5 years ago Jacob was taken back into an operating room for a very drastic surgery. They told us that they had to remove about a third of the left hemisphere of his brain and disconnected the rest. This was the only way that he would have a 50/50 chance to stop the seizures he was having on a daily bases (he was having anywhere from 75 on a good day to over a few hundred- when I would lose count). Now, I know that 50/50 does not sound great to some, but to us it was either that or 100% chance of having seizures for the rest of his life (some that probably would have left him severely disabled or even worse, killed him). 5 years ago we put all our trust in his Neurosurgeon, Dr. Ojemann at Seattle Children's Hospital, and his team of skilled nurses and doctors to give Jacob a chance at a real life.
Today I am so grateful for that chance they gave him to become the boy he is today! He has been 5 years seizure free and growing and developing into this sweet, funny, and unique little boy. He seems to be loved by everyone at school and I am sure could charm his way into just about anyone's heart. 
Jacob recently had his yearly check up at Seattle Children's Hospital and we saw Dr. Ojemann and the Neurologist, Dr. Novotny (that he has seen since he was a year and a half old). We also had an appointment with the Rehab Dr., and from all of them we heard "Jacob is doing great!" The best news of all though was when we were told that they don't need us to come back to visit them anymore. We do still need to have a quick MRI done in about 2 years, but we can now do all of our checkups here in town and just send the info to Seattle, not that we don't love Seattle, but now when we go to visit, it will be strictly for fun!
Jacob also recently celebrated his 7th birthday. 7 years ago, I had no idea what we would be in for when he was born, but looking back, it has been filled with anxiety, ups and downs, and a lot of stress, but it has been a fulfilling and rewarding experience. I can only be excited for his future and the opportunities he will now have, opportunities he never would have had if it wasn't for that drastic surgery 5 years ago.
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