Mowing the lawn
An outline of the second round of my ablation surgery earlier this week
On Tuesday, I had a second ablation surgery at Wellington Hospital, similar to my operation a few weeks ago. It’s part of the treatment plan to remove precancerous areas in my upper palate.
Laser ablation of the surface tissue is a process that my surgeon Stuart likens to “mowing the lawn”.
The idea is to systematically crop back a layer of pre-cancerous tissue from my upper palate, so that only the good grass grows back.
It’s a carefully managed process leading up to an operation of micro millimetres.
After checking in to hospital I am PCR-tested, issued a theatre gown, theatre booties and some very breezy theatre undies. Once changed, I shuffle down the corridor to sit outside Theatre and wait to be called in.
I’m kept gently warm under a large bright blue electric blanket called a Hot-Dog Warmer (I am not making this up. This device was first invented for regulating the body temperature of dogs undergoing surgery at the vet).
After a few chats and consent form signings with the always-friendly anaesthetists, I am escorted into theatre, settled down, hooked up, plugged in and eased off to sleep under general anaesthetic.
Next, holding a pen-shaped high-watt laser connected to an oversized laptop, surgeon Stuart directs the ultra-hot tip back and forth in my open mouth, vaporising the layer of offending dysplastic tissue.
A tiny special-imaging real-time video camera scope is used to help Stuart identify the target tissue in my throat and mouth, and direct his laser cutting.
During the surgery, biopsy samples are taken from sections around the margins of my jaw and throat, and sent for analysis to confirm if clear of cancer or not. Based on the results further ablation surgery is done to mow it further back. We’ll review in a few weeks, but it’s highly likely I’ll need another round.
Ideally, this mowing experience would be as with the patient English groundsman and his village green, gently nurturing new grass into a healthy lush pasture.
However the reality of my healing process has been several weeks of persistent bleeding and clotted post-op detritus in my throat and mouth. The field of my palate is somewhat charred, scarred and cratered. It bears a closer resemblance to our real lawn at home, which this year has been attacked , fouled and holed by our 30kg Labrador “puppy” Fred, as he enthusiastically buries and recovers multiple bones and the occasional gumboot (stolen from me).
I am not complaining; I am fortunate to be able to have the is the ablation treatment as an option. I’m well looked after and the recovery is tolerable enough. Most importantly, in my case the ablation mowing treatment is deferring the need for more radiation treatment to my head and neck, which would compound the damage from my radiation dose in 2009, and introduce some unsavoury risks. Much better to dodge that while I can.
For now, thanks to a dedicated medical team and a very supportive family & friends, all I have to do is be patient, recover carefully and look after the small things that help me prepare for the next round of mowing the lawn.
Here's to speedy healing, Nick. Thinking of you and we will see you soon :)
Thinking of you. Love and prayers 🙏