Frankie's Surgery: November 2010

Frankie's Story

Frankie was adopted at 5 1/2 years old. He is an amazing child. He was home for about 8 months when he had his first seizure. Then, he was diagnosed with Epilepsy. We went to many Dr's and tried many different medications. We discovered NYU. The Dr's and staff there have been amazing. Frankie was evaluated to see if he was a surgical candidate. Well, he is. They plan on doing an invasive EEG (EEG leads placed directly on his brain) and then weaning his meds to allow him to have seizures. They will then determine which areas are causing the seizures. If the area is a safe area to remove they will remove that epileptic area of his brain. They do not think in Frankie's case this will be a cure, but, they hope it will significantly reduce his seizures so he wont require so much medication. It is a 3 step surgery. He will go to the OR to have the leads placed on his brain then brought back to the Pediatric ICU and wait for seizures to occur. He will then go back to the OR for a resection (if it can be done), then they will replace the EEG leads. He will return to the Pediatric ICU again and wait to see if he has seizures. Step 3 he will then go back to the surgery for further resection, remove the leads, and close him up. Surgery is scheduled for 12/9/10 and we will probably be in the hospital for Christmas. The poor kid will be put through a lot. We trust these Doctors and staff so we hope this is the right thing to do.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Presurgical Testing at NYU

Today Frankie had his Presurgical Testing and Hematology clearance. We found out more details of what to expect the day of the surgery. That day is going to be a long day. Starting off with an MRI, Surgery including pulling any loose teeth, and placement of a picc line. As per hematology he is cleared for surgery. Next clearance is with our Pediatrician.

Also today Daddy, Uncle Jimmy, Grandpa, and Uncle Grant donated blood for Frankie. That is one way to make us blood related. :)

Special thank you to the new Mr. & Mrs. Richard Lucas who on their first day married went to NYU and donated blood for Frankie. We thank you so much for thinking of Frankie during this busy and happy time for you. Congratulations and Thank You!

THANK YOU EVERYONE!!! We should have enough blood now. (It better be !!!). We will put the word out if we need more.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,
I am a good boy. I am getting my brain fixed. Please come to my house and the hospital in NYC. Don't forget me! I want Legos and drums. I Love Dad and Mom.
Love,
Frankie
Anzaldi

Video games too!!