The Beginning of the Unplanned Adventure

To catch those of you up who may just be learning of this "unplanned adventure," Jeff found out that he has a brain tumor on Thursday, April 16th. The tumor is located below the cerebellum, close to the brain stem, and is about 6 cm by 4 cm. After meeting with a neurologist in Omaha, we were informed that the tumor is operable, but that the removal will require a talented surgeon, due to its close location to the spine and brain stem. Jeff and I promptly decided that Mayo was our hospital of choice (thanks to Pat and his incredible family,) and plans were quickly made. The surgeons at Mayo asked Jeff to have an additional MRI test performed on his spine as well as meet with the neurological oncologist and the neurological surgeon prior to surgery. Jeff decided to travel to Minnesota with his dad, while I stayed home to deal with work and the kids' hectic schedules.

Jeff and his dad, Rich, traveled to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota on Monday, April 27th. Upon arrival, Jeff spent two hours having a comprehensive MRI done on his spine. He later met with the neurological oncologist to discuss the possibility of needing further treatment after the tumor has been removed. Jeff spent over an hour with the specialist and walked out feeling better about the situation than when he walked in. The doctor showed Jeff angles of the tumor that he had not yet seen and explained that the tumor is not as close to the brain stem as we had once feared. He also felt that because of the tumor's slow growth (which we were told could have been growing for over 8 years!) that no treatment should be needed after its removal (of course we won't be sure of this until the tumor is actually removed.)

Jeff had his pre-op examination on Tuesday morning prior to meeting with the surgeon who would be actually removing the tumor. Again, Jeff and Rich were in awe of the the professionalism displayed by the surgeon and the staff. The surgeon walked Jeff step by step through the procedure to be performed, which in its entirety could last up to 8 hours (I won't go into detail here, but let's just say, it's not pretty.) Jeff is expected to be in the hospital for up to a week following the surgery and will then be out of work on short term disability for up to 3 months. He will be restricted from lifting anything over 10 pounds (that means he won't be holding the dogs! LOL!) The doctor feels that a full recovery is likely with only a slight chance of side effects that could include numbness, tingling, etc.

So now, we are waiting until Monday, May 4th to take off for Minnesota. During the next few days we will pay bills, write sub plans and detailed plans for grandparents to follow. Thanks so much to ALL of you for your support and prayers. We don't know what we would have done without you during the past several STRESSFUL weeks. Please Check this blog for updates in the near future and feel free to leave comments (I think we will have LOTS of time to read them in the hospital!) Please keep Jeff in your thoughts and prayers on Tuesday, May 5th.

Lots of Love,
Kim

PS Thanks to my friend, Cooper, for helping me to set this up! :)