Praying Friends,
A short but "Thank You" full update!
Cassie has been able to keep most of her food down for several days and has been making a few "Rare sightings" appearances around town as she has been out with Kris on several errands the last two days. Her first "I'm hungry" for meal was for a Subway sandwich!
Hopefully, she will even be up to being at Church this next Sunday!
Each day is just a bit better than the day before, and, although still in pain and unsteady on her feet, the "smile is coming back to her eyes."
Tomorrow, Kris and I will be able to go on a hike with some friends from church, and another friend will come and spend the day with Cassie.
Tuesday of next week is a big day. Cassie will have her stiches taken out in the morning and then we will drive to Anchorage (3+ hours) where she will receive her two week post-surgery review. Cassie will be able to sleep most of the trip there and back - - - but pray that she will have the stamina for the trip.
Some of you have given specific gifts to help us thru this time. We are very grateful for God's provision and your sensitivity to our needs. The neatest thing is that Kris will be able to spend most of her time between now and the end of the Month with Cassie, and only show up at New Hope off and on.
Thank you for sticking with us through all of this. Cassie is still my number 1 hero, but all of you who pray and partner with us in ministry deserve "honorable mention." God bless you. He is good - - all the time.
Gary Harris
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Cassie Update - The Long Haul 5/11/06
Praying Friends,
First, I just have to share with you the experiences of our trip home to Kenai, From Seattle.
As you know, Kris and I had to travel separately. I tried it get on their flight by changing my return flight, but it was full. I was just a bit disappointed by this, by I took consolation in the fact that I could wait for them at the Gate area in Anchorage, and make sure the wheel chair was waiting.
The Taxi driver who got them to Seattle went out of his way to help and the wheelchair there was brought out to curb side and they were helped out curbside with their baggage.
Once I arrived at Anchorage I checked on this twice. Yes, I was told, the wheelchair request was in the system. By the time their flight came it there were two of them sitting and the gate.
Their flight came in and the attendant took the two wheelchairs down. Eventually, they came up, but without Cassie! I told the agent assisting with the people getting of the plane that I was Cassie's father. As it turns out, they were one wheelchair short and she was trying to get another one. She let me go down to the plane to wait with Kris and Cassie.
As it turns out, there was a connection flight that didn't make it to Seattle on time and there were 44 empty seats on this as a result. But the cool thing was that having all these seats meant that Cassie could lie down, three across, at the rear of the plane. So keep this in mind next time your flight is late. Who knows what might be happening somewhere up the line. For us, 44 people missing their connecting flight meant relative comfort for Cassie on the 3.5 hour trip to Anchorage.
We flew in a small 9 seat Navaho from the flight to Kenai from Anchorage. It was a good day, and the bumps were minimal. Usually in a smaller plane like that, there's always something bumpy out over the Inlet, even if just a bit. Not for us. The ride was great, and Cassie was able to sleep most of the 40 minute flight.
There were friends at the airport in Kenai to help with baggage and our car was waiting for us in short term parking. We were home, and Cassie was in bed, by 5:30 or so, Tuesday afternoon.
I titled this update the "Long Haul" because it appears pretty evident at this point that Cassie's recovery is going to take a bit longer than last time. The end result was exactly what they expected, but they had a bit tougher time at it than planned. In the first operation last August, they mentioned nothing about blood loss. but this time they told ups about it. This was what was causing the pain in her neck, if you recall.
And for us, after experiencing a previous recovery, we knew that Cassie was going to be slower at coming around this time. Everything is fine as far as what she can/can't do as a result of the hemispherectomy. That's simply incredible!.But she is much weaker, he neck hurts terribly, and eating anything usually results in her vomiting. However, she seems to hold down most of what she eats or drinks (sports drinks, fruit juices, fruit). Unfortunately, the best pain medication she takes and makes her nauseous - so she only takes that one in the evening. In addition, she is on all her anti-seizure meds, antibiotics, and anti-nausea medication.
It hurts seeing her lying there in pain. But this hurt is mixed with the joyfulness of her simply being there with everything in order, if you know what I mean.
We encourage those of you who are local who would like to, to stop by and say hello. Call first, but visitors would be good. We could use some company, also. Kris and I plan on working some out in our yard today, cleaning up from winter. It feels good, and beats sitting around a hospital room for a week.
Pray that Cassie will eat, that she ill keep down what she eats, and that she will eat more than fruit. Pray that she will sleep, and that the pain in her neck and head will subside.
Thanks
Gary
First, I just have to share with you the experiences of our trip home to Kenai, From Seattle.
As you know, Kris and I had to travel separately. I tried it get on their flight by changing my return flight, but it was full. I was just a bit disappointed by this, by I took consolation in the fact that I could wait for them at the Gate area in Anchorage, and make sure the wheel chair was waiting.
The Taxi driver who got them to Seattle went out of his way to help and the wheelchair there was brought out to curb side and they were helped out curbside with their baggage.
Once I arrived at Anchorage I checked on this twice. Yes, I was told, the wheelchair request was in the system. By the time their flight came it there were two of them sitting and the gate.
Their flight came in and the attendant took the two wheelchairs down. Eventually, they came up, but without Cassie! I told the agent assisting with the people getting of the plane that I was Cassie's father. As it turns out, they were one wheelchair short and she was trying to get another one. She let me go down to the plane to wait with Kris and Cassie.
As it turns out, there was a connection flight that didn't make it to Seattle on time and there were 44 empty seats on this as a result. But the cool thing was that having all these seats meant that Cassie could lie down, three across, at the rear of the plane. So keep this in mind next time your flight is late. Who knows what might be happening somewhere up the line. For us, 44 people missing their connecting flight meant relative comfort for Cassie on the 3.5 hour trip to Anchorage.
We flew in a small 9 seat Navaho from the flight to Kenai from Anchorage. It was a good day, and the bumps were minimal. Usually in a smaller plane like that, there's always something bumpy out over the Inlet, even if just a bit. Not for us. The ride was great, and Cassie was able to sleep most of the 40 minute flight.
There were friends at the airport in Kenai to help with baggage and our car was waiting for us in short term parking. We were home, and Cassie was in bed, by 5:30 or so, Tuesday afternoon.
I titled this update the "Long Haul" because it appears pretty evident at this point that Cassie's recovery is going to take a bit longer than last time. The end result was exactly what they expected, but they had a bit tougher time at it than planned. In the first operation last August, they mentioned nothing about blood loss. but this time they told ups about it. This was what was causing the pain in her neck, if you recall.
And for us, after experiencing a previous recovery, we knew that Cassie was going to be slower at coming around this time. Everything is fine as far as what she can/can't do as a result of the hemispherectomy. That's simply incredible!.But she is much weaker, he neck hurts terribly, and eating anything usually results in her vomiting. However, she seems to hold down most of what she eats or drinks (sports drinks, fruit juices, fruit). Unfortunately, the best pain medication she takes and makes her nauseous - so she only takes that one in the evening. In addition, she is on all her anti-seizure meds, antibiotics, and anti-nausea medication.
It hurts seeing her lying there in pain. But this hurt is mixed with the joyfulness of her simply being there with everything in order, if you know what I mean.
We encourage those of you who are local who would like to, to stop by and say hello. Call first, but visitors would be good. We could use some company, also. Kris and I plan on working some out in our yard today, cleaning up from winter. It feels good, and beats sitting around a hospital room for a week.
Pray that Cassie will eat, that she ill keep down what she eats, and that she will eat more than fruit. Pray that she will sleep, and that the pain in her neck and head will subside.
Thanks
Gary
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Cassie Update - Kenai Homecoming! 5/9/06
Dear Praying Friends,
As I titled this update, I started with "Homecoming." But for us, Homecoming all by itself means home to heaven. So, I quickly changed it to "homecoming to Kenai." Cassie has been in the Lord's hands all this time. Thankfully, He is keeping her here with us!
It's hard to believe, but we will all be flying home today. I can't get on the same Seattle to Anchorage leg, but will be going out two hours earlier. But I will wait for them at their Anchorage arrival gate and get the wheelchair ready. We will then all be flying together back to Kenai on a 4:30 Grant Air flight. So at least we will be together on that leg.
Cassie is very weak. Despite all her meds for pain, she has a constant headache and he neck is really sore. This trip will really be hard on her. Please pray that the appropriate help will be there all along the way.
We hope to touch down in Kenai sometime after 5 PM Alaska Time.
Praise the Lord for his intervention along the way. Praise Him for His "scandalous love" to quote a Beth Moore phrase. Why Scandalous? Because every step along the way we have felt undeserving and lavished upon. Praise Him for his love acted out thru people. Each of you that have contributed in this adventure, you know who you are! God does, too. And we praise Him for each of you.
Thanks.
Gary, Kris and Cassie
As I titled this update, I started with "Homecoming." But for us, Homecoming all by itself means home to heaven. So, I quickly changed it to "homecoming to Kenai." Cassie has been in the Lord's hands all this time. Thankfully, He is keeping her here with us!
It's hard to believe, but we will all be flying home today. I can't get on the same Seattle to Anchorage leg, but will be going out two hours earlier. But I will wait for them at their Anchorage arrival gate and get the wheelchair ready. We will then all be flying together back to Kenai on a 4:30 Grant Air flight. So at least we will be together on that leg.
Cassie is very weak. Despite all her meds for pain, she has a constant headache and he neck is really sore. This trip will really be hard on her. Please pray that the appropriate help will be there all along the way.
We hope to touch down in Kenai sometime after 5 PM Alaska Time.
Praise the Lord for his intervention along the way. Praise Him for His "scandalous love" to quote a Beth Moore phrase. Why Scandalous? Because every step along the way we have felt undeserving and lavished upon. Praise Him for his love acted out thru people. Each of you that have contributed in this adventure, you know who you are! God does, too. And we praise Him for each of you.
Thanks.
Gary, Kris and Cassie
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Cassie Update 5/7/06 - Room Phone #
Dear Praying Friends,
Happy Lords Day!
Cassie was moved out of NICU last night and moved into a normal hospital room. I was thinking about this last night. The first time Kris and Cassie came to Harborview was in May of 2005. They spent a week in the Epilepsy ward. All sorts of specialized equipment, seizure monitoring, etc . . . Then, in August of 2005 we were back for three weeks. Epilepsy Ward, ICU, Epilepsy ward. This past February, Cassie and I came back: Epilepsy Ward. But this trip which began just a few days ago and seems to be winding down, ends up in a plain ol' nothing-special-about-it hospital room.
That's our desire: Normalcy
Please feel free to call Cassie. Just keep in mind the Western Time Zone. Direct dial to the room is 206-731-3259.
As things stand now, their plane back to Alaska leaves Tuesday, the 9th, just after noon. That means having her discharged tomorrow!! I can;t get over this - - - but the situation was the same last time. Brain surgery and out in 6-7 days. Of course, this means only that things have once again gone very, very well.
But Cassie is still having problems with nausea. She isn't eating much yet, either. Tuesday may be too soon, because she still will have some Psych Eval tests, PT and Speech therapy check outs before she can be released. And I just don't feel too confident about her getting out until she can keep food down.
So there's allot to be praying about. My flight is not scheduled to go out until the 12th. I won;t try to change anything until I am sure of her release date. Then, if I can, I will make a change to get on the same flight back. If I can't, then the next available flight.
Cassie really needs prayer now re. the future. We are hoping the seizures are over, but we thought that was the case last time. Naturally, she may be having a hard time believing this will be any different. So, our focus with her has always been "No matter what happens, God is still God and we are his children, whom he loves. Whatever happens, you can lead the life God wants you to lead. Simply glorify him."
That's easy to say (Oh that ***I**** could live all the "sermons" I've preached to my kids!!!).
Anyway - - call her if you have been wanting to. It's the best thing for her right now.
Kris' Mom leaves for Indianapolis today.
We love you.
Gary
Happy Lords Day!
Cassie was moved out of NICU last night and moved into a normal hospital room. I was thinking about this last night. The first time Kris and Cassie came to Harborview was in May of 2005. They spent a week in the Epilepsy ward. All sorts of specialized equipment, seizure monitoring, etc . . . Then, in August of 2005 we were back for three weeks. Epilepsy Ward, ICU, Epilepsy ward. This past February, Cassie and I came back: Epilepsy Ward. But this trip which began just a few days ago and seems to be winding down, ends up in a plain ol' nothing-special-about-it hospital room.
That's our desire: Normalcy
Please feel free to call Cassie. Just keep in mind the Western Time Zone. Direct dial to the room is 206-731-3259.
As things stand now, their plane back to Alaska leaves Tuesday, the 9th, just after noon. That means having her discharged tomorrow!! I can;t get over this - - - but the situation was the same last time. Brain surgery and out in 6-7 days. Of course, this means only that things have once again gone very, very well.
But Cassie is still having problems with nausea. She isn't eating much yet, either. Tuesday may be too soon, because she still will have some Psych Eval tests, PT and Speech therapy check outs before she can be released. And I just don't feel too confident about her getting out until she can keep food down.
So there's allot to be praying about. My flight is not scheduled to go out until the 12th. I won;t try to change anything until I am sure of her release date. Then, if I can, I will make a change to get on the same flight back. If I can't, then the next available flight.
Cassie really needs prayer now re. the future. We are hoping the seizures are over, but we thought that was the case last time. Naturally, she may be having a hard time believing this will be any different. So, our focus with her has always been "No matter what happens, God is still God and we are his children, whom he loves. Whatever happens, you can lead the life God wants you to lead. Simply glorify him."
That's easy to say (Oh that ***I**** could live all the "sermons" I've preached to my kids!!!).
Anyway - - call her if you have been wanting to. It's the best thing for her right now.
Kris' Mom leaves for Indianapolis today.
We love you.
Gary
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Cassie Update 5/6/06
Praying Friends,
Yesterday was a not so good day for Cassie. She;s still recovering fine, but it hurts to see her hurt.
Thursday was almost surreal. Cassie was sitting up and talking some, eating a bit of fruit and, for the first time, didn't seem to be talking thru" her pain. You know what I mean. When someone is talking :thru" pain, their personality is squelched by the force it takes simply to speak when hurting.
But Thursday, only two days after her surgery, she seemed to be doing unbelievable.
Yesterday I guess she paid for all the energy expended on Thursday. She was throwing up again and slept most of the day. When she was awake, she was complaining about the pain in her neck (Usually, that's a complaint leveled at me (grin)
I'm sending this update from the Hotel on Friday morning. Kris, Kris' Mom and I, have taken turns staying with Cassie thru the night. The hospital staff have been incredibly kind to us. We are allowed full access to Cassie at all times.
Chelsie went home on Weds. Kris' Mom will be going home on Sunday. As you can see by the pictures, Chelsie added a much needed dimension of fun to the experience. Oh, she cried like the best of us, but I think she had determined before she came up to do what she could to lift our spirits. She did. It was great having her here.
Today they say they will remove Cassie's second drain and, if all goes, well, move her into a regular hospital room.
The daily routine of events have settled in. Last night, I was feeling just a bit depressed. We really want to be back home. But this morning, a good night sleep later, things are doing OK.
Thank you for walking with us thru all of this. God bless each of you and your families.
Gary & Kris
Yesterday was a not so good day for Cassie. She;s still recovering fine, but it hurts to see her hurt.
Thursday was almost surreal. Cassie was sitting up and talking some, eating a bit of fruit and, for the first time, didn't seem to be talking thru" her pain. You know what I mean. When someone is talking :thru" pain, their personality is squelched by the force it takes simply to speak when hurting.
But Thursday, only two days after her surgery, she seemed to be doing unbelievable.
Yesterday I guess she paid for all the energy expended on Thursday. She was throwing up again and slept most of the day. When she was awake, she was complaining about the pain in her neck (Usually, that's a complaint leveled at me (grin)
I'm sending this update from the Hotel on Friday morning. Kris, Kris' Mom and I, have taken turns staying with Cassie thru the night. The hospital staff have been incredibly kind to us. We are allowed full access to Cassie at all times.
Chelsie went home on Weds. Kris' Mom will be going home on Sunday. As you can see by the pictures, Chelsie added a much needed dimension of fun to the experience. Oh, she cried like the best of us, but I think she had determined before she came up to do what she could to lift our spirits. She did. It was great having her here.
Today they say they will remove Cassie's second drain and, if all goes, well, move her into a regular hospital room.
The daily routine of events have settled in. Last night, I was feeling just a bit depressed. We really want to be back home. But this morning, a good night sleep later, things are doing OK.
Thank you for walking with us thru all of this. God bless each of you and your families.
Gary & Kris
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Cassie Update 5/4/06 (Picture Info)
Friends,
I forgot to tell you that I uploaded all the pics we have so far (no editing, no throwing away the bad shots---just "dumped") to the Internet.
You can go to http://home.gci.net/~motherlode/Seattle06/ and see them. Just click on the thumbnail to see the larger image. I probably won't post any more until we are back
I take the time do do things like this because it's my way of loving you all back!
Gary
I forgot to tell you that I uploaded all the pics we have so far (no editing, no throwing away the bad shots---just "dumped") to the Internet.
You can go to http://home.gci.net/~motherlode/Seattle06/ and see them. Just click on the thumbnail to see the larger image. I probably won't post any more until we are back
I take the time do do things like this because it's my way of loving you all back!
Gary
Cassie Update 5/4/06
Dear Praying Friends,
Cassie is doing great. As you know, I posted the initial update to our blog because I could not use my computer on the Internet at the Hospital. Therefore, I was not able to use my e-mail program and distribution list to send out the initial updates. Following THIS update, I have included the original update as posted from our blog.
Cassie had the surgery on Tuesday and it is now late Thursday evening.
She was not talking at all on Tuesday and only very short two or three word phrases on Weds. This was expected because of the surgery and the initial recovery period. However, today she is starting to eat a bit, sitting up in bed occasionally, and conversing pretty normally. We are all amazed. She has been in the Neuro ICU since the operation and will probably remain there until Saturday, So, until then, we won't have a room number and a phone number to give out (although a few of you have managed to get thru to the Neuro ICU Unit! Way to go!).
If you recall, after last Augusts' surgery, Cassie's face began to swell up from the trauma. Well, that hasn't happened yet this time, and they don't think it will. She has been on morphine and anti-nausea medication in addition to her anti seizure meds and today is the first day where she hasn't been throwing up regularly. She had two fluid drains inserted during the surgery. One has been removed and the other one will be moved in the next day or so.
Please continue to pray that she will improve every day. Pray that the swelling will stay down, that the second drain will be removed, and that we can move her into a regular hospital room soon.
Praise the Lord for the Body of Christ. We don't have a clue how we could go thru all of this without the Lord and God's people.
If you were to walk into Cassie's hospital room today, and did not know what happened, it would be pretty hard to believe that she had brain surgery two days earlier! Bur when I consider all the prayers and all the love, it's not so hard at all. Thanks
P.S. We are very, very, very tired.
Because of Christ,
Gary, Kris, Cassie, Chelsie and Rita (Kris' Mom)
Cassie is doing great. As you know, I posted the initial update to our blog because I could not use my computer on the Internet at the Hospital. Therefore, I was not able to use my e-mail program and distribution list to send out the initial updates. Following THIS update, I have included the original update as posted from our blog.
Cassie had the surgery on Tuesday and it is now late Thursday evening.
She was not talking at all on Tuesday and only very short two or three word phrases on Weds. This was expected because of the surgery and the initial recovery period. However, today she is starting to eat a bit, sitting up in bed occasionally, and conversing pretty normally. We are all amazed. She has been in the Neuro ICU since the operation and will probably remain there until Saturday, So, until then, we won't have a room number and a phone number to give out (although a few of you have managed to get thru to the Neuro ICU Unit! Way to go!).
If you recall, after last Augusts' surgery, Cassie's face began to swell up from the trauma. Well, that hasn't happened yet this time, and they don't think it will. She has been on morphine and anti-nausea medication in addition to her anti seizure meds and today is the first day where she hasn't been throwing up regularly. She had two fluid drains inserted during the surgery. One has been removed and the other one will be moved in the next day or so.
Please continue to pray that she will improve every day. Pray that the swelling will stay down, that the second drain will be removed, and that we can move her into a regular hospital room soon.
Praise the Lord for the Body of Christ. We don't have a clue how we could go thru all of this without the Lord and God's people.
If you were to walk into Cassie's hospital room today, and did not know what happened, it would be pretty hard to believe that she had brain surgery two days earlier! Bur when I consider all the prayers and all the love, it's not so hard at all. Thanks
P.S. We are very, very, very tired.
Because of Christ,
Gary, Kris, Cassie, Chelsie and Rita (Kris' Mom)
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Cassie Update 5/2/06 - A Good Word!
Dear friends,
This update is being posted directly to the blog instead of being e-mailed out to those who get our e-mail updates. Those won't really "catch up" until we get back to the hotel room.
We got here at 6 am and Cassie was in the OR about an hour later. Some of the OR staff acknowledged the calmness Cassie had. We sort-of expected it to be more difficult than last August in the sense that Cassie knew what was coming. But leave it to us to discount God! Those of us who waited also felt at ease and knew we were in God's care.
Everything has gone very well. Although there was more need for blood transfusions than times before, nothing was unusual and the doctor assured us that all was well.The surgery began at 8 am and we got the surgeon's report about 12:15 pm.
The surgery for Cassie is almost complete. The surgeon just came out and told us that they were in the process of closing up and that Cassie would be transported to ICU in an hour or so.
The next few days will be important as Cassie transitions out of the anesthesia and begins stabilizing. Continue praying that she will not get nausea as she had in the past. Also pray that the swelling and black eye that will develop will subside and that Cassie will begin speaking again soon.
Pastor Ray has been here with us (Angel #1). E-mails have started coming for Cassie, and people of God are praying. One e-mail came from someone in Shanghai, China who we don't know, but who knows us and has been praying for us. The family of God truly goes beyond area codes and borders, time zones and continents.
Pray a special prayer of thanks for Dr Jeff Ojemann. He seems to understand his place as God's instrument well, and has readily accepted our offers of prayer on his behalf.
Now, with the bigger waiting time behind us, we start a series of smaller waiting times. Your prayers are invaluable.
Drop Cassie a line. We hope to be able to share the e-mails that have started coming in with her in a few days. http://www.uwmedicine.org/Facilities/Harborview/ClinicsAndServices/emailGifts.htm
God bless all of you.
This update is being posted directly to the blog instead of being e-mailed out to those who get our e-mail updates. Those won't really "catch up" until we get back to the hotel room.
We got here at 6 am and Cassie was in the OR about an hour later. Some of the OR staff acknowledged the calmness Cassie had. We sort-of expected it to be more difficult than last August in the sense that Cassie knew what was coming. But leave it to us to discount God! Those of us who waited also felt at ease and knew we were in God's care.
Everything has gone very well. Although there was more need for blood transfusions than times before, nothing was unusual and the doctor assured us that all was well.The surgery began at 8 am and we got the surgeon's report about 12:15 pm.
The surgery for Cassie is almost complete. The surgeon just came out and told us that they were in the process of closing up and that Cassie would be transported to ICU in an hour or so.
The next few days will be important as Cassie transitions out of the anesthesia and begins stabilizing. Continue praying that she will not get nausea as she had in the past. Also pray that the swelling and black eye that will develop will subside and that Cassie will begin speaking again soon.
Pastor Ray has been here with us (Angel #1). E-mails have started coming for Cassie, and people of God are praying. One e-mail came from someone in Shanghai, China who we don't know, but who knows us and has been praying for us. The family of God truly goes beyond area codes and borders, time zones and continents.
Pray a special prayer of thanks for Dr Jeff Ojemann. He seems to understand his place as God's instrument well, and has readily accepted our offers of prayer on his behalf.
Now, with the bigger waiting time behind us, we start a series of smaller waiting times. Your prayers are invaluable.
Drop Cassie a line. We hope to be able to share the e-mails that have started coming in with her in a few days. http://www.uwmedicine.org/Facilities/Harborview/ClinicsAndServices/emailGifts.htm
God bless all of you.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Cassie Update 5/1/06
Praying Friends,
We made it into Seattle just fine yesterday. Cassie had one seizure on the plan from Anchorage, but it was a pretty quiet one.
Today we were at two appointments. The first being a physical and pre-anesthesia consultation and the second being a consultation with the surgeon, Dr Jeff Ojemann.
The procedure that will be done tomorrow is known as a Left Hemispherectomy. Definition can be found here: http://www.surgeryencyclopedia.com/Fi-La/Hemispherectomy.html
The difference in Cassie's case is that the damage referred to has not come from seizure activity as much as the Cerebral Palsy she has had from birth where that area is already damaged. There are alot of articles that also talk about regaining functions after such a procedure. Again, in Cassie's case, she had already had a lifetime of rerouting and compensation, and the belief is that the only thing that is happening on this side is the seizures.
There has never been any indication that Cassie has had any abnormal activity on the right side of her brain, so this procedure should totally remove the seizures with little ill-effect. However, there is also the possibility that anything that might be happening on the other side of her brain has been overshadowed by left-brain activity. If this is the case, she could continue to have problems.
I am absolutely amazed at the "redundancy" present in the brain. Kris and I are having a hard time "getting our brains" around such a concept as this procedure. We are very confident that the doctors know exactly what they are doing, and the last time we checked, God has not vacated His throne, taken a holiday. Kris, Cassie, and I truly rest in the understanding that God is in complete control. No matter what happens, we will continue to praise Him.
Please pray for the additional factor of having other family members with us. We toss around terms and concepts that we have lived with for many, many months. Kris' Mother hasn't seen Cassie in two years, and she had two seizures in her presence this afternoon. Our other daughter, Chelsie, will especially have a difficult time. Not because she can't handle it. She can handle just about anything. But she will have to leave Wednesday. The first 48 hours after the operation aren't the easiest time to leave with the feeling that everything will be OK.
We will be reporting to the Pre-surgery area of the OR tomorrow at 6 am. If all goes well, the surgery will start about 7:30-8am, although emergency situations could "bump" Cassie back. Since she can't eat or drink anything after midnight, being bumped means that much longer before she could eat! So pray that doesn;t happen. The biggest risk during surgery and immediate following is bleeding that causes swelling. They will take additional precautions this time to try to keep the sickness down. She will spend the first night in a neuro Intensive Care unit with her own private nurse.
Chelsie comes in just before 9 tonight. Her birthday is Thursday. We were able to get a cake and candles form a nearby grocery store and we are looking forward to being together. Our oldest, Tyler, is working a "turnaround" for one of the oil refineries back in Alaska. Please pray for him, also.
Thank you for your prayers.
Gary, Kris, and Cassie
By the way, I won;t be back to the hotel room for the next day or so, so I will try to post a short update directly to the blog at http://harrishotline.blogspot.com and then send an e-mail out later.
We made it into Seattle just fine yesterday. Cassie had one seizure on the plan from Anchorage, but it was a pretty quiet one.
Today we were at two appointments. The first being a physical and pre-anesthesia consultation and the second being a consultation with the surgeon, Dr Jeff Ojemann.
The procedure that will be done tomorrow is known as a Left Hemispherectomy. Definition can be found here: http://www.surgeryencyclopedia.com/Fi-La/Hemispherectomy.html
The difference in Cassie's case is that the damage referred to has not come from seizure activity as much as the Cerebral Palsy she has had from birth where that area is already damaged. There are alot of articles that also talk about regaining functions after such a procedure. Again, in Cassie's case, she had already had a lifetime of rerouting and compensation, and the belief is that the only thing that is happening on this side is the seizures.
There has never been any indication that Cassie has had any abnormal activity on the right side of her brain, so this procedure should totally remove the seizures with little ill-effect. However, there is also the possibility that anything that might be happening on the other side of her brain has been overshadowed by left-brain activity. If this is the case, she could continue to have problems.
I am absolutely amazed at the "redundancy" present in the brain. Kris and I are having a hard time "getting our brains" around such a concept as this procedure. We are very confident that the doctors know exactly what they are doing, and the last time we checked, God has not vacated His throne, taken a holiday. Kris, Cassie, and I truly rest in the understanding that God is in complete control. No matter what happens, we will continue to praise Him.
Please pray for the additional factor of having other family members with us. We toss around terms and concepts that we have lived with for many, many months. Kris' Mother hasn't seen Cassie in two years, and she had two seizures in her presence this afternoon. Our other daughter, Chelsie, will especially have a difficult time. Not because she can't handle it. She can handle just about anything. But she will have to leave Wednesday. The first 48 hours after the operation aren't the easiest time to leave with the feeling that everything will be OK.
We will be reporting to the Pre-surgery area of the OR tomorrow at 6 am. If all goes well, the surgery will start about 7:30-8am, although emergency situations could "bump" Cassie back. Since she can't eat or drink anything after midnight, being bumped means that much longer before she could eat! So pray that doesn;t happen. The biggest risk during surgery and immediate following is bleeding that causes swelling. They will take additional precautions this time to try to keep the sickness down. She will spend the first night in a neuro Intensive Care unit with her own private nurse.
Chelsie comes in just before 9 tonight. Her birthday is Thursday. We were able to get a cake and candles form a nearby grocery store and we are looking forward to being together. Our oldest, Tyler, is working a "turnaround" for one of the oil refineries back in Alaska. Please pray for him, also.
Thank you for your prayers.
Gary, Kris, and Cassie
By the way, I won;t be back to the hotel room for the next day or so, so I will try to post a short update directly to the blog at http://harrishotline.blogspot.com and then send an e-mail out later.