Friday, October 16, 2009

Steve Update

Steve had surgery yesterday morning. It was not the chip-shot the doctor had expected. The pre-surgery MRI showed that the tumor had grown to 1.7 cm, so she knew she couldn't use the endoscope. She had to open the entire area again. It took 4 hours, but she got all of the growth, took out all the aneurysm clips she had left there in his first surgery, and cleaned up some scar tissue. He was in recovery for another 4 hours and had a heck of a time coming out of the anesthesia. He basically has the same problems that he had after the first surgery -- right eyelid is droopy because she had to cut into the muscle that controls it -- we expect it to improve over the next 2 or 3 months.
This morning he had another MRI, which showed that she did in fact get all the tumor, everything looks good, no sign of a stroke, but a small area of bleeding on the left back, bottom side and nothing to worry about as it is probably due to the stress on his brain from the previous radiation and surgery. His brain is swelling, but she is controlling that with steroids. He was fully awake and lucid today and hungry! They had to do a swallow test and have him on a thick liquid diet for now.
He is in intensive care, of course, so we only visit for a short time and then give him an hour or so to rest - which is rather difficult when they are constantly monitoring him -- but hey, that's why he's there. Probably be in hospital through the weekend and possibly early next week.

Please continue praying -- we appreciate the prayers.

9 comments :

Sew Create It - Jane said...

Just catching up on your news. I'll keep you and Steve in my thoughts and hope that his recovery goes quickly. (((hugs)))

sewprimitive karen said...

Best Wishes that Steve recuperates well.

Linda (Petey) said...

Very glad to hear this good report. We can be so thankful for Drs. and the technology that helps them! Holding you and your family in prayer...

Melanie said...

Positive news....I know as moms-- we tend to look at our kids like they're ten year old boys with ketchup on their shirt--- no matter how old they are... But Joanne, this guy is a fighter...complete with cape and boxing gloves.... God's got plans for him...

Carol said...

Good news! Sending Steve and you and the whole family lots and lots of good thoughts.

Melody said...

I'm so glad that everything turned out well. I hope he recovers quickly and that the tumor stays away.

StitchinByTheLake said...

That's wonderful news Joanne! I'll continue to pray. blessigns, marlene

Dona said...

Joanne, My thoughts are with you and yours as you go through this latest episode. Hopes for Steves speedy recovery.

Carolyn said...

Still thinking of you and praying for all...