Update on Pembo's Surgery - Great News!!! - NEW UPDATE ON PAGE 7

[Towncrier]

I just got off the phone with Barb's husband Mark. He apologized for not calling sooner, but the past couple of days have been a blur for him.

Barb went into surgery at 9AM on Thursday morning. As the surgery progressed, her two surgeons discovered that the tumor was larger and more invasive than they had originally thought. It was sticking to the auditory and facial nerves, so they had to proceed at a snails pace. Barb came out of surgery at 1AM on Friday after 16 hours.

From there she was taken to intensive care. Mark was able to see her at 3AM on Friday morning.

The hospital moved her into a regular room about 45 minutes ago (just after lunchtime today). She is awake, but dizzy and nauseous. Her facial nerve is intact and she can smile and blink. She may have some trouble talking and swallowing for a while, but within a week, that should pass. The biggest concern is that Barb may have some diminished hearing in her right ear as the tumor was entangled in her auditory nerve.

The surgeons consider the operation a total success. Mark has see the post-operative MRI and said that Barb's brain is reclaiming the space that was occupied by the tumor.

There are only 12 places in the United States where this surgery could have been performed, and University Hospital in Cleveland is probably the best of those twelve.

Mark told me that he has been wearing a Disney shirt and/or hat every day and that he knows that it makes Barb happy to see that. He wanted to thank everyone who has prayed for Barb and asked for continued prayers during her recovery. She should be in the hospital for the next three to five days. Mark asked that people not try to call or visit Barb in the hospital as she not quite ready to handle that. Right now the best thing for her is rest.

Pembo's kids are doing fine. Allison misses mommy and daddy and can't quite understand where they are. The boys are having a ball. Church friends are taking them to Cedar Point today.

If I hear any more news from Mark, I'll be sure to pass it on.

 

[DaisyDebbie]

Holy cow, 16 hours of surgery

Here's hoping for a speedy recovery Barb. And hugs for Mark too

 

[stacilee]

Thanks for the news! Even those of us new here are happy to hear such encouraging words about a member of the "Disfamily".
Please DO keep us all posted on Pembo's progress!

 

[RitaZ.]

Hey TC, thanks for the update!

I got on here a few minutes looking for an update on Pembo. I'm so glad that everything went well and that the surgery was a total success! It's great that the kids are getting to do something fun while Pembo recovers in the hospital.

{{hugs}} to all!

 

[dizneenut]

Thanks for the update, John.

16 hours, wow!
So glad that the surgery was a success.

Continued prayers and good thoughts.
for Barb, Mark, and the kids.

 

[snoopy]

Oh my gosh, I am so relieved. She really was so incredibly brave, facing that serious surgery. I'm so happy that it was a success! Thanks so much for passing along the news John. Please do let her know we continue to pray for her.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

thanks the the update..i was wondering how it went..saying some prayers for her

 

[Denine]

Thanks for the update. Glad to hear that everything went well. Here's to a sppedy recovery.

UH is definitely a good hospital. We are blessed in the Cleveland area with good medical care.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Thanks for the update John.

How hard for Mark waiting during all that surgery. I am glad to hear the good results. Continued prayers for her recovery.

 

[Talking Hands]

PTL that it went well. Glad to hear she is recovering now.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Thank goodness it went well!
She will continue to be in my thoughts.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

:thewave: Let's hear if for those doctors!! Wow, 16 hours of surgery!! Glad the outlook is so good, please keep us posted. Prayers and pixie dust to you Pembo and family...

 

[nativetxn]

I'm so happy to hear that the surgery was a success. 16 hours is sure a long time to be in surgery.

I pray for her continued improvement and hope she is home in good health with her children very, very soon.

Katholyn

 

[Dan Murphy]

What a tough one, goodness. So good to hear the good news. Continued prayers are with Barb, and her family. Can't imagine waiting that one out, 16 hours. A relief to hear the update. And thanks for the call, John.

 

[sadeeyore]

Continued prayers for a speedy recovery

 

[minniecarousel]

Thanks for the update. Continued prayers for her recovery.

 

[slimplaw]

Wonderful news! Wishing her a speedy recovery.

 

[WDWLVR]

TC - thanks for sharing the good news. Prayers to her and her DH for the days ahead. God Bless those wonderful surgeons.

 

[candykisses]

Thanks for the update John, I was beginning to get concerned.

I'm so thankful everything turned out so well. My continued prayers for everyone.

I hope she's home soon and has a speedy recovery.

 

[PamOKW]

Thank God Barb went and got this checked out and that she ended up with best doctors to get her though this surgery. Thanks for passing on her husband's update. I am so thankful to hear that she made it through the surgery and that the prognosis sounds good -- although I'm sure she's going to need a recuperation period.

I know they aren't reading but -- continued prayers for Barb, her wonderful husband and her children and family. Keep everyone strong to help Barb through this tough time.