Derek Surgery Update

Thank you to all who have been praying and for your emails and concern!

Surgery prep started at 6:30am and surgery ended at 5:00pm.  After 2 hours in recovery,  Leann, Mom & Dad were able to see Derek in the ICU at 7:00pm.  Derek talked, moved his limbs for the nurse, and even brushed his teeth.  We are all thankful for the great care he is in at Mayo.

The doctors said the surgery went as expected.  They closed off the right ear, as they found the tumor quite infiltrated in that area.  Then they got as close as they could to the facial nerve, but left some residual tumor there so not to damage the nerve.  They will recommend radiation to hopefully eradicate the residual tumor beginning in about a month, but still waiting on more details on that.

The final pathology report from the biopsy prior to surgery showed that the tumor is a papillary meningioma.  This tumor originates in the lining around the brain, but can spread to adjacent areas such as bone.  This is a very rare type of tumor.  They are generally considered benign (meaning they don't spread throughout the body), but they have a high chance of recurrence.  This type of tumor is very aggressive and  there will be a high chance of it coming back again in the same place.  Therefore, frequent MRIs to monitor for recurrence are necessary as well as radiation treatment of some sort.

So, we continue to pray and trust in the Lord and are reminded that none of us knows what tomorrow brings.  But for some reason, it seems harder when we are made even more aware of it.  We are also reminded that Derek, as are we all, is in God's hands, dependent upon Him,  and we pray God will not have the tumor return.  And, we praise and thank God that the surgery went well.

Luke 18:1 - And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.