Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Dr. Spetzler.....YEAH!!!

Well, we finally met with the neurosurgeon we keep hearing all about today at a surgical consult. Travis and I were completely impressed by him and felt very good about everything he told us. Basically, he does surgery on the brain and specifically the brain stem that most doctors in the world cannot do. He is famous for it. He has the technology and means to operate safely on previously inoperable areas. He does this everyday and often on people who come from all over the world to see him. He is with the Barrows Neurological Institute in Phoenix. He said we have time to decide when we want to do the surgery, but recommends the sooner the better....within 6 months. Once they do the surgery, they can determine what type of tumor it is and treat it accordingly. Also, they cannot tell us how much of the tumor they can remove until they operate. This is because they need to see how different the tumor looks from the rest of the brain stem. If it is very different tissue then of course they can remove more of it and the opposite is true. If it looks similar to the brain stem then they cannot remove as much. Dr. Spetzler said that the prognosis of a successful and safe surgery is over 90%. 

We feel very good about today and  that our journey has led us to this destination. We feel that this is the answer we have been praying and waiting to receive. We ask that you continue to pray for a successful and happy outcome. We are very excited about this news!

9 comments:

Ronda said...

Great News! We will continue to pray for your family =).

Mendy said...

Yeah! It's so great to have hope. We'll continue to pray for a happy outcome.

Al said...

good to hear! You are so positive and funny in your posts, I just admire your courage!

lovinglife said...

You are amazing Andrea! I am so happy to hear the good news and will continue to pray for your sweet family. Love, Darcy

Laurie, the girls and Scott said...

Great news. We're so happy that everything went well with the doctor. We'll keep looking for good news.

Amy said...

Congrats on the GREAT news. We will keep praying also.

The Spendloves said...

Travis & Andrea,

Shawn Spendlove here. Scott Carruth just told me about your blog and Travis' tumor. I was devastated to hear (then read) the news, but I am encouraged about the prognosis and by your faith and testimonies. I wish you continued good news and even stronger faith.

In case you are bored, or have nothing to think about, you can check out our blog and see pictures of our twins. http://spendlovalez.blogspot.com/

The Spendloves said...

Also check out this website: http://download.srv.cs.cmu.edu/~pausch/
Watch this professors last lecture - due to his cancer... It is amazing and electrifying!

Unknown said...

Hello Williams Family,

I never do this but I was googling my neurosurgeon doctor Spetzler and came across your blog. I am going in for Surgery Tuesday August 9 having never met with the doctor. I am flying in from Colorado. I am encouraged that you met with him and liked him, and I hope I will do the same. Good Luck with your surgery and may God be with you.

Sincerely,

Caitlin Solsky