Looks like Molly is in for another round of brain surgery.
After a 2 3/4 hour rainy drive into Chicago Molly met with her neurosurgeon and found out that the MRI's showed no new problems and that the space the doctor created in the last surgery is still there. So why is there a problem? Through a different set of MRI's, the doctor noticed that very little spinal fluid flowing at the base of the brain near the brain stem (from the side view). He believes that's because there is some scar tissue blocking the way and that she probably needs a stent (or stint), a tube inserted there to allow fluid to flow as needed. It's what we have been assuming would happen since the symptoms restarted.
The doctor tried a spinal tap to measure the pressure since that could be causing spinal fluid flow issues as well. Danny (5) was with her the whole time, even looking at the needle sticking out of her spine. Awesome. When the doctor found the fluid pressure to be normal he decided to lower the pressure a bit just to see if it might help. So far, nothing. Actually Molly is very uncomfortable right now. If that stays the same Molly will likely be scheduled for surgery again soon. We are emailing Dr. Frim's nurse on Monday with how Molly is doing and may know more then about a surgery date.
Maybe between now and Monday something will change, but we feel 98% sure surgery is coming soon. How soon? Dunno. I'll let you know. Thank you so, so much for praying. We appreciate it more than we can express. For photos and a fairly complete "tick tock" of the day go to my Twitter page.
You don't know me at all, but I'm a blog subscriber and my family is praying for yours.
Posted by: Alex | 09/04/2008 at 07:25 PM
Steve:
Our church family prayed for you, Molly and your kids last night. Our family has been praying, too. We will continue as you walk through these next several days. Thanks for keeping us up to date.
ta
Posted by: tom | 09/04/2008 at 07:31 PM
We're praying for you guys. Thank you for sharing updates.
Brent
Posted by: Brent | 09/04/2008 at 07:34 PM
I know you don't know me or my family, but I came across your blog about a month ago and an article about your wife caught my attention... since then I have been reading your posts and praying for you, your wife, and your family.
God Bless.
Posted by: Cliff | 09/04/2008 at 08:05 PM
Just another guy you don't know who is praying for you and your wife.
Posted by: Brad Jones | 09/04/2008 at 08:12 PM
We prayed last night also, and will continue. We've visited Willow Creek and Harvest Bible Chapel a couple of times each over the past few years, and I can't imagine trying to get to medical appointments when the Chicago traffic is such a huge variable.
It sounds like you have some specifics now at least and a medical game plan.
Really appreciated the Jerry Bridges quote yesterday, too. Do we really "thank God" for the trials He sends? Ain't easy.
Posted by: Paul in Canada | 09/04/2008 at 08:20 PM
Molly, Steve and Family, You are certainly on our prayer list (as Molly knows...seems to be growing). You were on my mind all day, I am glad you made it to your appointment and that you will get some answers soon. Danny...good job on the patient support. :) Our continued prayers and should you need something, PLEASE CALL US. Love and Faith Janet
Posted by: Janet Hoekstra | 09/04/2008 at 11:28 PM
Thanks for the update. Praying for you.
Posted by: Kuya Kevin | 09/05/2008 at 03:00 AM
Hi, My husband, Jeremy, reads your blog a lot and passed it on to me. As a mother of 4 (pregnant with number 5) and only dealing with the fun trials of being 8 months pregnant, I can't imagine what you and your family are going through. I just wanted to say that I am praying for your family and wish there was something I could practically do to help.
April Pryor
Posted by: April Pryor | 09/05/2008 at 10:02 AM
praying
Posted by: WES | 09/05/2008 at 10:05 AM
My prayers and thoughts are with you and Molly.
Posted by: Carl | 09/05/2008 at 11:27 AM
I'm always blown away by the people who don't know us yet pray for us. Thank you so much guys. And if you know us and pray for us, you are a great encouragement and example for us.
Posted by: Steve McCoy | 09/05/2008 at 11:47 AM
Steve,
I used to comment a bit at LittleBlueAlien. I've moved to Durham, NC to help start a church so my blog has changed to www.redemptivetobacco.net. I've sent out a post for people to be praying for you guys.
Posted by: Mike Little | 09/05/2008 at 04:58 PM