Jack's Surgery Blog

Jack arrived at SickKids at 6am today and was quite happy to play his DS the entire time leading up to surgery.  The surgeons even let him fall asleep with his DS still in hand!  I am so proud of what a brave boy he is.  He had no anxiety and thought the OR room was really interesting with so many computers in it.

His first brain surgery is now complete and he is recovering in the SickKids ICU.  The surgery went as planned and the surgeons are happy with his progress so far.

The next couple of days will be very difficult, as Jack will undergo lots of testing and evaluation to better understand his seizures.   If all goes as planned, Jack’s next surgery could be as soon as this Friday.  This surgery would involve the resection (removal) of part of his left frontal lobe.

Thank you so much for all of your kind thoughts, cards, and prayers.  It is incredible throughout this journey how loved and supported we feel.  Each note, prayer and email feels like a big hug.  THANK YOU!

Jodi

Jack will be having two brain surgeries this month at SickKids to try to control his seizures.  His first surgery is scheduled for Monday, January 18th at 8am. This surgery involves the removal of part of his skull.  The neurosurgeon will then place a grid panel, with electrodes attached, onto his brain and then close his head back up, with the electrode wires coming out.  The surgery is expected to last 6 hours and he will then be transferred to the Critical Care Unit (CCU). Once he is stable, he will move to the 5C Neurosurgery ward to recover.  In the days that follow, the grid panel and electrodes will be used to better understand Jack’s seizures, such as where they are originating, and also to create a “map” of his brain.

The date for his second surgery is unknown at this time, but may be as early as Friday, January 22nd.  This surgery will involve the removal of the grid panel and then the resection (removal) of a portion of his left frontal lobe.  This surgery is also expected to last 6 hours and post-surgery Jack will go back to the CCU and then back up to 5C.

Jack knows that he will be spending a lot of time at SickKids during January/February and that he needs an operation.  We are blessed that he has no anxiety about the surgery yet.  He is staying home from school in the weeks leading up to surgery now to avoid exposure to germs.  We are so proud of what a brave boy Jack is and continue to be inspired by his positive attitude despite what he endures on a daily basis.

Please pray for Jack, his 3 yr old brother Christopher, Dave and myself as we prepare for these surgeries.  Please also pray for Jack’s medical team, as they prepare to take care of Jack.  We are very blessed that Jack has this opportunity, as many children with seizures don’t, and we have HOPE that this will enable Jack to lead a healthier life.

Jodi