Tuesday, June 20, 2006

A Father's Day

Where do I begin with this one....

On Father's Day, my son had what we now know as a seizure, caused by a tumor in his brain that was discovered that afternoon. As I type these words, my 16 month old son lays on an operating table while a team of the region's top doctors and specialists poke at his brain.

How does one prepare for this moment? I'm still not sure -- my wife and I are still in a state of shock that we are even here. The shock wears off into true horror in those moments where reality is unavoidable -- the first time they put him under so they could do an MRI or this morning, as my wife took him from my arms and walked into the Operating Theatre, while he looked back at me and giggled.

What we know is this: the tumor is the size of a ping-pong ball, and located under the top layer of the brain between the right frontal and partietal lobes. This section of the brain controls motor functions on the LEFT side of the body, which explains why he had weakness in his left arm and leg when we first found him on Sunday morning (he had his seizure in his crib, so we weren't there to see it. I'm not sure yet if I think that's a good or bad thing).

What the tumor is, how long it has been there, whether or not they'll be able to surgically remove it all, what kind of damage we might see in movement on the left side of his body, what recovery will look like -- these will all be questions that will overtake our lives for the coming week as we look past the end of his surgery.

I'm not sure there is anything more to write yet, as the intensity of this experience will take time to unravel, even as it continues to grow more complex moving forward. I will use this space to update the status of things, as often as I possibly can, so that those we are lucky enough to call friends and family (and those new folks out there in cyber-land) will have a one-stop shop to get the latest on our situation. Prayers, kind words and support are welcomed and received with thanks.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry that you guys are going through this. I can't imagine how scary it must be. Please know that you have my deepest thoughts, prayers and well-wishes. I hope everything turns out ok.

Anonymous said...

I know we haven't talking in several lifetimes and for that I apologize but I am truly sorry to hear you are having to go through all of this. Even 3000 miles away if there is anything I can do for you please don't hesitate to call.

Anonymous said...

My deepest sympathies and well-thoughts. I cant even imagine. . .

Natalie said...

Just found your site through Metro. Your family is in my thoughts.

Denver Dad said...

My family's best wishes are with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

We are so sorry to hear your sad news. I can’t even imagine how frightening this is for you. You have been in our thoughts and prayers since we heard the news at the end of the day yesterday.

I hope that there is something we can do to make your lives a little easier right now – we will help you in any way you think we can, so just ask. Maybe he would enjoy a visit from one of his classmates? Please let us know if there is anything we can do.

Mama Nabi said...

So very sorry - sending you lots of good thoughts and big hugs. That truly f'cking sucks... (sorry about profanity...) - I hope it was caught early enough, here're good good thoughts to all the surgeons and other medical personnel on the team... Damn. Let us know how he's doing?

Anonymous said...

Wow... we didn't know anything like this was going on. Rochester, MN told me that you sent an email but noone here in FL seemed to have received it. Please keep us posted. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We are soooo worried! Love and Prayers! Anna, John & Family

Anonymous said...

We are so shocked! Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you all. We know this is a difficult time, but be strong...little ones are so resilient and we are sure Declan is so strong. Please let us know if we can do ANYTHING for you. Love, Jim,Brenda,Amanda,Kaitlyn,Jillian, Samantha,and Sean

Anonymous said...

*thinking of you*

~cat

Anonymous said...

Please know that your all in our most prayerful thoughts at a time when things are so frightening and unfamiliar. Your entire Harmony Family awaits your call to help in any way possible. Declan is blessed with a famliy (and firends)who love him and would move mountains for him.... keep the faith!
-Donna

Anonymous said...

You know, it’s sad…

Sad that I allowed myself to lose touch with you. Sad/embarrasing that my mother remained in better contact with you and that I had to hear about this from her. Most of all it’s sad there was something to hear about in the first place!

I am so sorry to hear about Declan, but if he is anything like his mom and dad (which he obviously is) I know he will have the strength and perseverance to make it through this. Until that time, please know you are always in my thoughts and prayers!

All my love,
Scott

(Also, please know that regardless of how long it’s been, I am ALWAYS here for you if you need anything. You are and always will be my “sis” and “brother-in-law”…my FRIENDS and that transcends time!)