April 10, 2012 Update

We continue to feel a spirit of gratitude for the continued support. Have I said that before? Sorry, I can't help it.

Overall, Drea is recovering well. We had our first follow up appointment with the surgeon, Dr. Weed, yesterday in Miami. He was pleasantly surprised at how strong her voice is getting, considering that he didn’t expect her to have much of one at all coming out of surgery. She is still tired and sore where she had the angio-embolization in her legs. Her neck doesn’t hurt much but she doesn't have much of the feeling back on the right side of her face. Eating and swallowing continues to improve as well. Last week, she experienced a pretty strong level of pain in her arm, but the pain level has subsided in the past few days. The surgeon told us that it's difficult to predict whether any of the symptoms of losing the vagus nerve (voice, swallowing, other pains) will get better or worse, but the good news is that all the symptoms are relatively minor. We decided to see how things develop over the next few months before we decide about possible procedures on improving her voice. The next appointment with Dr Weed will be on July 2.


We've started receiving some of the bills and wow, thank God our insurance is covering the majority of it! Even with insurance, we are still facing some major payments out of pocket. We haven't asked anyone for anything but one of the most encouraging parts of this whole experience has been the unsolicited generosity of the people in and around our lives. We continue to say it because we continue to experience it, but we are so grateful for the meals, fruit baskets, cards, prayers, help with the kids, etc. That brings up another amazing token of generosity.


Many of you are familiar with Connect, the young adult ministry that we are involved with. For those who aren't, Connect is a ministry in SW Florida and our mission is to "connect" young adults with Christ, each other, and our world. This ministry has been a major part of our lives since the week that Drea and I met. Through this ministry, we've grown together spiritually, served on service projects, and I took my first international mission trip to Haiti a few years ago. (I'll be going back next month and bringing Ty with me!) The ministry has evolved over time and I am currently one of the co-directors. I serve alongside an awesome team of five other board members and an even larger leadership team. The website is www.WalkConnected.com if you want to know more about it. The reason I mention Connect is that they have decided to host a "Spaghetti Dinner" fundraiser for us next week to help with some of the bills. Details are here: https://www.facebook.com/events/340351982685074/

I apologize for not being able to write more updates after the daily posts while we were in the hospital but time just hasn't allowed it. That, and overall, Drea's progress has continued to improve without any major hiccups since we left the hospital. Signing off with gratitude (did I say that yet?)....

March 27, 2012 Update

We got home Saturday and Drea continues to recover. The emotion that summarizes where we are right now is gratitude. Gratitude for a God who continues to show His grace, love, and power over us and this situation. Gratitude for family, friends, and even people we've never met who continue to show our family overwhelming generosity, love, care, concern, and prayers.


Drea's voice is still weak but able to communicate. Eating is still a challenge but able to get some softer foods down. She's not resting as much as she should but that same attitude is probably one of the reasons she's recovering quicker than expected. The drainage tube was removed yesterday. Stitches come out Friday. A follow up with Dr. Weed will be in 3-4 weeks and then another surgical procedure to improve her voice is not definite, but probable.


To add to the chaos, I had developed pain in my foot two weeks ago, but didn't have time to deal with it because of our hospital stay. I walked into a local podiatrist yesterday to have it checked and ended up undergoing toenail surgery. Not a fun experience, but based on what Drea went through, I know I'm not getting any sympathy. 


For those of you who are local, we added a request to our care calendar. The boys enjoy walking through our neighborhood hunting for sticks, bugs, etc. If anyone is interested in coming by the house to walk/hang out with them for a couple hours, it would be a huge help to give them a fun activity and give us some time to work/catch up on things around the house.

To sign up, here's the link to the Care Calendar: 

http://carecalendar.org/logon/106419

CALENDAR ID: 106419
SECURITY CODE: 9136

Thanks again everyone!

March 24, 2012 Update

Ty and Bryson, Mommy and Daddy are on our way home!!!

March 23, 2012 Update

I know that many of you have been checking this blog for updates. I'm hearing that some of you, maybe many, are starting to anticipate and get used to the daily updates. Updates will continue periodically, but daily updates in the future are unlikely, unless of course, I'm approached by a corporate sponsor.

Drea's progress can best be described as "so far, so good." We are so thankful for all of your prayers and are confident that God is listening and answering (James 5:16). She was able to speak (softly) just after surgery and has been steadily improving. She was moved from ICU into a less restrictive room around noon today. Also today, she was able to eat small portions of mashed potatoes and some foods with similar consistency. She is not yet able to drink water/liquid without it being thickened, but that should improve over time.

Believe it or not, there's a good chance we'll be headed home tomorrow! We were told to expect a post-surgery stay of 3-7 days. 2 would be happily accepted. Drea doesn't want to get her hopes too high, but one of Dr. Weed's assistants told us tonight that it is probable based on Drea's progress. Most of the tubes/IV's were removed tonight. She still has a drain coming from the incision but that will be removed Monday.

If we're released tomorrow, you can expect a post will soon follow!

March 22, 2012 Update (4:00 pm)

Drea's out of surgery and in recovery. Drea's mom and I just saw her briefly in recovery. I spoke with Dr. Weed around 3:00. Praise God that they did NOT have to go through the temporal bone to access the tumor, which is good news for the length of recovery in the hospital and more importantly, means that her hearing in that ear did not need to be sacrificed. That's the good news. 

Unfortunately, as expected, the vagus nerve needed to be removed. The vagus nerve affects many functions, and this means the recovery process will take some time. How long? It could be days, weeks, months, no definitive answer. The carotid artery in that side was removed but that is inconsequential. Common assumption is that the carotid artery is so important, but because there are two of them and other nerves can take over the same functions, sacrificing one isn't a problem. No other nerves were removed, which was a possibility and is good for the long term. Dr. Weed said the tumor was very close to the nerve which controls the tongue but that nerve is safe. Many nerves were moved and manipulated so there will be recovery time to regain strength in those.

She will be in ICU somewhat soon. She's expected to be sleepy or sleeping most of the day. There are still a ton of what if's and unknowns, but so far, everything has gone as initially expected. As we learn more details about how her swallowing, voice, and other functions were affected, I'll keep you all updated.  

March 22, 2012 Update (1:00 pm)

Drea was kept in ICU again last night. She had most of her tubes/wires removed in the afternoon which gave her more room to be feel comfortable. Despite some difficulty with her ability to swallow, she was able to eat and drink pretty well throughout the day. The low point was after one of the doctor's assistants came in for a status update. While nothing big picture was much different, we were told the rehab might take a little longer than expected and the hospital stay might be a few days longer and it all suddenly became more real. That was emotional. But another doctor's assistant came in later and was more optimistic. Since Drea was confined to a bed for a few days, her mood was temporarily lifted when her nurse told her she would help her wash her hair. Men and women are different species!

This morning started early. They started the paperwork at 5:00 a.m. to discharge Drea from Jackson Memorial. I walked her down to the car and we drove across the street to check in for surgery at the University of Miami Hospital at 7:00 a.m. Drea recited Psalm 50:15 and I read Isaiah 41:10 and 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 to her before she went into surgery around 9:00. Dr. Weed will be removing the tumor and overseeing the surgical process. The surgery could last anywhere between 3-12 hours. It all depends on how high up the tumor extends and if the 2nd surgeon (ENT Telischi) or the 3rd (neurosurgeon Morcos) are needed to access the tumor from the ear or head. Hopefully and prayerfully, he only needs to use an incision in the neck to remove it. Then the next phase of recovery and rehab can begin.

Continued thanks to all of you who have let us know that you've been praying and sending warm wishes through text, email, Twitter, and Facebook. It's helped us both! She's been able to check some messages on her phone, but I don't know if she's read all of them. I know she hasn't been able to respond to every message because her hands have been loaded with IV's and her vision has been blurry at times. I read every message sent to me and I try reading most to her. Please continue praying!

-Brandon

March 21, 2012 Update

Drea's feeling good today. It's noon and she's still in ICU. We hear conflicting stories about how long she'll be here. She slept well and ate a good breakfast this morning. We just received a phone call that she will need to report to UMiami Hospital tomorrow at 7:00 a.m. for the surgery.

March 20, 2012 Update

Both of us slept really well after Day 1. I was very thankful that one of the nurses was able to find a pullout chair so I didn't have to leave Drea's side overnight.

The angio-embolization went as planned without any complications. She came out of the operating room at 12:30 pm and was taken to the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit, where she'll rest until tomorrow or Thursday. Unfortunately, they won't allow me to stay with her overnight in ICU, but she is being monitored continually and carefully here. The nurses in ICU have been very responsive and caring.

Today's procedure caused a lot of discomfort in the area of the tumor. After the procedure, Drea was having difficulty in talking louder than a whisper, swallowing, and her vision was a bit blurry. We're told that's normal. She was, however, able to down a McDonald's shamrock shake in record time at around 5:00 pm. It wasn't surprising considering she hadn't really eaten in over 36 hours. She ate and drank more later as well. All the symptoms improved as time went on. She's resting comfortably as I write this close to midnight.

Because of the symptoms, I asked Drea mid-afternoon if she wanted me to turn on the TV or even read to her, and she was eager for me to read to her from the book Jesus Calling, which she had recently received as a kind gift from one of her girlfriends. Some background info before I continue the story. One spiritual discipline that God has laid on our hearts lately to try to improve is memorizing Scripture. But the cool thing is that neither of us have discussed it with each other. I have been working on Isaiah 41:10 this week. Back to the story. So I started reading to her and the page ended with a verse, Psalm 50:14. which read "What I want instead is your true thanks to God; I want you to fulfill your vows to the Most High." What she said next brought me joy and encouragement. She whispered "Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory." I asked what that was and she said "It's the next verse, Psalm 50:15." She said she recently memorized it. For me, it was just another one of those moments that made me feel thankful to be Drea's husband.

Until the next update,
Brandon

Photos from March 19-20, 2012

Scans/photos of the tumor from yesterday after the dye was injected. Dye allows the doctors to see which arteries are feeding the tumor. Incredible technology. 

This is the room where Drea's procedures were done on Monday and Tuesday. Not pictured are the several TV screens lined up side by side and some other equipment. Yes, that's Drea at the bottom of the photo, resting before Tuesday's procedure.

March 19, 2012 Update

We expected Day 1 to be the easiest of the 3 days of procedures this week. Unfortunately, it has been a long and difficult day.

It was a 6 a.m. check in at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. The room where Drea was wheeled into for the first procedure was intimidating because of all the screens, machines, and equipment. But the procedure was successful in finding out more info to help the doctors for the surgery on Thursday. One piece that I comprehended (science was my worst subject!) was that the tumor is being fed by the external carotid artery and not the internal one.

The first crop of nurses have not been the best, so I've had to step up my nursing skills for my favorite patient. This second shift of nurses has been much better, so we're thankful for that.

Yesterday (Sunday) and today have been emotionally painful for Drea being away from the boys, and today she experienced more physical pain than she expected to have on Day 1, so please keep praying for her, and our family. We have continued to be overwhelmed with the continual prayers and generosity of so many friends and family, and even many people we've never met. Our appreciation is beyond words.

Tomorrow is the angio-embolization. Through all this medical chaos, God's love and strength continue to give us hope and rest. We pray the same for all of you! I'll try to post another update tomorrow night or Wednesday. Goodnight from the west wing!

-Brandon

March 16, 2012 Update

Hello Everyone,

My name is Bethany Hughes. I am Drea's friend. As I hear more information I will pass it along to you.

March 19, 2012

• Drea will be admitted to Jackson Memorial in Miami
• She will be put under conscious sedation
• They will do a nuclear test that will show if the tumor is "blood fed"
• They will do a balloon occlusion test that will show that her corotid artery functions correctly

March 20, 2012

• Drea will be put under anesthesia
• They will perform an angioembolism, which will stop the blood flow to the tumor.
• She will spend the rest of that day in ICU

March 21, 2012

• Assuming all goes well, she will be discharged from Jackson Memorial and readmitted to the University of Miami Hospital
• She will not have a surgery time until this day.
• Dr. Weed will be the lead surgeon. He is the ENT. Dr. Tselishi is the Ear/Nose/Throat Specialist, and Dr. Morcos is the Neurologist.

Andrea has treasured the cards/gift cards that many of you have sent. She would appreciate your prayers for a smooth recovery.

A calendar has been set up to bring meals to the Kornblue family after they reeturn from Miami. The log-in information is below. Please feel free to forward this to anyone you feel would like to bless the Kornblue family.

To access The Kornblue Family's personal CareCalendar site, visit http://carecalendar.org/logon/106419 and enter the following information in the appropriate spaces:

CALENDAR ID: 106419
SECURITY CODE: 9136

If you would like to send  Andrea a card, here is their home address.

Andrea Kornblue
28129 Herring Way
Bonita Springs, FL 34135

God Bless,
Bethany Hughes
 

Feb. 22, 2012 Update

Monday we went to Miami to meet with the otolaryngologist.  The meeting did not go quite as we had expected...  it was complex, and overwhelming.  We spent some time looking at the CT scans of the tumor.  It appears to be located on the vagus nerve.  From the scans we can see that the tumor is large and impressing upon both the carotid artery and the jugular vein which is messy.  There seem to be several names for this type of tumor.  Dr. Weed referred to it as a likely vagal paraganglioma.  The good news is that this is usually benign.  Bad news is that there is still a possibility there could be additional tumors.  So they are doing more scans.  

We will be proceeding with surgery to remove the tumor, however it is not as straightforward as we originally thought.  There will be a team of surgeons working together.  Dr Weed, whom we have met with, specializes in neck surgery and has enlisted the assistance of a neurologist (Dr. Morcos) and an ear specialist (Dr. Telischi) because of the location of my tumor. 

We will be returning to Miami for 4 separate days of tests and appointments over the next 2 weeks.  Once all of the information is compiled we will book the surgery.  There are so many possible outcomes once we go into surgery that it is difficult to speculate what the surgery and recovery will look like.  

Here is what we know. They are looking at anywhere from 3 to 12 hours in surgery.  The time will depend on how they need to access the tumor.  My prayer is that one incision through the neck will do it.  There are some complications expected, but this route seems to be much less invasive than through the ear canal or skull base.  My stay at the hospital looks to be anywhere from 3 to 7 days.  I am struggling with an extended stay.  Most of you know that I don't love being apart from Brandon and the boys.  We were also told we can expect a rehabilitation process of speech, hearing, eating, etc. that could range from a few months to 5 years.

We are scared and saddened by some of this news, but we continue to find rest in knowing that our God is amazing, and he is in complete control of this situation.  That alone is awesome.  We are so thankful for all of your prayers and offers to help.  We have truly felt the power of your prayers and the warmth of your hearts.  It is a beautiful thing to have fear of the future yet to feel so comforted by the Lord's embrace.

Feb. 2, 2012 Update

The search is over!  

As you know, I have been sick for the last 3 years.  We have been through countless doctors, and consistently came up with nothing....

Yesterday I went back to see Dr. Hughes (Bethany's husband.)  After spending a lot of time going over my symptoms, he ordered a series of tests.  One of which was an MRI of my neck.  Upon reviewing the results, they found a tumor.  

Of course there are mixed emotions that come with hearing this....  On one hand, we were really excited to finally have an answer.  On the other hand, there are a lot of questions that come to mind.  

We met with a specialist this morning, and got some more details.  The tumor I have is likely one of 2 types.  Either on my carotid artery or my Vegas nerve.  (no idea if I spelled either of those correct!)  Both types of these tumors are likely benign.  The procedure to remove the tumor will be preformed in Miami soon by a specialist there.  

I will let you all know more details as we know more.  We appreciate your prayers more than we could ever explain!  We are blessed an awesome God, and by each of you beyond measure. 

Also, I am sure I missed some e mail addresses, so I do not mind you forwarding at all if you see that I did. 

Care Calendar

Here's the link to the Care Calendar: 
http://carecalendar.org/logon/106419


CALENDAR ID: 106419
SECURITY CODE: 9136