Stent Replacement

Mark's first stent was placed in the bile duct on June 4th. Dr. Razzac explained that the duct was tight because of a tumor in the lymph node resting on it, cutting off bile flow. With radiation shrinking the cancerous tumor, he hoped the stent could be removed in two months. 

Today we arrived at Portland Providence Medical Center on Glisan at 11 am and were directed to the short stay department for the procedure to remove the stent. Mark was taken in at 1:30, and by 2:30, he was in recovery, where he stayed for almost two hours. Dr. Razzac visited and explained that he could remove the existing stent with no problem, but the lymph node is still pressing on the duct, so he had to replace the stent. He wanted to place two, but like last time, the duct was too tight, so it wasn't possible. We don't know if there is still a tumor inside the lymph node or swelling because of the radiation. 

There are permanent metal stents, but the surgeon doesn't like to use those, as they tend to cause other problems down the road. Also, scar tissue can form around the stent clogging the duct. The temporary stents are better if there is hope that one won't be needed in the future. We're counting on that, but that does mean another ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography) in two months.

It was a much harder procedure than we were expecting. By the time we got home at 5:30 pm, the anesthesia had worn off, so Mark was in quite a lot of pain. However, a double dose of hydrocodone has helped him sleep, and he should feel better tomorrow. 

Unfortunately, the other pain below the liver on his right side has continued to increase so much that he has trouble sleeping. As I mentioned before, Dr. Taylor thinks it's from inflammation from the radiation. Hopefully, it, too, will subside soon.

Poor guy, he gets so tired of being in pain! We have such empathy for those who endure constant pain!! It's exhausting and discouraging. But, most of the time, Mark is in good spirits and is eager to be up and doing!