Hello to all!


Before the start of 2012, I thought the easiest, or most streamline method of keeping friends and family abreast of John's 2011 saga and pending surgery, would be to create a central blogging site for sharing communication. 

In advance, let me preface, I will try my best to accurately update things as we approach each twist and turn in a situation with many unknowns. For now, these are the absolutes which I can share:


2011/March
John suddenly took ill, passing out while sitting on the train one Monday morning heading off to work. This resulted in an unplanned week in MGH, with an assumed heart condition.
There, while being studied from head to toe, a very large schwarnnoma presented in John's chest cavity, requiring the expertise of both pulmonary and thoracic specialists to take a look see.


2011/ April- present
Feeling much better and without any symptoms, John has been studied with three subsequent specialists to learn about the schwannoma and how to approach the future. Three options have been presented. The first, to do nothing, followed by a major surgery to remove the mass from his chest and the later to wait for symptoms to arise, then step forward to arrest the symptoms from altering his otherwise good health and lifestyle. Presently, John is asymptomatic.


After speaking with three thoracic specialists at various Boston hospitals, we, through the assistance of a friend have been fortunate to hone in on a surgeon who has actually removed a tumor as large as John's earlier in the year with great success. As with each case, John's will be unique to how well the surgery is to be tolerated, as well as a lengthy recuperation that has been shared, point blank, as being painful and sometimes slow.


Below, is a snap shot of what we know as fact and from this, shall move forward into 2012.


The surgery in all probability will be at Newton Wellesley Hospital, in Newton, MA. John's surgeon is also on staff at MGH, however, for logistical purposes, the suburbs present as a better option for me, getting to and from. Let's hope we don't have a blizzard that morning! Better than that, keeping the snow out west this year would be a blessing.


John's surgery is scheduled, as of this writing on 11 January 2012 @ 8:45 A.M.


The surgeon is "hoping" to approach the schwannoma via minimally invasive technique, however, as with all surgery, not until it is underway will the surgeon truly know if this is possible. Under best case scenario, John's lung will be deflated for the procedure, allowing the best possible access to work. Manuevering around many structures, the surgeon will attempt to preserve John's vocal chords and voice box. It was shared, John's voice might change to a hoarseness, either temporary or permanent. We of course are praying for no complications. There is a long list of things that could go bump in the night, though it is far too long to even list or think about at this junction.


Optimistically, we are told the first 24-48 hours will have John resting in ICU. There, he will be assisted with a breathing tube (most likely) a chest tube for drainage and a good amount of pain medication. If the procedure cannot be approached via minimally invasive technique, the cards are then stacked to potentially include many more complications that will prolong recuperation and comfort levels.


No doubt, you've heard the old expression of "location-location-location". For John, it has taken on a profound meaning and because of his schwannoma being where it is, surrounded by many key structures, to say there are not many challenges ahead would be a grave understatement.


We have also learned this week while the surgeon was reviewing an M.R.I. from earlier this year, there appears to be a tumor on John's left adrenal. That won't be addressed in this particular procedure, but will be followed up to John's future. The immediate priority is to address the schwannoma with a speedy and comfortable recuperation.