPEC
I found this information on the Internet for a portion of the operation that I might have. This is the part that brought me to Dr. Y because he is one of three or four surgeons who are trained to do it. In addition I am told he is the best.
HIPEC means Hyperthermic Intra Peritoneal Chemotherapy.
Note: Peritoneal refers to the membrane that wraps abdominal organs.
Before connecting the HIPEC, the surgeon must remove all visible cancer. It must be understood here that surgeons do not cut into a tumor, they take a margin all around the tumour of healthy cells. This, (having an acceptable margin), can lead to difficulties and that is why Dr. Y does not give me any guaranties. Once all visible cancer is removed (in my case probably colon, duodenum, part of the stomach, part of the mesentery and perhaps more) the doctor installs tubes and the abdomen closed temporarily to perform HIPEC ( read the description of HIPEC below). HIPEC is therefore expected to kill all traces of cancer that can not be seen with the naked eye and even perhaps some that can be seen but are not possible to cut(no margin).
Then he opens the abdomen, removes the tubes and proceeds to clean the cavity and finally close it permanently. Note that if the rectum is affected by cancer and there is not enough room to connect the small intestin then there will be ileostomy (an opening in the abdominal wall for elimination of feces in a bag).
How HIPEC Works
Below is an animation of the HIPEC procedure.
During the HIPEC procedure, the surgeon will continuously circulate a heated sterile solution containing a chemotherapeutic agent throughout the peritoneal cavity, for a maximum of two hours. The HIPEC procedure is designed to attempt to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Giving the chemotherapy in the abdomen at the time of surgery allows for greater concentrations of the drug where it is needed. Adding heat has a threefold advantage:
Heat at 42 degrees Celsius kills cancer cells while not affecting normal cells.
Heat makes the killing effect of the chemotherapy more powerful.
Heat softens the tumor nodules so the penetration of the chemotherapy into the tumor is enhanced.
The procedure also improves drug absorption and effect with minimal exposure to the rest of the body. In this way, the normal side effects of chemotherapy can be avoided.
HIPEC means Hyperthermic Intra Peritoneal Chemotherapy.
Note: Peritoneal refers to the membrane that wraps abdominal organs.
Before connecting the HIPEC, the surgeon must remove all visible cancer. It must be understood here that surgeons do not cut into a tumor, they take a margin all around the tumour of healthy cells. This, (having an acceptable margin), can lead to difficulties and that is why Dr. Y does not give me any guaranties. Once all visible cancer is removed (in my case probably colon, duodenum, part of the stomach, part of the mesentery and perhaps more) the doctor installs tubes and the abdomen closed temporarily to perform HIPEC ( read the description of HIPEC below). HIPEC is therefore expected to kill all traces of cancer that can not be seen with the naked eye and even perhaps some that can be seen but are not possible to cut(no margin).
Then he opens the abdomen, removes the tubes and proceeds to clean the cavity and finally close it permanently. Note that if the rectum is affected by cancer and there is not enough room to connect the small intestin then there will be ileostomy (an opening in the abdominal wall for elimination of feces in a bag).
How HIPEC Works
Below is an animation of the HIPEC procedure.
During the HIPEC procedure, the surgeon will continuously circulate a heated sterile solution containing a chemotherapeutic agent throughout the peritoneal cavity, for a maximum of two hours. The HIPEC procedure is designed to attempt to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Giving the chemotherapy in the abdomen at the time of surgery allows for greater concentrations of the drug where it is needed. Adding heat has a threefold advantage:
Heat at 42 degrees Celsius kills cancer cells while not affecting normal cells.
Heat makes the killing effect of the chemotherapy more powerful.
Heat softens the tumor nodules so the penetration of the chemotherapy into the tumor is enhanced.
The procedure also improves drug absorption and effect with minimal exposure to the rest of the body. In this way, the normal side effects of chemotherapy can be avoided.
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