Friday, April 10, 2009

And Don't You Come Back No More

The consensus from the tumor conference is that Carly's surgery was a successful gross total resection. This means they all believe that the tumor was completely removed which is music to our ears! They reminded us that the MRI is only so good and there is a chance that there are microscopic pieces remaining which could grow in the future. Carly will have follow up MRI's for the rest of her life to monitor this, but the odds are now in her favor.

Carly has been in less pain the last few days and for now she only needs Tylenol to help her. She is still very quiet, looking around a bit but not moving very much. She has a feeding tube to make sure she is getting all of the calories that she needs and the tube is definitely irritating her. We are hoping that she will start her normal eating pattern soon so this tube can be removed. They are also monitoring the pressure in her head with an external drain coming from the center of her head. So far the pressures have been low and there has been little drainage which may indicate that she will not need to keep her shunt. This would be an amazing bonus prize. They will continue to monitor this for several days before making a decision on whether to reconnect the shunt or not. We continue to surround Carly with love and music, and all three of us are drawing strength for the healing energy and prayers that you all are sending.

Love, Brad

26 comments:

JerseyGirl said...

What a wonderful update! Continuing to send *healing* and *pain free* vibes Carly's way. Also hoping for no microscopic leftover pieces of tumor and for no shunt in the future! Keepin my fingers crossed and sending lots of love.
((HUGS))
Kristina

T-Rex said...

What a great Friday morning update! So many things to read in that post that make us all smile. :) I love hearing that Carly is in less pain!! Can't wait to see you guys tomorrow...text me in the morning if you want me to make a coffee run on my way up. xoxo

Horns said...

great news. ; ) xoxo
becca and brian

savannah said...

Yay - what a great update! I happen to think MRIs are pretty good :), so hoping this is the start of a new tumor-free chapter for Carly.

Looking forward to hearing about her progress over the weekend, if we know Carly she'll be bouncing back in no time...

Love, Savannah

Russ said...

Great news... I'm hoping for the bonus prize.

Linnea Bergstrom said...

I am still following this blog that I came upon randomly months ago. I have been so touched by Carly's story. I have been praying for her and I am so glad to hear things are looking up. She is still in my prayers for a smooth recovery.
Love from a stranger in Washington.

Marybeth said...

I am so glad to hear that Carly is feeling less pain and that she is healing so well. I am continuing to send prayers and loving, healing thoughts to her!

bob k said...

YES!!!

will said...

I'm digging the positive momentum!

NicciN said...

Such great news!! I am so happy.

Jenny said...

....no more,no more,no more!
I just had to finish the verse and make a final statement for that tumor.Extremely glad to hear that things looked good on this initial MRI.Now it's time for that baby to rest and grow.
Loads of positive energy flowing from the midwest.Hang in there.
Love,Jenny

The Hunts said...

Great news on Good Friday!!!! What a blessing to hear such good results.

Rob

karen said...

incredible news!!

Anonymous said...

This made my day. What wonderful news! Hugs all around!

Cathy and Matt said...

What a great post! So happy to hear the news. Keep up the good work. We'll keep our fingers crossed for the bonus prize too.

Hugs,
Cathy and Matt

Anonymous said...

Such wonderful news! Thinking of you all and sending love. -Gal

Anonymous said...

Yes yes yes yes !!!!! Great news... Love, Cécile

Swampdragons said...

Great news! -- Shanan and Josie

JOC said...

AWESOME NEWS!!!! I will continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers

bridget keenan mcelroy said...

Happy Easter Carly ........ next year you'll be out hunting for eggs..... just being a kid.
Rest and heal.

Heather said...

Happy Easter to the cutest little rabbit ever! Thinking about you guys, and sending love, love, love.

Jane said...

Happy Easter to Carly and family! Healing vibes being sent your way. Love, Jane, Chuck & Sammy

Jeri said...

Thrilled to hear the wonderful news and pleased that Carly is already looking around! You guys are always in my (positive) thoughts. I look forward to hearing more great updates from beautiful Carly.
Jeri

Anonymous said...

yeah fingers crossed for the bonus prize. Continued healing and hugs from the east.

much love
julia

Lani said...

woohoo! great news. hope you 3 had a really nice weekend and that carly is feeling stronger and better with each passing day.
xo
Lani & Chris

Anonymous said...

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!