So.... We had an exploratory operation on September 10 for the fistula.  The goal was to hopefully find the fistula so they could fix it or come up with a plan to fix it later.  Bonbon didn't eat for the 19 hours leading up to the operation and she went under via heavy sedation for a few hours.  During the exploratory operation, they conducted a liquid test, gas test, they poked/prodded around and placed a camera up there. 

 

They didn't find the fistula.  Bummer.

 

Our surgeon said the fistula must be super small; and it's clearly smaller than it used to be because it had been in the exact spot of the anastomotic leak.  Back when it first appeared over a year ago, it was big enough to clearly see in the cameras and it failed the gas test.  

 

Although they can't find it, our surgeon said she is certain it is probably located in the same area as it was before, which is where the anastomotic leak was.  Our surgeon said her fistula could be the size of "a single strand of hair" that wouldn't be visible in the camera and wouldn't come up in the gas/liquid test.  But, even with the fistula being the size of a strand of hair, it could still cause symptoms every once in awhile. 

 

They could put in a flap at the anastomotic leak location where the tiny fistula likely still is.  This is a little risky because it could cause some unwanted permanent side effects.  They could give her a permanent colostomy, but that is irreversible and we want to exhaust all reasonable options first.

 

For now, we're opting to manage the symptoms and take a break for awhile.  Bonbon could use some time away from being a patient.   We're still thrilled about the good scan last week.  It isn't ideal getting these scans every 3 months because of how serious her type of cancer is, but we don't take the good news for granted.

 

Love,

Travis