We just got back to our hotel, after an eventful day at the Mayo Clinic. After Jess's EKG this morning, we met with both the Endocrinologist as well as the Neurosurgeon. The 8 hour long "Inferior Sinus Petrossal Sampling" that was scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled (YAHOO!). The Neurosurgeon feels that it isn't necessary, since he is able to identify the lesion on the MRI. In most cases the ISPS is used when the tumors/lesions are too small to see. The doctor felt that there was too high of a risk factor with the ISPS to do such a procedure (stroke, neurological complications etc). Jess is very happy not to have anesthesia two times this week! It is such a blessing that she does not have to go through this first procedure! God is "stearing the boat" for us, He always knows best!
The surgery to remove the lesion is still scheduled for Thursday morning. During our morning meeting with Dr. Atkinson (the neurosurgeon), we learned about the details of the upcoming surgery. The surgery that they will be performing is called; Transsphenoidal Surgery http://www.mayoclinic.org/pituitary-tumors/treatment.html, and only takes 2 hours to perform! They will be going up through her nasal cavity, with no visible incision needed. Dr. Atkinson said that Jess should be ready to go home on Friday. If for some reason he isn't comfortable with releasing her, she will stay longer. The last step before surgery is to get a stamp of approval from the Cardiologist. With Jessie's history, it is obviously important to know that her heart is in good shape before the surgery. Tomorrow morning Jess will be having an X-Ray of her lungs, to make sure that they are clear. After that, she will be having an Echocardiogram (an ultrasound to examine her heart). Once the doctors have reviewed all of the test results, we will know whether or not her heart is ready for Thursday. We should know by the end of the day tomorrow if Thursday is a go.
Today was a very emotional day for Jess. She can't wait to get all of this behind her, so that she feels better. It was a bit overwhelming to hear about all of the details of the surgery (risks etc.), and to understand everything that the doctors were telling her. In a nutshell: her senses were on overload all day today, and her "emotional disc" is full! Even though today was sort of tough, she smiled her way through it between the tears. Everyone here has been so receptive and kind to Jess, they just love her! The doctors here have all been so wonderful. They speak directly to Jess, and wait patiently as she answers them. You can tell that they are genuinely concerned for her well-being, which is so comforting.
Please pray for peace tomorrow when she goes for the remainder of the tests. Pray that she'll get the "thumbs up" from the Cardiologist tomorrow, so that she will be able to have the surgery on Thursday.
We can't thank you enough for your prayers and love. They are truly carrying us through all of this! Your messages to Jess have been such an encouragement to her. She is so blessed by your kindness!
We'll check back in tomorrow evening! Thanks for praying!!
With grateful hearts,
Liz, Jess & Nancy
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