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Old 10-24-2009, 02:11 AM   #1
adelmoll
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Silver Springs
Posts: 2,873
M.O.C. #2716
Daniel, Judy and Glenn Denner's Grandson

Many of you know Judy and Glenn and how they are wanna-be MOC'ers but were forced to buy a motorhome when they recieved full custody of their Grandson Daniel. Daniel is in a wheel chair and grew too big for Glenn and Judy to carry him up the stairs to the bathroom in the Montana.. The story is long but here it is for those that would like to read it. As quoted by Judy...

"Daniel's surgery
We have an appointment with the neurosurgeon at Children's Hospital, Birmingham, Alabama, on October 6th to learn the details of Daniel's surgery and meet the surgeon. We already know that Daniel will undergo a two step process involving two surgeries. On October 23, 2009, they will place a grid inside his skull on his brain which is attached to many electrodes. The readings collected from the grid during the week will reflect what areas are triggering his seizures. There are three areas that they're looking at, the frontal area, temporal area, and occipital area. Daniel's medicines will be stopped right before we go into the hospital so that he will have seizures during that first week in the hospital. This is so unpleasant and emotional to watch as some of the seizures are grand mals, which he doesn't usually have when he's on his anti-seizure medicines. But it gives the doctors the information that they need, along with the MRI and previous information that they have gathered. As unpleasant as it is for us to watch, Daniel is very unaware of the seizures which makes it more tolerable for us. The seizure activity really helps to pinpoint the trigger areas which are the areas that they will remove. The doctors are very hopeful that Daniel will have no noticeable deficits from the surgery because the areas that trigger his seizures are probably not functioning well already as a result of his birth injury. Children are very resilient and overcome deficits most of the time if they do occur. Actually, decreasing or stopping seizures can improve a person's short term memory and IQ.

The most reassuring thing about this entire process is the attitude of the staff at Children's. It is so frightening to us, Daniel's family, but so "routine" to the people whose mission in life is to help these children who suffer from seizures. Not all children can be helped through this surgery. If the seizures come from all over the brain, there is no specific area that can be removed. So it is a blessing that Daniel is a candidate for this procedure. He wants the surgery. Last week he told us, "I think I've had my share of seizures." His ultimate goal is to get his driver's license so anything to stop the seizures is okay with him. Such a brave guy!

The grid will be placed on Friday, October 23, 2009, and be in place for a week. The following Friday, Daniel will have a second surgery to have the affected cells removed. Four days later, he will go home if all goes well. He was excited to find out that he would be out of school for approximately one month until we assured him that he would have to make up his work!

We know that the Great Physician has his hand on this precious young man and cherish the prayers and well wishes of our family and friends. It may be interesting to know that this surgery has been done since the 1930s. So it sounds like they've had plenty of time to practice and hone their skills.
"

Well the first surgery has been completed and Daniel has come thru with flying colors.. He now has about 120 electroids in his head.. I'm sure he will get a kick out of it when he see's the pictures of himself all wrapped up in a white turbin with little wires sticking out.. Maybe he can be an alien from outer space for halloween?

Prayers have helped them all so far and we ask that they continue as the second part of this procedure is carried out.. The MOC is such a supportive group and I know that Glenn, Judy and Daniel are very comforted knowing they have it.

Helen
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