Update 3/30/23: Surgery Scheduled

 Isaiah 26:3-4 “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”

Today we had a Telehealth visit with Wayne’s surgeon from Northwestern Hospital in Chicago. He informed us that Wayne’s cancer has progressed and is in his motor cortex. So far the tumor is in the pre-cortex, but it I s getting really close to breaching his motor cortex, which means if we don’t deal with this as soon as possible, Wayne could lose permanent use of his right side. Within 15 minutes of the appointment, the surgeon’s nurse got back to us and Wayne is scheduled for 4/11 for surgery. We have no clue how long rehab will last after surgery. The surgeon hinted that since he is experiencing weakness already, recovery could last a long time and things may get worse before it gets better. Wayne is praying that they are able to get him into Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, where he did rehab last time. 

The surgeon said that the tumor will be sent off again to be analyzed. He said that the testing is more sophisticated now then it was 8 years ago. We should have a better idea what treatments may work once we get those results.

We have a few projects to finish up before this huge change in our lives. We are in the process of hanging support bars in the bathroom and making sure their is room for a wheelchair, if that is the end result after surgery. We are hoping and praying for the best, but preparing for the worst too. We are packing a bag for Wayne in rehab.

So what will the day look like? From the pre-op information we received, we will have to arrive at 5:30 for Wayne to get a new MRI. Since things change so rapidly with brain cancer, they have to see what changes may have taken place in the weeks between MRIs. Wayne’s surgery will probably take at least a few hours. Thankfully, it sounds like this time he will not have to be awake for surgery like he was last time. 

People have been asking what they can do and we would just appreciate prayers. Pray for the surgeon that they are able to get everything and that Wayne does not lose any function. Please also pray over travels to Chicago and for us as we will be apart while he is in rehabilitation. Finally, please pray that when we get the DNA results from the tumor biology that we have clear direction what our next steps should be. 

On our way home from Chicago on Saturday, we made a detour and visited DJ. We took tve kids to an amazing sweet shop on the way home. It was a long, emotional day, but we finally got home late Saturday night.

Shan’s promised 2nd trip to Culver’s. If you are keeping track, that is 4 trips to Culver’s for Shan in 8 days!!

My early Mother’s Day gift. We have been working hard on building raised garden beds. Shoveling all the dirt, sand, and mulch for these containers of as my workout for the day. 

My dad taught me what ratio of dirt, sand, mulch, and peet moss to use.

I took a mental health week off of school so I could get some projects done and spend some time at the gym. Working out hard is a way for me to process all the deep, hard emotions. Relaxing in the sauna afterward is a huge reward. My friend took the girls on Tuesday and did school with them. Friends like this is what is helping us navigate this difficult time.

I took Micaela and Joella to see a play about Harrier Tubman. This was a special time with them.

Two of my cadets. Shan is with Naomi at Liberty for a college visit. Being the sole driver the past two days is exhausting. 

Thank you again for all your prayers and support, especially in the weeks ahead. We have a huge mountain to navigate, but we have the best guide!