Stu and Lin: Surgery is scheduled

Surgery is scheduled
Feb 5, 2008

Well, the long week of tests, exams and imaging is over. We met with the neurosurgeon today and now have a date for surgery. All the data collection has confirmed the doctor’s initial idea for handling the tumor. Wednesday Morning February 13, at 0700 hours Lin will be admitted to St. Luke’s Medical center for the first surgery. The goal will be to remove (de-bulk) as much of the tumor as safely possible. The surgeon will not attempt to remove the entire growth in order to preserve the vital structures in the area. Subsequent procedures will be used as necessary to remove/reduce any remainder. Probably with a gamma knife (no incision) about 2 months later. Lin will be in ICU for about 2-3 days and then on the general floor for about 2-3 more.

These tumors are almost always benign and very slow growing. It is a good possibility that additional surgery would not be needed for up to 10 - 15 years. We are both very optimistic and have full trust of the surgeon and his staff. We firmly believe he is taking the safest approach for the best outcome. We have done all that can be done at this point, the rest is left to divine intervention.

Stu will let everyone know how things progress next week. Please keep Lin in your thoughts and prayers.

God Bless you all.

Stu