The Plan

We just finished our meeting with Dr. Gupta, the neurosurgeon who is leading Carly's medical team. With the diagnosis known the meeting did not bring any surprises but discussing the well-being of the love of your life is never easy.

The next step in the plan for Carly is surgical removal of the tumor. There are many things about Carly's case that they call "challenging" but Carly is no ordinary baby. Due to the size, shape, and location of the tumor the surgeons will approach it through the right lobe of her brain. They will need to cut a window in the lobe to provide visibility of the tumor, and a scope will be used for the operation. They hope to be able to completely remove the tumor surgically. Their ability to do so will depend on how the tumor adheres to adjoining tissue, particularly the hypothalamus. If for some reason it does not peel easily, some tumor will be left behind and monitored. It could later be treated with radiation, but ideally not before Carly is three. The best scenario is successful removal of 100% of the tumor with no damage to surrounding tissue. There are a wide range of outcomes that we discussed with the doctor, but the only one that we expect is the best case.

The surgery will be scheduled for either October 1 or 8, with October 1 being the most likely date. We have until tomorrow to decide and we will see if we have strong feeling for one date over the other. The surgery will require a full day and will take place at UCSF, the same facility that has been handling Carly's care from the outset. Typical recovery time in the hospital is one to four weeks depending on many variables.

Here is a photo of Carly on one of her daily healing walks. These walks together with the support that we have received from our family and friends have been incredibly uplifting. Carly has an amazing group of people on her side, and with all of you behind her she will get through this. We love you all.

Love,

Brad