Biopsy/Surgery Tomorrow!
Posted by Casey on November 3rd, 2009
Casey and Dad before 11/04/09 biopsy.
Dad and I made it to Houston safely yesterday and spent the day in appointments to prepare for tomorrow’s surgery/biopsy. I met first thing with Dr. Weinberg. The first step was to get a new set of lifesavers on my head (see above). It was a bit of deja vu having them added again. And I’m wishing I had them on for Halloween as it seems like everyone loves to sit and stare! Anyway, we reviewed the risks of surgery, and I got more information on how they would approach the tumor from the top of my head to ensure the safest route possible. It sounds like there will be about 1 1/2 inches of incision. Once they open that they will remove a portion of my skull (a small hole) to allow room for the needle. The needle will be tunneled through to carefully avoid an artery on the outside of tumor, and an area that controls critical muscle function on the inside. Obviously it’s not without risks, but Dr. Weinberg is saying there’s only about a 5% risk of severe side effects. We finished the appointment with me signing off on those risks and moving on to anesthesia prep. I’ve been put to sleep so many times for surgery that it seems I’m a bit of an expert. After that we had a bit of time to go grab lunch and hang out at the pool.
It’s now 7:00pm the night before the surgery and I’m back at M.D. Anderson for my last appointment… an MRI of my brain with the lifesavers on my head. This MRI will be part of the map they’ll use for the surgery itself. The building is almost empty right now, but we’re still having tests… 8:00am to 8:30pm. And tomorrow starts EARLY. I’m scheduled for surgery at 5:15am!!
According to Dr. Weinberg, I will be staying at 23-hour watch, so I’ll be in the hospital until Thursday (they don’t know if it will be ICU or regular room until after surgery). Assuming I’m not having any side effects from the surgery, I’ll be able to get out on Thursday, and then we’ll be returning for appointments on Friday to discuss results.
SOooo — a busy night and an early morning. I’ll keep you posted after surgery if/when I can, and will let you know the results once I hear them!
Mission burrito wishes and Amy’s ice cream dreams. Love, Casey
Hey Casey,
I’ll be thinking about you today! And nobody rocks lifesavers like you. Nobody.
Love you,
Sara
Saying a prayer for you right now! Love you, Daire
Best of luck and lots of love. Jeremy
Hey Casey ~~ Knowing you’re in Houston again this week I’ve been thinking about you a lot, so it’s especially great to read this most recent update. You’re giving us all a unique look into an area of the medical field, but more important an education in tackling adversity with grace and humor and tremendous courage. You’ll stay in my thoughts until you get your butt back to Minneapolis… You’re missed! I’m rooting for you, Kiddo….
Hope everything goes well this morning. Your in good hands.
We love you Casey!
Casey,
I am thinking about you. You are such a trooper. Be strong and stubborn and thanks for keeping us all updated. I know you are a little busy, but it certainly is nice to know.
Love you Casey
You’re a fighter & a survivor. You can beat this too. Our prayers are with you!
I’ll be thinking of you and praying for you today, Casey!
Our thoughts & prayers are with you!
sending you lots of love today!
we’re on your cheering squad Casey and we love you much!!
We love you and are praying for you! Feel our hugs!
Best of Luck today. We’ll be thinking of you!
Casey, I completely admire your perseverance and courage! Good luck today – I will be thinking of you!
We are sending all of our positive energy your way today, Casey, and wishing you all of the best!
Every time we read one of your updates, we’re amazed by your incredible spirit in the face of adversity. We’re sending all our good thoughts your way today.
You totally inspire me, Casey. Good luck and please keep us posted! Sending lots of positive vibes your way :)
Darling, we are thinking about you. And the lifesavers are very intriguing. Maybe because they look like extra nipples? ;) Good luck!!!!!!!!
Love,
Kat, Roman and Vovka
Thinking of you this morning Casey. I hope everything goes smoothly. Hope to see you back here Monday!
Thinking of you!
prayers with you & we love you alot!!!!!
Love & POSITIVE thoughts from us!!!
We love you Casey !!
Good luck Casey! Nice matrix costume!
Casey – you are in my thoughts and prayers – miss you here in Mpls!!
Casey-everyone here at BBDO is thinking about you and sending our hugs and prayers. Hurry back we love and miss you.
Sending good vibes your way. Hope all is well. Let me know if you need anything when you’re back in Mpls. Groceries? Company? You name it.
Stay strong my friend! We’ll keep the lighthouse lit and await your safe return to Minneapolis soon.
love you casey! praying for you.
Thinking about you Casey. Will be looking for your update!
Lots of love-
Sarah
Hi Casey;
We don’t know each other but your friend Genene Kluck put you in our prayers at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Olympia WA on Sunday. I pray that God, who is already with you, guide and keep you, your doctors & your family during your surgery and recovery.
God’s Peace
Pastor Doug
Love and positive thoughts all day and every day!
GO CASEY!!
Hey Casey,
Sending my thoughts and prayers to you and I hope everything turns out for the best.
God Bless.
Mr. Casey, hope your recovering well and are lifted by the energy of all the people around you who are here to see you through this. Be your strong self, sir! :-)
Save me some of those life savers. Thinking good thoughts here. Looking forward to your return.
Thanks for the positive attitude Casey, you don’t know how you have influenced others, or maybe you do…… amazing :-)