Latest Dad Update

Do you like how I say "dad", instead of "my dad"? It's just how I talk. Weird, I know.

I've talked to my two sisters who are currently in the same city as mi padre. Apparently, he looks like hell. Bandage wrapped all the way around his head this time. But when you have 2 brain surgeries in less than a week, I guess you are supposed to look like hell.

Dr. Witt decided after looking at yesterday's CT scan to make a bigger hole in dad's head and try to get more fluid out and clean things up a bit. The surgery should have taken about 3 hours. Once they got in there, they realized that a membrane had grown. It's like the brain trying to compensate or protect itself or something. He likened it to a tumor removal, since there were blood vessels involved and everything. It was quit thick in some places, up to an inch. Wow!

So Dr. Witt and his team of cronies got all the ick out and I guess drained even more fluid. It wound up taking about 5 1/2 hours. They put in a plate and four screws to help keep the replaced piece of skull in place. My sister said that it's a huge hole, maybe the size of a 3x5 photo!! Dad said that his head hurt. He also told Dr. Witt that he was going to get him back for doing this to him. Good to see that he has a sense of humor. He'll have to lay on his back for 24 hours again, and then they will slowly raise him. From our experience last week, the first 48 hours after surgery are the worst, and then things slowly get better, day by day. He'll have to stay in the hospital for another 3-5 days. Which will be at least a week longer than originally anticipated.

We the family can't thank you enough for all of your love and good thoughts and prayers. I truly believe that they are helping, and I trust that the doctors know what they are doing and what is best for dad. He may feel like shit and be all grumpy, but it wouldn't be right if it was any other way. So keep us on your list and I'll keep you updated!!