After talking with Helen in the Neurosurgery Department at the University of Chicago, we have set an appointment with Dr. Yemini on June 18th, the soonest possible date. This is the initial consultation about Chiari Malformation 1 surgery to detail what will happen, answer questions, make sure Molly isn't faking it for sympathy, etc.
If all goes well we then set a surgery date, which they said should be very soon after the 18th. So it's very likely that in late June Molly will have brain surgery. Yikes, that sounds serious.
U of C isn't our only option. We are still awaiting word from Mayo Clinic (maybe on Friday) about whether or not they can get us in soon. If we hear good stuff from Mayo we may take that option. We'll let you know when we know which way we are going for sure.
Nice facts: The University of Chicago Hospitals are #16 on the U.S. News & WR list of top neurology and neurosurgery hospitals. No surprise, Mayo Clinic is #1. Both good options.
Five ways to exploit your Chiari Malformation (we need to laugh or we are going to go crazy)...
5. "Twenty miles over the speed limit, Officer? Sorry, my Chiari makes it hard to tell how hard I'm pushing the pedal." (numbness of limbs)
4. "Honey, I just can't do/lift/work on/bathe/clothe/wash/clean/cook/find/ vacuum/dust ___________. Can you do it for me?" (muscle weakness)
3. "I'm so smart my head can't contain all my brains!" (see MRI film, or diagrams)
2. "Can we just go to sleep tonight honey? My Chiari is acting up again." (headache)
1. "I haven't been drinking officer, it's just my Chiari." (dizziness, problems with balance and coordination)
Steve,
Thanks for keeping everyone updated and allowing us to join in with you and your family through prayer. I'm sure I'm not the only one praying for you, your wife and your family.
Grace and Peace,
Mark
Posted by: Mark Grapengater | 06/06/2007 at 07:25 PM
I'm praying for Molly and your whole family brother. What trying year this has been for the McCoy clan. My wife thinks this may mean that some important changes are coming to Calvary. You never know, sometimes trials come before blessing.
Posted by: Tim Etherington | 06/08/2007 at 10:20 AM
I'm remembering you all in prayer. I appreciate your blog and have been a lirker for a long time. May God be pleased to heal your wife in a mighty way.
Posted by: Ron | 06/08/2007 at 05:36 PM
Hi, I found your blog the night before my wifes surgery to correct Chiari. I thought
you might want to communicate. We are also
people of faith, but new to it.God bless you , and your wife, and I hope her upcoming surgery goes well.
Posted by: Bobby | 06/13/2007 at 10:15 PM