Another Hemi, but with it More Hope

Ayden's second hemispherectomy will be on May 30th. His first hemi almost three years ago was functional, only taking the tissue necessary on the right side(temporal lobe) and disconnecting the right hemisphere. This surgery will be an anatomical hemispherectomy - taking out the remaining tissue that could be causing the seizure activity. The recovery time will be longer than before, but he should not lose function so he will not require the stay at the rehab hospital or intense therapy when we come home. We hope he can return home within two weeks ready to continue his current therapies and enjoy his summer. Ayden's epilepsy will not be "cured" by this surgery, because we know he has damage in both sides. The damage on the left is significant enough to cause seizures, but we really feel these new seizures(since Jan.) are coming from the right hemisphere. Our hope is to see a significant change in the frequency of his seizures and control the remaining activity with medication. Ayden currently seizes in clusters a few times a day and we are certainly ready to get the surgery completed as soon as possible. This surgery has risks, but we feel we have to give Ayden his best chance for success without seizures getting in the way. The decision to do this surgery is not easy, but the increase in Ayden's seizures has really helped to convince us. In January, we started seeing sporadic seizures a few times a week we are now up to multiple clusters each day and the movements seem more aggressive each time. This past Saturday, Ayden seized and slept off and on until about 3 PM when he finally got off the couch. Our hope is with the "static" that seizures cause gone Ayden will make incredible gains. We are full of HOPE, that this will help him achieve the goals he has for himself too eliminating some of his frustration. Already, many of you have shared your thoughts and added Ayden to your prayer lists. We appreciate all the prayers, kind words, and thoughts. Many people have already offered to help in so many ways, Thank you!