Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Four Weeks Post-Op: Gnarly Scar Pictures!

I’m good with titles – hopefully the “Gnarly Scar Pictures!” title was enough to get you to read. It’s been almost four weeks since my Chiari decompression surgery, and I’m recovering beautifully. I could not have imagined what this experience would have been like, but I’m better for it and so thankful that I had the surgery.

My neurosurgeon completed the surgery in 45 minutes (he was planning on one and a half to two hours) and apparently, my anatomy is pretty darn perfect (insert joke here). Because of that, he was able to reposition the dangly tonsils and move them up a bit back into my skull, which according to him is very rare. After surgery I spent four nights in the hospital and can’t say enough about the staff at CMC. From the ICU to the 9th floor of the Neuro wing, every single nurse and staff member took remarkable care of me. Minus some wicked nausea and a wee bit of pain (okay, maybe more than a wee bit), every day gets better with more activity, function, and time spent awake. Working through the fatigue is the biggest hurdle at this point. But I’ll gladly take the fatigue since most all of my Chiari symptoms have disappeared: no more tingly legs and pain in the arms, all the tension in my neck and shoulders is gone, and when I step out of bed in the morning my feet feel normal, not asleep and weak.


It’s amazing how a community can come together to rally around someone who needs help. I have never understood just how important that can be to someone until my brain surgery. Twenty four meals, countless well wishes and cards, elves who raked my yard, a husband who never let a ball drop, family and friends who never let our girls miss a beat – countless examples of how lucky I am but more importantly that the world is indeed full of good and gracious people.


So on this Thanksgiving… oh jeez that sounds so sappy given the author. But I’m having a hard time making a joke about this or being sarcastic. So I’ll go back to sappy. On this Thanksgiving, clearly I’m thankful that I had successful brain surgery. But I’m most thankful for everyone in my life (family, life-long friends, elves and friends on Twitter, Chantilly Montessori friends, parents, and staff, neighbors who make this ‘hood my favorite place to be…) who have helped me, Troy, Kate, and Emma stay afloat during one of the strangest experiences this family has been through.

Happy Thanksgiving. And *cheers* to my happy brain!


26 DAYS AFTER SURGERY


Monday, November 2, 2009

Happy Monday

Molly made it back home today. They discharged her around lunchtime and Troy brought her home. She was very relieved to be back in her own bed again. There were some very sweet banners and cards waiting for her at home. Troy's step-dad and mom are staying at the house and are helping take care of the house and the girls.

The nausea continues but will hopefully abate with some non hospital food. Molly still has very little stamina and needs lots of rest. She will probably be ready to receive visitors by the end of the week.

Many thanks again for every one's patience and support.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Tomorrow

Hello All

I thought this was posted earlier. Apparently the iPhone is fallable. Molly is doing better. She was much more alert today and is trying to eat more than just saltines. As of lunchtime, she had been on a walking tour of the floor and was planning another for later in the day. The doctors say that if she continues to progress, she will be sprung tommorow! She appreciates everyone giving her the time to heal and looks forward to seeing everyone once she is home.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Happy Halloween

Molly had a decent night's sleep. She even asked Troy to stop snoring! She is very nauceous still and has not eaten. The doctor says that Molly needs one good day eating something and getting up before they will send her home. They now are looking toward Monday. She is still very tired.


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Friday, October 30, 2009

New Room

Molly has been moved to a regular room. She was able to get out of her bed and be transported over in a wheelchair. Her nausea is better and for now she is very, very tired. She sends her love and asks that everyone please wait to come and visit. She will let you know when she is ready.


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Moving to a regular room

Molly us moving to a regular room this afternoon! The doctor says she is progressing nicely. Will let everyone know when she is settled.


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Day 2

Molly did get some sleep last night, but also had some nausea from the anesthesia. She has some pain in her neck and they are trying a new medication for help with this. She did wake up and say hello this morning and was able answer all the right questions. The doctor will be in later today to see how Molly is doing and she will have to be able to move her neck before they will transfer her to a regular room. Troy is still with her and plans on staying until Molly is out of the ICU. More to come later...

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Progress

According to the family, Molly continues to make progress. She drank some water and asked for some pain medication. Her response time is quicker and she seems more alert.

All done

Molly is settled into the neuro ICU. She looks great. She has her eyes closed but is giving the thumbs up signal when asked questions. I know she and her family are vey grateful for everone's support When she goes to a "regular room" I will let you know.

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No more food please

Sheri would like everyone to know that the carrolls have plenty of food. She is now taking names for a waiting list. :)