Jordan's Surgical Plan

Hi everyone,

As we head into November (!!?), we want to update you all on Jordan's incredibly brave decision about his path to a normal life.

As we have previously mentioned in our original "Jordan's Path to Recovery" post, Jordan will require extensive reconstruction of his leg in order to rid his body of the osteosarcoma tumor. We met with the surgical team at Children's a few weeks ago to discuss Jordan's options, as well as the pros and cons of each. Dr. Donaldson provided us with THIS powerpoint presentation that lays out all of the options. Jordan, with our complete support, has chosen to have Rotationplasty surgery on November 28th. While this is the most complex of all the options, we strongly feel this procedure gives Jordan the highest quality of life, with no limits on what he can do. It will require Jordan to have a lower leg prosthesis, but also full range of motion on a durable "knee" that will allow him to continue his athletic pursuits, currently focused on soccer, skiing, and biking.

As a way to help everyone understand what this surgery is, these videos provided by Dr. Nate can be really helpful:

Additionally there are some amazing things happening in our circle that are helping us navigate this complex decision and path forward. Through an old friend of Kari's who happens to own a prosthesis company here in Denver, we are getting connected to a specialist in rotationplasty prosthetics, as well as to some athletes who have had this same procedure.(Thank you Neuf!) Through this connection, I am exchanging texts with Sam Grewe, a Paralympic gold medalist and world record holder in the high jump. Sam is currently a med student at Michigan, and has been gracious enough to offer up some of his free time to meet with and talk to Jordan. You can hear Sam talk about his amazing story in this Ted Talk he provided.

We also have some connections into the Olympic and Paralympic committee, and are looking forward to see what athletes we can get Jordan connected to through their amazing programs.

We recognize that is is a bizarre and complex procedure to get your head wrapped around. If anyone has questions, please feel free to add them to the comments below, and we will try to address them as we have time.

Jordan's procedure is scheduled for November 28th. He will be in-patient for several days following his procedure, and will not be able to be fitted for his prosthetic for 2 - 3 months after surgery. Needless to say, December, January, and February will be tough on all of us, especially Jordan. However, his spirit and optimism continue to inspire and wow us every day. This kid is tough as nails, and we cannot wait to see the impact he will have on the world.

Jordan will also continue to receive chemo treatments through the end of April. You can find his treatment calendar in the recovery post.

One crazy coincidence I'll close out this posting with. Back in 8th grade, as a part of his engineering class, Jordan was asked to put together a presentation about what he wants to be when he grows up. Could you believe that he actually chose "Prosthetist"?? Check out his amazing presentation below from 8th grade.

Love always and all ways,

The Obies.