Caitlyn's surgery went very well yesterday! The doctor was able to drain the cyst and remove the remaining part of the tumor. The cyst actually helped the doctor to be able to get to the tumor much easier than last time. Caitlyn is doing very good and is recovering in the ICU.
The family is so appreciative of all your prayers and positive thoughts! Again, we have been blessed with another miracle and they could not be happier or more thankful!
Love,
Mikkel
Friday, March 26, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Second Brain Surgery Scheduled
To our Beloved Friends and Family,
Well, I am not sure where to start. I think I am in a bit of shock, so heartbroken, and every other emotion that you feel as a parent when one of your children is ill. The first thought that always comes to mind is take me, but please let my precious children be healthy. Unfortunately that is not an option given to us as parents. I cant put a band aid on it, and I really have no control other than giving all the comfort, love, and support that one has to give.
So today Caitlyn's MRI showed very bad news for her. A cyst is taking over the left side of her brain. This "balloon" of fluid is about the size of a lemon, maybe even a bit bigger. Truly unbelievable that such a small place in her brain can hold such a large amount of blocked fluid. This of course explains the large amount of headaches, exhaustion, loss of concentration, and tummy aches that she has been feeling again. Her Dr. was truly shocked that she is even walking or talking at this point. That's our Caitlyn though, tough as nails and surrounded by angels even in the worst case scenarios. In addition to that the remaining tumor has reattached itself to a new blood supply which is feeding it to grow again. The tumor is in what they call a "no" zone. Very deep into a part of the brain they do not like to enter, that is why he left it the first time (trying to save the vision in her left eye) and we were going to try radiation. Now we have no other options but to go in and fix both problems with open brain surgery just like we did last time but this one even a bit more intense. So with that being said Caitlyn will under go another very risky open brain surgery next Thursday. She of course was devastated to hear the outcome as we all were. I of course said, "Caitlyn we will conquer this! Together as a family, we can get through anything!" We can not loose our hope for round 2 but definitely searching for new strength. We are terrified again even more so than before, and having major flashbacks of how awful recovery was last time for her. Her Dr. always tells us, let her have a blast the week before surgery. If something happens, you know what to do! So that is what we do to try and cope. Every day becomes a party and we cherish every moment. Please keep Caitlyn in your prayers and positive thoughts. We know you all always have, and we thank you for your continues support since July 2009.
Love to you all,
Stephanie and the entire Neely Bunch
Well, I am not sure where to start. I think I am in a bit of shock, so heartbroken, and every other emotion that you feel as a parent when one of your children is ill. The first thought that always comes to mind is take me, but please let my precious children be healthy. Unfortunately that is not an option given to us as parents. I cant put a band aid on it, and I really have no control other than giving all the comfort, love, and support that one has to give.
So today Caitlyn's MRI showed very bad news for her. A cyst is taking over the left side of her brain. This "balloon" of fluid is about the size of a lemon, maybe even a bit bigger. Truly unbelievable that such a small place in her brain can hold such a large amount of blocked fluid. This of course explains the large amount of headaches, exhaustion, loss of concentration, and tummy aches that she has been feeling again. Her Dr. was truly shocked that she is even walking or talking at this point. That's our Caitlyn though, tough as nails and surrounded by angels even in the worst case scenarios. In addition to that the remaining tumor has reattached itself to a new blood supply which is feeding it to grow again. The tumor is in what they call a "no" zone. Very deep into a part of the brain they do not like to enter, that is why he left it the first time (trying to save the vision in her left eye) and we were going to try radiation. Now we have no other options but to go in and fix both problems with open brain surgery just like we did last time but this one even a bit more intense. So with that being said Caitlyn will under go another very risky open brain surgery next Thursday. She of course was devastated to hear the outcome as we all were. I of course said, "Caitlyn we will conquer this! Together as a family, we can get through anything!" We can not loose our hope for round 2 but definitely searching for new strength. We are terrified again even more so than before, and having major flashbacks of how awful recovery was last time for her. Her Dr. always tells us, let her have a blast the week before surgery. If something happens, you know what to do! So that is what we do to try and cope. Every day becomes a party and we cherish every moment. Please keep Caitlyn in your prayers and positive thoughts. We know you all always have, and we thank you for your continues support since July 2009.
Love to you all,
Stephanie and the entire Neely Bunch
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Keeping the Hope Alive
Hello friends and family,
It has been a while since we have said hello. As you all know we are trying to survive our busy lives just like all of you. Between work, raising 3 amazing children, many appointments, homework, etc, etc, I slipped my disc, and pinched my nerve in my left leg. No fun, major pain, and then I remind myself Caitlyn conquered brain surgery, I can handle this! Caitlyn just turned 11. WOW! Yes we all cried tears of joy.
Here is a small update. This is a big week for us. Today we had another MRI and Friday we see her neurologist. About a month ago her most recent MRI showed a cist had grown on top of the last bit of tumor that remains. We have not shared this news because there is so much we still do not know and will not know until Friday. We also have been in a bit of shock and trying to find continued strength and courage to the battle that we may be fighting all over again. We find out all the details on Friday but a cist can only be surgically removed. Most likely this means the one word we never wanted to hear again which is surgery. We will keep you all updated as we know more, but please keep her in your prayers and positive thoughts coming our way.
Much love to you all,
Stephanie Neely xo
It has been a while since we have said hello. As you all know we are trying to survive our busy lives just like all of you. Between work, raising 3 amazing children, many appointments, homework, etc, etc, I slipped my disc, and pinched my nerve in my left leg. No fun, major pain, and then I remind myself Caitlyn conquered brain surgery, I can handle this! Caitlyn just turned 11. WOW! Yes we all cried tears of joy.
Here is a small update. This is a big week for us. Today we had another MRI and Friday we see her neurologist. About a month ago her most recent MRI showed a cist had grown on top of the last bit of tumor that remains. We have not shared this news because there is so much we still do not know and will not know until Friday. We also have been in a bit of shock and trying to find continued strength and courage to the battle that we may be fighting all over again. We find out all the details on Friday but a cist can only be surgically removed. Most likely this means the one word we never wanted to hear again which is surgery. We will keep you all updated as we know more, but please keep her in your prayers and positive thoughts coming our way.
Much love to you all,
Stephanie Neely xo
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