It is just few moments later that the pathology result for the suspicious lymph node returns. But then, French announces that he will have to take part of the pericardium, the lining surrounding the sac in which the heart beats, because the cancer has invaded it. He has lost a bit more than half of his left lung. Finally it is cut away. The closing is as meticulous as the operation has been so far.
Water is poured into the chest cavity so it can be checked for air bubbles.
Twice, French orders the fluid suctioned away and he sews tiny stitches in the remaining lung. When a third dousing reveals more, he decides to let them go. Any remaining leaking air will be removed by drains as the lung repairs itself. Already the drain incisions have been made, the tubes pushed unceremoniously through the skin and ribs. French removes the rib spreader and with thick thread stitches pulls the severed rib cage together.