First post:
Dec 28, 2019 Latest post:
Jul 21, 2020
On December 24, 2019, Melissa suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, also called an intracerebral hemorrhage, or ICH. As a result of the ICH, she also experienced cardiac arrest and developed hydrocephalus as the hemorrhage blocked cerebrospinal fluid from properly flowing from her brain to the rest of her body. She underwent emergency surgery at Essentia Health in Fargo. The surgeon performed a suboccipital craniotomy (removal of a section of bone at the back of the skull and spine) to relieve pressure from brain swelling. He also surgically inserted an extra ventricular drain (EVD) to drain the excess fluids. Finally, he removed a large blot clot. While there were additional clots present, it wasn't deemed safe to go after those during the surgery. The procedures went as planned and post-op CT scans show small but sure improvements. The cause of the hemorrhage remains unknown, which is concerning, but we are confident that Lissa's medical team is working as diligently as possible to give her the treatment and care she needs. Recovery will be slow but we are hopeful.
We have created this site to keep you, our dear family and friends, updated on Lissa's condition. We have found tremendous comfort in the kind and generous care you have given us in numerous ways so far. And we will be needing help - physically, emotionally and spiritually. Lissa, her husband Kyle, her three daughters and the rest of her family believe in the power of prayer and the goodness of God, as well as the immense value of a loving community. Thank you for caring.
