On May 5th, 2010 our life was redefined when we discovered that I have a tumor
growing in the spinal cord of my neck.

The purpose of this blog to keep an updated record of our "Life Redefined" and give you the details you might be wondering about (surgery, recovery and other random daily stuff, etc...)

For our friends and our family members who want to be kept updated this is the easiest way for us to do it. It's also good therapy for me to write it down!

We still want you to call or visit if you feel like it - we find so much strength from you. All of your words and encouraging thoughts and prayers are a great blessing for us!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Surgery is in Progress

Just a short update to let everyone know how things are progressing. We arrived at the hospital this morning about 11:40 and after a few minutes of waiting, Kara was called back to get ready for surgery. She thought she was going to have to say goodbye to everyone then and she was not quite ready. However, the nurse let a few people back into the room with her, including Levi, which was great and we just rotated in and out. Levi was the distraction for the next hour or two while we waited for surgery.

Once Kara got dressed in her gown, the nurse came in and gave us a brief overview of what was to happen. Then the doctor in charge of the nerve monitoring came and and explained how he would moniter her nerves. Levi laughed and played the whole time keeping the atmosphere in the room positive and uplifting. We waited for another hour and then had the nurse, the resident, the neurosurgeon, and the anesthesia doctors in and out explaining their portions of the surgery and allowing us to ask any questions. It was really nice to visit with each of them and talk with the neurosurgeon for a few minutes. They were all really positive and confident about the procedure.

Then it was time to say good-bye. We gave her hugs and shed a few tears and walked out while anesthesia gave her some medicine to help with the anxiety. Kara has been positive and we assured her that everything would be fine. Kara and I got to say a prayer together while we were waiting and she got some good time with Levi before he had to leave.

We left about 2:15 p.m. and they were taking her to the operating room after we left. The nurse said it would take about an hour to get her ready for the actual procedure and the surgery would be four to five hours. The surgeon assured us he would take his time and and take everything slow. It will probably be after 7:00 p.m. before she is out of surgery and she will spend the night in ICU according to the doctors and three days in the hospital before being moved to recovery.

The last update was that they had done the incision and she was doing just fine with the anesthesia. So we are grateful for the many miracles that have and will take place.

Thank you for all your prayers and support. We are grateful for every one of them.

3 comments:

Jamie said...

Thank you for updating. I know that I am not alone in worrying/waiting for some news today.

We are praying for all of you.

Keep updating...it is so appreciated! :)

George said...

Kara you done good. We love you and all those that were fighting for you.... Seems all the prayers were answered Love you Grandmother and Granddad....

Suzanne said...

Kara,
I am glad that the surgery is behind you now and that all went well! I realize that there is still a recovery process, but I know that your Heavenly Father will give you the strength that you need. Soon you will be hugging your little ones and someday they will hear of this experience and know and understand what a courageous and faithful Mommy they have!
I love you,
Suzanne