James's birthday is in June but he considers October 14 his re-birthing day. On October 14, 2014 he endured six hours of awake epilepsy surgery to remove a large portion of his left frontal brain. He has been seizure-free ever since. In his words: "It's like I'm only four years old."
His positive attitude never ceases to amaze--and comfort--me. For twenty-six years he endured numerous seizures every day of his life. Not any more. Now, along with Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving and Birthdays, October 14 is--and always will be--a date of celebration at our house.
It's a day of thanksgiving for Jamie's brilliant and brave neurosurgeon at Toronto Western Hospital, Dr. Taufik Valiante. Dr. Valiante has changed not just James's life, but all of our lives. Thank God he devoted his life to neurosurgery. October 14 is also a day of gratitude for the Canadian health care system. Guess how much neurosurgery and 50 days post-op at Toronto Western and at Bridgepoint Active Healthcare cost us?
Not a penny! Had we lived in the States, would we be bankrupt?
Richard and I were initially opposed to this surgery. James had already had epilepsy surgery five times. They didn't work. Why would this one? James, however, believed 100 percent that this surgery would cure him of the horrific seizures he'd endured every day of his life. He didn't even care that he was likely to forever lose all use of his right hand and his right arm. James was the bravest and the least anxious of us all. I wish we believed the way he did. Still, we put on brave faces.
His positive attitude never ceases to amaze--and comfort--me. For twenty-six years he endured numerous seizures every day of his life. Not any more. Now, along with Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving and Birthdays, October 14 is--and always will be--a date of celebration at our house.
It's a day of thanksgiving for Jamie's brilliant and brave neurosurgeon at Toronto Western Hospital, Dr. Taufik Valiante. Dr. Valiante has changed not just James's life, but all of our lives. Thank God he devoted his life to neurosurgery. October 14 is also a day of gratitude for the Canadian health care system. Guess how much neurosurgery and 50 days post-op at Toronto Western and at Bridgepoint Active Healthcare cost us?
Not a penny! Had we lived in the States, would we be bankrupt?
Richard and I were initially opposed to this surgery. James had already had epilepsy surgery five times. They didn't work. Why would this one? James, however, believed 100 percent that this surgery would cure him of the horrific seizures he'd endured every day of his life. He didn't even care that he was likely to forever lose all use of his right hand and his right arm. James was the bravest and the least anxious of us all. I wish we believed the way he did. Still, we put on brave faces.
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| John, Michael James, me and Richard the night before surgery. |
Never once did James complain about having to be awake for brain surgery. "It was cool, so awesome," he told us. He did have some unexpected complications, he hemorrhaged after surgery and had to learn to walk again. John and Michael were there to help him every step of the way. He's blessed. He's admired,.He's loved.
Mike, Richard and John help James walk days after surgery.
I hope everyone who endures medically resistant epilepsy has an opportunity to have the work-up to see if they too are eligible for surgery.
Thanks for your blog, Nancy and for sharing the amazing journey of James, John, Mike, Richard and yourself. Your writing is inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jan! What a journey!!!
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