We had a follow up visit yesterday with Dr. Iancu (the neuro-radiology surgeon who operated on Judy last Tuesday). They were very disappointed that the procedure they attempted did not work; once they were in it became obvious that this was not the best resolution for treatment of her aneurism.
The issue was that it was irregular in shape (elongated as opposed to domed), a wider neck versus an narrow neck and also at the end of the aneurism they found another ‘bubble’ that weakened the walls of the aneurism even more. This coupled with Judy’s past history of a ruptured aneurism (and family history) ruled out the option of do nothing. The only option now is surgery and clipping.
Dr. Sinclair will look after this surgery and having met with him again yesterday, he is very confident that this can be done successfully with minimal risk. He also instilled that confidence in Judy and I that this was the right thing to do and now was the right time to do it. It will be quite a bit more invasive this time now that the endovascular option is out. An incision just behind the hairline from the ear to the temple will allow them to enter the area by removing a piece of the skull and accessing the aneurism for clipping. This surgery will take about 7 hours and a bit longer hospital stay is expected. The anticipated recovery time once home will be 4-6 weeks.
The issue becomes timing. Dr. Sinclair wants to do this sooner than later (because of the risk factors). He is targeting mid July and no later than late July. He needs to put a minimum of 14 days between the next surgery and when Judy stopped the Plavix (blood thinner from last surgery) as well he wants Judy to be closer to 100% of herself and not be in a recovery mode from the last surgery in order to make for a better, quicker and stronger recovery next time. That is where mid July dates come into play.
We are feeling good about this. Next steps are defined, very confident with Dr. Sinclair and lots of support from family and friends. We will advise when we have a specific surgery date.
June 28, 2017
Hi Ken, it is unfortunate that the required surgery for Judy will be more invasive but the doctor’s confidence that this is definitely the right solution together with the speed with which it will happen and your overall confidence is good. We look forward to hearing more when you know the actual surgery date. Heather and my thoughts and prayers continue to be with Judy and you.
June 29, 2017
Thanks John, the doctor’s confidence coupled with Judy’s are going to make a difference.
June 28, 2017
Thanks again for the update on Judy’s progress. I just stay Positive for All. I know Judy will do Great with all the Positive around her. Prayers and thoughts are with You.❤
June 29, 2017
Thank you Joanne. Every bit helps.
June 28, 2017
You’ve got this!
June 29, 2017
Yes, we do. Thanks Micheline.
June 28, 2017
Thanks for the update Ken! Sending positive thoughts and prayers to you both and course one of my big hugs!❤️ As someone previously mentioned, Judys got this!!
June 29, 2017
Christine, for sure “We’ve got this”. Thank you.
June 28, 2017
Wow! New road to health but such amazing procedures to lead you on the next part of your journey! ????
June 29, 2017
Eileen, when one door closes, an new one opens.
June 28, 2017
Thinking of you guys often. It is great news that you have options and you are moving forward with them. All the best.
June 29, 2017
Thanks Charlie.
June 28, 2017
Thanks for the update. We keep you in our prayers. Please keep us posted.
Jennifer and Gord ❤️
June 29, 2017
Thank you both, we will get there.
June 28, 2017
Thank you for the updates! We are keeping both you and Judy in our prayers. It sounds like you have your pick of skilled doctors and the best facilities. Love to you both.
June 29, 2017
Thanks Debbie, appreciate your support through thoughts and prayers from afar.
June 28, 2017
Thank you for update.
You are her strength Ken
Always keeping you all in my prayers
June 29, 2017
Sandra, thanks…for those positive thoughts.
June 29, 2017
Wow, lots of big words I don’t understand. You guys are on top of this. Thanks for sharing the plan, you are very confident and that is terrific. Lots of positive thoughts coming your way. Keep us posted.
June 29, 2017
Thanks Jean, I too have had to ‘google’ some of those big words. Sort of wish they weren’t part of my vocabulary, but they are. Never too old to learn!!!