If You're Happy and You Know It

We are happy in the Dunlap house! Today we found out Dominic's surgery is scheduled for August 24th. Unless for some reason they can move it up, but August is pretty busy for Dr. Sood. So, we're planning on this as the big day. Part of me is so excited to just have the surgery, be done with seizures and meds and move on with our lives. But there is another part of me that wonders if we are rushing this. Did we try enough meds? Maybe it's too risky. Maybe it won't work. I spoke with Dr. Arndt today and he feels pretty confident in Dr. Sood and that surgery is the best option. He is awaiting the report from Dr. Chugani, along with the scans, to decide whether he thinks we should definitely move forward or if we should consider a second opinion. With as straight forward as this surgery seems, because they have a definite focus, he thinks Dominic is a perfect candidate. Only if the EEG results weren't matching up with the PET scan results and MRI results, would he suggest possible going somewhere else. Mike and I have been talking about and praying about this for awhile and anyone who knows Mike knows he doesn't make big decisions easily. Buying a house, a car, taking a new job - all these things he spends much time debating, researching and praying about. I on the other hand, am much more compulsive. So, the fact that Mike is gung ho and ready to roll just reaffirms that this is the right decision. But, it's not like buying a new pair of shoes. It's asking someone to cut out part of your baby's brain. It's a big decision. We don't want to make the wrong one.

On a lighter note, I took this video of Dominic when we were in the hospital. He was on half a dose of meds here and you can see what a happy, joyful little soul he is. Underneath all the layers of drugs and seizures is this tiny little boy just waiting to come out. I am so excited I got to see a glimpse of the real Dominic for a little bit. He even snorts when he laughs! It makes me so excited and hopeful for what he will be like after surgery, with no seizures or meds.




We also found out today that we have our first meeting with Dr. Sood on August 8th. In this meeting we'll review the surgery and get all of our questions answered. At that point I'm sure this will all start to sink in and we'll start freaking out. For the time being, we'll just try to stay positive and get through each day.

Hoping once he's off meds and free of seizures he'll start smiling in pictures instead of looking like he's stoned all the time :o)