the first day
Dear All,
We arrived at the hospital this morning expecting to visit Greg briefly in the Recovery Ward and found that he had already been moved back to his original room. That was good news, as it indicated that he was doing well enough that, sooner than expected, he did not need to be under close surveillance. I have spent the day with him. He is still very very groggy – unable to say more than a word or two at a time, but he looks over at me everytime he opens his eyes, has managed a few smiles, and even patted me on the head at one point !
I am especially impressed at his ability to follow all the nurses questions and instructions in French and his ability to respond.
I saw the neurosurgeon this evening after Julie had set off to return to Scotland. Sharon Jebb will arrive tomorrow. The neurosurgeon said that he had given Greg a report of everything this morning, but that he would go over it again with me. The news is neither fantastic, nor terrible. It is this:
The surgery was much more difficult than expected, it lasted more than 12 hours. After attempting the route that would have saved part of Greg’s hearing in that ear, it became evident that the tumor was pressing the brain stem much more than they had expected and had adhered more. In addition, the facial nerve for the right eye area was spread thin so taught over the tumor that it was almost invisible. So they had to change routes, sever the hearing nerve, so that they could save even more important ones. The nerve for the area around his right eye is now thin enough that we will have to wait several months to see if it grows back or not – at the moment Greg has no sensation in that area and he is unable to blink that eye – a stitch currently holds it mostly shut, to keep it moist. In addition. As mentioned before, the area around Greg’s mouth on the right side is partially paralysed and it will probably be a few weeks before we know whether it is all temporary or if a bit will be permanent. This, in addition to his fatigue, is what makes it difficult to speak right now – though it makes for an almost more charming smile than before.
What the neurosurgeon was most concerned last night, was damage to the brain stem which would result in severe damage to the motor abilities of Greg’s right arm and right leg possibly even paralyzation. He said he was quite anxious for a few hours, but once Greg finally woke up, it quickly became clear that Greg was moving those limbs normally. Indeed as evening wore on tonight, he became more figity – not that thrilled that his new roommate (who looks like a Jazz saxophone player – long and lanky, handsome smile, and even head on the right hat with the right shades – despite being indoors on a dark, cloudy day !) has the TV on nonstop. But as he figits, a bit restless, a bit hot, it is indeed clear that his arm and leg movement are working pretty well.
The neurosurgeon said he was also a bit surprised at how long Greg was sleeping, and wondered if that was a concern, but now is convinced that Greg sleeps well ! (They did a CAT scan just to make sure all is fine - and it is).
Greg seemed to follow well all the neurosurgeon was saying to me, and gave him the thumbs up a few times when asked if he was doing ok, and if he had followed all the dialogue. But it did exhaust him. The neurosurgeon said that he would see me again tomorrow, to keep checking on Greg and to keep me updated.
I am sleeping at a friends place tonight and I will try to send another note tomorrow, as long as I haven’t worn out Alex – the blogger’s fingers. If you are in the Grenoble area, my guess is that greg will not be up for visitors before Saturday for sure. But be assured – it won’t be long before he is longing for them !
Good night to all, with thanks for prayers and best wishes –
With love (or, as the new roommate keeps saying. Bisous ! – ‘Kisses’)
Kirstin
We arrived at the hospital this morning expecting to visit Greg briefly in the Recovery Ward and found that he had already been moved back to his original room. That was good news, as it indicated that he was doing well enough that, sooner than expected, he did not need to be under close surveillance. I have spent the day with him. He is still very very groggy – unable to say more than a word or two at a time, but he looks over at me everytime he opens his eyes, has managed a few smiles, and even patted me on the head at one point !
I am especially impressed at his ability to follow all the nurses questions and instructions in French and his ability to respond.
I saw the neurosurgeon this evening after Julie had set off to return to Scotland. Sharon Jebb will arrive tomorrow. The neurosurgeon said that he had given Greg a report of everything this morning, but that he would go over it again with me. The news is neither fantastic, nor terrible. It is this:
The surgery was much more difficult than expected, it lasted more than 12 hours. After attempting the route that would have saved part of Greg’s hearing in that ear, it became evident that the tumor was pressing the brain stem much more than they had expected and had adhered more. In addition, the facial nerve for the right eye area was spread thin so taught over the tumor that it was almost invisible. So they had to change routes, sever the hearing nerve, so that they could save even more important ones. The nerve for the area around his right eye is now thin enough that we will have to wait several months to see if it grows back or not – at the moment Greg has no sensation in that area and he is unable to blink that eye – a stitch currently holds it mostly shut, to keep it moist. In addition. As mentioned before, the area around Greg’s mouth on the right side is partially paralysed and it will probably be a few weeks before we know whether it is all temporary or if a bit will be permanent. This, in addition to his fatigue, is what makes it difficult to speak right now – though it makes for an almost more charming smile than before.
What the neurosurgeon was most concerned last night, was damage to the brain stem which would result in severe damage to the motor abilities of Greg’s right arm and right leg possibly even paralyzation. He said he was quite anxious for a few hours, but once Greg finally woke up, it quickly became clear that Greg was moving those limbs normally. Indeed as evening wore on tonight, he became more figity – not that thrilled that his new roommate (who looks like a Jazz saxophone player – long and lanky, handsome smile, and even head on the right hat with the right shades – despite being indoors on a dark, cloudy day !) has the TV on nonstop. But as he figits, a bit restless, a bit hot, it is indeed clear that his arm and leg movement are working pretty well.
The neurosurgeon said he was also a bit surprised at how long Greg was sleeping, and wondered if that was a concern, but now is convinced that Greg sleeps well ! (They did a CAT scan just to make sure all is fine - and it is).
Greg seemed to follow well all the neurosurgeon was saying to me, and gave him the thumbs up a few times when asked if he was doing ok, and if he had followed all the dialogue. But it did exhaust him. The neurosurgeon said that he would see me again tomorrow, to keep checking on Greg and to keep me updated.
I am sleeping at a friends place tonight and I will try to send another note tomorrow, as long as I haven’t worn out Alex – the blogger’s fingers. If you are in the Grenoble area, my guess is that greg will not be up for visitors before Saturday for sure. But be assured – it won’t be long before he is longing for them !
Good night to all, with thanks for prayers and best wishes –
With love (or, as the new roommate keeps saying. Bisous ! – ‘Kisses’)
Kirstin
posted by Kirstin Jeffrey Johnson | 11:58 pm
4 Comments:
Dear Kirstin,
We are so glad to hear Greg came through relatively OK. We'll keep praying for him (and you too!)...
Love,
Ken & Sara
Dear Kirstin & Greg,
On my window sill sits a small green dish with a few rocks and shells I picked up from Jericho Beach (near the spot we gathered for Kirstin and our rainy-day picnic). And in the midst of this little seaside collection a candle burns...just for Greg. It's helped me to focus my prayers as Greg went into and through the surgery. I rejoice that God has brought him safely through - although the task of recovery will be challenging, we give thanks for each day and the opportunity to growth stronger. Sending lots of love and continued prayers -- and greetings to Sharon Smith who's joining you. ~ Sharon Forsyth
Dear Greg and Kirstin and team,
Really this is just a little note to say that we're still thinking of you and that we so appreciate hearing the news. As always, the care and tenderness between, and around, the two of you is amazing to see even from so far away. We're sorry to hear about the loss of hearing, but so GLAD to hear that there was no paralysis of his arm and leg -- and that it's likely Greg will regain the ability to move his mouth and hopefully his eye too. We are thinking of you and praying for you every day. And we hope to possibly see you in a couple of weeks!
With love,
Jen & Haydn
Thank you so much for keeping us up-to-date on everything. Send Greg our love, and let him know he's in our prayers for the best possible recovery.
Adrienne
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