Date sent: 9/28/99, 12:13
Subject: Dan's Surgery Update
First, If you think this message needs to go to someone else, please forward with a
copy to me, if you get it twice, please let me know, so I can clean up my list... thanks,
abi.
Ok, yesterday, Dan had his brain tumor surgery. Within the outcome there is good news
and not-as-good news.
First, the good news: They were able to get all of the tumor, including areas they
considered to be seizure focus. They were able to accomplish this while leaving his motor
cortex intact. At this time, no further treatment for the tumor itself is expected, but we
won't know that for sure until the pathology report comes in. The main core of tumor was
about the size of a walnut or golf ball, the remainder of the tumor was infiltrated
throughout still functioning brain tissue, and extended the total tumor size to about that
of a large lemon or a small orange... bigger than we expected.
Now, the not-so-good news. While they did not have to violate the motor cortex, they
did bruise it up a little, and, also had to disturb a region called the "supplemental
motor area". What this means is that at this time, Dan has significant, but
temporary, paralysis on the left side.... He can not move his left arm, can push slightly
on his left foot, can breathe without assistance, etc. Dr. Black said that he has seen
this many times and fully expects Dan to regain these losses. He also reiterated that the
choice was between taking this tissue now, and leaving a hopefully temporary paralysis or
leaving some of the tumor and risking permanant paralysis in 3 to 6 months. Again, because
of their technology, they can see that the motor strip is in tact and therefore expect
that he will be ok. The time frame he gave is 2 weeks to a month.
The second deficit that Dan is experiencing is a delay between when he is asked a
question and when he is able to respond. It is not clear yet if this is due to the
paralysis and therefor will go away, or if it is due to someother part of the brain
resection.... meaning we don't know if this is permanant or temporary.
Finally, the procedure was successful overall, and Dan had a "concious
sedation" with local anesthetic, so that he has complete memory of the whole
procedure. So, at this time, his spirits are fair, he is scared, but hopeful.
We both appreciate everyones support and interest and prayers and assistance through
our times of troubles.
With Love and Peace, Abi
Date sent: 9/28/99, 1:08
Subject: Dan's Surgery Update
After I sent that last message, I realized I didn't fully explain the "good"
news about the left side issues. Although Dan is able to push slightly with his left foot
today, he was not able to do that yesterday, so that is progress. Also, he has had several
episodes of involuntary muscle twitching or clenching, in his leg, hand and jaw. This was
disturbing at first, but then we learned that this is good because it is the nervous
system reestablishing itself in these places. The fact that there is motor activity at all
here is a good sign. Things should continue to improve as the swelling from the surgery
goes down.
Again, thanks for your thoughts and prayers,
Love, Abi and Dan
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