May 2007 - In January, we received a very frightening diagnosis of a destructive bone tumor that had eaten away at my husband's first and second cervical vertebrae. The initial neurosurgeon that had examined and diagnosed my husband was unable to treat him due to the complexity of his condition, so he referred us to the University of Minnesota, and Dr. H. Dennis Mollman.
From the first point of contact, we were treated like family, with great care and concern. The scope of our care went well beyond professional courtesy, but to real concern of our fears and honest, sympathetic answers to our questions. Dr. Mollman and his staff took us through the pre-surgical process, giving us the knowledge we needed to be actively involved, and to truly understand what would happen during my husband's surgery, and post-operatively.
After an 8 hour surgery, Dr. Mollman was able to give us a complete picture of the danger my husband had been in, and how much of a complete miracle it was that he wasn't paralyzed or no longer with me. The tumor had destroyed my husband's C1 and C2 vertebrae, and there had been no support for his neck. Dr. Mollman was able to reestablish new vertebrae with a synthetic material, and give Steve's neck support with rods down through C5, and titanium screws to hold it all together.
Steve's recovery was difficult at first, but the care we received in and out of the hospital was second to none, and for that we will be forever grateful. My husband Steve is truly a walking, talking miracle. The good Lord, The University of Minnesota Neurosurgery department, and Dr. Mollman saved my husband's life!
Steve & Jaymi Danz
|
