Page 34 - The Exceptional Harley Fetterman

JUDY K JOHNSON

were told that Harley's tumor was non-life threatening. But once they
became aware of Harley's tumor, they began to notice subtle details
about Harley's vision loss. He couldn't see the curb. He couldn't see
the neighbor's dog when it stood on carpet which was the same color
as the dog's hair coat. He had trouble interpreting images with lots of
details but very low contrast. A lot of his haphazard experiences
would now be attributed to escalating loss of vision.
th
Harley had his first brain surgery on July 30 , 2003, to perform a
biopsy. This craniotomy was performed at Children's Hospital of
Austin just four weeks after his fifth birthday. With his family/friends
waiting in the preoperative waiting area, (Granny Jean and Papa Sid,
Aunt Sharon with her son Jarrett, friends Les and Starla Atwood, and
Harley's parents). As a nurse started to wheel him into surgery, Harley
insisted with determination that she stop so that he could greet
everyone in his support group. Harley gave everyone a confident hug
and kiss.
“Okay, I'm ready to go!” Harley insisted with determination.

Figure 8: Harley's craniotomy scars.

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