Surgery is completed! Surprise, however, this was NOT A Cavernoma, but is indicated to be a Meningioma. We are still waiting for the pathology report to figure out the total situation. It will take some time according to the Mayo Clinic. In the meantime, I am home now just enjoying there is no tumor in my brain anymore!!
The care at ICU was amazing. I was able to meet so many people who were there for one reason or another. It made me so aware that many people would have perhaps wanted my situation rather than the one they were in. Someone actually did not make it and died just before my family was allowed to come visit me in my room....I could tell my husband was upset by this.
To share this is difficult and yet so important... There are some who constantly fill my heart...my husband, my daughters,my siblings, my nieces, my nephews, my cousins....and of course my Mom. I attended Bible College many years ago, and so many friends have constantly remembered those young days when we sang together, shared our testimonies, and prayed so often for God's Guidance of our lives. Yesterday, Thanksgiving Day, my daughters,Amy Weires and TreeandSherry Marti finally shared the "special information" that I could not remember from my brain surgery, but needed to! They informed me that I told them about seeing my daughter, Geri Ann in Heaven, my mother, my father, my brother, my sister and many other family members in Heaven. That Jesus.... told me I could not stay...I had to come back because He needed me to do something still. I don't pretend to understand all of God's total plan, I read the Bible..I pray..I Believe, but this much I know..."this is not all there is"...this is just a wisp in this world..my daughter's told me that I had wanted to stay in Heaven,(this seemed to hurt them of course because they didn't want me to die) but Jesus said it was "not my time". I guess I was really asking the Nurses in ICU about this message...and then my daughter's were allowed to talk to me, only two people at a time..but the Nurses were not with me during surgery, only after...was this what is referred to as NDE (Near Death Experience)??? I have no real idea...
I was able to share the love of our Lord and Savior with the nurses who were constantly amazed at how much better I was doing. I just could not take oxycodone...ugh!! I really did not want to take Tylenol either, it really never helps me, but I let them put it in my IV...just so they didn't worry. I do so much better with Ibuprofin overall, and am still taking that as allowed to ease the pain in my head, I do have headaches right now, but ummmm...it has only been one week. Next week I go to have the staples removed and then I can wash my hair a little bit better.
My family has been so supportive. Between my Mom, my husband, my siblings, my children....and a whole slew of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends...my heart is so full of love and joy! Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day and the plans to be at my daughter's home will bring lots of good times!
My Neuro-Surgeon, Dr. Ricardo Hanel, was the best anyone could have at Mayo Clinic. He came to see me everyday making sure I was doing well.....and then asked me just 3 days after surgery if I would like to go home....of course I said "yes"!! Everyday, I have been getting stronger and feel so much better. The following were parts that were in the process:
1. Blood work to make sure all was well for surgery
2. IV's and more IV's
3. The beautiful surgery "dress"
4. A wonderful oxygen mask and then sleep
5. My head was infused into a "holder"
6. The left head was at the top of the holder
7. An 8 inch cut was made from the left ear up to the top of the head
8. They took out the bone
9. The brain was opened and then the fun stuff to take out the tumor took two MRI's to do it completely
10. Part of the good brain cells had to be taken out to get the tumor out
11. Everything was then put back together with new glue and staples
12. I do not remember talking, but guess I did according to my husband and family
13. Somehow I was given a medicine that had gluten in it which caused a problem with my left arm
14. My speech is difficult, I have forgotten some names and words, but eventually will get better
15. No lifting anything over 10 lbs for 3 weeks
16. Showers and tubs are okay and I have enjoyed them
17. My appetite is fine and I am quite thirsty as well
18. All the things that need to work, do
19. Writing is so much easier than talking
20. After having received the biopsies, we aren't done yet...this is chronic
We will always be so grateful for the extensive great work given to us on this situation that could have been far worse. Have applied for Social Security Disability, but not sure if it will be allowed as yet. My reports are not complete, however, I will have to continue taking Keppra for anti-seizure for quite awhile yet and not allowed to drive. Will probably need Speech Therapist as well. That being said, don't think my job will be able to be done properly since I had been involved with Customer Service.
We have received the "Final Report" concerning the Biopsy...evidently this tumor is very rare. The name given is "CHRONIC HYPERTROPHIC PACHYMENINGITIS" or Idiopathic Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis. They state that the findings are not specific and require clinical correlation. Therefore, once I have been allowed to heal from the craniotomy, there are more tests to follow, including Hematology.
After receiving this biopsy information, my husband and I had time to discuss the future expectations. We were told by our neuro surgeon that this type of tumor can re-occur. Between that information, my delays in obtaining a good enough speech to do my job, and my inability to drive, we decided it was time for me to quit my job. It was not going to be fair for my Manager to continue waiting for me to get to the level needed to perform my position. Knowing that at this time of year, when the company hires additional help for Christmas, his availability to hire a good replacement should be easier than any other time. It was so difficult to call him and let him know, but he fully understood. My sister-in-law took me to the office to collect my personal things that had been there since September 24th. While there, many of my friends and co-workers came to give me hugs. I had forgotten so many of their names...it hurt my heart. They were understanding, but I felt so bad to have forgotten.
I developed a constant drainage from the lowest part of my incision 2 weeks and one day after the surgery. It is light yellow, I called Mayo Clinic to find out how long this drainage should last. Immediately, they wanted to see me! When there, I had a CT Cisternogram to search for a possible CSF leak. Now, I cannot lie...this was the most painful test even more painful that the brain surgery itself that I have ever had! Thank God it was only about fifteen minutes of the "worst". I prayed so much on that table asking the Lord to help me through the pain and not letting it be a problem with CSF. The nurse let me "press" her hands, probably felt more like a "vice"..she was so sweet. When my head/brain was lowered and my feet raised , the headache was as promised...very bad, and the drainage came out in a huge quantity which made the Dr. immediately bring me back to an even supine position. My prayer was answered, no CSF, and I was given antibiotics to help this drainage, which after a week, has lessened greatly, although not completely gone....and now the headaches continue.
The drainage completely stopped on Christmas Day! Finally I could do things and not carry all the gauze and tissue all the time. We had so many good times through the celebration of Jesus' birth and then of course to begin a New Year with great expectations! My family and friends are so very thoughtful and supportive. The prayers continue, and I keep praying for the path I am on to complete what His plan is.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
2ND MRI AND BRAIN SURGERY
We met with our neuro-surgeon, Dr. Ricardo Hanel at the Mayo Clinic. He was so informative and professional, and yet he held my hand while talking about my lesion. He ordered a new MRI with a higher gradient level and special slices. He also prescribed the drug alternative in generic form for me instead of Keppra which is far less expensive under our insurance program. I have started taking it as prescribed for my seizures.
The new MRI was done on Nov 8th at 7:30am. My daughter, Sherry took me since there were no other appointments made for that day. We went up the night before and had a wonderful mother/daughter time! On our way back to the other side of Florida, Dr. Hanel called me at 10:30am. He said that the tumor had grown just a little bit, but was convinced it needed to be removed sooner than later. He also said he would have to rule out primary or metastic cancer as well. He said he knew that Thanksgiving was coming up and wanted to see what I thought about Nov 20th or the 27th. My response to him was whatever he could work out for us would be fine. He said, he would try his best for the 20th.
A bit later, his nurse, Kim, called to say everything was being scheduled, however, there was a delay for the 20th for anesthesia, so she would not know for sure until the day after Veteran's Day, Nov 12th. I told her I understood and we would wait to hear. In the meantime, looking at airfares for my brother and sister-in-law, I called them and we decided it would be so much cheaper for them to fly in on Nov 15th, Friday, and made those arrangements.
So, again we waited. I did not want to upset too many people to tell them what we knew so far because we did not have a specific date. And then, Kim, called me on Tuesday, Nov 12th to say that all was being scheduled for surgery Wednesday, November 20th. I thanked God for answered prayer immediately, and said as much her. What no one knew except our immediate family is that November 27th was the "angelversary" of my brother, Williams death ,10 years previous. I am so thankful this was not the date.
Now, with this surgery being scheduled for this year we also will have the more affordable choice since our insurance is being changed through my husband's company and we will have a higher deductible starting January 1st by triple the amount currently. Another answer to our prayers!
I found a wonderful "blog" about what to expect when you are having a craniotomy...hope this link works here:
http://head-nurse.blogspot.com/2008/11/what-to-expect-when-youre-expecting.html
So now, we are planning to have a bit of Thanksgiving this coming Sunday at our home with all of our family that can be here. I get to make the turkey and some of our special foods we all love. Something simple, because quite frankly, I get a bit tired now due to the medication.
Prayers are being said constantly, and my thankfulness to our Lord is undeniably constant. The blessings continue to come and this journey will be to His Glory. I will be asking Dr. Hanel to pray with me before the surgery for God's guidance in his work and my recovery. If by some chance the Lord calls me Home, I will also be praying for my family to be comforted knowing I will be waiting for them on the other side.
The new MRI was done on Nov 8th at 7:30am. My daughter, Sherry took me since there were no other appointments made for that day. We went up the night before and had a wonderful mother/daughter time! On our way back to the other side of Florida, Dr. Hanel called me at 10:30am. He said that the tumor had grown just a little bit, but was convinced it needed to be removed sooner than later. He also said he would have to rule out primary or metastic cancer as well. He said he knew that Thanksgiving was coming up and wanted to see what I thought about Nov 20th or the 27th. My response to him was whatever he could work out for us would be fine. He said, he would try his best for the 20th.
A bit later, his nurse, Kim, called to say everything was being scheduled, however, there was a delay for the 20th for anesthesia, so she would not know for sure until the day after Veteran's Day, Nov 12th. I told her I understood and we would wait to hear. In the meantime, looking at airfares for my brother and sister-in-law, I called them and we decided it would be so much cheaper for them to fly in on Nov 15th, Friday, and made those arrangements.
So, again we waited. I did not want to upset too many people to tell them what we knew so far because we did not have a specific date. And then, Kim, called me on Tuesday, Nov 12th to say that all was being scheduled for surgery Wednesday, November 20th. I thanked God for answered prayer immediately, and said as much her. What no one knew except our immediate family is that November 27th was the "angelversary" of my brother, Williams death ,10 years previous. I am so thankful this was not the date.
Now, with this surgery being scheduled for this year we also will have the more affordable choice since our insurance is being changed through my husband's company and we will have a higher deductible starting January 1st by triple the amount currently. Another answer to our prayers!
I found a wonderful "blog" about what to expect when you are having a craniotomy...hope this link works here:
http://head-nurse.blogspot.com/2008/11/what-to-expect-when-youre-expecting.html
So now, we are planning to have a bit of Thanksgiving this coming Sunday at our home with all of our family that can be here. I get to make the turkey and some of our special foods we all love. Something simple, because quite frankly, I get a bit tired now due to the medication.
Prayers are being said constantly, and my thankfulness to our Lord is undeniably constant. The blessings continue to come and this journey will be to His Glory. I will be asking Dr. Hanel to pray with me before the surgery for God's guidance in his work and my recovery. If by some chance the Lord calls me Home, I will also be praying for my family to be comforted knowing I will be waiting for them on the other side.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
DEVELOPING ADVOCACY IN HEALTH ISSUES
To be your own health advocate means being as informed as possible of your body's condition. I am fortunate that I had taken courses to become a certified Patient Care Technician. (Certified Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomist, EKG Technician and Instructor, and CPR) I also worked for an Internal Medicine Dr. part-time which let me gain certain information many people may not have encountered on a normal basis.
That being said, I must admit, I was oblivious to the "signs of seizures" I was experiencing over time. The "black-outs" or losses of time, I regarded these symptoms as stress or being tired. The problems in not being able to say the words I wanted to or read them properly, again I thought were stress related. In the past year I had started working full-time from part-time, so the stress just seemed normal. Once this lesion became known, the pieces started fitting together. (I hid these issues well from everyone else since they were sporadic and very short, until the "Big One").
What you can do as a patient still in this great country of ours, is educate yourself about the facts, the choice of treatment, and doing what seems best. Now, I will admit that not all websites on the Internet are as factual as one would hope. However, start with those medical support sites that are listed with NIH, Mayo Clinic, and then other specialty areas.
Our nurses are a wealth of information. I spoke with several whom I know personally. Each of them had several good ideas on proper research. Your regular Dr. ,whom you see for your annual physical, has great nurses who can also go over your last vitals and blood work with you. Our current medical insurance also provides a great nurse network.
Speaking of your regular physician, they are your "support", even though they are not specialized in a specific area, you will need their assessment of you, the total person. My internal medicine Dr. supported me so well during the evaluation and treatment of my Celiac Disease. She supported my decision of staying prescription drug free while treating my diet changes and becoming gluten-free. Therefore, all of my blood work and vitals became normal during that year. I am so very thankful for her continual patience and persistence during that process.
Your medical insurance provider is an absolute must to contact. Your coverage on any specific area needs to be known especially when obtaining a second opinion. They also have their own internal specialists, usually a RN who will contact you on a regular basis during these types of events. Ultimately, if you have any questions concerning prescriptions written for you, their pharmacy specialists are also a good resource. I have the insurance company's nurse line in my cell phone, so I can contact them at any time.
I am sure you have heard this before, but repeating it is worthwhile. There is no such thing as a "dumb" question. Always ask your medical professionals questions concerning treatment options. When I am meeting with our neuro-surgeon this next week, I plan to take my tablet and write down the answers to my questions. I have never had brain surgery before, so there are many unanswered questions.
That being said, I must admit, I was oblivious to the "signs of seizures" I was experiencing over time. The "black-outs" or losses of time, I regarded these symptoms as stress or being tired. The problems in not being able to say the words I wanted to or read them properly, again I thought were stress related. In the past year I had started working full-time from part-time, so the stress just seemed normal. Once this lesion became known, the pieces started fitting together. (I hid these issues well from everyone else since they were sporadic and very short, until the "Big One").
What you can do as a patient still in this great country of ours, is educate yourself about the facts, the choice of treatment, and doing what seems best. Now, I will admit that not all websites on the Internet are as factual as one would hope. However, start with those medical support sites that are listed with NIH, Mayo Clinic, and then other specialty areas.
Our nurses are a wealth of information. I spoke with several whom I know personally. Each of them had several good ideas on proper research. Your regular Dr. ,whom you see for your annual physical, has great nurses who can also go over your last vitals and blood work with you. Our current medical insurance also provides a great nurse network.
Speaking of your regular physician, they are your "support", even though they are not specialized in a specific area, you will need their assessment of you, the total person. My internal medicine Dr. supported me so well during the evaluation and treatment of my Celiac Disease. She supported my decision of staying prescription drug free while treating my diet changes and becoming gluten-free. Therefore, all of my blood work and vitals became normal during that year. I am so very thankful for her continual patience and persistence during that process.
Your medical insurance provider is an absolute must to contact. Your coverage on any specific area needs to be known especially when obtaining a second opinion. They also have their own internal specialists, usually a RN who will contact you on a regular basis during these types of events. Ultimately, if you have any questions concerning prescriptions written for you, their pharmacy specialists are also a good resource. I have the insurance company's nurse line in my cell phone, so I can contact them at any time.
I am sure you have heard this before, but repeating it is worthwhile. There is no such thing as a "dumb" question. Always ask your medical professionals questions concerning treatment options. When I am meeting with our neuro-surgeon this next week, I plan to take my tablet and write down the answers to my questions. I have never had brain surgery before, so there are many unanswered questions.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
THE IN-BETWEEN TIMES...
Since this new part of my life's journey, there are several "helps" I have had along the way. Most prominent is the Lord;
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
The VIP's, are my husband, Bob, my children, my parents, my siblings, my cousins, other family members, and my dear friends. Without their support and prayers, my propelling movement would be much slower towards the goal of finishing this race.
I need to mention my job and therefore, my boss. When my husband first contacted my boss, he alerted him to my being in the hospital and that tests were being performed. After the surprise diagnosis, I contacted him myself. For over two years I had worked with this man and enjoyed my working days so very much. The professional manner my boss dealt with on a day to day basis is remarkable. I knew very little about his personal life, but that is the acceptable process, just the normal "conversational" chit chat that most people share.
There is an amazing part to this....my boss shared with me that his own father had been through this experience of having a brain tumor. I do not believe in "coincidences", because I believe our purpose here is pre-destined by God. All I can say is, "I am always amazed...but never surprised"! Because of my bosses own personal experience with his father, there is a complete understanding of this process that I need not explain constantly. So; DONE; my FMLA leave has been activated without any specific issues.
John 15:5
New International Version (NIV)
The VIP's, are my husband, Bob, my children, my parents, my siblings, my cousins, other family members, and my dear friends. Without their support and prayers, my propelling movement would be much slower towards the goal of finishing this race.
I need to mention my job and therefore, my boss. When my husband first contacted my boss, he alerted him to my being in the hospital and that tests were being performed. After the surprise diagnosis, I contacted him myself. For over two years I had worked with this man and enjoyed my working days so very much. The professional manner my boss dealt with on a day to day basis is remarkable. I knew very little about his personal life, but that is the acceptable process, just the normal "conversational" chit chat that most people share.
There is an amazing part to this....my boss shared with me that his own father had been through this experience of having a brain tumor. I do not believe in "coincidences", because I believe our purpose here is pre-destined by God. All I can say is, "I am always amazed...but never surprised"! Because of my bosses own personal experience with his father, there is a complete understanding of this process that I need not explain constantly. So; DONE; my FMLA leave has been activated without any specific issues.
I have spent more time reading the Bible and praying. My relationship with the Lord has been strengthened through all of this. His constant reassurance has led me to remember that my time here is but a wisp, a vapor, and that someday I will be with Him in Heaven. There is no fear in this aspect, I have known it for a very long time; my only concern is for those I would leave behind. In the meantime, while I am still here, I have asked Him to guide me to share His message of Love and Hope and Salvation.
And then there is my "piece-o-me's" that I started years ago. Things that I wanted to make and share with those who are so precious in my life. I like to quilt, write, and other certain crafts at times. I love to share these pieces with as many as I can.
Admittedly, there are times that I just want to do nothing. Just be. My favorite time in these periods is to sit outside and enjoy the beauty of the sky, the stars, little creatures and thank God for the world around me.
Communication has become a "huge" part of my life as well. Knowing that my speech and hearing have been somewhat affected has drawn me closer to 'staying in touch' with those who I love and feel connected to. Just saying hello to my neighbors or writing on my Facebook page has brought simple pleasures in each day.
All and all through the waiting, the determined phrase I keep telling myself is:
He's Got This!
And then there is my "piece-o-me's" that I started years ago. Things that I wanted to make and share with those who are so precious in my life. I like to quilt, write, and other certain crafts at times. I love to share these pieces with as many as I can.
Admittedly, there are times that I just want to do nothing. Just be. My favorite time in these periods is to sit outside and enjoy the beauty of the sky, the stars, little creatures and thank God for the world around me.
All and all through the waiting, the determined phrase I keep telling myself is:
He's Got This!
OUR 2ND OPINION PROCESS BEGINS
October 20, 2013
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzDOEWoBJNs
This is a Sunday, and my birthday! My husband and I travelled to Jacksonville, FL to make sure we would be on time. Our early morning appointment with Dr. Tatum at Mayo Clinic could not be missed.
Through the process of tests and evaluations, we stayed for a few days. The meeting with Dr. Tatum offered the first appointment to meet Dr. Ricardo Hanel, my neurosurgeon. So many prayers were being said by so many, at least thousands that I knew of, so many more that I did not know as well. My involvement with so many Christians, churches, pastors, doctors, the pool of those who believed was becoming a sea of hope. He had prepared this placement over so many years...I had just not totally realized it until now.
The future involvement placed with Dr. Hanel was already planned by Him! Through so many prayers around the world, Dr. Hanel's gifts and purpose in life was on time!
I John 1:5-7
"And this is the message which we have heard from Him and announce unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin."
And these are the "very words" that were shared to me by so many of my brothers and sisters in Christ during their support of prayer. In my own devotions every morning, I believed this truth! His light was/is shining!! He would "lighten" up our answers to prayer! He's got this!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzDOEWoBJNs
This is a Sunday, and my birthday! My husband and I travelled to Jacksonville, FL to make sure we would be on time. Our early morning appointment with Dr. Tatum at Mayo Clinic could not be missed.
Through the process of tests and evaluations, we stayed for a few days. The meeting with Dr. Tatum offered the first appointment to meet Dr. Ricardo Hanel, my neurosurgeon. So many prayers were being said by so many, at least thousands that I knew of, so many more that I did not know as well. My involvement with so many Christians, churches, pastors, doctors, the pool of those who believed was becoming a sea of hope. He had prepared this placement over so many years...I had just not totally realized it until now.
The future involvement placed with Dr. Hanel was already planned by Him! Through so many prayers around the world, Dr. Hanel's gifts and purpose in life was on time!
I John 1:5-7
"And this is the message which we have heard from Him and announce unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin."
And these are the "very words" that were shared to me by so many of my brothers and sisters in Christ during their support of prayer. In my own devotions every morning, I believed this truth! His light was/is shining!! He would "lighten" up our answers to prayer! He's got this!
THE LAST DAY AT THE HOSPITAL
September 25, 2013
James 1:19-20
"Ye know this, my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God."
I had deleted much of what was said about this time. My reason? My heart perhaps was not in the right placement...due to this unforseen journey. The many "questionable" parts in my new position were not yet answered.
There were 4 different doctors assigned to me during this hospital stay. None of them were in total agreement of the diagnosis. What type of tumor? Was it operable? Did I have a TIA? Was my heart working appropriately...perhaps I would need a pacemaker? Was there a problem with my left carotid artery? And on and on.
The nurses who attended me constantly, became my best answer to prayer. Yes, I needed a second opinion...a good one! Where to go? Many alternatives were mentioned to us. All of our children had come to be with us during this time. We made lists and lists of the many places we could go.
Prayer is the placement He guides us through. We prayed and the answer was, the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville,FL. The person who had recommended this place had been my husband's manager. There had been another one of Bob's co-workers who had needed this type of help. Bob called and spoke with his friend before we prayed for the answer.
We made the necessary calls to our insurance company and PCP. The first appointment was made with Dr. Tatum, the neurologist within the next few weeks at Mayo Clinic. His Timing is everything...so we learned.
James 1:19-20
"Ye know this, my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God."
I had deleted much of what was said about this time. My reason? My heart perhaps was not in the right placement...due to this unforseen journey. The many "questionable" parts in my new position were not yet answered.
There were 4 different doctors assigned to me during this hospital stay. None of them were in total agreement of the diagnosis. What type of tumor? Was it operable? Did I have a TIA? Was my heart working appropriately...perhaps I would need a pacemaker? Was there a problem with my left carotid artery? And on and on.
The nurses who attended me constantly, became my best answer to prayer. Yes, I needed a second opinion...a good one! Where to go? Many alternatives were mentioned to us. All of our children had come to be with us during this time. We made lists and lists of the many places we could go.
Prayer is the placement He guides us through. We prayed and the answer was, the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville,FL. The person who had recommended this place had been my husband's manager. There had been another one of Bob's co-workers who had needed this type of help. Bob called and spoke with his friend before we prayed for the answer.
We made the necessary calls to our insurance company and PCP. The first appointment was made with Dr. Tatum, the neurologist within the next few weeks at Mayo Clinic. His Timing is everything...so we learned.
A STAY AT THE HOSPITAL
September 25, 2013
Now all of my daughters were with us! One had to fly from Virginia to be there, and later in the day she told me a new baby was on the way! She knew I needed this information...to help me gain strength in this new journey.
I was attached to a heart monitor, an IV, and a few other mechanical pieces to follow my process. Some drugs were given based on uncertain opinions. I refused some of them, because they did not make any sense given the current information.
Again, the nurses were my mainstay, constantly asking me questions to be sure I was still able to "think" and speak properly now. A physical therapist and speech therapist were sent for evaluations. Everything was coming back to normalcy. The one main agreement was that I had an epileptic seizure...probably focal. The rest was still unknown.
Kathy, the lady I worked with daily showed for a visit. She was quite concerned. She said, Joan, you have never ever called in sick in all these 2 1/2 years we have worked together. Yes, that is true, I really enjoyed my job working with her and the constant "newness" of each day. We had many customers and vendors we dealt with in custom decorating. Her job was a designer, mine was to calculate, communicate, and accommodate the process on our computer system first and then constantly update the status with all those involved. Many interactions with so many people, and I loved it.
I had also worked part-time for a Dr. as his PCT on at least one Saturday or two a month. The patients were so much a part of sharing my work, but also God's grace in caring for them. I had also become an EKG teacher at a small institute for part-time evenings. I love teaching! The students were given as much information and directions needed to pass their license exams as I had. So enjoyable!
So, now, God had given me a totally different journey...one that seemed so strange...who would have thought...a brain tumor???? No way...
Through my previous experiences He had brought me...I realized a new Purpose from Him was on the way...
I Peter 5:10 - 11 And the God of all grace, who called you unto His eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall Himself perfect, establish, and strengthen you. To Him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Now all of my daughters were with us! One had to fly from Virginia to be there, and later in the day she told me a new baby was on the way! She knew I needed this information...to help me gain strength in this new journey.
I was attached to a heart monitor, an IV, and a few other mechanical pieces to follow my process. Some drugs were given based on uncertain opinions. I refused some of them, because they did not make any sense given the current information.
Again, the nurses were my mainstay, constantly asking me questions to be sure I was still able to "think" and speak properly now. A physical therapist and speech therapist were sent for evaluations. Everything was coming back to normalcy. The one main agreement was that I had an epileptic seizure...probably focal. The rest was still unknown.
Kathy, the lady I worked with daily showed for a visit. She was quite concerned. She said, Joan, you have never ever called in sick in all these 2 1/2 years we have worked together. Yes, that is true, I really enjoyed my job working with her and the constant "newness" of each day. We had many customers and vendors we dealt with in custom decorating. Her job was a designer, mine was to calculate, communicate, and accommodate the process on our computer system first and then constantly update the status with all those involved. Many interactions with so many people, and I loved it.
I had also worked part-time for a Dr. as his PCT on at least one Saturday or two a month. The patients were so much a part of sharing my work, but also God's grace in caring for them. I had also become an EKG teacher at a small institute for part-time evenings. I love teaching! The students were given as much information and directions needed to pass their license exams as I had. So enjoyable!
So, now, God had given me a totally different journey...one that seemed so strange...who would have thought...a brain tumor???? No way...
Through my previous experiences He had brought me...I realized a new Purpose from Him was on the way...
I Peter 5:10 - 11 And the God of all grace, who called you unto His eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall Himself perfect, establish, and strengthen you. To Him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
FIRST ER VISIT IN OVER 14 YEARS!!
September 24, 2013
Unknown to so many people...this day holds a "heartfelt" time of my heart. My mother's birthday was September 23rd. Every year this day comes to me...I remember her in love and grief. At work on that Monday, it was somewhat difficult...this was nothing new to me. I never shared her "angelversary" with anyone at work, it was my own burden to bear with Jesus. His light and love always brought me through this day, in the 50 plus years it had come and gone. I missed her so...
So, Tuesday morning the 24th, started as usual, but with a huge "change". My husband and I had done our routines of getting ready for work, and then a short time to share plans for our day. This time however, Bob, could not understand the words I was saying in context. He said, "Something is wrong, let's sit a moment and see if relaxing will help". He started asking questions...my answers made no sense. Although they were real words, they did not correlate to the topic. He said, we need to go to the ER! Now!
The short drive to our local hospital brought new "weirdness" to me. I started to forget things and people I knew well....the most horrific loss of memory was my grandson's name...Nathan...I had forgotten it. I also forgot who my associate at work was...Kathy...whom I had worked with everyday for the past 2 1/2 years!
Bob was very very concerned! At the ER, the office was empty, it was just us there. Attention was immediately given and questions were asked that I could not answer. Like who is the President of the United States? I could not remember....What is your social security number? Nope, not remembering.
The swiftness of my assessment was daunting. My heart rate had slowed to 43, my blood pressure was all over the place, sometimes low, sometimes higher. The chronic tinnitus I had experienced for the past 10 years had become a huge "roar"! The Dr. let my daughter, Sherry, who had just arrived, turn music on for me to help. Music is so much a part of my life and brings me comfort.
They told us that I needed to be admitted for further evaluation. And so the start of my new journey in life had begun...
After many tests, a brain tumor had shown up on my MRI. The type of it started as a meningioma with the neurologist, and then the neurosurgeon said, no, it was a cavernoma. Needless to say, we were lost in the sea of diagnosis.
That night I prayed...I sang my favorite songs while showering, the IV location had needed adjustment which allowed this "open" part of my stay to become "me" again. All that came to mind was "He's got this"!
Unknown to so many people...this day holds a "heartfelt" time of my heart. My mother's birthday was September 23rd. Every year this day comes to me...I remember her in love and grief. At work on that Monday, it was somewhat difficult...this was nothing new to me. I never shared her "angelversary" with anyone at work, it was my own burden to bear with Jesus. His light and love always brought me through this day, in the 50 plus years it had come and gone. I missed her so...
So, Tuesday morning the 24th, started as usual, but with a huge "change". My husband and I had done our routines of getting ready for work, and then a short time to share plans for our day. This time however, Bob, could not understand the words I was saying in context. He said, "Something is wrong, let's sit a moment and see if relaxing will help". He started asking questions...my answers made no sense. Although they were real words, they did not correlate to the topic. He said, we need to go to the ER! Now!
The short drive to our local hospital brought new "weirdness" to me. I started to forget things and people I knew well....the most horrific loss of memory was my grandson's name...Nathan...I had forgotten it. I also forgot who my associate at work was...Kathy...whom I had worked with everyday for the past 2 1/2 years!
Bob was very very concerned! At the ER, the office was empty, it was just us there. Attention was immediately given and questions were asked that I could not answer. Like who is the President of the United States? I could not remember....What is your social security number? Nope, not remembering.
The swiftness of my assessment was daunting. My heart rate had slowed to 43, my blood pressure was all over the place, sometimes low, sometimes higher. The chronic tinnitus I had experienced for the past 10 years had become a huge "roar"! The Dr. let my daughter, Sherry, who had just arrived, turn music on for me to help. Music is so much a part of my life and brings me comfort.
They told us that I needed to be admitted for further evaluation. And so the start of my new journey in life had begun...
After many tests, a brain tumor had shown up on my MRI. The type of it started as a meningioma with the neurologist, and then the neurosurgeon said, no, it was a cavernoma. Needless to say, we were lost in the sea of diagnosis.
That night I prayed...I sang my favorite songs while showering, the IV location had needed adjustment which allowed this "open" part of my stay to become "me" again. All that came to mind was "He's got this"!
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