Success!

Just received a call from Dr. Sills and the procedure went well. They were able to poke the hole AND biopsy the mass which is what we were hoping for. He will be moved to recovery and eventually the Neuro ICU. We are waiting to hear when we can see him. Pray that he isn't sick from anesthesia. More soon!

And we are still waiting

Still waiting. Estimated time he will be out of surgery is 2:48.

Just took Cliff back

They just took Cliff back to surgery. Dr. Sills came in and as he left the room yelled, "Go to hell Ole Miss." It will be at least an hour or two before we know anything. Cliff will go to ICU most likely (if there's room) after surgery. We do know it will be Wednesday or Thursday of next week before we know anything about the biopsy if they are able to get it. More to come.

Still Waiting...

They have taken Cliff back to prep for surgery...but we can't be back there right now.

Maroon Friday at Vandy

Cliff is in his MAROON Friday gear this morning at Vandy. Waiting for them to take Cliff back for pre-op. We'll keep you updated!

Pre Op

Today we are at Vanderbilt for Cliff's pre-op appointments. He is getting new scans...a "stealth" MRI...those will be the images that the doctors use to access the third ventricle and biopsy the mass Friday. Cliff has a cold...specifically a sore throat. Please pray that he feels better. If he's not well, they will not operate and the procedure will be pushed. That's just more time for us to have to think and wait. So pray for a speedy recovery and procedure on Friday.

A New Perspective

It seems somewhat ironic that a little over a month ago Cliff took this picture at the Grand Canyon on our 30th birthday trip to Vegas. Cliff has a new perspective. He says the most significant realization of this experience is that we are "so not in control." Like at all. Let me give you some background... After several months of increasingly frequent and intense migraines, Cliff ended up in the Neuro ICU at Vandy. The cause of these headaches? A tumor in the pineal region of the brain that is blocking spinal fluid from draining properly. WHAT!? I almost asked the doctor if he was kidding. Not Cliff, not us. Seriously? After 2 nights in the hospital, Cliff was sent home on steroids. After a follow up with his neurosurgeon, Cliff is scheduled for a Third Ventriculostomy this Friday, September 14. Dr. Sills (Mississippi State graduate and football team doctor) will use an endoscope to go into Cliff's brain and poke a hole in his third ventricle. This will relieve the pressure created by the spinal fluid. While he is in there, Dr. Sills will try to biopsy the mass so we can determine what it is and how to proceed. The doctors have no reason to think it's malignant. But of course we won't know until they get a piece of it. At this point we don't need anything...but we covet your prayers. Prayers for a complete healing and recovery and prayers for peace. The verse that is giving Cliff strength, peace and hope is Hebrews 11:1. You can read it at the top of the blog. Please feel free to leave words of encouragement! We will keep this blog updated for all of you that love Cliffy!