The Report

Monday morning we met with Dr. Dailey for my consultation.  Yesterday was another whirlwind day and we are all trying to gather ourselves and catch our breath - sorry, I didn't post this sooner.

We are back in Idaho Falls for now.  Today (Tuesday) or tomorrow we will hear from Dr. Dailey's office with an operation date.  He is going to be clearing his schedule for a time next week for my procedure.

Here are the facts:

The procedure should take anywhere from 4-6 hours, but he said he's going to take 8 if he needs it.  They won't know until they get in there.

They expect I will be in SLC for at least 3 weeks if everything goes well.  1 week at the hospital post surgery and 2 weeks in an in-house rehabilitation.

There is a 20% chance of some type of permanent damage to my nervous system, from slight numbness in a part of my body for the rest of my life to lack of movement of something to total paralysis (he did say that paralysis is "not an option" though).  20% is a number I can deal with.  80% is much better odds!

Their technologies have improved so much over the years that they can monitor every single one of my nerve endings through the procedures and their systems will tell them when to stop and when to go according to how my nerves are reacting.

These types of tumors are very rare in the neck.  In the United States they see about 200 a year and this doctor here says he gets about 10 of them.  Still, pretty good numbers.

There is some good news.  While my tumor was originally expected to be all tumor with a little bit of fluid, the Dr believes it is not the case.  My C3-C7 Vertebrae are still affected but it is a combination of tumor and a cyst that has formed around the tumor and is filled with spinal fluid that has been trapped there.  This means they will not have to open up as many of my vertebrae, only 2 or 3 and then once the tumor is out they will make sure the cyst drains completely too. 

My mom came home with us for now and will be here until we figure out the surgery date and plans from here forward.  She may go home for a short time if the surgery is prolonged into the later part of next week.  For now the Dr said I could take Benadryl to help me sleep and he gave me some pain meds. 

Right now we are focusing on the kids and hoping that I will be able to spend some good quality (feeling good) time with them over the next few days to come.

Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and fasting.  I have felt so much love and while at times it feels dark and scary I have had moments of pure peace where I have felt the overwhelming comfort of the prayers and angels sent in my behalf.  Love to you all!