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Newcastle, OntarioWell, my niece's husband, Rick, had almost 10 hours of surgery yesterday and it's now confirmed that the tumor is throughout the entire brain and is the worst kind (that apparently doesn't respond to treatment ie steroids or radiation). They removed as much as they could, and it will give him some time, but the outcome hasn't changed. That's the bad news.
In spite of that we do feel blessed and very grateful that he even survived the surgery, as it was extremely risky. There were no complications, even though there was also a high risk of blindness and/or paralysis and worst of all, changes in personality, at least for now. Incredibly, when Megan finally got to see him after surgery, he was alert, knew where he was and why and responded with a couple of jokes! For those of us who are Canadian, he stated "God, please tell me I still hate Nickelback!" Rick is an alternative music man.
We are really proud our our two children and our niece, Karen and her hubby, who have voluntarily donated to the financial fund we are trying to establish, matched the donations of the senior members of the family and are trying to come up with ways to raise more. Even our soon-to-be -Ex son in law has been extremely generous. I always hoped my kids would grow up to have kind hearts and it is really rewarding to see the wonderful adults they have turned out to be.
So, we are trying to accept that this is the way things are to be and at least we all have more time to spend with Rick and Megan and to say a proper good-bye.
I just want to say thank you again to everyone for their kind and caring responses to my last post. We appreciate each and every one of them.
hugs,
Brenda
BruinwerksI am so happy to hear the surgery went the best way it could. I'm sure even Nickelback would understand 
Bless you and your family as you walk this difficult journey, :hug: :hug:
Cheryl :hug:
Drea's BearsBrenda, I'm glad that the surgery went well.........as well as it could and you have a bit more time with him.
My thoughts and prayers will stay with you and your family as long as you need them.
Hugs,
AndreaM :hug:
Back Road BearsBrenda,
After a very long day yesterday this is positive news. What an enormous blessing to be given more time with him. The coming days, weeks, months will still be hard for everyone, bittersweet even, but still a blessing. God is good!
:hug:
Daphne
That is a great attitude Brenda.Its such a sad story that I cant really think of anything of use to say.You are right to be proud of your family.They sound a lovely group of people.You are lucky to have each other .
Diane xx
DoodlebearsWhat a brave and fantastic family. I pray that Rick will be with you for as long as he can be. Bless all of you. You are all in my prayers Brenda.
Hugs Jane. 
:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Newcastle, OntarioThanks everyone. Rick could be home from hospital in less than a week and the extra time will definitely be maximized.
hugs,
Brenda
Sophie Z'OursAh, Brenda, these are good news the surgery went well.
Enjoy every moment with Rick! who knows, your family's positive attitude may help him surviving even longer than expected! You never know!
I send you and your family lots of hugs.
:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Beary hugs,
Sophie.
Brenda, I am glad the surgery went well, but so very sad the outcome is the same. It is such a huge blessing though, the extra time you all been given. God does provide for us, even though He may not fix things the way we might want Him to. You and your amazing family will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all!! :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Delartful BearsOh that is good news - your post bought a tear to my eye.
Keep us update with their well being.
Danni :hug:
Bears by Jodi
Past Time BearsSo glad the surgery was somewhat successful . . . it did give you a little more time. Your family sounds like a positive, realistic group and you all will get through this valley together - leaning on each other. Peace and comfort to you.
Having been through this with two members of my family it is bittersweet. I am so glad he came through the surgery without the possible complications. What this situation does allow for is doing and saying all those thing that many people do not have the chance to do and say when someone is taken suddenly. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers Enjoy every minute you spend with him
Hugs
Gail :pray: :pray: :pray:
Newcastle, OntarioThanks for the kind words - it means a lot. Yes, I agree, we now get a chance to say all the things we thought we would never be able to - it really is wonderful
hugs,
Brenda
Glad the surgery went well Brenda and I want to say my thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Hugs
Carolyn
:hug: 
:hug:
Chaska, MinnesotaBrenda: what good news for your family. I will still keep you and your family in my prayers...
Jellybelly BearsBrenda, i am glad the surgery went well, but am so sorry for the rest....i am sending you cyber cuddles... :hug: :hug: :hug:
Newcastle, OntarioThanks Carolyn, Michelle and Sarah! I really appreciate your posts. What's really remarkable is how fast Rick is recovering from hours of surgery! He was out of ICU in two days, and is now just on regular pain medication ie Tylenol! They are even talking about releasing him! It's really hard to believe.
hugs,
Brenda
Jellybelly BearsOh wow! That is terrific news. There is nothing worse than staying in hospital or having to go in and out like you would be doing visiting him, very exhausting. I hope he is home soon :hug: :hug:
Matilda Huggington-beareI'm so sorry Brenda. My heart goes out to all your family. How wonderful though that time has been given for farewells and for the collection of memories. :hug: :hug:
Flying Fur StudiosWow, I can't imagine how hard this would be. I don't know what to say, but that I'm amazing at your familys strength
