Surgery Follow-Up
On May 6, Matt had his first follow-up visit with Dr. Steuer. The doc was super excited about how well Matt is recovering. He also told us for the first time the things that he was afraid of losing during surgery … glad we didn’t know this ahead of time!! He said, “We were able to save his sight. We were able to save his hearing. We were able to save his motor functioning. Unfortunately, we lost a vocal cord, but considering how close to *then he whispers* death, I think we did great.” Holy moley!!!
Dr. Steuer said that Matt was must be made up of some “good healing stuff.” No fancy Latin doctor speak, just good stuff! Of course Matt, in all of his wit, had to respond, “Yes, I’m remarkable.” He may have lost a vocal cord, but his sense of humor is still in tact.
Matt isn’t released from the doctor’s care just yet, but he has been given permission to do most anything in moderation. We go back in 2 months for a follow-up MRI and then radiation later on in the year.
Thank you all so much for encouraging and supporting Matt during these very surreal and difficult times. If it weren’t for ALL of you and what you’ve given, whether it be encouraging words, a monetary gift or prayers, this remarkable outcome would not have happened.
ENT visit today
Went to the ENT today to check out why his Godfather/Clint Eastwood voice is lasting so long. Doc said that his left vocal cord is now paralyzed … probably due to some trauma during the brain surgery. It may get better on its own, it may not. He’s having some problem with swallowing certain foods/drink … and he’s as hoarse as a horse of course of course. Tomorrow he gets his stitches out!!
Tumor is benign!
BEST NEWS YET … TOTALLY BENIGN!!!! “No atypical blah blah blahs”. Dr also amazed that there’s NO, let’s repeat, NO movement or coordination problems. But we’re not surprised are we?! He even said that radiation can be put off for a year or more.
Surgery Results
Prayers, thoughts, positive vibes and positive energy have worked miracles!! Dr. said he was able to get 95% of that trouble maker, much more than was expected! Dr is pretty sure it’s benign but because he’s so young to have a tumor, it raises the risk that its Cancerous. Matt is already waking up, Probably the only one in ICU. Dr. was able to get it totally off the brain stem. Dr Steuer took a break to drink a Coke in the entire 10 1/2 hrs. No facial paralysis and he’s moving his hands and fingers. Doc said it turned out to be the best possible outcomes! Good thing Heaven is huge, cuz it had to hold A LOT of prayers!!
Thank you all,
Matt’s mom
A Day At The Hospital
5:30 AM – Arrived at the hospital
8:00 AM – Matty is taken back into Surgery
9:30 AM – Update from the surgeon, they just started the 10+ hour surgery.
12:15 PM – Update from the surgeon, everything is going well
