George's Cancer Journey...Way Off Your Beaten Path!

***Disclaimer: Some of the pictures in this blog might be uncomfortable for people who are squeamish about medical conditions. If you fit this description, do not scroll down!***

We have been on a different kind of journey over the last few months.  It really started back in January of 2022 when George had a weeklong series of uncontrollable nosebleeds while we were in Spain. (Listen all about it here!) Upon returning to the US, we visited an ENT to have him checked out.  At that time there was nothing seen, but a little bit of chronic infection.  He was given some meds and sent on his way. 

A few times throughout the summer he had a few minor nosebleeds, which prompted me to schedule an appointment for him at the ENT in Juneau.  During that visit, the doctor used words that led to worry.  He then promptly ordered a CT Scan and a biopsy.  You can read all about the process of diagnosis and the weeks following here: Our Very Unexpected Medical "Vacation"

Visibly annoyed with me for taking a picture, George prepares for his nasal biopsy in Juneau, Alaska.

Fast forward to January 2023, we are now on our second trip to Seattle.  George has had three surgeries.  The first surgery was to remove the cancer.  This surgery was expected to take 4-5 hours, but it took a whopping 8 hours.  The cancer was much more aggressive than originally anticipated.  They had to remove EVERYTHING from the inside of his nose, including bone.  Thankfully, they were able to preserve his skin.  After this surgery, he looked relatively the same.  He had packing inside of his nose and sinuses.  He spent one night in the hospital and then was released to go back to the hotel.  Surprisingly, he had virtually no pain after this surgery.

Getting some rest after surgery number one!

A Visit from Friends two days after surgery one. Only one small piece of tape on this nose (To hold the strings from the packing in his nose.)

His second surgery took place five days later.  This was the first part of the reconstruction phase.  During this surgery, they used a piece of bone from his skull to reconstruct the bridge of the nose.  They also used skin from his forehead to rebuild the inside of the nose.  This skin also contained a vein which will continue to provide blood supply to the nose.  This surgery was expected to take 6 hours, but it also took 8 hours.  When he was done with surgery, his head was bandaged up, so we really did not know the full extent of what he would look like. He had tubes in his nose, which were referred to as nasal trumpets.  He spent one night in the hospital and then was released back to the hotel.  He had virtually no pain with this surgery either. Remarkable!!!

A couple of days later, he went back to the surgeon to have his bandages removed.  It was at this time that we were able to see the full extent of the reconstruction.  Due to the forehead flap part of the surgery, George had what is known as an elephant trunk.  It was a bump (that we later lovingly referred to as lumpy Larry) at the bridge of his nose.  He also had about a dime sized opening in his forehead, which we were told would close and heal on its own.

At first glance, George was taken aback at how he appeared in the mirror.  I think that he had a hard time seeing “himself”.  I am typically pretty squeamish, but I was fascinated with the science of what had been accomplished.  I never had a hard time seeing my George!  They kept the nose trumpets in for a few more days.  Six days after surgery two, we went for a check-up.  They removed the nose trumpets, cleaned out the inside of his nose…and sent us on our way!

three days after surgery, bandages were removed. it was our first glance at the reconstructive surgery sites.

The following day, we flew back to Alaska…so he could spend the holidays at home with family while he was healing!  When we went outside, we put a bandage on his forehead and the bridge of his nose.  This allowed him to wear a hat…because it was COLD while we were home…lol!

Check out this progression of pictures during George’s recovery at home. The first picture in the gallery is our second day home. The last picture in the gallery is the morning before his third surgery for the trunk removal.

We flew back to Seattle a few days ago.  George has completed the final stage of his reconstruction (at least for now.)  For this part of the surgery, the trunk was removed and stitched up.  His scars are all healing well…and he is on his way to face the next part of his journey!

The day after his third surgery. He has a few stitches from the bridge of his nose to an inch above his eyebrow.

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported and loved us on social media, at home, and through the GoFundMe that was set up for us. It has been a tremendous support during this stressful time! We could not have gotten through this without you!

 Next stop…chemo and radiation! Stay tuned!