John Stowe

Thank you for visiting the Caring Bridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated on John’s recovery. 


On Tuesday, Aug. 22, John had surgery to remove a Meningioma Brain Tumor.  Surgery was scheduled to take approximately four hours, it actually lasted six.  During surgery they realized the tumor was attached to his sinus passage.  So besides entering through the front top of his head it was necessary to enter through his sinus cavity, therefore the need for some reconstructive surgery in his sinus area. During surgery a drainage tube was inserted into John's skull to help relieve any pressure from swelling and fluid buildup.


The first night after his surgery was very hard for John.  He struggled to remain still and was not sleeping at all.  He accidentally pulled out the drainage tube in the middle of the night.  An emergency surgery was done that morning to open a new area in the skull and to reinsert the tube.  Having two surgeries within 24 hours was extremely scary and took its toll on John.  


After the two surgeries there were continual problems with John’s vitals.  He experienced high blood pressure and low heart rate which at times reached dangerous numbers.  John is in a agitated state quite often and cannot be released from ICU until the tube was removed and he is in a stable condition.  The drainage tube was removed on Thursday, August 31st, nine days after surgery.  The doctors at Abbott Northwestern are still evaluating John to see if he can be moved out of ICU.


John could not see out of either eye after surgery and still cannot at this time.  Doctors are hopeful that he will regain some, if not all, of his sight.  They say this may take some time.  We are praying that his sight will return soon.  


John also uses a CPAP to sleep at night but because of the reconstruction of his sinuses in the initial surgery he will not be able to use the CPAP machine for months which is making it very difficult for him to sleep.  


This will be a long recovery for John.  He is able to sit in a chair now.  We have small windows of time that John can carry on a conversation for a short period of time before he becomes agitated.  His long term memory is still very intact, but having problems with the short term memory.  He can drink through a straw and is eating solid foods which makes him happy.


Thank you for your concern, prayers, positive thoughts and words of encouragement.  He has a long, uncertain road ahead of him.  We will keep you updated on his progress and let you know when he can have visitors or calls.