1 month ago today
1 month ago today Derek had brain surgery. Not just the drain being inserted, which is still a big deal, but all out someone in the center of his brain for 6 hours. Right above his brain stem, right next to the thalamus. Inside a tumor connected to his thalamus. What does the thalamus do? To quote News-medical.net: "
The thalamus is a vital structure lying deep within the brain that has several important functions. There are extensive nerve networks that send signals all around the structures of the brain including the cerebral cortex. The thalamus is involved in sensory and motor signal relay and the regulation of consciousness and sleep.
Aside from sense of smell, all other sensory processes involve a thalamic nucleus receiving a sensory signal which is then directed to the relevant cortical area.
The thalamus plays a role in controlling the motor systems of the brain which are responsible for voluntary bodily movement and coordination.
Damage to the thalamus is associated with risk of coma."
Wow. No wonder it is such a protected part of the brain. Thank you Dr Petronio for taking as much tumor as you could and stopping when you felt proceeding could leave permanent damage. Derek was blessed to have, as he put it, the "Head of the head" in his head.
Derek has come so far in 1 month. His strength and stamina have significantly improved, however, a portion of that tumor is still in there. We pray the radiation is doing it's job and is shrinking what is left of the tumor. Yes, we wait and see, but that is OK. We enjoy his returning strength now. We celebrate the big and little successes. We thank God for every day of feeling good. So now, as always, we enjoy every day together.
Comments (4)
God bless you all. And thank you so much for the updates. You have so many support partners who are anxious to hear how your days unfold. Here's to an amazing 2016! Go, team Derek!!!
We read all of the info that you sent. Very enlightening. So glad Derek is getting around and doing things. Keep the faith. Great Grandpa Rudy and Great Grandma Hazel.
My favorite memory of you guys is when the kids came over for Easter and we had an Easter egg hunt in New Mexico...not sure if you remember that but I sure do and hope that you know that you have a whole church full of people praying for your whole family out here in Albuquerque as well and although it seems you are blessed beyond compare with the support of unprecedented doctors, specialists, and family, I selfishly wish you guys were back here so we could be supporting you and being able to be more helpful friends. I miss you guys and am amazed and inspired by your unfailing strength and faith and if there is ANYTHING we can do for you, even if it's sending some Hatch chili, please let me know! :)
Good afternoon Ryan, Angela, Derek and Kate. It was interesting reading your post about the surgery Derek had. It sounds like his doctor is and was amazing. It is great that Derek liked him too. We continue to see Derek doing better. Keep the pictures coming. They truly make me smile. Love you all. Look forward to 2016 updates. Grandma.