Luca’s Story

Site created on July 28, 2021

Hello Friends and Family!  We are starting this site to have a place to update everyone on Luca's surgery and healing, as well as to ask for help/support as needed.  As many of you know, Luca was diagnosed with a brain tumor surrounding most of their pituitary gland back in January.  The tumor is known as craniopharyngioma and it is benign (meaning no cancer), but it is growing and is a threat to the optic nerves and Luca's sight.  We've named the tumor Penelope because if you can't have some humor around a brain tumor, what's the point of having a brain?!  LOL


In any case, after many needle pokes, CT scans, and doctor appointments, Luca will be having surgery to remove Penelope on Aug 2nd.  Surgery is expected to last about 4 hours and then Luca will need to stay in the hospital for 4-5 days.  Recovery will take 3-6 weeks, during which time Luca  will be unable to work at their brand new job as a Head Start teacher.  Nick will be taking the week of Aug 2nd off work to stay with Luca in the hospital.  


Gianna's other parent, Tiffany, will be in town to help with G and getting her ready to start 7th grade on Aug 11.  In addition, Luca's mom, Jill will be intown Aug 7-14 to help out once Luca is home and Nick is back at work.  In addition, we have the support of our amazing Lucky Break Farm Family to help with all the animals, household stuff, extra love, etc.


Follow along as Nick posts regular updates in the journal about surgery, recovery, and ways to support.

Mailing address:
25614 County Road 42
LaSalle, CO 80645

Email:
Mx. Luca.Carpenter@gmail.com
nsarchet@gmail.com

Venmo:
@Nick-Sarchet
@Luca-Carpenter

Newest Update

Journal entry by Nick Sarchet

So, unfortunately, Luca didn’t get to go home yesterday. After their shower, they had a pretty significant spike in pain and nausea. The PA wanted keep them another night for monitoring. Hopefully, I’ll get to take Lica home today. 

Last night before I left, we waited over an hour for a nurse to bring Luca’s their pain and nausea meds. It was very frustrating. We have learned it is better to stay ahead of the pain. Not sure what the night nurse’s deal was last night but I’ll be glad to have Luca home and for me to be in charge of their caretaking. 

Yesterday we also got back the pathology report. Turns out Luca didn’t have a tumor, but rather a cyst known as a Rathke’s Cyst. And because our dear Luca is an over achiever, they had not one, but two! thumb sized cysts. 

It is like that Luca has had them since birth and that they have just grown over time. There is about a 10% chance that one or both will grow back. Treatment would be surgical in nature again, but we will cross that bridge when and if we come to it. In the meantime, this means Luca will need to have regular MRIs to monitor potential growth. 

Thanks again for all the love and support. We both appreciate it. Looking forward to sleeping in our own bed tonight!

💜💜💜
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