These are the first words that registered from the neurosurgeon late this afternoon. They got as much of the tumor as possible before they had to stop because of the amount of blood loss. The surgeons believe they were able to remove about half of the tumor. We were hoping for more but right now we are just so grateful that Keith is stable and that the surgeons are confident they didn't hurt him. (With the tumor threatening and even encasing some vital functions, this part of the surgery caused me the most anxiety.)
We'll hit it hard with radiation and chemo and go in for another surgery on hopefully a much smaller tumor. If it's the type of tumor they believe it is, a medulloblastoma, it responds very well to radiation. They definitely didn't get enough of the tumor out for radiation and chemo to do the job completely. Therefore, surgery will be needed again. That's the plan that will unfold in the next few weeks and months.
Right now Keith is still sedated and will be until another MRI is done in the morning. This will allow us to get a look at the remaining tumor.
I am anxious for him to wake up tomorrow and hear his sweet voice and see those beautiful eyes. I hope for now he can feel me sleeping close to him tonight.
He's lightly sedated so the nurses don't want voice or touch to cause him to fight the anesthesia. But I'm here. Brent has been in the room every night while I've been down the hall. Tonight is my turn.
I'm tired but that's a good sign. It means I've relaxed after this first of many hurdles. The magnitude of this journey has really hit me today. This is the marathon of all marathons. We have a very long road ahead but I still feel optimistic and hopeful. I'm even surprised at how good I feel tonight. Thanks again to you all.
I was at home for a couple hours this evening to shower and see Cole and Ally and there were cards and flowers and food. We are in good hands. Thank you.
14 comments:
We are glad the surgery today went well and that Keith is doing okay. I'm sure he will feel his momma near. Your family continues to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Steve and Krista Connell
We are glad that you've made it over this hurdle. One at a time. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We pray that you will find peace amongst all this hardache. Keith is such a courageous little boy to have to go through this. We love you all and will continue to pray for each one of you.
Sean and I prayed hard and long for you and your family last night, and checking your blog was the first thing I did when waking up this morning. Thank you, Darc, for putting rest aside for a brief moment to give us an update on Keith and the situation at hand. We love you guys so very much and hope that today will bring some much needed rest, love and new found hope, as well as many snuggles once Keith wakes up. We believe in you, and Sean and I both have said that if there were ever a strong couple that we know of, it's you and Brent. We love you.
Thank you for the update... it is so appreciated. Hang in there... I know the Lord is by all of your sides. You are loved and please let us know if there is ANYTHING that can be done from us to help.
Love you
You have been on my mind constantly the last two days. Thank you for sharing updates and your amazing spirit. Sometimes trials help us to find strength down deep somewhere we never even knew existed. We continue to pray for you and little Keith and hope that today will be a good day for you spending time together with him. I like seeing his special K pic on the sidebar here... he is beautiful.
I'm grateful for the answered prayers. You guys have amazing strength and I know it's because of your amazing faith. I'm so happy Keith made through his surgery and he's going to be so happy to see his mamma next to him when he wakes up.
We're continuing to pray for him Darcee as well as you and your family.
Love you!
Darcee- When I heard about Keith, I thought about my nephew, Mitchell. I know how hard it can be to deal with something like this. Heavenly Father know how much we can bear. That is why you were blessed with these wonderful children. Jesus knows exactly how you feel because of his sacarfice.
You've been in our thoughts and prayers the last few days when Jaron's mom called us with the news. We love you guys!
Keith is a lucky little guy to have such great family, friends, friends of friends, and strangers praying and pulling for him. And all those same people are there for you, Darcee & Brent, to lean on when being strong just gets too hard for a few minutes.
Darcee,
On Wednesday night we had a meeting for all the youth in Kittitas County who will be going on the Pioneer Youth Trek. During that meeting your father shared some very tender feelings about little Keith and your wonderful family. We asked all the youth and adults in attendance if they would keep you in their prayers, especially on Friday.
You may be few in the hospital but there are many, many 'unseen' to you that are thinking of you and are petitioning our Heavenly Father to send peace and comfort to each of you and for a special blessing of guidance and clarity to the medical team attending to Keith.
We love you,
Bruce and Glenna Grow
Darcee,
Both Shawna and I were glad to hear that little Keith did well during the surgery. Our family and friends will continue to have Keith and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong and we will be looking forward to Keith's progress.
Love,
Trent, Shawna, Paige, and Tyler
Darcee,
Even tho' we have never met, we love your darling family! Our Melissa feels like she is one of the Smart family, and we feel the same about Chelsea! When we heard about your little Keith, we were immediately taken to our knees and have prayed that angels would bear you up and be in attendence with those that are caring for Keith's medical needs. Your blog posts are an inspiration and we know your great faith and determination will carry you through the challenging days ahead. Our prayers are with you and with 'Special K'. What a doll! (We will be fasting for him tomorrow)
With love,
Thom and Annette Stevenson
We are praying and thinking positive thoughts for Keith! He can make it though this and so can you! Hang in there.
Darcee,
I am so sorry to here about your sweet little prince. I am sending lots of prayers and good thoughts your way. Let me know if I can help in any way.
Big Hugs.
Audrey Cottam
503-679-7409
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