Excuse the long absence from blogging. Feb flew by. I worked a little, relaxed and recovered. We were lucky enough to vacation in Floridia for almost 2 weeks. The beach was beautiful. I swear swimming in the salty gulf helped me heal. I felt like it was a doctor's ordered healing get away (reading Nicholas and Alexandra and the doctors like to tell the to go to the Black Sea for the cure - smart doctors).
I had my last MRI for a year today. It was uncomfortable to lay still for 45 minutes. The pressure on the incision is still very uncomfortable, but no big deal. The MRI showed no signs of Herb or his unwanted cousins. Great news for us. The New Year starts today. I can start exercising and start back to work.
I'm still having visual seizures, so I have to stay on meds for at least 3 more months. Then I'll have an EEG to see if my brain is exhibiting seizure activity. Dr. Ferriera wants to wait 3 months for the test to give my brain a little more time to heal. So worst case I'm on the meds long term....best case only 3 months. Luckily it seems like the majority of the side effect (insomnia and scary dreams) have stopped.
I'm lucky and so thankful for my good news. I know too many people fighting for their lives or watching their loved one's fight. Its humbling to realize that from today forward this is becoming a memory of a fight that I fought and won surrounded and supported by amazing family and friends. For all you out there in your own fights, my love and prayers are with you. I'll never give up hope.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Giddy
Andy and I are sitting here feeling so giddy and happy about today. We had a doctor appointment and found out the tumor was most definitely benign. So, now I'm in the clear to resume normal activities. Such a relief! We went out for a celebratory brunch at the Coastal Cafe on Capital Hill. Since I still can't drink, I induldged in the most amazing french toast with mascrapone cheese and hazelnut cream syrup and a side of bacon for balance :). So amazing!
I am still tired from the surgery and insomnia from the meds, so I plan to slowly ramp up to "normal." I spoke to my doctor today about the insomnia and he said that he believes it's actually being caused by the combination of the steroid and seizure medicine. Since, I'm almost done with the steriod, it should be getting better. Apparently, this is a pretty common side effect. So, I'll be patient, keep picking good books and movies to while the night away and remain grateful that I have the time off to get through this.
Andy is sweetly sitting here as I write tonight. He is exhausted - I think we will both sleep peacefully tonight. Good dreams for all.
Normal activity - walking and moderating chocolate start tomorrow!
I am still tired from the surgery and insomnia from the meds, so I plan to slowly ramp up to "normal." I spoke to my doctor today about the insomnia and he said that he believes it's actually being caused by the combination of the steroid and seizure medicine. Since, I'm almost done with the steriod, it should be getting better. Apparently, this is a pretty common side effect. So, I'll be patient, keep picking good books and movies to while the night away and remain grateful that I have the time off to get through this.
Andy is sweetly sitting here as I write tonight. He is exhausted - I think we will both sleep peacefully tonight. Good dreams for all.
Normal activity - walking and moderating chocolate start tomorrow!
Monday, January 30, 2012
LONG Update and Braids
I must start by apologizing. I honestly lost track of time. My friend, Brandi, reminded me to blog today and I was really surprised when I logged on now and saw that I had not blogged since I was still in the hospital. Not sure what that says about my recovery or not.
Let me assure you the recovery is going well. It's slow and steady, which is positive. I'm not terrific at sitting still, so I've definitely had the blues at times. Last week I had two bad days and finally just decided to succumb to the tears. I always forget how far those tears get me toward accepting my limitations and processing all of the emotions I've been able to "handle/stall" because I was on a mission to get through January 20th.
Herb is gone and I'm healing up. The surgery went very well according to the surgeon. He did have to remove a portion of the tumor from the inside of the sinus vein. An MRI/MRV the night of the surgery confirmed that he removed it all! The initial pathology report (done during surgery) indicates that the tumor is benign. They are in the process of completing a more involved pathology now and we should have results soon that confirm the initial diagnosis.
The tumor had also caused a little swelling of my auxcipital lobe (right eye). While still in the hospital I started having visual seizures. These consist of a portion of my right peripheral vision that looses color. The rest of my vision is not impacted. The neurosurgeon put me on a seizure medicine and I've had a couple since I came home, but they generally only last 10 - 15 minutes. I'm hoping I don't have to stay on this medicine for long because it causes insomnia and terrible dreams. Remember earlier posts where I was daydreaming about sleeping???!!! UGH! It's not all bad, I'm reading lots of great books.
I want to say thank you to everyone who came and visited me in the hospital. All the visitors meant so much to me. I loved the treats, magazines, company, foot rubs, and hair brushing! You all spoiled Andy and me. Thanks also for all the food we have received. My girls have not complained about a meal since the surgery - I'm starting to get self-conscious about my cooking skills since most meals I cook result in someone crying (either Delaney or Andy). Hmmmm?
Tomorrow I'm going in to have the staples removed. I am so excited to be able to really brush my hair again. I've been rocking the braids for a week. The girls love it.
I promise more tomorrow. I have lots of thoughts to share :). Thanks for continuing to keep me in your thoughts and for checking in everyday. The calls and texts are keeping me sane.
Love you all!
Let me assure you the recovery is going well. It's slow and steady, which is positive. I'm not terrific at sitting still, so I've definitely had the blues at times. Last week I had two bad days and finally just decided to succumb to the tears. I always forget how far those tears get me toward accepting my limitations and processing all of the emotions I've been able to "handle/stall" because I was on a mission to get through January 20th.
Herb is gone and I'm healing up. The surgery went very well according to the surgeon. He did have to remove a portion of the tumor from the inside of the sinus vein. An MRI/MRV the night of the surgery confirmed that he removed it all! The initial pathology report (done during surgery) indicates that the tumor is benign. They are in the process of completing a more involved pathology now and we should have results soon that confirm the initial diagnosis.
The tumor had also caused a little swelling of my auxcipital lobe (right eye). While still in the hospital I started having visual seizures. These consist of a portion of my right peripheral vision that looses color. The rest of my vision is not impacted. The neurosurgeon put me on a seizure medicine and I've had a couple since I came home, but they generally only last 10 - 15 minutes. I'm hoping I don't have to stay on this medicine for long because it causes insomnia and terrible dreams. Remember earlier posts where I was daydreaming about sleeping???!!! UGH! It's not all bad, I'm reading lots of great books.
I want to say thank you to everyone who came and visited me in the hospital. All the visitors meant so much to me. I loved the treats, magazines, company, foot rubs, and hair brushing! You all spoiled Andy and me. Thanks also for all the food we have received. My girls have not complained about a meal since the surgery - I'm starting to get self-conscious about my cooking skills since most meals I cook result in someone crying (either Delaney or Andy). Hmmmm?
Tomorrow I'm going in to have the staples removed. I am so excited to be able to really brush my hair again. I've been rocking the braids for a week. The girls love it.
I promise more tomorrow. I have lots of thoughts to share :). Thanks for continuing to keep me in your thoughts and for checking in everyday. The calls and texts are keeping me sane.
Love you all!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Herb is History
So glad to report Herb has been evicted! Things are going well in recovery. I moved out of the ICU yesterday. I miss the marvelous nurses there. They were truly phenominal.
I'm on an acute care ward and resting and walking well. Before I head home I need to tackle the stairs and shower. The pain also needs to be manageable and I feel like I'm getting there. Pain Meds every 4 hours instead of 2. Still pretty worn out, but feeling so much better.
Try to write more later and definitely tomorrow.
Thanks again for all the love and support.
I'm on an acute care ward and resting and walking well. Before I head home I need to tackle the stairs and shower. The pain also needs to be manageable and I feel like I'm getting there. Pain Meds every 4 hours instead of 2. Still pretty worn out, but feeling so much better.
Try to write more later and definitely tomorrow.
Thanks again for all the love and support.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Delaney's blog
She is going to type this and share her thoughts:
i'm 6. i am delaney. i love mom. mom loves me.
i'm 6. i am delaney. i love mom. mom loves me.
Big Sigh
The weather is not helping anything! I guess Herb is teaching me to roll with the punches, but I'm sure Andy and I don't need any other factors to add to our anxiety about tomorrow. I'm counting our blessing despite the weather. We still have power, so we are warm. My mom is here watching the girls, so we know they will be okay tomorrow. Katie watched the girls this afternoon, while we went to chip my mom out of her house and bring her over, so we are lucky to have such wonderful friends. We have heard from lots of friends today wishing us love and sending prayers. Thank you!
The hospital called and we are still on for surgery tomorrow at 8:00. We have to check in at 6:00. I've got my fingers crossed that because we have to be there so early that the roads will be clear or at least not very crowded.
Looking forward to Saturday. Thank you for the great send off party last night. Thanks also to all my friends who were not able to join us, but who drank a toast to the end of Herb. I loved it. A great friend gave me an Eviction Notice for Herb - its in the hospital bag and ready to be posted on my hospital door. I'm sure it will get a lot of laughs and smiles from the great folks who will be taking care of me.
Thanks for all the blessings. I'll do my best to post on Saturday and Andy plans to text people once I get out of surgery. Keep all the thoughts coming our way! Calm, steady, Andy could use the most tomorrow - he has the tough job.
Love to you all,
Steph and Andy
The hospital called and we are still on for surgery tomorrow at 8:00. We have to check in at 6:00. I've got my fingers crossed that because we have to be there so early that the roads will be clear or at least not very crowded.
Looking forward to Saturday. Thank you for the great send off party last night. Thanks also to all my friends who were not able to join us, but who drank a toast to the end of Herb. I loved it. A great friend gave me an Eviction Notice for Herb - its in the hospital bag and ready to be posted on my hospital door. I'm sure it will get a lot of laughs and smiles from the great folks who will be taking care of me.
Thanks for all the blessings. I'll do my best to post on Saturday and Andy plans to text people once I get out of surgery. Keep all the thoughts coming our way! Calm, steady, Andy could use the most tomorrow - he has the tough job.
Love to you all,
Steph and Andy
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Success
The angiogram went well yesterday. The doctor was unable to embolize any blood vessels because there were none to glue. That is not good or bad. It's just a fact. The best news is that the tumor is not affecting the sinus vein so this will make the surgery next Friday. A little easier.
Thank you for all the calls and texts. Also. Thank you Jenny for visiting and for milkshske - it was awesome. It made 6 hours go by fast. Andy was a rock. Its as much of a relief for him as for me to be through this first hurdle.
Thank you for all the calls and texts. Also. Thank you Jenny for visiting and for milkshske - it was awesome. It made 6 hours go by fast. Andy was a rock. Its as much of a relief for him as for me to be through this first hurdle.
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