mamasbabygirl Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 Someone has mentioned to me that with diminished lung function that my mom may never come off the ventilator. Scared the crap out of me. If it were you and your had a horrible standard of living to where you could not get yourself to the bathroom or turn over in bed, would you risk brain surgery? I am afraid my mom is not going to recover from this. What would you do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eppie Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 Does you mom have a Living Will or an advance Directive concerning her wishes? Most hospitals request this upon admission. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamasbabygirl Posted January 3, 2006 Author Share Posted January 3, 2006 No, she does not, but my SF and I have called the neurosurgeon to bring it up with her at the pre-op appointment tomorrow. It is just too touchy of a subject for me to discuss with her. What would you do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieD Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 Lori, How much confidence do you have in the hospital she is being taken care of? Is it a National Cancer Institute Hospital or one recognized and recommended by them? I personally would seek the opinion of a surgeon that does nothing but treat and operate on Cancer Patients. It's a big decision and deserves the very best. Just my view. God Bless in any decision you make. CharlieD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 Hi Lori; if I was aasured of a reaonable chance of success, I would take the risk to improve my quality of life. I would probably go to a major center like Fred Hutchinson Center in Seattle. I hope you and your mom feel reassured after the presurgical appointment. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamasbabygirl Posted January 3, 2006 Author Share Posted January 3, 2006 I have to agree that if I were facing going blind and wasnot mobile, an emotional wreck, I would have to take the chance to live. Dr. Warnick is a neurosurgeon at the University of Cincinnati. I plan on asking how many times he has done this procedure, the outcomes, etc. I hope we all feel reassured Don! Fingers crossed for today.. will update later. Love, me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunny Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 do update us, Lori. I am a believer that a 2nd opinion is always a good idea, even with faith in your docs. hang in there, you're such an amazing support and FRIEND to your mom through this. xoxo amie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bethluvswill13 Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 Sending ya'll best wishes! Im sure whatever decision will be the best for your mom! I know you only want the best for her and good luck in doing so! Hug,Beth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 Lori...just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you and saying prayers for you and your mom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jang Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 Good luck today Lori. Let us know the outcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamasbabygirl Posted January 3, 2006 Author Share Posted January 3, 2006 OK, here is the update.. Surgery is scheduled for January 9th. She will admit Sunday evening and surgery will start around 830 or 9am MOnday. It will last 4-6 hours and then off to ICU where they will watch for seizures or something catastrophic for about 2-3 days. She should be off the ventilator by Monday evening, but very groggy for a few days. Then, once she wakes up, she will be watched a few more days in the hospital and then it's off to inpatient rehab. Some things the Dr. said today: When asked how many times he has done this procedure, he said, "Unfortunately over 200 times with an 80% cure rate (removing the necrosis)." Once he is in her brain, if he sees any brain tumor, he will also implant brachytherapy seeds while removing the necrosis. He states that her symptoms will be far worse for the first 2-3 months and then things will improve through therapy and her very strong will. He noted that he had great success with another man in worse shape than her (that man is back at work 9 months post surgery) and commented that they had one thing in common-a very strong will to live and a positive outlook on things. More when I can. I'm at work til 5 today.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunny Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 OK Lori. one step in front of the other, then, right? hang in there, and stay close to us. xoxo amie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 Lori, Thank you for the update, Sounds like you got a good surgeon and he is not afraid of giving details about the surgery and the recuperation, that in itself is remarkable. Will keep your Mom in my prayers for the best for her and take care of yourself, you will have to keep smiling all the way through the recuperation. Love Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joanie55 Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 Sounds like a good plan. Wishing you and your mom the best. I'm sure everything will be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamataca Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 Gosh, Lori. He sounds so positive. I really hope this is a wonderful cure for your mom. It sounds like she may have a rough month or so. Keep us posted and we'll keep you in our prayers! Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irisheyes Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 What a blessing you are to your Mom and that she has such a wonderful outlook and attitude. Shannon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamasbabygirl Posted January 4, 2006 Author Share Posted January 4, 2006 I am trying to show an update in the subject field Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karen335 Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 Lori, Sounds like the doctor is very confident this will work for your mom and give her a good quality of life. You are a good and caring daughter. You sound a lot like my niece, very strong and determined. That's what your mom needs right now. For you to take the bull by the horns and move all obsticals out of the way. A real leader loaded with questions and advocacy. I applaud you for your stellar actions. You are there also to keep your mom motivated and anxious to get well and fighting the good fight.... We are here for you and please keep us posted... Sending lots' of prayers and hugs, Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 Lori: it looks like your mom is on the right track. Once surgery is scheduled, for me, it was hard to wait. I wish your mom the best possible outcome. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhutch1366 Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 Lori, What the doctor told you makes sense. A rough couple of months post surgery, and then things start to come along nicely. All it takes is a woman too stubborn to let go. Prayers for you and your mom. Keep us updated. XOXOX MaryAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flwrjunke Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 Lori, I just wanted you to know that I'm praying for you and your family. Hang in there... Patty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lilyjohn Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 Lori it sounds like a plan is made and all you have to do now is wait. That will be the hard part but you are strong and will make it. If you or your mom get discuraged during recovery just think a few weeks ahead and picture something special that you will do together. My prayers are with you and your whole family. Lillian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ma's kid Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Many prayers for your mom, Lori and do take care of you, too...ok! Libby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamasbabygirl Posted January 6, 2006 Author Share Posted January 6, 2006 Thanks everyone for all of the well wishes and support. I pass them along to mom and they boost her up. I tell her how brave she is and she beams. She had her whole body physical yesterday and her heart looks good. They did bloodwork, etc. to get her ready for this major operation. I will update on her status. Love to all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Hi Lori... Just read the updates you have posted.. wow... God bless and go for it Mom! Can never have too much additude! love, Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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