Carly's shunt function test showed what we had been thinking for some time, this shunt is not working properly. It looks like there is some type of obstruction in the catheter that runs from the shunt valve to her heart preventing it from draining properly. It is very likely that this clogged soon after her last shunt surgery and all of the symptoms that Carly has shown over the last few weeks are a result of high cranial pressure.
Carly is scheduled to have surgery tomorrow to replace the latest faulty shunt. Dr. Gupta said that he is ready to try a VP shunt again (a shunt that drains into the peritoneal cavity, rather than her current VA shunt that drains in the atrium of her heart.) If you remember the beginning of Carly's shunt saga, she once had a VP shunt but her peritoneum would not absorb the cerebral spinal fluid drained there. This was pretty unusual, but the theory is that residual tumor present at that point was responsible for making the CSF difficult to absorb. She is now tumor free and the hope is she will be able to manage the CSF allowing her to stick with a VP shunt which typically has less complications than a VA shunt. We envision that 2010 is going to be Carly's year despite a rocky beginning, and there is no better place to start than her surgery tomorrow.
Love, Brad
21 comments:
Sending postive thoughts and envisioning a fresh and healthy start for 2010! We'll be thinking about you. Hugs, hugs, and more hugs.
Oh, wow. I'm so very bummed that poor little Carly has to have yet ANOTHER surgery, but hopeful that this will help her to heal as we're all hoping she will. You and Christa are so amazing in your ability to stay focused on the positive, and I'll be thinking of your family. Please let us know how the surgery goes when you can.
I'm getting so mad at these faulty shunts! Can't a Carly get a break? But, instead of getting angry, I'm going to channel it into positive shunt surgery vibes for little C! Hoping that this is the LAST shunt surgery for a long long time and that she gets the relief she deserves this time around. So happy she has such competent surgeons on her side. Thinking of you guys-sending all three of you strength and love. ((HUGS))
Much love to you all today and good thoughts for the surgery. May the VP shunt be what you need for a 2010 full of peace, comfort, health and healing.
i'll be thinking of you tomorrow, let's hope this new shunt does the trick ... 2010 will be Carly's year to shine ! love from Michigan.
thinking of you guys today as carly goes through another tough surgery. sending you all the love and strength i can to get you where you need to be. 2010 will be your year (and ours!) i just know it.
i love you guys.
xo
I will be thinking about you today and sending lots of love to Carly!
Sending all my good vibes across the city for a successful and easy surgery and a comfortable, healing Carly. Lots of love to you three!
Glad the docs found a solution, and hopefully this does the trick so Carly can start rocking 2010!
Love the attitude, we're all routing for Carly today as she gets through surgery and begins a new road to recovery.
Sending love,
Becca and Brian
Thinking about you, as usual, everyday, hoping this does it for Carly, finally. With much love, Cécile
This is going to be the one. This will be the right shunt for Carly. I can feel it. All good thoughts and lots of love heading your way!
Go Carly! We are sending you strength in the OR right now. We too, know that 2010 will be a year of lots of health and a lot less of the inside of hospitals.
Much love,
cassidy, tamara, scarlet, and stormy
thoughts and prayers to little C and the nelsons. hoping that today goes smoothly! she's such a little trooper!
much love,
r.
Sending out clear and flowing thoughts to Carly's new shunt. Though I hate to see her have to endure another surgery, it's better than the recurring mystery discomfort she's been having. Picturing a clear stream flowing comfortably through the beautiful countryside.
visualizing lots of positivity and light for tonight's surgery and all things Carly in 2010! I know she will rock n' roll through this as she has every other obstacle. love and hugs to all of you.
Hoping the surgery goes well and that this shunt does the trick. We will keep Carly in our thoughts. Lots of love and virtual hugs!
take care,
Cathy and Matt
Carly is a superstar - just like her parents! Sending waves of love, success, and calmness for this surgery and the healing path ahead. We're with you in spirit.
Hugs,
Lance and Mark
What an amazing family and so many great comments. How can Carly not get better with so much love?? Sending all my positive energy your way for a successful surgery and a healthy 2010!!
Hope it went well today!
KK
Many many positive healing thoughts coming your way. We love u guys...
the rebbecks
Post a Comment