On Tuesday, November 21st, I will undergo surgery to remove a tumor on the pituitary gland in my head. I first became aware of this tumor four years ago when I was in a car accident. Use of medication since that time has prevented the tumor from growing, but it has not shrunk. More significantly, the tumor continues to mess with hormone levels, metabolism, and a host of other complications. The pituitary gland is sometimes referred to as the “master gland” because of all the things is controls.
Over the past year, side effects from the tumor and medication have created enough problems that my doctors and I recently decided that it would be best to have surgery to remove the tumor. The neurosurgeons involved say they perform this surgery at the rate of about one per week and it’s very common. The pituitary gland is on the bottom of the brain, so they are able to access it through a scope inserted through the nose without the need to open the skull. So, if there is such a thing as a “simple” brain surgery, I guess this is it.
The surgery is scheduled for Tuesday morning at the University of Kansas Hospital in the brand new building known as the Cambridge Tower. I am told that I will be in ICU overnight on Tuesday and then moved to the floor for “a couple days” while they “make sure there is no spinal fluid leaking from my brain.” So, I hope to go home perhaps the evening of Thanksgiving.
I am hopeful that this surgery will help eliminate some of the problems I’ve been experiencing and allow me to get back to being a “normal” priest very soon. I appreciate all your prayers.
N.B. I told them if they see a bunch of Latin in there to be sure to leave that part alone; I need that :-).
31 comments
Fr. Shawn, so sorry to hear this, and well definitely keep you in our prayers. Don’t know yet when I will have my liver surgery!
Jesus, I Trust in You! – Kathy & Bob
Fr Shawn,
Praying for a speedy recovery from a very successful surgery.
Bill Guglielmi
Father Shawn my thoughts and prayers are with you. I pray for a positive outcome and quick recovery.
Father Shawn so sorry to hear this. We will keep you in our prayers and thoughts. We miss you at Sacred Heart and hope to see you soon.
You will be in our prayers for your healing. God is good and He is with us. Peace.
Shawn, we will be praying for you to breeze through this and get back to doing what you love!
Andi, Cliff and Chris.
Always in my prayers, but a little extra sure won’t hurt. Be thinking of you Tuesday. Prayers for the skillful steady hands you’ll be in also.
Gene
I hope my favorite pilot recovers soon.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
We will be praying for a successful surgery outcome and a speedy recovery.
God Bless!
You will be in my prayers Father. Take care.
All the Sisters Servants of Mary are offering prayers through the intercession of St. Maria Soledad. She is with you through all, Father.
Jesus, I trust in you! Father Shawn, you are so very precious in His sight and we need you. I am so sorry to learn about your suffering that you have endured this past year… I am praying for you and for your doctors. Amazing that they can do this! God’s Grace in everything! Stay strong! (Through your nose…how incredible is that! Hallelujah!) – Lesle
Praying for you & the helping hands working
On your marvelous brain.
I had brain surgery 7/1/15 & it took much patience
& many prayers to recover. Thank You God.
I will say many prayers for a successful surgery
for you.
Jesus I Trust In You.
Prayers from the Davis family! May you be granted God’s peace and protection!!
Dear Fr Shawn,
you are very much in my thoughts and prayers. All the best for a speedy recovery.
Praying for great success with the surgery and recovery. It will be a great Thanksgiving I pray. Hope to see you soon.
My prayers are with you and your doctors. My God guide their hands.
Fr. Shawn, you are in my thoughts and prayers during your surgery. Take care and God bless!
Prayers for a speedy recovery, Keep us updated.
Father Shawn – our prayers will be with you for complete and speedy recovery!!!!
Father Shawn, a good friend of mine had this surgery recently at KU and is doing great. The ENT dept that does the approach for this surgery is excellent. You will feel cruddy for a little while, maybe a week or so, but then you will feel so much better. Prayers for you!
Father Shawn, you are always in our prayers. May our wonderful Lord, the Great Physician, take care of you. We love and miss you.
Fr. Shawn, you will be in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you with a speedy recovery.
Our prayers are with you, Father.
I am praying for you and offering up my treatments for you. Fr. Jim Shaughnessy
Our prayers are with you.
Fr. I had head surgery at KU six years ago – about 10 hours worth. At least 3 Great surgeons in my head, maybe more. In ICU for several weeks. Am enjoying a good life now for the job they did.
God Speed and prayers for you this week!
Fr. Shawn, we will add you to our novena… in progress. I am sure all will be well. Those guys are pretty good at what they do. Looking forward to hearing bugle calls from you soon!
Praying for your surgery and recovery
Father Shawn- Marvin and I are praying for you, the surgeons, the nurses and all staff caring for you. Anxious to see you when can. Love, Faye and Marvin
Prayers for you and a successful surgery, Fr. Shawn.