Jim had surgery on that pesky pituitary tumor for the 3rd time on Oct. 8th. It had only been 21 months since the last surgery. The first surgery was on Dec 2004 and the second on Jan. 2008. When he was diagnosed with the tumor, we were happy to hear that the tumors are almost always benign and slow growing. They were 1/2 right. Thank goodness the tumor has been benign all 3 times. Slow growing---not so. They call Jim "rare" because his tumor is so aggressive. The tumor has been located on the pituitary gland, under his optic nerves and pressing against them. If Jim chose not to have the operation, he would go blind. On this third tumor surgery, the surgeons learned there was a branch of the tumor that went into Jim's Cavernous Sinus. The branch of the tumor is inoperable because of all the nerves and blood vessels in that area. Operating instuments cannot go there safely. This time the doctors suggested radiation to zap the new branch of tumor and discourage the remains of the old tumor to stop growing. We have not gone to see the radiologist, but we have heard it will be about 6 weeks of radiation going Mon-Fri. Jim's leary of radiation, yet weary of this extensive surgery that he has gone through 3 times. Below is a picture of the place we go for surgery. Jim's mom used to work here as an R.N.
His surgery was in the old building. This new building is the Kohler Building. It is joined to the old hospital. Jim spent the rest of his stay in the new building. Single-bed rooms and his own bathroom, very nice.
They marked the surgery site, cute, eh?
Kelly and Crystal's family(minus Ryan and Alex had work and school) came to support Jim and I during this time. It was nice to not be alone during the long wait. Addy and Sophia liked the "all you can drink hot chocolate bar". We played cards and they played on their laptop.
Chris and Kelly entertained Dylan with stroller rides and books.
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Daddy gives Dylan some lovin'.
Jim's hospital room had a gorgeous view of the city, river and Mt. Hood.
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We spent a lot of time waiting and sitting. Even though Jim was resting, he knew his family support was there for him. Thank goodness for hand help electronics in those quiet times.
We also went for a tram ride. This tram links OHSU with a new facility, The Center for Health and Healing. Jim goes there for all his checkups.
Owen points to the view down below. It was extra beautiful with all the trees changing to their autumn colors.
Payton listens intently to Papa. While Jim was in the hospital, every evening and morning, Payton would ask Crystal, "Where's Papa?" She missed her playmate. Jim always chases, races, and tickles his little Paypay.
Get well kisses from Dylan.
Jim was glad to have his family there. Love is a great healer.
Our dear friend Pam, drove up from Albany to visit Jim, while her husband, Jason was in a meeting in Salem.
Jim loves the OHSU hospital food. I try not to get a complex about that, but it's hard.
I brought Jim home from the hospital on Oct. 10th. I think he could have stayed another day, but he wanted to go home. He's still not well. He recouped so fast the first 2 times, but not this time. He had vertigo for about 10 days. The back of his neck is still giving him pains. Positioning in surgery can sometimes cause that. He went to church for the first time today and I think that also made him feel better. Crystal and her 2 little ones flew home on Oct. 10th and Chris and Kelly's family drove home on Oct. 11th. Thanks to both of your families for the support, time and sacrifices that you made to come be with dad and I. We love you!!
6 months old, he was a good baby.
First campout, 10 months old at Camp Alpine.
Halloween, 5 years old. I tried to find a picture of him on his favorite holiday, but I couldn't. 4th of July is his favorite holiday . . . fireworks. He was a big Pyromaniac.
Crystal 4th grade, Kevin 1st grade. Kevin passed his "big" sister up in height. Actually he passed me up when he was in the 5th grade.
Kevin loved his bike. He made this "jump" with some firewood. He had great fun with it until he did a 180 and knocked the wind out of himself. He took the jump apart later the same day.
6 years old and toothless.
He played soccer and basketball when he was in elementary school.
When Kevin turned 8, he joined Cub Scouts. He loved the Pinewood Derby.
He won third, second, and first place in consecutive years.
5th grade, gettin' bigger.
At 12 he became a Boy Scout.
And later an Eagle Scout.
Jim went to camp with him every year and lots of other campouts. Kevin earned many Merit Badges.
Here they are packed up for Camp Cooper.
Kevin also liked karate.
He mowed lawns and earned enough money
to buy his own golf clubs. He also worked at the golf course for a few years.
A few Senior pics.
He's a good uncle and even babysits sometimes.
He likes living in the country. Throwing clay targets for Jim and shooting also.
He is hoping to go to school this winter. He's a good son and happy birthday, love mom and dad
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