The doctors have finally scheduled surgery. Bob will go into the OR tomorrow morning (Wed, 3/28). We do not have an exact time. Today, preparations for surgery are underway. The medical team shaved a small amount (10 spots the size of a nickel) of Bob's head. This is in preparation for an MRI designed to provide reference points during the operation, which will help to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible. This particular technology is not available at any other hospital in Southern California. Now we know why Bob needed to be at UCI, in spite of our initial misgivings.
When Bob enters the OR tomorrow, approximately two hours of preparatory procedures (additional MRI, etc.) will be performed before he is actually opened up for the removal of the mass. At that point, the mass will be removed and a biopsy will be performed and sent to Pathology. Rough results are expected (to determine the type of mass, i.e. benign or malignant) during surgery, followed by an another MRI to be certain that all necessary tissue has been removed. Only then, will the doctors close. The entire procedure is expected to take 6-8 hours. The complete pathology report is expected in 7 days.
In the mean time, Bob is still in a great deal of pain due to the injuries to his shoulders. He requires morphine every 2 hours. He describes his pain as an 8 on a scale of 1 to 10. As a family, we would like to invite any of you that wish to, to join us in fasting and praying for Bob and his family tomorrow. Your love, support and prayers are greatly appreciated.
I just returned from a visit with Bob, Lisa and their daughters at the hospital. All things considered, Bob looks quite good. He is definitely in a lot of pain, but his spirits are pretty high. We enjoyed a lot of nice conversation, and shed a few tears as the time came for us to leave. Originally the girls were not going to go to the hospital tomorrow, but the older daughter has changed her mind. I will take her back over there late in the morning. If my younger niece wants to go, I'll take her as well. Lisa is tired, but holding up. I made sure to give her lots of hugs, and even shooed her out of the room for a bit so she could get some dinner. The hospital staff is outstanding, and Bob is receiving excellent care.
Please keep your prayers coming. They are definitely felt by the entire family.
I'll be praying.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely be thinking about you guys tomorrow! About 8 years ago my dad started experiencing some changes in speech and a very large mass was found in his head. It was removed, and despite a few seizures for a very short time afterwards he is doing absolutely wonderful now! I will be praying for him!
ReplyDeleteOh Babe. How rough. I'll be praying and hoping for everything to go perfectly. Man, I almost needed my tranquilizer reading about him.
ReplyDeleteI'll be checking in tomorrow as much as I can.
All love.