Post-surgery update

This is a quick update following today's surgery at UCSF.  The surgery went well. Dr Berger, head of neuro-surgery at UCSF, explained the procedure and that the execution went precisely to his plan.  He was able to both remove the top layer of tumor, which he felt was triggering much of the seizure activity, as well as remove the bulk of tumor that was pressing against the motor skill area. Because he was able to work with John "awake" for part of the surgery he was able to be more confidently aggressive.

John had a little post-op vomiting and is not unexpectedly tired. We will head back over there tomorrow. He will be kept till at least Friday as one of the trial medications, ALA, used to highlight the tumor locations, makes the patient very photo-sensitive and if exposed to light will lead to a nasty rash. It takes about 72 hours for this drug to clear a patient's system.

Melanie and I left John at UCSF's NICU about an hour ago. NICU is not structured to handle many visitors.  We hope he will be moved to a regular room by Thursday though that is subject to the doctor's instruction.  Once he is moved to a regular room (and I will post when that happens!) he will be able to handle visitors.  Till then please contact either Melanie or me before planning a visit as this was a pretty significant surgery.

Thanks