1 Week Post Op for Re-Re-Do

One Week Post 2nd ReDo Surgery
Jessie finally at a few bites of food yesterday, and we have not seen any seizures so far, so we are cautiously optimistic. A week into her first re-do, we had already seen three seizures. So far, none yet this time.

They took small bits of tissue from the frontal, temporal, and occipital lobes. Since her first Hemi was anatomical, there was very little tissue left. These pieces were about the size of a pea. We still have not received the pathology report to know if Rasmussen's was present.

The interesting thing, is that Jessie is acting much more like her first Hemispherectomy, rather than the first redo. I do believe that they got some tissue that was still connected, as she is having a much harder time getting through this recovery than her re-do in December 2010. She is having a hard time walking, and still can't walk without help.

Her right hand shakes with tremmors, and she has a hard time doing fine motor skills. This is her good hand. She is also making grimmaces with her face. Hopefully this is all her irritated brain healing from the surgery.

Only time will tell. I anticipate that she will get to go home by the weekend.

I feel certain that she will be at the 2011 Dreams on Wings 5K to cheer on the runners. If you haven't signed up yet, please do at http://www.HemiFoundation.org . Remember, you can be a virtual runner, if you can't actually make it to the run/walk.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers,

Cris and Kristi

5th Times a Charm - More Brain Surgery

After input from many doctors, it has become apparent that Jessie needs to have brain surgery yet again. Including shunt and revision, this will be her 5th brain surgery. Hopefully, we can finally put an end to her seizures with this procedure, but there are no guarantees.

There are small amounts of tissue left in her frontal and temporal lobes that may be the cause, but even with EEGs, MRIs, SPECTs, PETs, etc.., no one can be sure.

She can't live with the seizures, and even on her increased medications she has 5 or more a day.

Right now, the plan is to have the surgery in mid-to-late May. She would continue with school until the day of surgery, then finishing out her school year in the hospital or with home-bound instruction.

The surgery will be done at Cook Children's Medical Center by Dr. Donahue.

Blessings,

Cris and Kristi