No need for a plumber!

 Dr. R. came about noon and did a leakage test on his drains. Basically she pumped fluid into the bottom drain to create a positive pressure there and pulled a vacuum on the top drain. It was important that there was no leakage between the two and if there was the pressure/vacuum would create a flow out of the upper tube. Good news – no leakage. His bowels have also shown some small signs of waking up, GROSS, but important. So, it looks like Matthew may get to go home tomorrow!

 

She then took out his staples and then the upper tube. Despite a pain shot just before starting all this, the tube removal was a pain level 10. Matthew will go home with the bottom tube still in place.  The remaining light has to be flushed once a day (squirt a syringe full of saline back up the tube).  He will have to come back in a week to get it removed. He will also need to have a heparin (blood thinner) shot once a day.

Here is a picture of his MD Anderson approved birthday cake....he looks thrilled doesn't he?