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