Beginning Surgery

I am using Beth's new laptop in the waiting room at OHSU. Curt and I got here before 7 this morning and after "signing in" went to the "prep area". Angie and Beth arrived after 7:30. I got to see Dr. Gross, the anesthesiologist (sp.), the resident neurosurgeon, and lots of other nurses, etc. They gave him something to put him to sleep and took him away at 8:30 and said they probably won't start to operate until about 9:30. The surgery will probably take from 8 to 9 hours. The neurosurgeon mentioned cutting some nerve in his cheek area that would make that area permanently numb. They were hoping this might let the tumor "drop down"? They might also do something that will make his left eye lose it's ability to "water" so he will need drops. He will also have a dry mouth. This is all speculation. We are waiting for a call from the operating room after the neurosurgeon is done. Dr. Gross even mentioned coming to the waiting room during the surgery.
I had a little scare on the way to Angie's yesterday afternoon. The Lake Oswego police pulled us over (I was driving) near some schools near them. They said I was going 33 mph in a 25 mph zone near a school and there were a couple children playing there. I was lucky to get by with a warning. They also told me the speed limit was 25 mph when I turned the corner. Angie had already picked up Beth from the airport by the time we arrived (about 2 PM). She enjoyed her First Class ticket (you even get a lunch). Curt beat us all playing Hearts that night. He was quite nervous going into surgery this morning. We think he is in capable hands and are anxious to get some news. I will write more when we learn something. We are hoping the clouds go away later so we can ride the tram (we were able to get a free pass for that).
Joan