After Dad's "stroke" he started referring to his life as "PS" or pre-stroke/post-stroke. Well I guess after Friday it will have to stand for post surgery.
Ah yes, the surgery. Just so everyone is aware what the surgery entails (skip this paragraph if you have a weak stomach). Apparently, the team of surgeons will start with a 4 inch incision just behind his ear at the bottom of his hair line (he is quite happy that he did not have to get the "buzz" cut he thought he was going to have to do after imagining that he would be bald on half of his head). Then a bone extraction specialist will cut a 3 inch diameter hole from his scull. Once the area is ready, Dr. Spetzler will go in and microscopically remove the affected vein/blood vessel. Once done, the other surgeons will replace his scull bone and secure it with a titanium plate (the doctor assured him that titanium does not set off metal detectors at the airport) and then sew him back up. He will likely be in the hospital recovering for 7-10 days.
So, post surgery, according to Dr. Spetzler, Dad has a 95% chance that this will be successful. He will likely have temporary paralysis much like what he experience before from the swelling that will occur from the surgery. The malformation is near the area of cranial/facial nerves and specifically very close to the trigeminal nerve that controls feeling on the top right side of his face and back right side of his tong. He has not completely regained feeling in these areas from the bleed that he had on Labor Day but it has been steadily getting better. The hope is that what ever paralysis he experiences after the surgery will rapidly get better over the next 6 weeks on its own and with therapy. It is possible, however, that he could take up to a year to fully recover.
We are guardedly optimistic that PS will now be a happy term in our family and will refer to a life free of worry, free of can't do, free to be free.
PS . Daddy . . . we love you!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Please let Don know that our thoughts are prayers are with him and your family!! David and Kim Love
ReplyDeleteThis is Mark Lacasse. Never blogged before so forgive me if this is not the right place to send my best wishes for Don's operation tommorrow and a speedy recovery. Don is in my thoughts daily and I can not say in words how much he means to all of us. He might be happy and relieved to know that we are hiring some really great people in the Operations Support area so nothing to worry about down South of the Rio Grande. Just do it, Don!
ReplyDeleteDon & Family,
ReplyDeleteI am a man of faith and as such I have been compelled to pray for your family daily since I saw Don's note to Guardian earlier this week. I pray that the peace of God will comfort your family during this time and that His hand will guide the doctors through this. May God comfort you all through this challenge. Don is a big part of the Guardian family and I hold him up in my prayers this day, and for the weeks to come during recovery. God Bless.... Brad Sheppard (Guardian Auburn Hills)
Throughout today, we'll keep the entire family in our prayers. It can be a great challenge to be one of the family members in the waiting room during the day of surgery. We wish for your peace, strength and comfort, as well as Don's speedy recovery in the days ahead. Kathy & Curt Castillo
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers are with all of you today.
ReplyDeleteBarbara & Larry Hafner
From the Cafe staff at Guardian Auburn Hills, we are thinking of you and your family, our prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteDon and family,
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers will be with Don as he undertakes this surgery today, and with his family as they wait to hear what we all hope to be nothing but the best news from the surgeon and his team. We also wish for you the strength to help with a speedy recovery. Rick and Heather Hill.
Our prayers are with you and your family (and Dr. Spetzler) today, and we pray for peace, comfort, and strength for you all during this trying time and the recovery to come. God bless you all.
ReplyDeleteAs every member of the Guardian family, we are praying for you, your family and Dr. Spetzler. We all want to see you soon among us... and who knows... maybe going to celebrate by eating "tapas" in San Sebastian again.
ReplyDeleteDon, you will win!
Alex & Cara
Don,
ReplyDeleteFrom all of us in the accounting group - those of us who want you to know that we think of ourselves as part of your extended family - who care for you and want only the best for you, who have been blessed by your friendship and guidance, we confidently pray and believe that you will realize a brightened future for yourself and your family as you continue to journey through this challenge that has been laid before you.
The Accounting Department
Dear Don & Family,
ReplyDeleteGod bless you all. My best wishes for the surgery. I hope it goes well and a complete recovery. You are all in my prayers. I know you are strong and will do it! I give you a big hug.
Ziad
Hello Don,
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hope everything goes well and that you have a quick recovery.
Paula Zenizo
Don and Family,
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are in good hands with your family surrounding you. The surgeon seems very optimistic about your recovery. Knowing you, I'm sure you will follow all the therapy and such for a quick recovery. Thank you for posting on the blog. We all really appreciate the updates....Regards, Mary Arnold (Guardian-Auburn Hills)