Brendan had a good night last night in that he was calm and restful and didn't need any pain medication. He kept saying he was uncomfortable, but not in pain. He didn't like the fact that he had more packing in his sinus -- "I just got that out!" he said. With each surgery he has had to use a saline spray in his nostrils a couple of times each day. Of all the procedures, medications, IV's, and antiseptic baths, the sinus spray is the thing he hates the most. He does it himself (that's much better than someone else doing it) but it takes coaxing and usually a time deadline to get it done each day.
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| Leaving the oncology floor |
They came to get Brendan just before 8 a.m. this morning to take him to the operating room. Brendan was again very quiet and just lay there without moving. I recognize this now -- he withdraws and tries to cope somewhere inside himself.
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| Back into the operating room staging area |
The surgery today is expected to take about 10 hours (give or take a couple). The neurosurgeon said he is just going to take his time and work to see that the cancer is cleaned out as completely as possible. He will also look at the area around the carotid artery near the left eye to see if he can get it from above, since the ENT's didn't have a clear view and didn't want to risk stroke or severe bleeding in such a confined space with a scope. The neurosurgeon will have a clear view from the top looking down.
The neurosurgeon is also going to take out bone that looks like it may be infiltrated with cancer. This will include removing and rebuilding the cribiform plate (the area of bone between the brain and the sinus). To rebuild the cribriform plate, they will use part of the inside half of the piece of skull they remove to access the brain. Apparently, that piece has a great blood supply and it will grow back inside the skull when it is replaced. A plastic surgeon will rebuild the thin walls that surround the eye sockets.
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| The anesthesiologist preparing Brendan for surgery. |
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| When we are done signing more consent forms, it's time to say good-bye again for a few hours. |
We know how hard today will be. I remember using all of my adreneline, optimisum and faith on the first surgery and the 2nd surgery was just long and draining. Just lean on your family and friends and their faith today. All will be well. He is a cute young man :) The neurosurgeons at Primary are awesome! Sending prayers, hugs and peace to all of you!
ReplyDeleteWe are thinking a lot for you and praying lots today. We love you all and am impressed with Brendan's strength and spirit. He is an amazing boy and so strong. We love him and you all. Thinking of you today!
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