Friday 11/20/09
Got a call this morning from Baylor that Zac had an episode of apnea ( not breathing) again while he was awake and they had an MRI/CT scan done yesterday. The scan showed that there is a specific area of Zac's brain that has swelling. This swelling is causing pressure on his brain stem. The neurosurgeon believes this may be causing Zac's apnea. He wants to go into the area of the brain and insert a tube that will be connected to the tubing of Zac's shunt that is already in place. This should allow the fluid to drain into the shunt that is already working.
As you can imagine, there are risks with this surgery. I asked him if he felt this surgery was necessary and he said yes. There is a slight chance that this surgery could improve Zac's condition and there is a chance that it could make it worse. Dr. Carlile recommended this Dr. and I have faith in her. Like everything else that we have faced in this journey, I am giving this to the Lord. I have a good feeling about this Dr. after meeting him and listening to him, and Dr. Carlile recommends him. So far, the Lord has lead and directed us toward facilities and Dr's that seem to have been just what Zac needed at the given time. I am putting my faith in God that He is continuing to answer our prayers for guidance and direction in this time. The plan is to move Zac to "big Baylor" on Monday and then surgery will be on Tuesday.
I know sometimes I may put too much of my heart into the notes, but it is almost therapy for me at times. Today, getting to spend time with Zac and observe some of his therapy sessions, it was almost surreal to watch him answer "yes" "no" questions with eye movements. It was not consistent, he became tired at times and his eyes would start to close. BUT, there were those responses that were correct and appropriate and it was like , "Yes! Zac is definitely there!" He knew that he was in Baylor, in Dallas, that it was November, and that it was Friday. He could recognize himself in a picture, Julia and I in a picture, and his friend Derek in a picture. (Derek, it was the Seaworld trip we took and a picture of you and him resting in between races at TWS) I am concerned, as any parent would be, of their child having surgery. Some of the risks are scarey, and their outcomes are not good. My heart is burdened for my son, and so I am asking for special prayer for the upcoming surgery. All of you have been so faithful to pray for Zac and I know that you will be faithful once again. God Bless all of you!!