It was just a routine eye exam for Jack, but it would change our lives forever. On January 24, the optometrist noticed significant pressure on Jack’s optic nerve and sent us straight to the University of Minnesota Masonic Hospital. The news we received there was devastating - a large tumor was found in Jack's brain and it was causing dangerous swelling. We are very thankful for the quick thinking of the optometrist, as the outcome could have been much worse.
The next day, Jack underwent surgery to have a shunt put in to relieve the pressure from his cerebrospinal fluid, and to take many biopsies of the tumor. We are so grateful for the skilled medical team at the University of Minnesota Masonic Hospital who saved Jack's life.
The procedure was successful and after a difficult day, Jack spent a few days recovering at the hospital before returning home. The entire family has felt the support and love of their family and friends over the past week. Jack has not only been strong and brave though this fight, he has kept his interesting sense of humor and his good, kind nature. Jack is still Jack.
The next step is an appointment with the doctors and care team on Tuesday, Jan 31st to talk over the plan for moving forward. Our care team includes the top surgeons in their field, oncologists, nurses, social workers, friends, and family. We even find kind hearted strangers at times of great need, with an embrace or a complimentary dessert.
The next update will include our plan for going on The Attack. Preliminary results point very strongly toward a Teratoma, which is benign and slow growing, but would require another surgery.
We know the journey ahead will be tough, but we are confident that with the love and support of our family and friends, Jack will come out of this even stronger. The darkness is not without the light.
Short post, but we are about to go home! I didn't want to update until we knew for sure we were leaving given all the times Jack had surprise complications this past week. The last two days were uneventful and good. Jack had several friends stop by although I unfortunately only got a picture of one visit.
Thank you all for the support and love during these really difficult past 10 days ❤️
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