Brain Surgery Tomorrow

[msyorktown]

Originally Posted by KimInMD

I reread this post again. I am in awe at how each and every one of you reached out to me and my family. I felt every prayer, and hid each kind word in my heart. I really was prepared for the worst, since things went so wrong during the last surgery. Corey was having so many seizures every day. A few months ago they drilled 6 - 4" holes into his skull and inserted probes into his brain that would record the seizures. Results from that determined his brain was seizing 24 hours a day. After a big one, he would sleep for awhile. He would be confused, very nauseous, weak and have a migraine-like headache. Most times he would feel better in an hour or so, though he would still be weak. No sooner was he feeling better and another one would hit, starting the process all over again, sometimes 15-20 times a day. He was so weak and thin. I was watching this child I love, mentally and physically die before my eyes. He'd have seizures at night, disrupting his sleep, and he has fallen so many times, breaking his nose and other bones, and causing numerous brush burns, lacerations, and bruises. He no longer worked or went out with friends. He tried living with his brother (he wouldn't listen), but was too sick and had to move back home. I worried if he was around bodies of water, or near a stove. We couldn't leave him alone. Some months his medicine was $800. a month. No, we don't have that kind of money, but what are parents to do? This was so much more than simply "having a seizure". A sick child changes the dynamics of the entire family. My other three kids have been amazing, and supportive, despite missed birthdays (while he was in the hospital), vacations cut short, teasing from classmates etc. Corey has had these seizures for 23 years, so all their lives, they have dealt with a sick sibling.
In the last few days, Corey has had a couple of 3-10 second seizures. When they are over, he is fine again. There is no nauseous tummy or headache. We can live with this. It's an annoyance, but not debilitating. The brain is still in trauma from the surgery, so it is still possible that they will fade away with time.
I am sharing this window into our lives so that you will begin to understand how BIG this miracle is for Corey and our family. Could God have "fixed" Corey many years ago? Yes, I suppose He could have, but for whatever reason, He did not. He doesn't promise those who trust Him all sunshine and rainbows. He doesn't promise us that we will always win the race. But He does promise us strength and endurance to run the race.
I have received many PM's in the last week and a half. Everyone was so kind and encouraging, but I also read stories of incredible pain and struggles. There are so many YT brothers and sisters out there who are hurting, dealing with illness, loss, fear, exhaustion, and broken hearts. I had no idea. I see you on YT everyday, posting pictures and cute stories of your sweet little fur babies. Yet when you log off, your lives return to the battleground, and mental, spiritual and physical wars rage all around you. I sense that some of you are tired of fighting the battle. Please don't give up. God has not abandoned you. He hears, and He does care. It's not an accident you are here now reading this to be strengthened and encouraged. Even after 23 years of struggle, miracles can still happen! When you are out of strength, He will give you more, and you'll take another step, and He will give you more, and you will take one more step, then one more, and one more. Soon you will be running. You'll be back in the race! Please believe me. He brought us over a very large mountain. He's going to bring you over it too. I've been there. I know your miracle's waiting for you too.
Sorry that this is so long, but I've never been more compelled in my life to share. This isn't like me at all to get on a soapbox, but I know there are others out there who just needed to hear a word of encouragement today. Trust and believe.

Thanks so much Kim...there are days when i feel i have to quote Rosa Parks..'Im sick and tired of being sick and tired"
But i have to keep going, cuz its just me, there is no back up. So I get up at 3am and get going.
Many days I have wanted to say F*** this mess!! Why in the world am I still struggling??
I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel...I will find peace within my heart, because i Believe! God is Good!
He sees our struggles and knows when it is time to ease those struggles.
It was your son's and your familys turn for the burden to be lifted.
God does answer prayers..he heard yours as well as those praying for you! See Miracles do happen...maybe not when you want, but they do!
I pray Corey continues to do well...sending ((huggzz)) to you and yours.

[enchilila]

Kim, I am so glad to hear that Corey's seizures have subsided. I will continue to pray for him. God doesn't do anything halfway. He will continue to work in Corey's life. Who knows what God has in store for this young man!

[kjc]

Sending more prayers for Corey and your family and you....

[rhondah]

Keeping you and your family in our prayers.

[Perrella]

Continuing to pray for Corey, you & your family. Bless you all.

[DBlain]

How is Cory doing now, I have been praying for him ever since I read this thread. I told my DH about him and we both could not fathom what difficult a life he has been faced with, my heart just goes out to you and you family on what you have had to endure, my fingers are crossed you will post some good news.

[Verbena]

Sending blessings to Cory and you and your family.

[sunshinnes]

Sending healing prayers, and hugs!!! Way to go Cory

[concretegurl]

Hope Coreu is recovering well and you are finally fetting some needed rest and relaxation through this.

[KimInMD]

Oh my goodness, thank you, everyone. Well, the bad news is Corey has been having 1-3 seizures each day. The good news is that they are small, only lasting a few seconds. He is fully recovered after they are over. Three is so much better than 15-20. The doctors re-used the exact same incision line from the first surgery a year ago, so although it's a bit lumpy, at least he doesn't have 2 big scars. He shaved off all his hair, and it's been growing in nicely, so no more mohawk. The staples are out now, and he has been healing beautifully. He's been a bit of a bear, but in retrospect, it was the pain medicine that was making him so mean. He has weaned off, and his temperament is much improved.
The doctor's official stance is that the surgery is not considered a failure unless he is still having seizures in 6 months. The brain is still in trauma, and there is swelling, so hopefully it will quiet down with time. You know how they say that if you remove a piece of brain, that other sections will take over the functions? Well, sadly, that happened for Corey in reverse. The damaged brain kept invading, taking over, and corrupting his good brain. The million dollar question is what will happen now? Will the brain quiet down and the seizures subside, or will the corrupted good brain now continue to seize on it's own and
corrupt even more and more good brain, causing more and more seizures to crop up every day. That scenario is very real, and quite sobering. I guess we will have to wait and see, as only time will tell. There are no medications that work, though he is still on one, and he is all out of surgical options at this point.
Corey has been so brave. He is hopeful that the remaining seizures will subside, and although he wishes they would all be gone, he is relieved that they have been greatly reduced. At first, I was disheartened when they returned. When I look back now, I think I was just exhausted mentally and physically. Things always look the worst when I'm tired. I remind myself daily that my faith is not rooted nor dependent on our circumstances. Nothing will change that fact. My faith will not be moved. I have, and I will continue dreaming God-sized dreams for this child. For as much as I love my Corey, I know that there is one who loves him more. Thank you all for your continued prayers. You've been the angels by my side, and you are all just the best! I'm still trusting, and still believing.

[Maximo]

Corey is so brave to have endured all that he has. He remains in my thoughts and prayers that he will continue to heal from the surgery and that he will be completely free of seizures soon.

He is blessed to have such a great and strong mother and family.

Thank you for sharing with your YT family.

[kjc]

Keeping Corey in my thoughts and prayers....

[lovespandp]

Still keeping your family in my prayers!! ((hugs))

[lynzy420]

No one stands any higher than when on their knees with lifted hands, bless Cory, you and your family. My prayer's are with you all.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Checking in and hearing of the progress. I am so glad you are staying in faith and knowing that the future is still full of possibilities and healing, perhaps one day before long, a complete cure. Even in the event this surgery isn't his final answer, he's so young, no doubt every year there are advances that will one day find this young man totally done with seizing if a miracle doesn't cure him first.