The Chiari Call

Dr. Yamini called today, and yeah, that's him on the right.  Really like him so far. 

He has agreed to do the surgery.  He consulted with a handful of other neurosurgeons and Molly's neurologist and pretty much everyone agreed that surgery is at least recommended.  Problem is that they are only giving Molly a 50/50 chance that the surgery will help her.  Actually, Yamini thinks the odds are better than that.  But the general consensus is that they aren't extremely confident in good results, meaning that there is a chance Molly could have surgery and still be suffering some, most, or all of her symptoms.

Yamini said that Chiari surgery is only absolutely necessary when the symptoms include 1. problems swallowing, 2. drop attacks (sudden spontaneous falls followed by quick recovery), or 3. syrinx (cyst on spinal column).  In these cases an operation is crucial and urgent.  Molly doesn't have these.  Now that's a good thing because these things are bad, but it makes surgery seem more optional. 

Yamini's greatest concern, and ours as well, is Molly's struggles with balance and walking.  He feels these can be serious enough to warrant surgery, which is why they have agreed to do it.

But the odds of a favorable outcome feel too low, and concern us.  So we are considering a 2nd opinion from Mayo.  We still have an appointment on July 2nd and may keep it.  We can even keep it and have the surgery at the University of Chicago with Dr. Yamini if their opinion matches the other doctors since Dr. Yamini would probably not do the surgery until at least July 6th, and maybe even the 13th. 

So now we are praying and trying to decide what to do.  I think we are leaning toward Mayo.  When your wife is about to have her brains opened up, you just want to be as sure as possible that you are taking necessary risks based on the best opinions.

Geez, this is tough.  Thanks for your continued prayers for Molly.

On a more positive note, you may have noticed the "brain donation" button on the top right of the blog.  Please pray about donating your brain, or the brain of a loved one. 

We figured since Molly's brain is just to big that we might get a smaller one donated to us.  If you have the ability to donate a brain, please do so asap. 

When you click the above link you will find a map of all the drop boxes around the country for brain donations, such as this one (though the actual drop boxes may vary in color).

Thanks for considering this.

Comments

[Tim Ellsworth]

Maybe you'll find a Cardinals' fan to donate. That way she'll be really smart and actually know something about baseball.

In all seriousness, you're in our prayers.

[Joe Thorn]

Man, I love Yamini's new age music. he's the best.

[James Gordon]

Steve,

I'll see what I can do about getting my brain fed-exed to the Chicago area. I am twenty, so it has not been used much, and there is lots of free space in it. It should have no problem fitting in Molly's head. I figure I should be able to do fine apart from it seeing that I have survived this long without it.

In all seriousness, I'll keep praying for ya.

In Christ,
James

[Lacie]

I am in the same place that Molly is in ~ to do or not to do the surgery ~ do you wait and see what happens and risk permanent damage? Awesome news that you will be going to the Mayo clinic ~ next to TCI ~ from what I've read ~ they are pretty top notch! I will continue to pray for you and Molly to be able to trust God and his plans in your decision making. Keep the Faith ~ Lacie

[Ted]

As an outsider who knows only what you write, the appearance is that there is a lot of uncertainty. Man, I can't even begin to say I understand. I would be a basket case if the situation were reversed, so I admire the way you and Molly are facing this challenge.

But I do wonder, could a trip to Mayo give you more certainly, direction, confirmation, and peace?

Be assured of our prayers.

[cb scott]

Steve,

We are still praying.

cb

[chris w]

I have a small brain that I only use occasionally, so I'll consult with my wife and we'll decide whether or not it is a good idea to send it to Molly. But I don't know, Molly's probably used to a bigger, more useful brain than mine, so you guys may not really want it anyway. I guess what it really boils down to, on our end, is whether my wife wants me to have a better brain or no brain at all.

Praying for you.

[Steve McCoy]

Tim, I'm sure Molly's body would immediately reject a Cardinal's fan brain.

Joe, don't make fun of Dr. Yamini or he may botch things on purpose.

James, we can't accept brains through Fed-Ex. They are only acceptable when placed in an appropriate drop-box, as pictured.

Chris W., let us know what your wife thinks about you giving your brain. Her opinion will make all the difference.

All, thanks for your prayers and concern.

[Kevin Bussey]

Steve,

My prayers are with your family.