5:30

So we are about 3 hours into the surgery and have just received an update that consisted of the nurse liaison informing us that they are currently removing the tumor and vital signs are good. Prior to entering surgery we spoke with the surgeons about their impressions of the scans. They indicated that the tumor had grown from the last time the scans were done and it was a lot lower than anticipated. They will be entering from the nose and the left side of the neck. The reason for the neck entry is to access all of the lower portions of the tumor and to protect the carotid artery. It appears the tumor was seen in the C-1 vertebrate, but was not confirmed in any of the lower vertebrate. It is possible that a neck fusion will be in the future, but at this moment it has not been confirmed.

It was not felt while speaking with the surgeons that a tracheostomy would be necessary and we are really hoping it is not. The only reason they would need to perform this would be if they had to make an additional incision in the back of the mouth for further access. They are thinking that a lot of the breathing, speaking and eating issues are due to the mass effect of the tumor pressing on the back of the throat and surrounding nerves.

Another surgeon came in a little later to introduce himself and discuss any further questions we had. We started discussing the possibility of a complete removal of the tumor. In a typical tumor in any other part of the body they can remove the margins surrounding the growth and completely remove the tumor, but in the skull base its a different story, they can only clean up as best they can. Hence the need for such an intense sequence of radiation treatments following surgery. I know this sounds pretty grim, but we are thankfully in the hands of some of the best surgeons in the country and they are going to give a fighting chance at all of this. Like my father in law continues to reiterate; there are so many advances in cancer treatment that by the time we end up having to fight this again there might be a larger arsenal of techniques and maybe drugs to beat this thing. Who knows, maybe we don't ever have to bother.

We sat next to a man here in the hospital who has a little grandson in his care that is suffering from heart problems and other issues. His grandson is only 22 months old. He has picked up his life as he and his wife, as grandparents, moved from Las Vegas to Eerie, Indiana to be closer to this hospital. I just thought that this was such a display of love. His daughter is a single mother and cannot possibly provide for this child and provide the treatment that he needs so this grandfather has taken it upon himself so she can continue to earn a living. There are so many people around us with many challenges of their own. It never ceases to be a humbling experience and a great chance for growth. Anyway this is probably more than you all signed up to read so I will stop.

We will keep you updated as we hear more details. All is well so far. The surgeons felt that the surgery would last at minimum 10 hrs. - they also suggested they might just "stage" the surgery basically meaning get as far as they can and stop and then pick back up where they left off in a couple of days or so . . .

Thanks for your concern and love.