In Turmoil

Tuesday came and went but not without bad news. It's been 2 weeks since Mick's last surgery and there has been a long list of different symptoms/issues that have taken place. I faxed that list to the Dr. so they could ponder over it before the Dr.'s appt. that was to be set to discuss Mick's accidents on Friday. I did not hear from anyone by 11am so I called to make sure they received the fax and to see if they had a time yet for Mick to come in. I was told the Dr. was in Surgery and they have been discussing everything and verdict is still out. The Dr. was going to call later or they would call with a time to come in. 2pm rolled around and the Dr. called and we briefly discussed some of the issues. There was no good news. He said he wanted to see Mick today (Wed) to discuss options but before he said that he said the coiling and stenting procedures aren't working and "We are losing a battle". My heart dropped out of my chest. It's Wednesday and we went to see the Dr. today. We were lead right back to a room and within 2 min. the Dr. came in to talk to us... discussed a few things and then left to set up Mick's CT picture so he could show us what is going on. Mick's CT showed that there is spinal fluid backing up/filling in his brain. The annuerysm is causing a blocking the flow from the spinal fluids. After that blow to the stomach we went back to the room to discuss options. Here's the hard part. Coiling and stenting as said the day before is out (at least at this time) now we have to decide what is a "Level of Life" that Mick and the family can tolerate. TOLERATE how can that even be a word for the Living... The Dr. told us really the only options are staying the way he is and pretty much letting things take it's own course, removal of the annuerysms, or what Indianapolis Neurosurgeon suggested was "shenting" . With shenting they would cut an opening into the side of his brain put in a shent and let the fluids drain to his stomach to absorb. RISKS: Letting life happen= pins and needles waiting for the annuersyms burst and increased symptoms, Shenting=possible annuerysms bleeding=stroke or etc. I save the worst for last; Removing the annuerysm=40% or less of survival, possibilitie of vegative state or death is too high and they only want to consider this as a last option unless this is what the family decides. So, I am trying to figure out what is the best answer for him. It's not about the family. We have to decide what's in his best interest and he can't tell us what he wants other than; " I don't want to be like this" which he has always said anytime we discuss situations like this. How do we (family) make a decision that could be so devistating. My heart is breaking and I honestly don't know what to do. The girls and I are going to sit down and discuss everything per Dr.'s orders and then call him on Monday with an answer. At this point only thing we know for sure is he will never work again.( Mick broke down hearing this) We have 3 options and none of them are good. There's no right answer nor is this a win win situation. I'm trying to think of something positive right now but it's so hard because there was nothing postive said today so my positive is for the moment we have him in this state and it's better than the alternative but that's our (my) selfish thinking.So, I for now I will say goodnight and just ask for prayers for the right answer for him.