Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Surgery Video

When I was laying on the operating table (just before they put me to sleep) the anesthesiologist asked me if it was OK if he took pictures and I told him "absolutely, as long as I get copies of them". I am still trying to get them but when I asked my surgeon he said he could give me a copy of the video he made (that he will use for educational purposes). It's pretty much a "highlight reel" and is about 2.5 minutes long.

Here is what you see:
  • My heart beating before they do anything
  • Them hooking me up to the cardiac bypass machine that does the work of your heart and lungs while they repair the heart (I believe I was on this machine for about 35 minutes)
  • Dr. Reardon cutting out the tumor & some of the tissue around it (the tumor is the white thing)
  • Dr. Reardon sewing the cardiac patch in place
  • My heart beating after he's done
I uploaded the video to YouTube and figured I might as well post it here. I get a very strange feeling when I watch this video - not many people get to look at their own heart beating...it's pretty cool! For those that don't like blood and guts I wouldn't look. Check it out here.

35 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow.. That is so amazing, what they can do... You are amazing Will! Love You!
Steph

Jenessa said...

That is so amazing! Thank you for sharing it with us.

RS said...

Hi, Will:
Great video, it is appreciable to see the doctor removing it. It must make you feel good seeing that it is out of your heart.
Kind regards,
John

Anonymous said...

Will, this really brings home the reality of what research has accomplished. Thank God!
What an amazing experience to watch. Thanks for sharing it.

Liz C

Anonymous said...

Will this is nothing short of a miracle! I am so happy for you. You are an inspiration to all of us.

Joanne McLaughlin

Anonymous said...

Will~

That is the most amazing thing I have ever seen. So glad that you are on your way home! See you soon!

Lindsay

kclaro said...

My husband is 37 and just got diagnosed with this exact sarcoma on Christmas Eve. His cardiologist was trying to get him to Dr. Reardon in Texas, but our insurance sent us to Mass General. We live in Ma, so it is good to be near our children. Considering I didn't even know this type of cancer existed until 3weeks ago, it is amazing to find someone else who not only has this, but is recovering from the surgery! My husband will more than likely have his surgery in the spring sometime. Our prayers are with you and your family for a full recovery! Thanks for sharing your story!

GiPi said...

Wow!! That's cool!! Truly amazing. Thanks for sharing

helen.schmitt said...

So amazed with this view of your surgery, Will. Thanks for thinking to let us have a look at miracles that can be performed.
Helen and Bob Schmitt

Anonymous said...

Will...
Now I truly know why I pray so hard for the doctors and nurses who care for you... the knowledge and skill that backed this surgery and all the care you have received, is nothing short of miraculous! Too often we rely solely on the human factor and slide over the reality that the glory belongs to God from whom all our accomplishments originate. Thanks for living your life in such an open fashion that reminds us that God is glorified every day by your amazing life and for sharing the God-given courage and love that you grace all of us with. You bless and inspire each of us and we are encouraged that God is with each of us that believes in his presence no matter what life dishes out. My prayers continue for your healing and recovery, and for strength , comfort, and support for you and all of your family. It goes without saying, but, those prayers will also target all the health care professionals whose skills continue to bring you back to the good health you once enjoyed!

Florence S.

Unknown said...

Wow! Most amazing video I've ever seen - and so surprisingly clear! It must really be strange for you to watch it. Glad to hear you are recovering well. Come visit the iSchool some day.

Liz

Cindy Dout said...

Will, this is the coolest thing ever! You rock for sharing it. Is it too late for me to be a cardiac surgeon?

Anonymous said...

Just amazing what can be done in this day and age. Hope you are feeling better - I have watched the video several times - it is just so amazing and I am so happy that it was successful. Love, Marianne

Anonymous said...

Will,
We are so glad for you that you finally had the surgery and everything went so well. Recovery can be hard but your spirits sound up! You do have great support with your family and friends. We all wish you well and hope for a speedy recovery. You are always in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Joe, Linda, Joey, Jim and LeeAnn Rizzo

Anonymous said...

Wow, Will...that is amazing video! Thanks for sharing it...God Bless....

Matt B.

Snowbrush said...

Well, I've seen inside one of my knees and both of my shoulders, but I can't say I enjoyed it. I'm glad you came through okay.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
M said...

Hi Will. Just passing through other blogs on Blogger and fell upon yours - it's really great you are documenting your experience in treatment and what an amazing video of your surgery (I was riveted while watching!) So remarkable that they can patch up your heart like that (which does not look easy). But really, that surgeon is some magician, lol, and glad to read you are doing well in your recovery too. Best Wishes!

Anonymous said...

Will, that's amazing!!!

I'm thinking of you and hope you're out and about soon.

Best always!
Jen Noonan

Unknown said...

So glad your surgery was successful. Thanks for posting the video, it was amazing.

dr1/6 said...

this is AMAZING! i plan to be a cardiac surgeon one day and your blog has definitely been an educational read.

hope the recovery is going ok.

sarah~

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