Another Surgery

Dang I hate writing these updates. With a very heavy heart, I'm sharing the recent news we got from Carter's neurosurgeon. After his latest MRI, it appears Carter has a cyst in his brain. It is a build up of cerebral spinal fluid connected with his hydrocephalus. The concern is that it is right next to his optic nerve and could be stretching/damaging the nerve - which could lead to a visual impairment. So to avoid that, he wants to do an endoscopic fenestration of the cyst. He'll be drilling into Carter's brain and opening the cyst wall to allow the fluid out and keep the cyst from growing and putting pressure on the nerve. It's a quick, low risk procedure - about 8 minutes of actual surgery plus the time for anesthesia. And it will most likely be an overnight hospital stay. Surgery will be Monday, June 4.

This latest development has really hit us hard. We have been feeling really defeated and a little blind-sighted. I can't help but wonder if this is going to be our life. Is every routine check-up going to reveal another issue that needs to be treated or monitored? I try to force myself to look on the bright side - this is a much less serious/complicated procedure, there are no problems with the shunt, his heart has been healing perfectly after that surgery, etc. But optimism isn't really my forte and remaining strong is tiring.

Prayers are appreciated.