Good report

Dr. O'Boynick gave me a good report today at my appt. I am starting physical therapy 3 times a week and TOTALLY looking forward to this. We went over my recent MRI report that shows great improvement of my brain placement/pressure.

I was speaking with Maria, his assistant to schedule my next appt. prior to leaving. Maria shared with me how hard this week has been with so many brain tumors, most of them being our age. It really made me realize that this diagnosis is such a blessing in disguise. A few lifestyle changes (pain management, exercise, stress level...) and I will hopefully be able to manage anything that causes me pain. I pray for those strangers who sat in the same chair I did after undergoing brain surgery for a cancerous tumor. There are blessings in every situation and I am seeing mine.

Have a wonderful Holiday weekend friends!!!

Enjoying my "Goon"

Sorry for the delay writing. I had a bad 3 days in a row followed by 4 REALLY good days followed by 1 so so day followed by 2 good days. I have started to see a pattern that has brought me great comfort. My bad days are always at the beginning of the week after over doing it on the weekends. I want to enjoy my weekends with the kids but need to take it easy. REST is the key element here. It is a great sign that I have good days, things are working in the right direction. I went to my Dr appt. on Tuesday but after getting there found out it was on Mon. so we rescheduled for Friday. I did speak with Dr. Oro's assistant at the Chiari institute in Colorado. She was SOOOO helpful and informative. I told her what I have been experiencing and she confirmed that it is all normal. I won't feel "corrected" for 6 months to a year. The things that I have been feeling are normal and take time. She explained some details about nerves repairing and muscle restriction that put me at ease. I also spoke to her about my short term memory loss and she confirmed that it is VERY normal after this type of surgery. She suggested I get some brain teaser books to get things stimulated and going again. I am confidant I am on the road to recovery!

I have learned so much during this journey about myself, life and living. We all live such a fast paced life that we never stop to "Enjoy a goon". Ok so here's the story with the Goon. I was hustling around town one day with multiple appointments and conference calls scheduled. I decided I wanted to go to Boling's for lunch because I LOVE their Crab rangoon aka "goon". So I'm on a conference call and eating as if someone is going to snatch my plate out from under my nose. (on mute of course and I was paying attention :)) I happen to notice a lady sitting across from me who picks up her yummy goon, breaks it open and smells it then takes a small taste and gets a huge smile on her face. I thought to myself "Wow, she really is stopping to enjoy her goon." I looked down and mine was gone and I hadn't even really noticed or enjoyed eating it. I sat there thinking about all the things I rush through and don't stop to really enjoy. So I now have a personal mission to stop and enjoy my goon in the future. It seems like we are always doing and going and not enjoying the things that make the world go round. Being at home for this amount of time has been very difficult for me but I have been able to enjoy things that I had taken for granted in the past. Laying out on the hammock is so relaxing and peaceful, why haven't I done that more often! Taking this time to read some books I have wanted to read or watch movies I have wanted to watch has been a great pleasure. Life can change in the blink of an eye and I want to know that I have enjoyed everything I can while I can. I wish you all a life filled full of "enjoying your goon"!!!

Sick of the roller coaster

I told you all that my mri shows good results however the past few days have proven differently. I have had a really bad few days. My symptoms are coming on very strong and often. I am hoping that my body is just telling me to slow down and continue resting to ensure healing. My next Dr. appt. is next Tuesday so we will see what he has to say.

I have communicated with some others on line who have been through the same surgery and have got mixed responses. Some say it is not good that the symptoms are back and others have told me that they slowly fade away over the year after surgery. The frustration level is off the charts at this point. This has by far been the most challenging time of my life. I still have NO energy and get tired so easily. I have to challenge myself to actually get things done. I have had clothes that I have been trying to hang up for 2 weeks and just can't get the energy to do it all. Talk about frustrating!!! I lay low all day so I can hang with my girls and Pat when they get home.

Keep the prayers coming that this is just a phase of the healing process.

Good news!

I finally got my mri results today, and it is great news. There are NO signs of syrinx (fluid tumor) on my spine and my brain has moved back up. It used to hang too low and now it is just where it needs to be!!! YAH YAH!!! Now that we know everything is doing what it should all I have to do is heal! What a great mothers day present. The symptoms that have returned are getting less and less as time goes by. This is all a blessing and answered prayers.



I hope that all you fabulous mommies out there enjoy your special weekend.