The Absolute Best News in the World! IT'S BENIGN! Surgery to Remove Wally's Spleen - Please keep him in your thoughts. AND A NEW UPDATE

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Another Update:  

We are absolutely thrilled! The surgeon just called to say that Wally's tumor was benign! It was a torturously long nine days of waiting for the results, but there is a lot of celebrating going on at our house right now. 

This community is amazing. Throughout this whole ordeal, I could come here for support, always knowing that my DK friends would empathize and sympathize.

Thank you, everyone. 

Please keep my dear Wally in your thoughts tomorrow as he is undergoing surgery to remove his spleen. After routine labwork a month ago revealed slightly elevated liver enzymes, we repeated the bloodwork last week and learned that both his ALT and ALP numbers had increased. Today, he had an ultrasound of his abdomen which identified a mass in his spleen the size of a walnut. All of his other organs appeared normal and x-rays of his chest showed that his lungs look healthy. He is asymptomatic, which is good, but needless to say, we are extremely worried. I will keep all of my DK friends posted as we learn more.

Update: The operation was a success in that the surgeon removed Wally's spleen without any complications. The tumor was the size of a golf ball. I just got an update that he is doing very well. They have had him up and walking a little, he seems comfortable and is on IV pain meds, but isn't interested in eating yet. Besides doing a biopsy of the tumor, they are also testing a sample of his liver, since the elevated liver enzymes are what initiated this situation. We will bring him home midafternoon tomorrow and then wait for a week for the results. It is going to be a very very long week of waiting. Thanks for everyone's kind words of hope and well wishes. 

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Thanks, everyone, for your yippees, yahoos and whoohoos! 

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Congrats on the fantastic news!  A wonderful way to start the holidays - feeling thankful and happy!!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

YAY!!!! I am so happy for all of you. What a great Thanksgiving you will have in your home this year!