So, Dr. Hardy removed the tumor yesterday. It took nearly 4 hours, and they were able to remove about 90% of the tumor. The other 10% was close to the motor skills area of the brain, and they didn't want to risk more damage there. The tumor was about the size of a tennis ball, and has been preliminarily diagnosed as a glioblastoma multiforme, and they think it is of the astrocyte variety. They will not be sure of the exact diagnosis until the biopsy comes back from pathology in a week or two.
The tumor is similar to Senator Kennedy's in type and location, except my Dad's is on the right side, and I am assuming larger, and also in the temporal lobe. The part of the brain that effects physical strength and organization...Like numbers for instance...My Dad can look at a number and tell you what it is, but if he tries to add or subtract or anything like that, he gets very confused.
Here is a good video from CNN with Dr. Sanjay Gupta that outlines Kennedy's tumor and treatment, and other than Kennedy's being on the left and my Dad's on the right, it seems to be about the same diagnosis. http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/health/2008/06/02/gupta.kennedy.brain.cnn?iref=videosearch
The Dr. told us he would be much like he was prior to the surgery afterwards. He then went on to say that the swelling increases and he will tend to decline from the second to the fifth day after surgery. True to form, he was doing very well yesterday and today until early evening. He was then quite confused, and rather combative. He had little rest today, and probably too much stimulation, as there were quite a few visitors today.
He needs a good night sleep, which I hope he gets. When Mom and I left around 9:30, he was insisting that he needed to take a walk around the hospital before he went to bed.
Tomorrow, they are supposed to do a post-op MRI to compare to the pre-op films. They also plan to move him from the surgical ICU to a regular room if all goes well. And, they are having the physical and occupational therapists work him out a little, and hopefully get him walking a little to try and keep his strength up. Looks to be another big day.
2 comments:
I want to say something, just not sure what. Mostly I just want to hug you, your mom and of course, Scotch, and not let go for a really long time.
Leave it up to you and your family to inject a little humor into even this situation. The title of the blog is priceless.
Our thoughts are with you. It is always hard to watch a friend go through difficult times. Along with Allison, this house is home to many hugs.
Thank you for keeping us informed. If there is anything we can do, just call!
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