We finally know something.... ( I explain the surgery which can get graphic)

Today, Nov 6, we met with Allyson's Doctor who is in charge of brain mapping. He uses the most amazing technology to show where the misfire is inside Allyson's brain. According to this information, there is a 70% likelihood that her seizures are beginning in her frontal lobe. There is a 30% chance they are coming from the insular lobe which is much deep and a bigger mystery to most surgeons.

The plan is to go ahead with the beginning portion of the surgery. The first part is where they open her skull on the left side. They place electrodes over the area of the frontal lobe in question. The hole is covered with a hard lid (sort of like Tupperware but stronger) and she stays in the hospital for 7 days. The staff will induce seizures with the electrodes in place.

If they record activity, the seizures begin from the frontal lobe and they will continue with surgery to remove that part of the brain.

If the electrodes do not record anything, the seizures are starting from the insular lobe and the remove is not yet possible in the United States. Apparently, there have been some in France but they are rare. So we would need to wait until technology catches up with Ally's brain.

After her head is put back together, she can go home in 3 days. YUP! I said 3 days. I didn't believe it either. Apparently we don't have a whole lot of nerves inside our heads. That explains all those people walking around with rods and bullets in their heads they didn't know about.

We do not have a definite timeframe yet. I don’t think it could happen before the beginning of the year. I will let you know when the next step/appointment is.

Thanks for all the prayers,

Dana, Randy and Ally

What an Anticlimactic day!!

Well the day of the meeting arrived. We received our phone call from the doctor's office. However, the call was just to make an appointment for Tuesday at 11:30 am to go over the results of the meeting. So, we wait till Tuesday.

This is one of those things were I believe God is trying to teach Randy and me patience. We come from the age of instant answers. This situation however, fast is not always good. The doctors need to be right before they cut. I used to joke about never praying for patience because God will not wave a wand and give it to you. You will be given things to be patience about. So, God is teaching us patience whether we want it or not.

God Bless -

More on Tuesday -


Dana