Thursday, December 18, 2008

Surgery

Hello all. After meeting with the neurosurgeon this morning, we've learned the the tumor on top of dad's brain seems to be getting agitated by the radiation treatments and the radiation is not having the desired effect on it as it seems to be with the other spots. As a result, the swelling of that tumor is what seems to be causing the head pain, which leads to the increase in the use of the pain medication, which leads to dad pretty much being asleep much of the time. So, the neurosurgeon (Dr. Lacin) has recommended that dad have surgery to remove that spot. Dr. L indicated that on the scale of brain surgery, this is not one of the more complicated ones and by his reading of the MRI, the tumor seems to be perfectly positioned to be removed as it doesn't appear to be intertwined with anything else.

So, here's where things are. We are on-deck for dad to have surgery tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m. The surgery involves removing a section of his skull, going in, plucking out the tumor and closing things back up. The surgery should last about 1.5 hours.

Beyond that, we don't know what the next steps are. However, whatever they are, we will certainly let you know.

So, we have a few specific prayers:
1. Please pray for wisdom for the neurosurgeon, Dr. L. Pray that God will guide his hands and use his skill to remove this tumor and alleviate the pain that dad has been experiencing.
2. Pray for strength for dad, mom and all of us. I'm not sure what else I can say about that one.
3. Pray for a miracle of healing, that God will completely remove this cancer from dad's body and will restore him to health.

Thank you all for your prayers and support.

8 comments:

  1. You will all definitely be in our prayers tonight, tomorrow and for the duration. Hang in there, even though we know it seems like it's never ending. Roger and Donna Langley

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  2. Wishing I could be there with you all. Know that my love, my support, and most definitely my prayers are reaching across these many miles between GA and NC. I love you! Jessica

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  3. You need to know that Jim, Lynsey-Paige, Alan and I have all been lifting you up in prayer. Tonight we will pray together as a unit for the surgery tomorrow to be successful. Jon, we will pray specifically for the needs you posted. We are believing in God's grace and His never-ending love during Norman's time of need. May our Father continue to uphold you and love you through others.....Emma

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  4. Helo all,
    As always, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. It sounds like you are in a wondeful place with lots of great people to support you. We hope the surgery goes smooth and look forward to your next update.
    Thank you!
    Joe & Lisa

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  5. We will be praying for all to go well during surgery and for complete healing. I will say a special prayer for Brenda while she is waiting to hear the good news of how well the surgery went! My family and I send yall our love and prayers!Monsie and Donnie

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  6. Karen and I will continue praying for Norman's comfort and healing but specifically now for the surgery to be a success tomorrow. All of you continue to remain in our thoughts and prayers! Brian and Karen Johnson

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  7. We are praying, praying, praying and will continue to do so. We pray for continued strength for all and for the success of tomorrow's surgery. God Bless you all.

    Barbara and Roger Allen

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  8. We continue to pray for Norman's health and for the rest of your family as well. Certainly we'll be praying during the time of the surgery. Dusty and Jan Wall

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