From: Timko, Terry M
Sent: Wednesday, June 08, 2016 3:03 PM
Subject: Maura Update June 8th
Sent: Wednesday, June 08, 2016 3:03 PM
Subject: Maura Update June 8th
I know I’m starting to sound like a broken record but we are
still doing really well as we walk this out and are encouraged by all your
prayers and support. Thank you.
Our faith is strong no matter what the outcome. We do
get scared at times and the mind loves to run through “what ifs”, the reality
is He has the pen and is the author of our lives. We are keen to turn the
page to see the purpose in this and the outcome He has written. In the
process we are learning a lot about each other, ourselves, our community and
our God. I continue to pray that this is nothing major, God heals her and
this whole experience draws us all closer together and to Him.
Medical Update and Next Steps:
Per yesterday’s email we saw the local neurosurgeon this
AM. Maura is scheduled for surgery this Friday at 3PM at Good Samaritan
hospital. She will have another MRI tomorrow AM to see how the masses
have or have not progressed. This MRI will determine if she has a craniotomy biopsy with
possible bisection of the mass in her speech center or a lesser Stereotactic biopsy of a
smaller lesion in the right hemisphere. With the stereotactic procedure
she could be out in a day and the craniotomy as few as 3 days. If it turns out
to be fungal they will keep her for a week for cultures to grow and IV
antibiotics. If there is any brain injury (low probability) she could be
in for a few weeks w/ rehab. The surgeon believes this is an inflammatory
process like MS as discussed previously but could also be cancer or a
fungal like infection. The reality is we just won’t know till the get a
piece of it. The craniotomy would be about 3 hours and she would be
awake. The lesser biopsy is relatively short and she will have general
anesthesia. The findings may require future surgery to remove the
mass(es).
What about Mayo? We are keeping the referral if the
finding is something complex and may go there as early as next week. If
it turns out this is something that can be easily dealt with in Cincinnati or
God has healed her, and the craniotomy is just the proof, then our summer
vacation in Minnesota will have to wait (actually we’d prefer a beach
vacation).
OK Maura has said I’ve been a bit too heavy in these updates
and we need some comic relief. I agree. So she asked me to share
this Pinky & The Brain
segment. For those of you that don’t know Pinky & The Brain or are
not fans I’m very sorry. We spent time at Warner Bros. in the 90s when
these, Ren & Stimpy and the Anamaniacs were being made and this was always
one of our favorites.
that ought to keep her happy.
Logistics:
I’m sending Jeff and Janet a list of our driving needs
through Saturday now and beyond if needed. I’ll let them coordinate with
the boys how they will get around. If you want to help here then email
them both – yesterday’s email (attached) has their contact info and the
details.
Terry