A Note From Mom

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I believe in the power of love, prayer and positivity. Yesterday we could feel it whipping through the hills UCSF sits atop. Brad and I were calling it wind power, and it came from you all across the country and different corners of this beautiful earth bringing with it such strength and love. It was blowing hard all day yesterday and the day before, but today has been replaced with a calm breeze.

Carly was strong and steady through the entire 14 hour surgery. Dr. Auguste (Dr. Gupta's very able young partner) said it was like a new tumor and a new brain compared to what they encountered on October 1st. The tumor just came right out in big pieces with minimal bleeding. It was very easy to separate from her surrounding brain which had become more firm and resilient over the past 6 months. At the end of the long procedure, Dr. Auguste and Dr. Gupta felt they had removed all of the tumor. Dr. Auguste was cautiously exuberant, Dr. Gupta a more serious version of pleased.

Dr. Gupta reminded us that Carly is not out of the woods yet. Her brain was heavily manipulated and needs to heal. Her pituitary gland was enveloped by the tumor and in the end could not be saved. Over the next few days we will be working closely with the endocrine team to work out her regimen of medications to replace pituitary function. This can be successfully managed.

Carly is scheduled for an MRI this morning, and we are hopeful the images will verify that the entire tumor has been removed. I cannot explain how I feel this morning, too many emotions. I am joyful, mixed with caution. I am incredibly grateful for all your support and love and humbled by the number of people little Carly has touched. We all thank you with our brimming full hearts.

This is a new beginning for Carly and a new year for Brad. Brad said this is the best birthday present he could have imagined.

Much love,
Christa