MRI #2 Results

This whole week has been a fog and I have been going through emotions of the reality and haven't gotten myself to blog it. Sorry!!!

At our appointment on Monday 2/4 the Neurosurgeon confirmed his concern about the condition effecting MJ's spine and is adding a diagnosis of Syringomyelia. He has a syrinx ("cyst") that is significantly compressing the spine in his mid-back. Due to the MRI results and the risk of permanent damage they have recommended surgery very soon. They will remove a portion of his skull, open the Dura (lining) of the brain and insert a synthetic patch. This will create more room or "slack" for the brain to relax and hopefully restore normal flow of spinal fluid (remove the blockage). According to the surgeon the big risks are of course the anesthesia and meningitis since they will be opening the lining. Although he says he has only had 1-2 cases of meningitis and he catches it within the first follow up appointment and it can be treated with meds.

We received confirmation yesterday that MJ's surgery will be Thursday 2/28 at 12:00p noon  at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

We will be taking the time we have until then trying to prepare and make a list of challenges we will have and if we need help. Right now I have the added stress of finding out that my time off of work (approx 6 weeks) will be unpaid - which is extremely difficult since I am the sole earner. So we have to figure out how to overcome that challenge - if you could please pray for that specifically.

Although we knew this was a possibility we are both fearful for the challenges ahead and at the same time hopeful.   Thank you to all of you for your prayers and support!