Countdown…

Aside from barely getting to see my boys on their 3rd birthday, today wasn't too shabby...been a long day, but nothing new there. I did get to talk to the boys on the phone, they're staying with my parents tonight, and it made my day and broke my heart at the same time...I know I've said this before, but I'm glad they don't understand what's going on. I just hate how it takes me away from them...the only comfort I have is knowing they are in good hands.

As I type this it's roughly 7hrs til game time. I have to be at the surgical center at 6am. It'll take 60-90 minutes to get me set up. I'm not real clear on what all this entails other than immobilizing my head. I know they will have curtains (lack of a better term) set up and the folks who I will be able to see will not be able to see the surgeon. I believe they have surgery set for 730am or thereabouts...can't start soon enough as far as I'm concerned.

The first part of the procedure is the craniotomy, cutting and removing part of the skull. There is a cranial fluid sack (can't recall what it's called) that is between the brain and the skull so that is next...I'm not sure what she'll do but I do know she will repair this sack before replacing the skull section (apparently there are surgeons who allow this to repair itself...?).

Once she's comfortable with all of that, they will wake me up...still seems weird/scary. I guess they're never sure how people will react to this...she's had people who are totally groggy and never really 'with it' and others who are wide awake and completely aware of what's going on. I have no idea which side I hope to be on...

Once I'm awake they will do different tests involving motor and speech skills. Basically the surgeon is learning exactly what the tumor is touching in relation to the brain. Specifically, she's looking for primary functions and secondary functions so she knows where she can cut and where she needs to stay away. Primary cannot be re-learned and she has every intention to stay away from anything primary...but secondary can be re-learned and she will be more assertive in that area. I'm ok with this...completely ok. If it means being around longer for my boys and for Karla, hell yes I'm ok with it.

In speaking with the surgeon, she appears to be extremely meticulous...and of course I'm also perfectly fine with that It's hard to say how long surgery could last...they've pretty much scheduled it for most of the day. I won't be surprised if it's 8+ hrs. I assume they'll let me somewhat get my bearings about me...but not long after the surgery is completed they will shove me in the effing tube again and do an MRI scan which will serve as my new baseline for future scans (Lincoln has an 'open air' MRI...wonder if I can go there??).

They will keep me in the hospital for 3-5 days for sure...there's a lot of unknown's until after the surgery. Hopefully I'm boring you all with another blog post Wednesday or Thursday

I probably sound like a broken record...the support Karla and I are getting from you all is nothing short of amazing! Please know that it means more to us than words can describe! I hope you all are well. Take care...I'll chat with you later.

PS...The Thousand Cranes are hanging up in our room and will be waiting for me as soon as Karla learns what room they're putting me in!