Oh yeah and here is what the neurosurgeon said...

That sounds like the start of a joke, doesn't it?  So last night the neurosurgeon seemed pleased with how much tumor he was able to remove.  He explained that when the tumors were being removed the cysts that had been getting bigger automatically dissolved on their own.  (Somehow they were formed because of the tumors sort of squeezed things together making little fluid filled pockets if that makes any sense.)  Because he had been more aggressive, he was a bit concerned that he had damaged her eyesight.  There is also a possibility that she will have movement tremors in her body.  It appears that her vision is intact but she has had tremors throughout the night.  I am hoping that these will resolve themselves (no one has said this is the case but I can still dream). 

Right now she is having an MRI for more information on how the surgery went.  Tomorrow she will have another surgical procedure to have her port put in for chemotherapy.  Her calendar is full. 

A couple more big thank yous.  Thank you to Cynthia for being the best blog commenter ever.  And for bringing us a lovely, yummy dinner yesterday and hanging out with us.  Thank you to Chris & Kathy our fabulous neighbors for coming over on Monday night to check in before surgery and for shoveling our sidewalk yesterday (we have the cleanest one on our side of the street now, we may actually win some award.)  To Ellie's teacher, nurse, and principal, thanks for all the support on so many levels you have given us.  To Betsy C. & Amy for their love-filled e-mails over the last couple of days.  I suddenly feel like this is a dedication page or whatever that is called where you thank people who helped you write a back.  I'll keep updating as I get more information.  Love to all of you!

Quite a headache

So apparently 10 hours of brain surgery will give you quite a headache.  And for some strange, as yet unknown reason, a sore nose.  Ellie is pretty uncomfortable today.  Too uncomfortable to smile.  Or laugh.  Or talk.  Not the usual jilled girl that we are all used to and love.  She just seems so vulnerable to me right now.  Brings back memories of all the other times she has been here.  I feel like a mother lion (or Carol Burnett in that episode of Mad About You) wanting desperately to protect my sweet girl but not knowing how.  Sort of that panicky feeling, "I've got to DO something!!"  Or "I changed my mind, I don't want to go through with this!!"  And then writing a blog instead.  Because ultimately, there is nothing to protect her from.  And in the end, I know that Ellie will feel better soon and so will I.

Closing up

6:30pm--Now in the process of closing up, which apparently takes about as long as set-up (again best not to think too long and hard on that).  Probably will not be able to blog after recovery as I will be busy with Ellie.  Hope she is as "jilled" as she was with Thom & Brittany in post-op this morning.

Just hanging out here with the cleaning people...

Still no word on the end yet.  Getting late.  Getting hungry.  I keep imagining that Dr. Iskandar is just so close to finishing up at this point and that is what is taking so long.  Just wanted to let you all know...

No end time yet

I am officially the last person here now it seems anyway.  When I walk down the halls it is pretty quiet.  A nurse came about an hour ago to say that everything is going well but there is not an estimated end time.  We may head straight to the PICU (pediatric intensive care unit) afterwards rather than going through recovery here. 

Can I just use this as an opportunity to THANK Brittany for hauling herself here at early o'clock to be with Ellie before surgery.   A great big thanks to Jennifer for bringing us lunch and helping us think of funny boy's names.  And another great big thanks to Karly for the entertainment, conversation & yummy treats from Lazy Jane's.   To my mom for her international phone call, my sister for her marvelous text, and to all of you who have sent e-mails throughout the day with your best wishes & prayers & even fairy dust!  (Oh and of course the homemade jokes too!)  You made this somewhat challenging day that much easier for all of us.

The waiting game

So now we're waiting....and waiting...and waiting....

Hardly even a big deal

Ellie went in for surgery at around 8am.  She was in high spirits, telling everyone she was "jilled".  Most upsetting was having to stop peeling her crayons to go into surgery.  Thom & I were discussing how even this major brain surgery was hardly even a bump in the road for her.  The things that used to be the most challenging--not being able to eat or drink prior to surgery are no longer an issue (there's a bonus for no appetite/thirst!) 

Was just informed that surgery actually just officially began (9:45 am).  As you can imagine (although don't if it makes you feel funny), it takes a while to prep for surgery.