She's in surgery

This is Becky.  I am relegated the task of updating you all on surgery.  Tara also asked me to update facebook every few hours - not sure I'll tackle that task.

First of all, Tara makes me laugh. She never reads her posts to proof them after she writes them; that is usually me that does that ( if it gets done).  Last post "super fiscal" infection - ha, ha, I needed a laugh right now; and that got one.  I'm sure she meant "superficial".

Just because Dr. Shapiro said that about infection doesn't mean we are scared about it - he also said it very well could be a superficial infection - that's what it looks like - but once again; they will know for sure when Dr. Smith opens her up.

Her departure time through those double doors was 11:45.  Her "asleep" time was probably 11:46.  She left all smiles; while I was fighting back tears and trying to get my heart from hurting.  This time I know what's ahead - well, maybe, I know.  I know some of it.  Don't know if she'll be wearing yet another device (helmet) or all of what's ahead; but I know some.  This brain tumor road isn't short and isn't pleasant; but we survive one day at a time with all of your prayers building us up.  I keep remembering what Tara said about "being in the Savior's hands."  She slept "like a rock" last night (according to Josh and herself) and didn't seem at all scared or worried this morning.  She's just ready to take this on.  What a brave girl she is.  She'll always be my little girl and I don't like to see little girls go through those double doors.

Dr. Smith hates decadron.  That made he and Tara instant friends for sure!  He said he'll only put her on it for 2 or 3 days - some of you may remember her intense hatred for this drug which she finally got off one week after her wedding.  Decadron is a steroid used for brain swelling; very effective for the swelling; but the side effects are yucky.  We met Dr. Smith Sunday (Kris Smith) and we were very impressed with him.

One positive thing - Scott has been emailing Dr. Berger (original surgeon from UCSF).  He feels that it is very unlikely that tumor has come back so soon; he thinks it is likely scar tissue or that necrosis; but agrees that if there is fluid coming out of her head and they are worried about infection; it's a good reason to go ahead with surgery.  I think Dr. Berger has a soft spot in his heart for Tara; but then, who wouldn't??  I like to hear that he thinks there is no tumor in there..... I don't ever want to hear the words "tumor re-growth".  I like "radiation necrosis" much better.

Surgery should take 4 hours.  I will write more later.  Surely appreciate all your prayers, love, and concern. Tara has been reading the blog lots lately while in the hospital... it's therapeutic for her.  Love you all!