Thursday, March 27, 2014

My dad is having an operation tomorrow

My dad has been diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumour.  He is having surgery tomorrow to have it removed.

For about six months now, he has had troubles with his right leg.  It started off as a pins and needles sensation, but progressively got worse - his knee now literally gives in sometimes when he walks, and the pins and needles are so bad that he has no sensation in that leg at all anymore.

Since October last year, he has been to two neurologists and an orthopaedic surgeon, and nobody could find the cause of this, even after having MRI scans of his leg done.

Finally, last week, seeing the fourth specialist doctor, who did an MRI scan of my dad's back and head, the problem was found.  A meningioma brain tumour, measuring 50 x 50 x 55mm - the size of a tennis ball!! Read up a bit more about it here.

He has to book in at hospital this afternoon, and surgery is scheduled for 11am tomorrow morning.  It's going to be a six-hour surgery.  He will then be in ICU for 2-3 days, then in a normal ward for a further couple of days.

The doctor had to outline all the scary risks of this major operation, but he sounds positive that he will be able to remove the whole tumour.

My dad has been sounding all right, I think keeping his fears to himself...  My mom has been quite emotional, she said this morning she feels a big pain in her heart. I can understand that.  We're all doing our best to be positive and be strong and give as much support as we can.  I'm glad the operation is being done here, so that me, my sister and my brother are all nearby.

I believe, in my heart, that this operation is going to be successful, the recovery will be slow but good, and that my dad is going to be 100% again very soon.

Dear God,
Please keep your hand over my dad, now, as he prepares for surgery, tomorrow, while the operation is done, and all the while during recovery.  Grant him peace in his heart.  Please keep the doctor's hand steady. Please give my mom peace in her heart. Grant us all strength, acceptance and positivity.
Amen.

xx

14 comments:

  1. Oh goodness, not nice news to read on what is usually such a positive blog. One can't help feeling a little scared, about any operation no matter how small or big.
    "Dear Lord, please look after Jess's dad and her family in their time of need. Please guide the doctors and nurses in their care of him and return him well to his family. Amen"
    Hugs Jess, please stay the strong person I know you are, but also be able to cry when you need to. Sending you and your love and best wishes

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    1. Thanks so much for the prayer Helen, appreciate more than you would ever know.
      Will do an update post, but happy to say surgery went well!
      xx

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  2. Oh Jess, I can only imagine the fear an worry that your family is going through. My thoughts are with you.

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    1. Thanks so much mc!
      Will do an update post soon, but happy to say surgery went well.
      xx

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  3. Oh Jess. I know how stressful this kind of thing is. Keeping your dad and your family and you in the thoughts and prayers. Huge huge hugs!! Bri

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    1. Thanks for thoughts and prayers Bri, appreciate so very much.
      Thanks for popping in!
      xx

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  4. Oh Jess, sending prayers and many healing blessings for you all but of course many for your Dad. I will keep you in my thoughts today. Don't bottle up your emotions, I can tell you from experience that it doesn't help. Loads of love and blessings xxxx

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    1. Thanks so much Shazzie!
      You're right RE not bottling up emotions - and my mom, sis and I have been brave, but also cried together.
      xx

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  5. Hi Jess, I hope everything went well today. I've been thinking of your family today. HUGS

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    1. Thanks for thinking of us! My dad's in ICU now, I'll only visit tomorrow, but my mom is so relieved and says he looks quite allright.
      xx

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  6. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Jess! ...Kuru

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    1. Ah Kuru, thanks so much for popping in, appreciate it so much.
      Thanks for thoughts and prayers! All went well today.
      xx

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  7. Dear Jess ... I do hope and pray that all went well with your dad's surgery. I will definitely keep him in my prayers.
    Much love and strength to you and your family!!

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    1. Thanks so much Nusha, it did go well with the surgery.
      xx

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