Leo made it! The frontal lobectomy went exactly according to plan. He was in the OR from noon to about 9:30 p.m. — a long time to be apart from our guy. They disconnected and removed the frontal lobe, where his seizures originated, and that space will eventually fill with fluid. They did give him some blood, which isn't unexpected.

Since Leo's PMG brain malformation wasn't confined to his frontal lobe, it's always possible that a remaining malformed area could begin producing seizures; that's the case with many of the families we've interacted with in our online PMG support groups. However, our neurosurgeon reminds us that it's common to encounter outliers since these are the folks most seeking connection and support. 75% of patients who go through this operation maintain seizure freedom, and if seizures do develop down the line for Leo, they're more likely to be controlled with medication or an implantation device.

Leo has endured more than we could have anticipated in the last year. Even though he's met scores of doctors, nurses, and surgeons who poke at and prick him, he's guileless. He continues to be patient, happy, and trusting. Just the sweetest kid.