And She's Out!

Tessa (and the surgical team) did an amazing job! She’s out, and we’re now in the ICU at Children’s as Tess begins the recovery process. She is groggy, and barely conscious. The only things she’s really said so far are: “I can’t wake up, I can’t wake up” and “I can’t open my eyes.” After which, she opened her eyes, whimpered at us, and the went back to sleep.



Dr. Shamberger said that they successfully removed all of the extraspinal portion of the tumor (which was by far the largest part of it). They left the small piece of the tumor that had grown in between her vertebrae, because in every case that he has worked on, it causes no problems down the line. Then he knocked on the wooden armrest of the chair in which he was sitting. We should have the pathology results (particularly whether it is malignant or benign) by the end of the week and will then know what her follow-up will be.

After assuring us that she did great, that she’s fine, and that everything was okay, he said, “There was one little thing she did to us… or that we did to her, I guess.” He went on to tell us of an episode of asystole that lasted about 30 seconds. In other words, they were proceeding with the surgery when the anesthesiologist interrupted with, “Uh, guys, what are you doing right now?” And Tessa’s heart stopped beating. You’re familiar with that flatline extended beep sound from the movies? Apparently, Tess pulled that on them. The other surgeon working with Dr. Shamburger added to us, “Yeah, that really bugs them (the anesthesiologists) when the heart stops.”

The anesthesiologist asked them to “tickle the heart, please.” Only at Children’s. And that was all it took. Her heart started right back up again, and all her vitals went back to perfect. The only thing to which they could attribute it was a mechanical irritation as some of the instruments were pushing up against the heart to keep it out of the way of the surgery site. They didn’t have to call a code or do compressions. Just tickle.

So, she’s doing great. Her pain is under control, and she’s just regained consciousness. Emily, the Child Life Specialist just brought her some stickers and paper, and some white Crayola modelling clay to play with as she continues to feel better. Ahhh. No Dora.



We just wanted to get something out there for those who are checking the blog today. Thank you for praying, for fasting, for thinking about our Tessa. We are thankful for your friendship, your support, and your intercession before our God. He is good.