Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
Details for the 2nd Operation
I wanted to share with you some of the details of the final operation and how God works in such magnificent ways...
Yesterday the doctor's plan was to go in and take out the grid of electrodes then remove some of the tissue from where the seizures were originating and close the incision. But before Dr. Grossman closed the incision, he went a little deeper under the small cavity where the original tumor resided and discovered another tumor. The pathologist believes it to be a benign Central Neurocytoma which is a rare nerve tumor seen primarily in young adults. This type of tumor often times has the same density as brain tissue which explains why it was never seen through any of Melissa's previous MRI's or other scans. Dr. Grossman removed the tumor and it will be sent off for testing...but we already know what the outcome will be.
Melissa is healed! Now He has revealed why we were put in this situation. It is just amazing how God works! I will continue to post (hopefully daily) information on Melissa's recovery. We love you all. Praise God!
Yesterday the doctor's plan was to go in and take out the grid of electrodes then remove some of the tissue from where the seizures were originating and close the incision. But before Dr. Grossman closed the incision, he went a little deeper under the small cavity where the original tumor resided and discovered another tumor. The pathologist believes it to be a benign Central Neurocytoma which is a rare nerve tumor seen primarily in young adults. This type of tumor often times has the same density as brain tissue which explains why it was never seen through any of Melissa's previous MRI's or other scans. Dr. Grossman removed the tumor and it will be sent off for testing...but we already know what the outcome will be.
Melissa is healed! Now He has revealed why we were put in this situation. It is just amazing how God works! I will continue to post (hopefully daily) information on Melissa's recovery. We love you all. Praise God!
Update for Yesterday - 2nd Operation
I know everyone understands...but I still wanted to apologize for not posting this entry yesterday. I was extremely exhausted and fell asleep before doing so. I will post a more complete entry later today, but please know that the surgery was a success and Melissa is doing very well. Praise God! Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Please view this blog later today for more details. We love you all!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Today's Update / Surgery Schedule
There is not much to report on today except Melissa was able to get some decent rest. She was actually able to sleep for a couple of hours straight this afternoon. Over the last couple of days it has been very difficult for her to get any rest with the medical staff in and out of the room constantly...not to mention all of the monitoring equipment. Her blood pressure cuff goes off once an hour and the compression cuffs positioned on each calf (to keep blood circulating in her legs) inflate/deflate every couple of minutes.
As previously stated, her second surgery will begin at approximatley 9am tomorrow morning. However, Dr. Grossman indicated she would be brought to the O.R. somewhere between 7 & 8am for prep. During this surgery they will remove the electrode grid as well as remove some of tissue from where the seizures are originating. He explained this is a very time-consuming process and it is expected to last 4+ hours. Dr. Grossman also showed me and Melissa pictures that were taken in the O.R. during the first operation. He drew a diagram on the picture that showed the electrodes on the surface of Melissa's brain and mapped out where the seizure begins and to where it radiates. It is likely that visitation will be restricted (except for her Mom, Dad & myself) for some time after this surgery, but I will let everyone know when she can have vistors again.
We feel so blessed that God is making a way for Melissa to be healed from this issue that has been a burden to her for so many years. Glory be to God!
As previously stated, her second surgery will begin at approximatley 9am tomorrow morning. However, Dr. Grossman indicated she would be brought to the O.R. somewhere between 7 & 8am for prep. During this surgery they will remove the electrode grid as well as remove some of tissue from where the seizures are originating. He explained this is a very time-consuming process and it is expected to last 4+ hours. Dr. Grossman also showed me and Melissa pictures that were taken in the O.R. during the first operation. He drew a diagram on the picture that showed the electrodes on the surface of Melissa's brain and mapped out where the seizure begins and to where it radiates. It is likely that visitation will be restricted (except for her Mom, Dad & myself) for some time after this surgery, but I will let everyone know when she can have vistors again.
We feel so blessed that God is making a way for Melissa to be healed from this issue that has been a burden to her for so many years. Glory be to God!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Electrical Mapping / E.E.G. Monitoring
Melissa has been doing very well considering what she has endured so far. She has been having some pain in the incision area which makes it difficult for her to chew solid food, but she has been eating small amounts and drinking protein shakes.
There were a team of doctors with her earlier for several hours performing the electrical brain mapping. About the procedure: A small current is applied (which is not painful) to 1 or 2 of the electrodes which are located in specific areas on her brain's surface. This is repeated as they test each function of the area under the grid. After the testing was complete I met with her Neurologist (Dr. Virma) and Surgeon (Dr. Grossman) and they said the testing went very well and they have the data they need to procede with the second surgery scheduled for 9am on Thursday. God is Great!
There were a team of doctors with her earlier for several hours performing the electrical brain mapping. About the procedure: A small current is applied (which is not painful) to 1 or 2 of the electrodes which are located in specific areas on her brain's surface. This is repeated as they test each function of the area under the grid. After the testing was complete I met with her Neurologist (Dr. Virma) and Surgeon (Dr. Grossman) and they said the testing went very well and they have the data they need to procede with the second surgery scheduled for 9am on Thursday. God is Great!
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