We received the call on Wednesday evening from Dr. Weiner. The epilepsy conference took place and Gabrielle was discussed in great detail. The group felt that she would be a candidate for surgery, given the data and the risk-benefit considerations. Testing consistently showed right-sided activity so much so that they no longer feel left-sided monitoring through burr holes is necessary. Dr. Weiner stated that Gabrielle’s MEG was one of the most impressive he has seen. He said the abnormal discharges appear to be coming from a very localized area in the right frontal lobe region. This is great news!!
All of the doctors agree that this should be a multi-stage surgery. This means Gabrielle will first have pre-op testing completed and then be admitted for a stereotactic MRI which will act as a “roadmap” for the surgeon. Next, grids and depth probes will be placed directly on the brain to measure electrical activity and she will be in the ICU for 7 days while data is collected. Following this they will resect the problematic area and she will again return to the ICU for 7 days of intracranial monitoring. This is done to monitor for additional seizure activity which would suggest the need for further resection. Gabrielle would then go back into the OR for a final surgery after which they would close her. We should expect to be in the hospital for 2 1/2 weeks and we were told to plan to stay in Manhattan for an additional week to rule out any complications.
Dr. Weiner’s June OR schedule is full but he was planning to see if he could”borrow” some time from his partner. If that doesn’t work out things will be scheduled during July. We are waiting right now to hear back from them with our admission date.
During our last admission we were fully prepared to see bilateral seizure activity and know that surgery wasn’t meant to happen. It seems clear now that God has a different plan. He has orchestrated all of this from the beginning and it is amazingly comforting to recognize that only He is in control.
We continue to pray for strength, endurance, and child-like faith as we begin planning for this extensive surgery.
I will let you know when we learn more. Thanks so much for praying. God has made this decision for us and I am so thankful for that!
Love,
Kelly
4 comments
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June 6, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Amy McManus
Kelly,
Somehow, my husband came across your website and sent me the link. I’m sitting in a rehab room with my 13 month old even as I type.
My son, Warren, was 11 1/2 months old when an AVM ruptured in his brain causing a hemorrhage and multiple strokes. He was life flighted to Duke where Dr. Grant also came into our lives. 3 weeks later, he performed brain surgery on Warren to remove the malformation. The words that you use to describe him are true… he is such a blessing from God. We spent 7 weeks at Duke and have been in rehab for the past 3. We will follow up with Dr. Grant and Dr. Gallentine in the coming months and years.
I just wanted to take a moment and say that although our stories are different, they are the same. I will pray for Gabrielle and for the success of the surgery. We have sat in the waiting room for 9 hours while doctors were inside of our baby’s brain. It is terrifying but so rewarding to know that God has put people on this earth with such skill.
God bless you and your family and that beautiful baby girl. I hope you don’t mind me commenting; I sit where you sit and wanted you to have another prayer warrior in your corner.
With love,
Amy McManus
http://www.howiswarrendoing.com
June 6, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Cindy & Mark Francis
Hello O’Melias!
That is such wonderful news. I missed seeing you all at church last Sunday but hope to see you this weekend. God is in control of all this. I know he will be guiding the hands that do this work.
We love you all and would love to help in any way.
Always know that we are praying for Gabrielle and the whole family.
Love,
The Francis Family
June 7, 2008 at 5:39 pm
LeAnn Jackson
Hey Kelly! I’m so glad you all have a decision. There is a type of relief which comes when a plan of action is devised. I think of you daily and pray for you and Gabby and the rest of the family constantly. I pray the Lord will send grace sufficient to cover you all during this time. Joshua 1:9 says “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” He’s carrying each of you every step of the way. Stay strong and know we are praying!
LeAnn
June 11, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Alysia Phipps
We are praying for you all!! Drive safely! and We lookforward to hearing how she is doing! We are sending Hugs!!!