Also known as: Tumor in the spine
Catherine Fox undergoes a complex spine surgery to remove a large tumor from her cervical spine (C3-T4). The surgical team initially attempts a posterior approach but must flip her mid-surgery to access anteriorly. The tumor is adherent to the brachial plexus, forcing surgeons to leave approximately 5% of the tumor behind to preserve motor function. She will require ongoing monitoring and likely proton beam therapy.
Also known as: Liver scarring
Thatcher Grey is dying from end-stage liver disease despite having received a partial liver transplant from Meredith years earlier. He is in hospice care at home, refusing pain medication to stay sober, and spending his final days reconciling with Meredith before his death.