Monday, September 27, 2010

GPS Surgery

For those of you who don't live in San Diego or follow our local weather, it is hotter than Hades here. I mention it because it has added a little something to the backdrop of our lives right now. While our time together has been sweet it has also been hot and intense. Yesterday Olivia spiked a fever of 102 and this morning my stomach didn't feel so good. It was bound to happen. On top of it all, although Phil has a nice big room, "the corner office" is a full exposure room almost all day and he (and his visitors) tend to roast. An extra fan has been brought in to keep him cool. As if he hasn't got enough to deal with...

After a weekend in which I was treated to sleeping in, being cooked and cleaned for and having all my laundry done by my sister-in-law Michelle, I am back to reality and we have received the results of today's MRI.

There were many words we didn't want to hear when talking with our physicians today, but unfortunately we heard several of them. The frontal lobe process looks ominous and it appears to Dr. Ghosh the neurosurgeon that an abscess could easily be forming. In his words, if he were to send Phil home, something "catastrophic" could " blow up" at any moment that could be devastating if not "life ending". Very graphic words with a clear message.

Phil needs to have a small scale surgery to determine once and for all what the infectious source is in his frontal lobe. There is a deeper brain infection going on as well but those areas are not amenable to surgery. So at this point a biopsy/debridement will be undertaken in the frontal lobe. He will have a high falootin' GPS MRI tomorrow to place markers to use during surgery then have the actual surgery very early Wednesday morning.

On a scale of 1 to 10, Dr. Ghosh rates this a 2 - it aint nothing! We're just going to open up the braincase, remove some tissue and replace it with a small titanium plate, ok? Anyone grow up with Steve Austin, the 6 million dollar man? That'll be Phil, minus the new eye because he gets to keep his. So far that part looks stable.

Please don't take me wrong here with the humor and levity. I am scared and exhausted and wrung out and sick to my stomach. I am also hopeful, relieved to finally be doing something about that damn thing in his head, and a witness to the power of God's people in prayer. My husband is willing to undergo a surgery that carries above average risks and is only a stop-gap measure. But he's still fighting. So, I've got to find things to laugh about. There have been too many tears of late.

20 comments:

  1. Praying every day for you all. Phil keep fighting and don't stop. I hope you ALL start feeling better soon. Love you very much.

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  2. The Kipple Family in Washington is praying, has been praying and will continue to pray. Sending prayers of wisdom and skill for the surgeons and the entire hospital staff.

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  3. I have checked a few times already today, looking for this update. Thanks for keeping us well informed of the medical details but most importantly, by sharing the truth of your heart and emotions, it really allows us to live this out with you, even from so far away.

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  4. Good to be moving ahead with this; our thoughts and prayers will be with you all and the surgical team for a positive outcome on all fronts.

    I look forward to seeing Phil and you soon.

    Hugs from all of us.

    David, Heather, Zoe, and Gretchen

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  5. We love you all so much and pray for a good outcome. You are constantly in our thoughts.

    Brad, Maria, Alek, and Nik

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  6. {{{prayers prayers prayers prayers prayers}}}} sent your way

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  7. Pittsburgh sends it's love to all of you.

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  8. I can't imagine not feeling a full range of emotions with what you guys are going through. Sometimes the only way to get through something terrible is to make light of it. I am more and more impressed every day with your strength. Non-stop prayers continuing. (And I LOVED the Six Million Dollar Man -- they even look a little similar, don't ya think?)
    Kathi

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  9. All the Bretsen family in Poulsbo is sending all our prayers and love. Phil is a true fighter to have come through so much in such a short amount of time. Keep the Faith, Keep the Fight!

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  10. Wow, what big news! Thank you Jesus for some rest for all of you, what a gift. Sally, I can only imagine the many, many tears that have been shed. I was just reading Romans 4:20-21 this evening and am claiming it in my prayers for Team Conrad.
    "Yet he (Abraham) did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised."
    Sending very cool hugs your way.
    Love,
    The Kliewer Family

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  11. Sally I can understand your humor in the tough times like this. We do the same thing on the Job to keep us sane.
    Know that that Phil, You and the kids are in our prayers daily. Steve Austin was my hero, But cant hold a candle to Phil Conrad, He's one tough SOB.
    Love and Prayers to you.

    Love your friends in Bremerton
    Bob & Michelle DeNully

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  12. We all love you and are praying - and you do need the humor to keep going, otherwise Sally you would go crazy. Also Phil was never one to be too serious. Know that we are all with you in spirit even though we can't be there in person. Hugs to all!

    Linda Drew Tobin

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  13. Fight on Phil, fight on. You are in my thoughts - Love Jimmy

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  14. Atlanta is praying for you Phil.

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  15. The most wasted of all days is one without laughter. ~e.e. cummings

    Saying prayers in Central PA!

    Cyndi

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  16. St. James, Penn Hills, Pittsburgh Prayer Chain & intercessors are upholding Phil & family in prayer.

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  17. Just learned about your incredible trials. I am so sorry to hear what you've had to battle. Please know that you are both going to be in our daily prayers. We serve a mighty God!

    Love from Andrea and Taj.

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  18. Praying this morning, along with our sister circle, for Phil's surgery, for God's amazing grace to give you Sally all you need to be taking care of the brood. So glad you have so many surrounding you in lots of ways. We love you! Laura Robinson Harbert

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  19. Prayers of healing are being sent Phil's way. Our Dear Most Gracious Heavenly Father, I am praying for your healing hands to touch Phil Conrad and comfort his family during this difficult time in their lives. Father I pray that you give Phil the strength to fight and win this battle with cancer. I pray that his physicians and nurses give him the loving care that he has given to his patients. Amen

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  20. I have been following your journey and praying and crying and feeling guilty that I am a lousy person who has not kept in touch with hardly anyone from my high school who meant so much to me when life was generally so good, so simple, so safe and we all lived together in Edgewood where Phil was the most handsome, most outstanding, the first one to own a skateboard, and always full of love and sunshine for everyone - Phil and Sally, prayers from Buffalo New York, including the prayers from the Daughters of Charity. Julie Robinson Snyder

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