Thursday, May 7, 2009

Good News!

Good Morning,

Jeff had his MRI done. He has still been pretty sick to his stomach, so I don't think that the test was a very pleasant experience. The good news is that we do have the results of the MRI and the pathology and things are looking good! The surgeon said that the MRI shows that they were able to remove ALL of tumor! When Jeff asked about the amount of the cerebellum that had to be removed, Dr. Link said that they only had to remove some of the lining.

The diagnosis is a grade 2 Ependymoma. It is a usually slow growing tumor of the brain and spine that is commonly benign in nature. Jeff's was rated a grade 2 because of the length of time he has had it. The doctor is consulting with the neurological oncologist tomorrow, but at this time, feels that the only thing Jeff will have to do is heal and have follow-up MRI tests done to make sure that the tumor doesn't grow back. If it does return, and we'll cross that bridge when we get to it, it can be removed surgically or treated with radiation.

This morning Jeff has been actually sitting more upright in bed and has been trying to keep down some clear liquids (jello, tea, chicken broth, etc.) Ann and I told him that when he felt better we were going to bring him some Kentucky Fried Chicken (we thought he LIKED Kentucky Fried Chicken!) He started ranting and raving about how gross that sounded and how it wouldn't sound good even if he wasn't nauseated! Oh well, we try. :)

Thank you all for your prayers, I truly believe that they were answered today! Each and every one of you means the world to us.

Love you!
Kim

16 comments:

  1. Great news! What a relief for you. Maybe he needs a Vikings or Twins hat in honor of Minnesota.
    Kathy

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  2. That is wonderful news. I called Nana right away. Jeff should feel much better with the good news. Tell him to mind his nurses so he can get back to Lincoln. He is actually probably glad he is where he is right now. When he starts complaining about being there, you know he is feeling better. Give Ann one big hug from all of us. She deserves it!
    Love,
    Peg
    P.S. I didn't know Kathy could knit Vikings or Twins hats!?!?

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  4. Just got home from the hospital and read your
    blog----great news!! Now just start healing
    up, big guy!! Talk to you later. Love you!!

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  5. That is awesome news all around! No more tumor, and benign. This helps alleviate most of the shocked nausea I've felt since I heard about Jeff.

    Mike

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  6. Yeah!! Good news and what a relief. I'm out in N.P. with Mom and we just looked at the blog. Keep us updated! Love Kristi

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  7. Glad to hear such good news today! OUCH!Pictures!Tell Jeff to hang in there. Looking forward to lounging by the pool with him soon...Hope Friday will be filled with more good news.
    Love ya!
    Kim Z.

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  8. Hey, that top picture looks like a C section! :) Actually looks like they did a great job sewing! Who will take the stitches out? Tomorrow will even be better, Jeff!
    Peg

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  9. Great news. Did you tell Jeff KFC now has grilled chicken?

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  10. I'm soo glad his MRI went fine! I (and the rest of the classes) really want you back at school! We can't stand subs any more! You do WAY better. And, you're going to be excited about this, we never got a think time today! Well that is in Math and Science 6. I hope you and Ann are staying strong, and I hope Jeff will be doing much better tomorrow.
    I'll try to keep you updated on what's happening in school, if you promise to blog!
    We are all praying for Jeff and yourself at school.
    Your fav student,
    Megan

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  11. I don't think the reverse mohawk look will take off! That is one awesome scar dude!!! Everyday will get a little better, you just have to believe that's true, even when it seems like it's not. What a blessing it is to have your family around you that can help you through this. Kim, you have turned into a much tougher gal than I ever thought you would. I am proud of you. Take care, and know that the St Peter's choir is praying for you.
    Pam

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  12. Praise God for all the good news!

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  13. We have been praying for ya'll. I am so glad that everything sounds so positive!

    Linda G.

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  14. John and Michelle KroekerMay 7, 2009 at 8:28 PM

    Ridder,
    We are so glad to hear your great news!!! Praise God!!! We will keep praying!!! Thanks for keeping the blog current. Love, The Kroekers

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  15. Jeff, Kim, Cole and Maddison:
    What wonderful news. Jeff, thank you for writing the story about your surgery. This proves that you're doing alright. I cried a bit while reading it. Praise God for the success and joy he has given to you and your family through the doctors and nurses and your amazing attitude. We'll continue to pray for your future health and healing.
    Love you all!!
    Patty Hill

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