After a week of praying and researching, we have decided to go with the endoscopic version of the sagittal strip craniectomy. Last week we were in contact with Dr. Jimenez in San Antonio, TX. He and his wife developed an endoscopic alternative to the traditional strip craniectomy. We received an email this morning from Dr. Jimenez' nurse and he agrees with the diagnosis that Dr. Avery gave us last week. Surgery is set for Nov. 12 in San Antonio and we have a lot of travel and logistical preparations to do before then. We will be there for about two weeks for the surgery. Elden will have to wear a helmet for a year after that and we will be making many trips back to TX to see our new neurosurgeon friend. We have attached a few pics of Elden's Cute Head - these are the mug shots we had to send to TX for the diagnosis (along with the CT scans). Isn't he CUTE!! You can see from the "top" view that his head is growing out in his forehead, and also to one side in the back. His ears are also not placed evenly on the sides if his head. The closure of the sagittal suture is causing this. We think he is fabulously cute just the way he is, but we don't want any potential problems to occur in the future. A hard decision to make for your 3 month old!!!
Thank you for your continued prayers for Elden, our decisions, our financial situation through this, for safe travels, and now for Dr. Jimenez and his team. God is good and He has a plan.
We will try to post as often as we can throughout this process. It is our hope that this site will help to inform friends and family, but might also offer peace and hope to others out there who are or will experience this. Blessings to all. =]
Elden is my beautiful, happy, and joyful grandson. As his grandma, I want the very best for him and I support his parents decision. I will be part of the team and will be there to help while the family is in San Antonio. I will play with Elden's sister Aspen and provide all the support I can. I pray each day for all of my loved ones and I believe we are granted these gifts of life to enjoy each day for the special times we have together.
ReplyDeleteWith blessings, Grandma Lea
Hey Guys!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you made a great decision! If you need any financial help- let me know & I can spread the word to the Stroller Strides moms- we would LOVE to help with a fundraiser etc....
Elden IS adorable! And I'm sad I haven't gotten to see him enough lately!!
San Antonio is a cute town if that's any help.
You guys are amazing & all my positive thoughts are heading your way!
beth
Hello all...I have known Jessica since she was a little girl in pinafores! She and my daughter Wesley were best of friends when we lived in Flagstaff in the 1970's. Lea is my dearest friend in the world.
ReplyDeleteJessica and Pat, how blessed Elden is to be a part of such a kind and loving family. Difficult as it was, we think you made a great decision! John and I are praying for all of you and will carry you in our hearts everyday. Elden is simply adorable! What a happy little spirit shines through his eyes! The blog is a wonderful way to keep in touch with everyone. We love you so much! Sending light and love... Jackie and John
Keep your chins up, and thanks for blogging about this! Elden is so cute--and it's great to know how much support you have from everyone. I look forward to his progress. Ya'll have a safe trip to San Antonio :-) We'll be thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteHi Jess,
ReplyDelete:) I found some stuff for you and the family on San Antonio. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do! Love to you all. Leilani
This link is a pretty good one as it is updated
daily and contains all kinds of links to arts, entertainment, dining, etc(http://www.mysanantonio.com/)
The weather this time of year is great....low to mid 70's and outdoor
shopping is enjoyable. There's a really cool/modern outdoor mall called La Cantera (http://lacantera.com/the_shops_at_la_cantera.html) on the northwest part of town.
Then, there's the good ol' riverwalk
(http://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/) which is equally enjoyable this time of year. Lots of new shops and fun stuff have recently been added
Sea World is open until Dec (http://www.seaworld.com/sanantonio/) and
has lots of stuff for the kids
Big hugs and sending wishes of safe travels to all of you! I looked at the Dr.s webpage and I have good feelings about him. The case studies are impressive. We are sending warm wishes, positive energy, and prayers your way and will be thinking about you on the 12th. We love you all so much! Love, cousin Laura, Brian, Bridger the dog, and baby Hines.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a good trip and arrived safely. Your comment about the "cup holder bus" cracked me up :-) And I definitely want to hear about this house experience later!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the head scan and the meeting with Dr. Jimenez today.