With all the tests complete, it was time for one last consultation with the doctors. We met today with Dr. Porter (neurologist) and Dr. Cheshier (neurosurgeon), along with a PA and a couple of Cheshier’s baby docs.
Dr. Porter confirmed that the EEG and the fMRI results were very positive for the surgery they want to do. All of the tests have convinced them that Rachel’s right temporal lobe is not helping her. This will allow them to be relatively aggressive in how much tissue they remove, and that will give Rachel a much higher chance of not having seizures any more.
We also learned that she will stay on medication for a long time — at least a year. The shock of surgery, and the resulting scar tissue, can create new seizure-inducing areas. Staying on medication has been shown to reduce the chances of a new seizure area starting up. Once she’s seizure-free for a year, they will wean her off the medication.
We are expecting a call from the hospital this week, offering options for surgery dates.
Thank you for sharing these with us. I just read through all of them… Throughout I found one thing in common, your strength is exceptional! Even through these very tough days you have an incredible ability to stay positive. I admire this about your family! Pls continue to keep us posted.
All my best,
Christy Buckholdt
Hi guys, long time no see.
As I looked over the email you sent Anne, I nearly passed out. Horrified. Tonight I think I might have read the entire blog at least twice. This is truly an incedible story, and I give all my prayers to Rachel in this upcoming month. I’m not sure when we’ll be back out in California, but when we are, I’m positive we’ll stop by and say hi. In the meantime though, get well soon and have a great 8th grade year. You know this might be an incredible graduating speech at gateway to all the younger students.
From Texas with love,
Jack
Awww! It’s so great to hear from you Jack! We miss you so much at Gateway, the school just isn’t the same without you (and Rowan). Your supportive comment put tears in my eyes, and made me miss you and wish that you were here even more. You are absolutely right, I should talk about this in my graduation speech. Besides, I’m betting that people will want to know what’s up with the giant scar that will be on the side of my head! I’m am so thankful to have amazing friends like you on my side in all of this, and also to have such great doctors performing the surgery.
Thank you again and I hope to see you soon!
-Rachel