Carrie with model of her upper teeth
This is Shannon, Carrie’s sister, subbing for Carrie who is otherwise engaged in a much-needed communion with her hospital bed.
After so many months of waiting, the surgery – technically, a left anterior partial maxillectomy for tumor resection – took place early this morning.
Yesterday, when our mother and I went with Carrie to see her surgeon, we were very happy to find out that the area to be removed from Carrie’s jaw was a bit smaller than we were led to understand previously. We were under the impression that most of Carrie’s palate would have to be removed. Instead, a much smaller section was removed. We were greatly relieved and happy about this – “happy” that it wasn’t as invasive as we thought it would be.
In the photo above, Carrie is holding up a model made from her own teeth. If you look closely, you may see some black dotted lines on the right that indicate where the teeth and bone were to be removed
Here is another view of the model showing the palate – again, the dotted lines showing the area to be removed.
In the end, one back molar was left on the left upper jaw, and both front teeth were also removed, along with the block of bone containing the offending desmoplastic ameloblastoma.
The surgeon was very pleased with the results, and after packing the wound, he inserted an obturator – a prosthetic palate with teeth modeled on her own teeth, so that she would not have a caved-in look. Except for some swelling, she looks normal.
About what about getting all that tumor out? The doctor said that the frozen margin samples sent to the lab immediately following the surgery showed no residual tumor cells. A full lab report is due in a day or so, but he was confident there would be no surprises.
Carrie has at least 2 or 3 days in the hospital before she returns home to make a longer recovery, but she did it! She was completely ready and went into the surgery very calmly, buoyed by everyone’s amazing support, prayers, positive thoughts, and love. Thank you, everyone!
We will continue to keep you posted.
congratulations, Carrie, on making it through this difficult time. We wish you a speedy and full recovery!
Tony & Nat
First, Shannon, you written description was so articulate and descriptive… it is so wonderful to read superior writing. And on top of that…. that our Carrie is doing so well and staying snuggled in her hospital bed. Hope that the next few days are comfortable enough for her to sleep and heal… then let that distinct laughter of hers start announcing her presence.
I am so grateful to know that Carrie attracts so much love and caring… ah, caring for carrie… how sweet is that!
Sending our love,
ShiShi & Carolyn
Thank you Shannon and Phyllis for the updates! I am relieved, too! We love Carrie and all of you also!
Sheila
YEAH!!! It sounds like all went as well as it could have and maybe even better than expected. And I am hoping those borders prove to be clean clean clean. Carrie you are amazing! Continue to hang in there, time will go fast and you will be back to feeling good, relieved, and healthier than ever soon! Lots of Love and healing, Rachel
Please tell Carrie that I’ve had many emails from her former student midwives from all over the country telling her they lit the candles for her during her surgery. Most of them were quite clear that they remembered exactly who she is and that her calm gentle teaching helped them be the practitioners they are today. Blessings and light, Julie
Great job Carrie. Glad it was easier thatn you expected. You look good in your smoothie photo.
I was thinking I was going to see a photo of the actual tumor. they cheated and only sent plastic teeth….
it looks much better what they removed than what I thought it was going to be!
Bye
Chyraelle