Here We Go. . .

We got word this afternoon that Brendan is going in for surgery around 3 p.m.  That is the magic hour because he has to have been without food or drink for 6 hours.  He hasn't eaten since 8 p.m. last night, but was given a Tylenol with a swallow of juice at 9:30 a.m. so we have to wait.  

Here's the game plan as we know it now: (it changes hourly)

The surgical team - consisting of oncology, ENT, and possibly neurosurgeons -- are going to operate on his sinus and eye.  The goal is to relieve pressure on the eye socket and optic nerve to see if they can restore sight to his left eye.  Time is making it more and more unlikely that the eyesight can be restored, but the nerve still may be saved. We are also in a race to save the other eye as well.  So far he shows no sign of pressure on the other eye, but with the tumor growing as rapidly as it is, we know it is a matter of time. 

The way they plan on relieving pressure is to go in through the nose and over the eyelid and "de-bulk" the mass -- take as much of the tumor out as possible-- without getting too close to the carotid artery and the optic nerve.  

The pathology results are coming back slowly, but not definitively.  They have narrowed it down to a few different types of cancer, enough to feel they can proceed in the surgery direction, but not specify what kind of chemotherapy yet.

In addition to the surgery, they are going to put the port in his chest and take the bone marrow samples while he is under anesthesia.  The neurosurgeons are on call in case they run into issues getting close to the brain.  We know the surgeons are walking a very narrow tight rope between hurrying and waiting to know what they are dealing with.

That is all we know now.  Brendan has had a fun day with family and is calm and happy -- except he keeps complaining about how hungry he is!

Visitors bearing gifts -- Brendan trying to figure out the brain puzzle.

Trying to cover Brendan's IV tubes in prep for a shower and antiseptic scrub.  Thank goodness Sheldon was here to help!

Enjoying a few minutes of game time with Landon and Aaron before surgery.

It's all fun and games now.  Brendan has seen lots of family today and spoke with Sarah and Rachel via video chat in Europe.

 Thanks again for the faith and prayers.  We love you and appreciate all those fasting tonight in Brendan's behalf.