Journal entry by Amanda Slagle —
Today is surgery day! We'll go back about 7:30 and surgery should start at 8:30. It will be 5 hours at least. Dr. Boop and his team will remove as much of the tumor as they can. If they aren't sure they are getting everything, they can stop mid-surgery and do a MRI. There is some parts of the tumor that look difficult (er) to remove. The doctor will then decide if he leaves some of it in. We have been prepared that Van might have some difficulty finding the word and it will frustrate him immediately after surgery. Most patients overcome this within a few weeks. There are of course other risks associated with brain surgery. But Dr. Boop is confident in a good outcome and so am I. We will spend the night in ICU tonight and hopefully be back in a more comfortable room after that. Thank you for your prayers! I don't think we would have made it this far without them.
We had some Memphis barbecue last night!