My BCIR surgery

When I was diagnosed with a cancerous polyp in my rectum, I was fortunate to learn about the BCIR surgery. My surgery was performed by Dr. William Barnett (he improved on the Kock pouch) and I was his 404th BCIR surgery. I was a challenge for him as I had two prior abdominal surgeries followed by six weeks of cobalt therapy. The BCIR surgery normally last about 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Because my abdomen is such a mess, it took Dr. Barnett 9 1/2 hours to give me my precious gift - my pouch. This was a difficult surgery for a 68 year old surgeon. He was an extremely dedicated doctor and he is missed, he passed away several years ago from cancer. Because of the length of surgery and poor quality of my intestine, I had many complications but with my determination and the expert care of Palms of Pasadena Hospital in St Petersburg, Florida, we won and I have a great pouch. After 14 years of a healthy pouch with minor cases of pouchitis, I have now started growing polyps in my pouch. One-third of my pouch is blanketed in polyps and I am receiving ongoing care at the Houston, Texas, MD Anderson Hospital. I have been able to maintain my pouch even with the polyps. I have had many treatments to the polyps in the pouch and they continue to grow and do well. I did have 2 separate treatments of PDT (Photo Dynamite Therapy) with little to no results. The theory was that the treatment would burn the polyps and they would sluff off. This did not happen. I also had the PDT treatment to polyps in my duodenum with positive results. I am positive that we will finally find the correct treatment to rid me of the polyps in my pouch.