Well 3 months ago today Dan & I sat nervously in two different surgeons offices to find out what kind of brain tumor I had and what the best approach would be to get rid of it. Not knowing then how this would all play out, we did know I would be having surgery and I would be deaf in one ear. We also knew only time would tell on how well, or not so well, my recovery would actually go. I'm happy to say that exactly three months later (to the day) not only am I doing great, coping well with the hearing loss and feeling even better than I did before surgery...I am also RELEASED from my ENT surgeon and don't have to go back for a year...woo-hoo! Who would have thought only three months from start to finish? CRAZY!
I will have to go back in one year for an MRI just to make sure nothing new has started to grow. He also gave us some information regarding a "BAHA" ear device to help with surround sound for hearing but doesn't recommend it any earlier than 6-8 months post op. We'll have to do more research on this and see if I'm a fit etc. etc. I do still have to see the eye doctor and neurosurgeon within the next month and get their release but the ENT doctor didn't seem to think there would be anything to worry about!
I know I've said it many times before but I truly am so BLESSED!!!!
Thank you All once again for all of your support and prayers and thank you God for taking such good care of me!
Love,
Jen
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Too old, too fast.
What a great weekend we had with family and friends. However, as great as the weekend was, weather included, I felt some sadness too. It seems that no matter how hard we try, our kids are getting too old, too fast.
It hit me on Saturday as Nolan (our 9ish year old) and me spent some time together, just the two of us. I could tell something was on his mind. I asked him “Nolan what’s going on?” He replied “nothing really…but dad is there really an Easter Bunny?” I have to admit I wasn’t quite ready for this question on Easter eve at 5 o’ clock. Especially from the child who will go to great lengths to have any excuse to get candy (fictitious character delivery included). Somewhat stunned, I went on to explain the true meaning of Easter and how it really has nothing to do with the Easter Bunny but rather the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Satisfied with my biblical response, I then went into a long explanation about the spirit of the Easter Bunny and promised him that no matter how it arrived; an Easter basket would be waiting for him in the morning. “Just believe in the spirit of the Easter Bunny” I told him. I could tell by the look on his face, the jig is up.
Somewhat saddened that the Easter Bunny fairy tale was over for him, my thoughts turned to finding out who told him. I was thinking of how to address the child that “let the cat out of the bag” about the Easter Bunny. What neighbor kid could this have been and did he/she tell my younger two as well? Was it my oldest son that hasn’t believed for a few years, but does a convincing job of telling his mother and me he otherwise. When I find out who did it, what will I say to them? What will my oldest son’s punishment be? After all, they weren’t lying. Already having a few names in my head that it may have been, I asked Nolan “who told you there isn’t an Easter Bunny?” His response was “I Googled it!” “It came back as a fable”. “And dad, while we are at it, about this tooth fairy thing…”
Too old, too smart, too fast.
Happy Easter.
Dan
It hit me on Saturday as Nolan (our 9ish year old) and me spent some time together, just the two of us. I could tell something was on his mind. I asked him “Nolan what’s going on?” He replied “nothing really…but dad is there really an Easter Bunny?” I have to admit I wasn’t quite ready for this question on Easter eve at 5 o’ clock. Especially from the child who will go to great lengths to have any excuse to get candy (fictitious character delivery included). Somewhat stunned, I went on to explain the true meaning of Easter and how it really has nothing to do with the Easter Bunny but rather the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Satisfied with my biblical response, I then went into a long explanation about the spirit of the Easter Bunny and promised him that no matter how it arrived; an Easter basket would be waiting for him in the morning. “Just believe in the spirit of the Easter Bunny” I told him. I could tell by the look on his face, the jig is up.
Somewhat saddened that the Easter Bunny fairy tale was over for him, my thoughts turned to finding out who told him. I was thinking of how to address the child that “let the cat out of the bag” about the Easter Bunny. What neighbor kid could this have been and did he/she tell my younger two as well? Was it my oldest son that hasn’t believed for a few years, but does a convincing job of telling his mother and me he otherwise. When I find out who did it, what will I say to them? What will my oldest son’s punishment be? After all, they weren’t lying. Already having a few names in my head that it may have been, I asked Nolan “who told you there isn’t an Easter Bunny?” His response was “I Googled it!” “It came back as a fable”. “And dad, while we are at it, about this tooth fairy thing…”
Too old, too smart, too fast.
Happy Easter.
Dan
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Ask and You Shall Receive!
Well I had another great week and am now I'm starting spring break week with my children. Not much planned, just normal "kid" stuff all week and catching up with my best friend Jen from South Carolina (she's in town w/her two boys). I hope my boys take it easy on me: )!
I can't let this evening go by though without sharing this story. Yesterday Dan and I were talking about being baptized and the fact that I hadn't been. His words were something like, "Well, what are waiting for?" I agreed but had NO idea how to go about "scheduling" it. I always thought I would know when and it would just kind of happen...not be PLANNED! We also discussed that we've never witnessed our church doing an "unplanned" baptism. So I thought, I'll just look into it soon and see what I come up with...knowing me it would be put off for some time.
So this morning we went to church, like normal, and it was an amazing service. As the service became more and more inspirational Pastor Mike invited anyone, that has never been baptized, to be baptized. I was in shock! Could this really be happening? My hands started sweating and shaking, my heart started racing and after a couple of moments of thinking about "go or not go" I went up and was baptized in front of my church, with NO plan other than God's plan. How awesome is that? You ask for something and you just might get it! I must say today has been one emotional day and I've never felt more loved in all of my life.
Have a blessed week...mine is already off to a great start!
Love,
Jenny
I can't let this evening go by though without sharing this story. Yesterday Dan and I were talking about being baptized and the fact that I hadn't been. His words were something like, "Well, what are waiting for?" I agreed but had NO idea how to go about "scheduling" it. I always thought I would know when and it would just kind of happen...not be PLANNED! We also discussed that we've never witnessed our church doing an "unplanned" baptism. So I thought, I'll just look into it soon and see what I come up with...knowing me it would be put off for some time.
So this morning we went to church, like normal, and it was an amazing service. As the service became more and more inspirational Pastor Mike invited anyone, that has never been baptized, to be baptized. I was in shock! Could this really be happening? My hands started sweating and shaking, my heart started racing and after a couple of moments of thinking about "go or not go" I went up and was baptized in front of my church, with NO plan other than God's plan. How awesome is that? You ask for something and you just might get it! I must say today has been one emotional day and I've never felt more loved in all of my life.
Have a blessed week...mine is already off to a great start!
Love,
Jenny
Friday, March 19, 2010
5 weeks...
I usually slowly add new tasks to my days and today I was a Nurse. Nolan had a fever, soar throat and belly ache, Gordon has had a cough for several days and a snotty nose off and on for a couple of weeks and Landon...well he was supposed to just be along for the ride.
Off to the doctor we went to find out no strep for Nolan, just viral (as long as they don't call us in the AM with a positive from the lab, fingers crossed). Gordon has a pretty nasty sinus infection, then was sent to the lab to have blood drawn for the first time ever (he did very well I might add) to see if he has allergies (who knows where that's going to lead) and then I was advised to have his tonsils removed. Then Landon had his ears looked at, for no real reason other than he gets lots of ear infections AGAIN since the tubes fell out last summer and I wondered how they looked, (might as well take advantage of already being at the doctor and have them look, right?) Well he will need a second set of tubes, probably. So I guess I'll be making an ENT appointment real soon. I also guess I'M BACK...in FULL swing: )! I'm just so glad they didn't have all of these issues while I was down, lol.
The illnesses have put a damper on our weekend activities but the one thing we can still do is visit the Kid2Kid sale at our church tomorrow (organized by my Mom2Mom group). They are honoring our family and taking donations to help us out with medical bills and to donate to the ANA organization (who, at no fee, supplied us with all of our information to choose the best solution for my tumor). Again God is good!
I promise not to share my every little MOM detail with you all but I just found it funny that God knew when to let it all come at me again and so far I've held up pretty good. I am however heading to bed...pretty tired: )! Hope you all have wonderful weekend!
Love to you all!
Jenny
Off to the doctor we went to find out no strep for Nolan, just viral (as long as they don't call us in the AM with a positive from the lab, fingers crossed). Gordon has a pretty nasty sinus infection, then was sent to the lab to have blood drawn for the first time ever (he did very well I might add) to see if he has allergies (who knows where that's going to lead) and then I was advised to have his tonsils removed. Then Landon had his ears looked at, for no real reason other than he gets lots of ear infections AGAIN since the tubes fell out last summer and I wondered how they looked, (might as well take advantage of already being at the doctor and have them look, right?) Well he will need a second set of tubes, probably. So I guess I'll be making an ENT appointment real soon. I also guess I'M BACK...in FULL swing: )! I'm just so glad they didn't have all of these issues while I was down, lol.
The illnesses have put a damper on our weekend activities but the one thing we can still do is visit the Kid2Kid sale at our church tomorrow (organized by my Mom2Mom group). They are honoring our family and taking donations to help us out with medical bills and to donate to the ANA organization (who, at no fee, supplied us with all of our information to choose the best solution for my tumor). Again God is good!
I promise not to share my every little MOM detail with you all but I just found it funny that God knew when to let it all come at me again and so far I've held up pretty good. I am however heading to bed...pretty tired: )! Hope you all have wonderful weekend!
Love to you all!
Jenny
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
A Peaceful Moment!
As I sit here this morning, sipping from one of my new coffee mugs my husband gave me my first day home from the hospital, I can't help but think of how truly blessed I'm am. The sun is out, the birds are singing, my flowers we planted last fall are blooming and my three year old just told me I look so pretty in my green shirt (St. Patrick's Day ya know). Looking around at all of these things I realize once again how wonderful God really is and I can't think of ONE thing to complain about. I hope that your day is blessed and while others are taking things away from you, for what ever reason, you take a moment to realize what God has given us...everything we really NEED!
Love to you all!
Jen
In this world it is not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us rich. (Henry Ward Beecher)
Love to you all!
Jen
In this world it is not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us rich. (Henry Ward Beecher)
Monday, March 15, 2010
First Day Alone...sort of!
Well I survived my first day alone with no additional help (during the day anyway...Dan still helped getting the kids off to school and another wonderful family still made a meal for us...I can't do it all yet). I feel pretty good and no headache. I was even able to attend Nolan's 2nd grade music program at his school. My mother-in-law went with Gordon, Landon and me and that was nice. Nolan was so happy to see us. However, once again I am finding that I need to strategically place myself when I sit somewhere. My bad ear was to the stage and made it hard for me to hear the songs and instruments. I'm learning...just another small thing to get used to that's all.
I know this one is short and sweet but I thought it would be better than 2-3 pages every 7-8 days or so. Thank you all for your continued support and prayers!
Off to bed to get ready for day 2: )!
Love,
Jenny
I know this one is short and sweet but I thought it would be better than 2-3 pages every 7-8 days or so. Thank you all for your continued support and prayers!
Off to bed to get ready for day 2: )!
Love,
Jenny
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Welcome spring
Although it is hard to believe it has been a full month since the surgery, it’s really hard to believe it has only been 3 months since this entire ordeal began. Reality hit me yesterday. As I looked over our tulips that are starting to poke their heads out of the ground, I remembered Jenny and I had planted them on the first anniversary of my fathers passing last fall. I thought it appropriate that today (yesterday), on what would have been dad’s 82nd birthday; I took time to notice they have started to come out of their slumber. It then hit me; when we spent that day last fall planting bulbs to celebrate a life well lived, we had no idea what life or the looming winter held in store for us. We were only concerned about strategically placing our bulbs deep enough so they may survive the cold of winter until spring. I am happy to report that the bulbs we planted are now sprouting. They’ve survived their harsh winter, and so did we.
Dan
Dan
One month Anniversary!
Hello Everyone!
I just can't believe it's been a month already. Some days I don't even feel like it happened (which is crazy but amazing) and other days are still a little tough.
Wednesday I went to see my neurosurgeon for the first time since the surgery. He was pleasantly surprised with my progress. The incision is healing very well, my balance is getting back to pre-surgery “normal” (I was having balance problems prior to the surgery and it's not completely restored) and my smile isn't as lopsided: )! He said I'm way beyond schedule but I still have lifting limitations for up to 8 weeks or more. He did say I can drive but only locally (no highway or at night) until my balance is better. I'm so excited about that b/c now I can go to the bank, post office, park or wherever!
On Friday (that was actually my 4 week anniversary) my friend cut my hair for me and made it look a little nicer (I'll have to post a new picture) and then we were able to go out to dinner with another couple to celebrate. Seriously...a grown up dinner with my husband, woo-hoo! They were all very patient with my lack of hearing considering I kept moving everyone into different chairs until I could hear the conversation better...there goes that "high maintenance girl" I've turned into: )! The waitress was very confused; )!
The boys have all had basketball games this weekend and we were able to spend time with family. It's been rainy but rain or shine I'm just happy to be feeling better and more and more normal.
Next week will be interesting...I'm going to attempt a few days with the kiddos by myself. Dan helps me get them ready for school and on the bus in the mornings and then it's Landon and me until 12:30 (that's about the time one of our moms would come over...how amazing are they?). Gordon gets home from school then and the big boys get home at 3:50. I feel like I'll do fine but I promised the moms I'd let them know if I needed help again. This is just all soooo weird for me...having folks in my house doing my work for me...I'm just so blessed to have the choice but I really don't want to set myself back any either. Wish me luck!
That's all I really have to report right now...obviously ALL of everyone's prayers have been and are working b/c no news is definitely GOOD NEWS! I thank GOD everyday for life, family, friends and His love. Without those things I wouldn't be where I'm at today so THANK YOU!!!!
Love and Blessings to you all!
Jenny
I just can't believe it's been a month already. Some days I don't even feel like it happened (which is crazy but amazing) and other days are still a little tough.
Wednesday I went to see my neurosurgeon for the first time since the surgery. He was pleasantly surprised with my progress. The incision is healing very well, my balance is getting back to pre-surgery “normal” (I was having balance problems prior to the surgery and it's not completely restored) and my smile isn't as lopsided: )! He said I'm way beyond schedule but I still have lifting limitations for up to 8 weeks or more. He did say I can drive but only locally (no highway or at night) until my balance is better. I'm so excited about that b/c now I can go to the bank, post office, park or wherever!
On Friday (that was actually my 4 week anniversary) my friend cut my hair for me and made it look a little nicer (I'll have to post a new picture) and then we were able to go out to dinner with another couple to celebrate. Seriously...a grown up dinner with my husband, woo-hoo! They were all very patient with my lack of hearing considering I kept moving everyone into different chairs until I could hear the conversation better...there goes that "high maintenance girl" I've turned into: )! The waitress was very confused; )!
The boys have all had basketball games this weekend and we were able to spend time with family. It's been rainy but rain or shine I'm just happy to be feeling better and more and more normal.
Next week will be interesting...I'm going to attempt a few days with the kiddos by myself. Dan helps me get them ready for school and on the bus in the mornings and then it's Landon and me until 12:30 (that's about the time one of our moms would come over...how amazing are they?). Gordon gets home from school then and the big boys get home at 3:50. I feel like I'll do fine but I promised the moms I'd let them know if I needed help again. This is just all soooo weird for me...having folks in my house doing my work for me...I'm just so blessed to have the choice but I really don't want to set myself back any either. Wish me luck!
That's all I really have to report right now...obviously ALL of everyone's prayers have been and are working b/c no news is definitely GOOD NEWS! I thank GOD everyday for life, family, friends and His love. Without those things I wouldn't be where I'm at today so THANK YOU!!!!
Love and Blessings to you all!
Jenny
Friday, March 5, 2010
3 Weeks Later Already!
Hello Everyone! I know it's been a while since I’ve posted and I apologize...I've been trying not to bore you all with every little, daily detail: )!
This past week has gone really well. My dad left to head back to Florida on Sunday, and we miss him terribly, but he needed to get back to his normal life and we're able to do a little more for ourselves now. He sure was amazingly helpful. My mother-in-law, Joy, and my mom came over each day in the afternoon so I wasn't by myself with the boys all day. I still have lifting and driving restrictions plus by late afternoon I'm pretty tired. My sister-in-law even came and cleaned our house (twice now)...I really could get used to this, lol!
Monday and Tuesday were okay days...I still felt worn out, had headaches and earaches but nothing like it could be. Then there was Wednesday, Thursday and today. I must say I have turned a corner. I feel so "normal", like the surgery was months ago not just 3 weeks ago. The headaches have really died off, the balance is much better, my scar doesn't have the ache and pressure it once had and my eye is not hurting or as dry as it used to be. I'm hoping to start on my "thank you" notes now that my eye is working better. I do have to be careful not to bend over and have my head completely upside down...that's a little painful...but seriously I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER! I'm not rushing time away but I can't wait to see how great I feel next week: )!
Yesterday my girlfriend drove Landon and me to mom2mom with her. AWESOME...to see all of those women and do the bible study again was amazing! They sure made me feel good too with all of the hugs, complements and interest in how I was doing. It was even more wonderful to hear some of their new news and know how they are doing so I can help pray for them too. They are a wonderful group of sisters in Christ and I feel so blessed and honored to be a part of that ministry.
The blessings did not stop there. Our friends, as well as the new people that have come into our lives, the ones that we have reconnected with, the ones that have reached out that don't even know us and will probably never meet us and of course our wonderful, supportive family; have all been so amazing, helpful, caring, generous and selfless. Without ALL of you, we could have never made it through this so smoothly. We've had cards, emails, calls, meals, gifts, PRAYERS, encouragement, support and on and on. I can't thank you all enough, or individually like I would like to, but I sure hope you all know how much we appreciate each and everyone of you. God has really worked through us all and made this a huge success story...a true miracle!
You know so many people have told me how inspirational I or my story has been to them. I am so flattered but I have to say that b/c of you all and of course God I've been able to stay focused and positive. So in return YOU ALL have been just as inspirational to me...love to you all! If you'd like to share your inspiring story so I can return some prayer and praise I would love to hear them. I just feel like I was chosen to fight this tumor and not b/c there was a tumor to be beat but because lives were meant to be touched...including mine. So the story at hand here is NOT that some girl beat some tumor...it's that a collection of wonderful, loving people listened to God and came together to help some girl beat this tumor. And while the tumor is long gone, thank God, the lives touched are still going and now touching others and in the end making a HUGE difference in someone else’s life. How AWESOME is that?!?!?!
Okay, I feel like I just wrote a "Lifetime Movie" and I got a little corny so I'll move on. I go to Cincinnati next Wednesday to see the neurosurgeon...not Dr. McDreamer (but that's okay I have Mr. McFunny here at home)! I'm hoping he'll feel like I have progressed nicely and will lift some of these lingering restrictions. But even he doesn't I am physically able to do more and more everyday so I'll listen and mind and try not to get too antsy about it. It's just weird to ask people to do such "silly" stuff for me sometimes but at least I'm here to ask for that help, right?
Okay I’m going to close (and try to write more often so it’s not this long…sorry). I wish you all a wonderful weekend and lots of sunshine…it’s finally out here…woo-hoo!
Love to you all and God Bless,
Jenny
This past week has gone really well. My dad left to head back to Florida on Sunday, and we miss him terribly, but he needed to get back to his normal life and we're able to do a little more for ourselves now. He sure was amazingly helpful. My mother-in-law, Joy, and my mom came over each day in the afternoon so I wasn't by myself with the boys all day. I still have lifting and driving restrictions plus by late afternoon I'm pretty tired. My sister-in-law even came and cleaned our house (twice now)...I really could get used to this, lol!
Monday and Tuesday were okay days...I still felt worn out, had headaches and earaches but nothing like it could be. Then there was Wednesday, Thursday and today. I must say I have turned a corner. I feel so "normal", like the surgery was months ago not just 3 weeks ago. The headaches have really died off, the balance is much better, my scar doesn't have the ache and pressure it once had and my eye is not hurting or as dry as it used to be. I'm hoping to start on my "thank you" notes now that my eye is working better. I do have to be careful not to bend over and have my head completely upside down...that's a little painful...but seriously I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER! I'm not rushing time away but I can't wait to see how great I feel next week: )!
Yesterday my girlfriend drove Landon and me to mom2mom with her. AWESOME...to see all of those women and do the bible study again was amazing! They sure made me feel good too with all of the hugs, complements and interest in how I was doing. It was even more wonderful to hear some of their new news and know how they are doing so I can help pray for them too. They are a wonderful group of sisters in Christ and I feel so blessed and honored to be a part of that ministry.
The blessings did not stop there. Our friends, as well as the new people that have come into our lives, the ones that we have reconnected with, the ones that have reached out that don't even know us and will probably never meet us and of course our wonderful, supportive family; have all been so amazing, helpful, caring, generous and selfless. Without ALL of you, we could have never made it through this so smoothly. We've had cards, emails, calls, meals, gifts, PRAYERS, encouragement, support and on and on. I can't thank you all enough, or individually like I would like to, but I sure hope you all know how much we appreciate each and everyone of you. God has really worked through us all and made this a huge success story...a true miracle!
You know so many people have told me how inspirational I or my story has been to them. I am so flattered but I have to say that b/c of you all and of course God I've been able to stay focused and positive. So in return YOU ALL have been just as inspirational to me...love to you all! If you'd like to share your inspiring story so I can return some prayer and praise I would love to hear them. I just feel like I was chosen to fight this tumor and not b/c there was a tumor to be beat but because lives were meant to be touched...including mine. So the story at hand here is NOT that some girl beat some tumor...it's that a collection of wonderful, loving people listened to God and came together to help some girl beat this tumor. And while the tumor is long gone, thank God, the lives touched are still going and now touching others and in the end making a HUGE difference in someone else’s life. How AWESOME is that?!?!?!
Okay, I feel like I just wrote a "Lifetime Movie" and I got a little corny so I'll move on. I go to Cincinnati next Wednesday to see the neurosurgeon...not Dr. McDreamer (but that's okay I have Mr. McFunny here at home)! I'm hoping he'll feel like I have progressed nicely and will lift some of these lingering restrictions. But even he doesn't I am physically able to do more and more everyday so I'll listen and mind and try not to get too antsy about it. It's just weird to ask people to do such "silly" stuff for me sometimes but at least I'm here to ask for that help, right?
Okay I’m going to close (and try to write more often so it’s not this long…sorry). I wish you all a wonderful weekend and lots of sunshine…it’s finally out here…woo-hoo!
Love to you all and God Bless,
Jenny
Thursday, February 25, 2010
First Post Op Visit!
Hello Everyone!
Yesterday we went to Cincinnati and I finally got my stitches out...woo-hoo! I feel so much better just from that not to mention I'm getting more and more strength back every day.
I saw the ENT surgeon which includes Dr. McDreamer, so good on the eyes (I'll see the neurosurgeon in 2 weeks) and he said that I am doing great and couldn't believe it had only been 12 days since my surgery (this was after I had to show them my belly scar from where they took out the belly fat to put into my head...that wasn't uncomfortable or anything. How is it that I had four children, no C-sections or even epidurals and now I get a brain tumor, have my ear removed and put back on...which is now sticking out on that side...fat taken from my belly...but not enough to make me look good, actually left a big ole scar right in the middle...and now my eye won't close (read below)? I really am becoming quite the freak show, lol!) He sent me home with some simple exercises for my balance but still no driving or lifting more than 5-10lbs. for a while. He obviously hasn't seen my boys: )!
Okay the issue with my eye...sometimes when the facial nerve has some weakness, the eye on that side will have problems closing...well mine is having that problem. It appears that when I'm sleeping that eye is not staying closed through out the night and causing a lot of pain and dry eye (I'm sure my husband will be watching me sleep now to see if I'm watching him sleep...this whole thing has really gotten weird, huh?) I went to the Cincinnati Eye Institute today and had it examined...so far no real damage but continuous dry eye can cause serious problems on down the road. So, I was sent home with eye gel for nighttime and drops for daytime. Hopefully these will work while that nerve gets stronger and there will be no permanent damage. I go back in 4 weeks to have that looked at again.
Other than my balance, eye issue, some ear spasms and my pride...I feel really, really good! No seriously, I'm so lucky and so grateful for such an awesome recovery. I can't believe tomorrow will only be 2 weeks since my surgery...I really would have never guessed I'd be this far down the recovery road. I know all of your prayers, thoughts, encouragement and wishes have played such a huge part in my rapid recovery. God has heard them all and has obviously listened! THANK YOU...I really can't say enough about all of the support. I hope I can return the favor someday to each of you!
I'm heading to bed...the weekend is around the corner! I'm working hard at not over doing it so wish me luck and I'll write again soon! Thank you all again and much, much love and blessings to all of you!
Jenny
Yesterday we went to Cincinnati and I finally got my stitches out...woo-hoo! I feel so much better just from that not to mention I'm getting more and more strength back every day.
I saw the ENT surgeon which includes Dr. McDreamer, so good on the eyes (I'll see the neurosurgeon in 2 weeks) and he said that I am doing great and couldn't believe it had only been 12 days since my surgery (this was after I had to show them my belly scar from where they took out the belly fat to put into my head...that wasn't uncomfortable or anything. How is it that I had four children, no C-sections or even epidurals and now I get a brain tumor, have my ear removed and put back on...which is now sticking out on that side...fat taken from my belly...but not enough to make me look good, actually left a big ole scar right in the middle...and now my eye won't close (read below)? I really am becoming quite the freak show, lol!) He sent me home with some simple exercises for my balance but still no driving or lifting more than 5-10lbs. for a while. He obviously hasn't seen my boys: )!
Okay the issue with my eye...sometimes when the facial nerve has some weakness, the eye on that side will have problems closing...well mine is having that problem. It appears that when I'm sleeping that eye is not staying closed through out the night and causing a lot of pain and dry eye (I'm sure my husband will be watching me sleep now to see if I'm watching him sleep...this whole thing has really gotten weird, huh?) I went to the Cincinnati Eye Institute today and had it examined...so far no real damage but continuous dry eye can cause serious problems on down the road. So, I was sent home with eye gel for nighttime and drops for daytime. Hopefully these will work while that nerve gets stronger and there will be no permanent damage. I go back in 4 weeks to have that looked at again.
Other than my balance, eye issue, some ear spasms and my pride...I feel really, really good! No seriously, I'm so lucky and so grateful for such an awesome recovery. I can't believe tomorrow will only be 2 weeks since my surgery...I really would have never guessed I'd be this far down the recovery road. I know all of your prayers, thoughts, encouragement and wishes have played such a huge part in my rapid recovery. God has heard them all and has obviously listened! THANK YOU...I really can't say enough about all of the support. I hope I can return the favor someday to each of you!
I'm heading to bed...the weekend is around the corner! I'm working hard at not over doing it so wish me luck and I'll write again soon! Thank you all again and much, much love and blessings to all of you!
Jenny
Monday, February 22, 2010
One week already!
Hello All,
I just wanted to send an update and let you all know how things are going. Today I've been home a week already and can't believe it.
The weekend was nice having everyone home. I was even able to go to the boys’ basketball games. Unfortunately, it really wore me out...more than I had expected...but regardless it was nice to see them play and get out of the house for an hour or so.
It's funny because I feel so blessed that this whole ordeal has progressed so wonderfully that I sometimes forget that I still have a long road ahead of me. The past few days I have been getting more feeling back in my face and ear area. This is great considering that it was numb for so long but new feeling also means feeling new pain. There are a lot of spasms in my ear and around my jaw and neck. The pulling in the skin behind my ear really is bothersome and I seriously can't wait to get theses stitches out. I go Wednesday to get them removed and that should help with all of the pressure and pulling that I'm feeling. I took some muscle relaxers/spasm pills for it on Sunday and I don’t know what was worse…the pain or the sluggishness I felt ALL day from the pills. I don’t do pills well at all so I won’t be taking those anymore.
I’m anxious to talk to the doctor tomorrow and find out just how well things are going. Today has been a not-so-great day…lots of head pressure, ear spasms and eye dryness/burning. I can do pain and recovery…I just want to make sure it is ALL normal and not something else.
Dan went back to work this week. Poor guy…I’m not sure what wears him out more… being home and doing this work or going to work and worrying about being at home. I’m so lucky that he’s so strong. He keeps me grounded that’s for sure.
My dad is still here and helps us out while Dan is at work (this has been such a blessing). Because I can’t do the steps by myself, I stay on one floor for most of the day. My dad however is working out of our house in the basement and every so often he flies up the steps like Kramer in Seinfeld to see if he’s going to catch me doing something I shouldn't. Glad he didn’t move that fast when I was a teen…who knows what kind of trouble I would have been in, lol!
Overall things are going well and still better than expected! We’re so grateful for all of those helping us out be it prayers, meals, encouragement, cards, flowers etc. etc. It has ALL made this recovery a lot more bearable! We’re so thankful and hope you all know how much you mean to us! We’ll be updating you soon…after the appointment tomorrow!
Blessings to you all,
Jen
I just wanted to send an update and let you all know how things are going. Today I've been home a week already and can't believe it.
The weekend was nice having everyone home. I was even able to go to the boys’ basketball games. Unfortunately, it really wore me out...more than I had expected...but regardless it was nice to see them play and get out of the house for an hour or so.
It's funny because I feel so blessed that this whole ordeal has progressed so wonderfully that I sometimes forget that I still have a long road ahead of me. The past few days I have been getting more feeling back in my face and ear area. This is great considering that it was numb for so long but new feeling also means feeling new pain. There are a lot of spasms in my ear and around my jaw and neck. The pulling in the skin behind my ear really is bothersome and I seriously can't wait to get theses stitches out. I go Wednesday to get them removed and that should help with all of the pressure and pulling that I'm feeling. I took some muscle relaxers/spasm pills for it on Sunday and I don’t know what was worse…the pain or the sluggishness I felt ALL day from the pills. I don’t do pills well at all so I won’t be taking those anymore.
I’m anxious to talk to the doctor tomorrow and find out just how well things are going. Today has been a not-so-great day…lots of head pressure, ear spasms and eye dryness/burning. I can do pain and recovery…I just want to make sure it is ALL normal and not something else.
Dan went back to work this week. Poor guy…I’m not sure what wears him out more… being home and doing this work or going to work and worrying about being at home. I’m so lucky that he’s so strong. He keeps me grounded that’s for sure.
My dad is still here and helps us out while Dan is at work (this has been such a blessing). Because I can’t do the steps by myself, I stay on one floor for most of the day. My dad however is working out of our house in the basement and every so often he flies up the steps like Kramer in Seinfeld to see if he’s going to catch me doing something I shouldn't. Glad he didn’t move that fast when I was a teen…who knows what kind of trouble I would have been in, lol!
Overall things are going well and still better than expected! We’re so grateful for all of those helping us out be it prayers, meals, encouragement, cards, flowers etc. etc. It has ALL made this recovery a lot more bearable! We’re so thankful and hope you all know how much you mean to us! We’ll be updating you soon…after the appointment tomorrow!
Blessings to you all,
Jen
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Another Good Day!
Today was another good day! Two of our boys had basketball games (10am and 4pm) and I was able to go to both...definitely had to have a nap in between though! It felt good to get out of the house, see some people at the church and enjoy the fresh air. I'm pretty tired tonight but over all I feel really good.
Some of our family stayed the evening with us and we did some catching up on "old times" which is always nice. I'd love to go to church for service in the morning...we'll have to see how everything goes. It'll be there next week if we can't but I'm really missing it!
I hope you all are having a great weekend!
Good night and God Bless!
Jen
P.S. Thanks for all of the comments on my new picture. Crazy it was only one week after my surgery. Sometimes when I pass a mirror I do a double take b/c I really didn't expect to look "normal" so soon! So Awesome!
Some of our family stayed the evening with us and we did some catching up on "old times" which is always nice. I'd love to go to church for service in the morning...we'll have to see how everything goes. It'll be there next week if we can't but I'm really missing it!
I hope you all are having a great weekend!
Good night and God Bless!
Jen
P.S. Thanks for all of the comments on my new picture. Crazy it was only one week after my surgery. Sometimes when I pass a mirror I do a double take b/c I really didn't expect to look "normal" so soon! So Awesome!
Friday, February 19, 2010
It's so easy...
I have cheated on today's blog b/c I feel everyone needs to read my husband's comment to my post yesterday. Since it was in the comments I was affraid someone would miss it and it's too good to miss, lol! Sorry for the repeat. Enjoy!
Love, Jen
Jenny makes this homemaker thing look easier than it actually is.
I started the laundry today. For those that don’t know, Jenny is very protective of her washer and dryer (she even put a laundry “cheat sheet” of instructions above the appliances in the event I were to even think of using them). That’s why I got really nervous when the first load I attempted I received an error code (D4). It appears I broke her washing machine on my very first attempted load. Luckily, I had kept the manuals that provide help in troubleshooting various error codes. It turns out “D4” is a common code for our model. It’s highly technical but luckily I have the technological background to troubleshoot such an issue. It means “DOOR OPEN” (actually D=door open, 4= wait 4 your wife).
Later in the day I had three loads completed, was on my fourth and feeling pretty good. The kids arrived home from school and started on their snacks. Jenny usually makes the boys move right on to their homework and goes through the school backpacks with each of them. I thought, “This is easy, homework can wait. Let’s play in the snow first”. Off we went to play for an hour or so. Upon returning, we ate a great dinner and it was time for their homework. Soon it became apparent to me why Jenny goes through the school bags immediately. It appears Nolan, my second oldest, decided to bring home a “pet” snow ball hidden in his bag. I’m sure she was beautiful in a more solid state. We’ve since named her “puddles”.
The later it gets in the evening, the more reality is setting in. The four now clean loads of laundry, at some point, need to be put away. I guess I just assumed it would take care of itself. After all it had in the past. Whenever I needed a shirt or pants, there they were. I never thought about the work it takes to get them there. She sure does make it look easy. It’s not.
I have to go. Socks don’t match themselves.
Dan
Love, Jen
Jenny makes this homemaker thing look easier than it actually is.
I started the laundry today. For those that don’t know, Jenny is very protective of her washer and dryer (she even put a laundry “cheat sheet” of instructions above the appliances in the event I were to even think of using them). That’s why I got really nervous when the first load I attempted I received an error code (D4). It appears I broke her washing machine on my very first attempted load. Luckily, I had kept the manuals that provide help in troubleshooting various error codes. It turns out “D4” is a common code for our model. It’s highly technical but luckily I have the technological background to troubleshoot such an issue. It means “DOOR OPEN” (actually D=door open, 4= wait 4 your wife).
Later in the day I had three loads completed, was on my fourth and feeling pretty good. The kids arrived home from school and started on their snacks. Jenny usually makes the boys move right on to their homework and goes through the school backpacks with each of them. I thought, “This is easy, homework can wait. Let’s play in the snow first”. Off we went to play for an hour or so. Upon returning, we ate a great dinner and it was time for their homework. Soon it became apparent to me why Jenny goes through the school bags immediately. It appears Nolan, my second oldest, decided to bring home a “pet” snow ball hidden in his bag. I’m sure she was beautiful in a more solid state. We’ve since named her “puddles”.
The later it gets in the evening, the more reality is setting in. The four now clean loads of laundry, at some point, need to be put away. I guess I just assumed it would take care of itself. After all it had in the past. Whenever I needed a shirt or pants, there they were. I never thought about the work it takes to get them there. She sure does make it look easy. It’s not.
I have to go. Socks don’t match themselves.
Dan
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Checking in!
Just when you think more blessings can't possibly come...they do! We got the call today from Dr. Pensak's office stating that my tumor was confirmed to be an acoustic neuroma and completely benign! Praise GOD! We have always felt pretty confident about that but it sure was nice to hear for sure.
The day has been good...I got lots of rest and everyone else did all of my work. That is really new for me but I'm trying to follow rules and allow everyone to help. I am so grateful to have them all helping out because I surely wouldn't be able to do it with them.
So many of you have reached out on my blog and I know I haven't responded to each of you but I've read each and every one of your post. I thank you all so much!!!! The encouragement, support and prayers really keeps me focused and going strong! You all are awesome!
Until tomorrow...good night!
Jen
The day has been good...I got lots of rest and everyone else did all of my work. That is really new for me but I'm trying to follow rules and allow everyone to help. I am so grateful to have them all helping out because I surely wouldn't be able to do it with them.
So many of you have reached out on my blog and I know I haven't responded to each of you but I've read each and every one of your post. I thank you all so much!!!! The encouragement, support and prayers really keeps me focused and going strong! You all are awesome!
Until tomorrow...good night!
Jen
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Home at Last!
Hello everyone...I was able to come home today, thank goodness, and see my wonderful little men. Oh my gosh, I think they've grown since Thursday, lol. The roads were pretty good and it took us a while but we made it safe and sound.
I didn't realize how tired I would get through so after lunch I napped on the couch for a bit (for those of you that know me, I DON'T NAP...so weird but well worth it). Dan ran a few arrands for us and my mom, dad and step father stuck around and hang out with me and watch the boys. Okay so my youngest one, Landon, would not stop touching my head dressing. He would say, "When you gonna take that crazy hat off mommy?" It was to funny, innocent and sweet. After seeing me with for about 30 minuntes or so he was able to go play and not be so preoccupied by it...kids :0)!
I have to share this small story b/c I can't believe what my husband remembers sometimes. I have to take you back to the day that we got the call to see our doctor for the MRI results...Dec. 22. We knew something was wrong b/c I had just had the MRI the morning before so I took my children to a dear friends house, asked Dan if he wanted to meet me at the doctor and started to leave. I had missed a call at home about 30 minutes earlier and decided to make sure it was too important. It was a neurosurgeons office confirming my appointment for Dec. 24th to discuss my MRI. Now I knew something WAS definitely wrong. I dropped the children off w/my friend, whom I was going to have lunch with first but suddendly lost my appetite and called Dan to tell him. He was almost in Tipp (he must of known I was going to need him sooner). I met him the church parking lot and we sat and sat and sat. We had about an hour or more before I was to see my doctor so he says, "You want to eat, walk around, get a coffee...?" I couldn't even think but I had been in Tipp earlier that month to tour the homes and shops for Christmas so I said, "Let's go into this store I told you about and we'll walk around and look at the pottery." That's what we did and he had never been in those shops before so it was fun showing him around (as much fun as one could have at that moment). Anyway, after admiring all of the the sets of pottery, jewelry, collectables etc. we headed out for our appointment where we received our horrible news about my brain tumor (and then not knowing if it was cancer, benign etc.) so it was a pretty crappy day to say the least. Well the point of ALL of this rambling is while Dan was out yesterday he stopped by that shop and got us two new coffee mugs so now we can start our new, happy days tumor free. How cool is that? How does he remember everything? I just love him...he has been such a trooper through all of this...I don't know how I'll ever repay him.
Sorry for the sappy, tomorrow I get this fun, white dressing off of my head...yes!!! I've been trying not to scratch too much under it (Thanks Lynn for the pointers on that) but really it's the pressure on my head that it causes. It really hurts and makes it hard to sleep. So I'm ready, wish me luck tomorrow and as soon as I can get cleaned up and maybe we can post a new picture...if the scare is not too scary.
Love to you all and keep doing God's work...He's awesome and so are you!
Thanks for everything,
Jen
I didn't realize how tired I would get through so after lunch I napped on the couch for a bit (for those of you that know me, I DON'T NAP...so weird but well worth it). Dan ran a few arrands for us and my mom, dad and step father stuck around and hang out with me and watch the boys. Okay so my youngest one, Landon, would not stop touching my head dressing. He would say, "When you gonna take that crazy hat off mommy?" It was to funny, innocent and sweet. After seeing me with for about 30 minuntes or so he was able to go play and not be so preoccupied by it...kids :0)!
I have to share this small story b/c I can't believe what my husband remembers sometimes. I have to take you back to the day that we got the call to see our doctor for the MRI results...Dec. 22. We knew something was wrong b/c I had just had the MRI the morning before so I took my children to a dear friends house, asked Dan if he wanted to meet me at the doctor and started to leave. I had missed a call at home about 30 minutes earlier and decided to make sure it was too important. It was a neurosurgeons office confirming my appointment for Dec. 24th to discuss my MRI. Now I knew something WAS definitely wrong. I dropped the children off w/my friend, whom I was going to have lunch with first but suddendly lost my appetite and called Dan to tell him. He was almost in Tipp (he must of known I was going to need him sooner). I met him the church parking lot and we sat and sat and sat. We had about an hour or more before I was to see my doctor so he says, "You want to eat, walk around, get a coffee...?" I couldn't even think but I had been in Tipp earlier that month to tour the homes and shops for Christmas so I said, "Let's go into this store I told you about and we'll walk around and look at the pottery." That's what we did and he had never been in those shops before so it was fun showing him around (as much fun as one could have at that moment). Anyway, after admiring all of the the sets of pottery, jewelry, collectables etc. we headed out for our appointment where we received our horrible news about my brain tumor (and then not knowing if it was cancer, benign etc.) so it was a pretty crappy day to say the least. Well the point of ALL of this rambling is while Dan was out yesterday he stopped by that shop and got us two new coffee mugs so now we can start our new, happy days tumor free. How cool is that? How does he remember everything? I just love him...he has been such a trooper through all of this...I don't know how I'll ever repay him.
Sorry for the sappy, tomorrow I get this fun, white dressing off of my head...yes!!! I've been trying not to scratch too much under it (Thanks Lynn for the pointers on that) but really it's the pressure on my head that it causes. It really hurts and makes it hard to sleep. So I'm ready, wish me luck tomorrow and as soon as I can get cleaned up and maybe we can post a new picture...if the scare is not too scary.
Love to you all and keep doing God's work...He's awesome and so are you!
Thanks for everything,
Jen
Monday, February 15, 2010
I'm Back!!
Good morning all! Wow what an amazing group of people we have in our lives. You all rock and God heard ALL of those prayers, yippee!
First, before I go any further, I have to give my husband some serious recognition for taking care of my journal. He did a great job...jokes and all! Laughing is the best medicine and if it helped any of you during the waiting I'm sure it was doing the same or more for him. I know it helped me.
He is quite amazing that man of mine. I owe him big. Not only doing an awesome job on the journal, he traveled back in forth, stayed with the kids or at least made sure they were all taking care of and then took care of me. I couldn't ask for a better caregiver, best friend, father to our children and husband. Thank you Dan...you are the best!
As a warning...I'm sure he will sign off of this journal at some point and just know that I have NO control over him and what he might say, lol!
Back to you all...thank you, thank you, thank you for everything. The prayers, the visits, the comments, the support, the meals (I hear my family is being fed very well), the cards and much, much more! You all are the best support group a gal and family could have and I could never express how much you all truly mean to me. You are truly children of God watching over me and my family through his callings and we couldn't be more blessed. Okay I'm starting to cry so I need to move on.
I feel great and I must say, I look pretty darn good even with this head dressing thing on. It is starting to bother me some but I believe I get it off on Wednesday then I'll get to see how much hair is missing : )! Nothing my hair lady can't fix though! They were going to send me home yesterday...I know, I think they've lost their minds but once I mentioned I have 4 wonderful but energetic boys at home they told me to take my time. Don't get my wrong...I can't wait to get home and see them but they're not going to understand quite yet how I'm going to be and I don't want to overdo it and end up back in for something senseless.
Today it is snowing like crazy...I think we're suppose to get 7-10 inches or so in Cincinnati. It looks pretty coming down but I think I'll wait one more day to come home since I'm sure the roads will be messy.
Okay I'm rambling but before I wrap it up I have to personally thank our family. All of our parents and siblings (Dan's side and mine) have been helping us out with the boys so Dan can be with me and that has made this process go even more smoothly. Thank you all so much and I love you all more than you'll ever know.
I'm signing off for now and I thank you all for following this journey and allowing us to share it with you. It means more than you'll ever know.
Love to you all and God Bless (He is the real hero here),
Jen :-)
First, before I go any further, I have to give my husband some serious recognition for taking care of my journal. He did a great job...jokes and all! Laughing is the best medicine and if it helped any of you during the waiting I'm sure it was doing the same or more for him. I know it helped me.
He is quite amazing that man of mine. I owe him big. Not only doing an awesome job on the journal, he traveled back in forth, stayed with the kids or at least made sure they were all taking care of and then took care of me. I couldn't ask for a better caregiver, best friend, father to our children and husband. Thank you Dan...you are the best!
As a warning...I'm sure he will sign off of this journal at some point and just know that I have NO control over him and what he might say, lol!
Back to you all...thank you, thank you, thank you for everything. The prayers, the visits, the comments, the support, the meals (I hear my family is being fed very well), the cards and much, much more! You all are the best support group a gal and family could have and I could never express how much you all truly mean to me. You are truly children of God watching over me and my family through his callings and we couldn't be more blessed. Okay I'm starting to cry so I need to move on.
I feel great and I must say, I look pretty darn good even with this head dressing thing on. It is starting to bother me some but I believe I get it off on Wednesday then I'll get to see how much hair is missing : )! Nothing my hair lady can't fix though! They were going to send me home yesterday...I know, I think they've lost their minds but once I mentioned I have 4 wonderful but energetic boys at home they told me to take my time. Don't get my wrong...I can't wait to get home and see them but they're not going to understand quite yet how I'm going to be and I don't want to overdo it and end up back in for something senseless.
Today it is snowing like crazy...I think we're suppose to get 7-10 inches or so in Cincinnati. It looks pretty coming down but I think I'll wait one more day to come home since I'm sure the roads will be messy.
Okay I'm rambling but before I wrap it up I have to personally thank our family. All of our parents and siblings (Dan's side and mine) have been helping us out with the boys so Dan can be with me and that has made this process go even more smoothly. Thank you all so much and I love you all more than you'll ever know.
I'm signing off for now and I thank you all for following this journey and allowing us to share it with you. It means more than you'll ever know.
Love to you all and God Bless (He is the real hero here),
Jen :-)
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Sunday Night
The progress is amazing. We were able to walk the halls a little bit today. Luckily, Jen had the foresight to pack a robe. So down the hall we hiked in her bright pink robe. With the head gear she had on, she looked like a run-away Energizer Bunny (still going). But unlike the Energizer Bunny, she soon ran out of energy. She’s now back in bed and resting. I’m guessing she’s asleep for the night. I think she was sleeping before 9:00 p.m. on Valentine's night last year too. She's taken "not tonight honey, I have a headache" to whole new level. Show off. Oh well, this year I'll let it slide. It's time for me to head back north before the snow starts to fall here. Until tomorrow…..
Pictures-2
This is a picture from Sunday afternoon. She's out of bed and in the chair. Next up, walking the halls (after we figure out how to close the back of her gown).
Photos
Here are the photos as promised. You may find day one a little unsettling. It shows some facial drop. This photo was taken only two hours after surgery. As you'll notice on day two, the facial drop has gotten better. I can't wait to see what day three brings.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Update 8- Saturday Night
Tonight’s update:
The news continues to be good. Jenny has been moved to the floor, which is nice because now we aren’t bound to the visiting hours of the ICU. She has been up and about a couple of times. Eating a normal diet and able to speak to the kids on the phone. It’s amazing to think just 24 hours ago she was just coming off of her 11 hour surgery. She’s still sporting that “unique” head gear wrap but has an appointment to have it taken off on Wednesday. She looks like a cross between Rocky and Bullwinkle or a deranged unicorn. I am working on posting pictures and a video her dad made. It’s quite good and gives you look at her and shows her spirit. I hope to post it soon. I am taking a computer and her cell phone to her in the morning. She’s anxious to catch up on the blog and read what she’s been missing. I’ll update after tomorrows visit but if the blog tone changes, you’ll know Jenny has taken back piloting the blog, but I’ll say goodbye before I sign off for good.
The news continues to be good. Jenny has been moved to the floor, which is nice because now we aren’t bound to the visiting hours of the ICU. She has been up and about a couple of times. Eating a normal diet and able to speak to the kids on the phone. It’s amazing to think just 24 hours ago she was just coming off of her 11 hour surgery. She’s still sporting that “unique” head gear wrap but has an appointment to have it taken off on Wednesday. She looks like a cross between Rocky and Bullwinkle or a deranged unicorn. I am working on posting pictures and a video her dad made. It’s quite good and gives you look at her and shows her spirit. I hope to post it soon. I am taking a computer and her cell phone to her in the morning. She’s anxious to catch up on the blog and read what she’s been missing. I’ll update after tomorrows visit but if the blog tone changes, you’ll know Jenny has taken back piloting the blog, but I’ll say goodbye before I sign off for good.
Update 7- Saturday
Just finished the 11:00 a.m. visit. The surgeon was just in and he says she looks great. The MRI came back good. They are now looking to find a room to move her to from ICU. The facial weakness seems to be getting better too. Her smile is getting bigger as is her eagerness to get home. She says to tell everyone hello. I’ll post pictures soon. Next visit at 4:00 p.m.
Update 6- Saturday
I’m awake after a “great nights rest” in the NSICU waiting room. It’s amazing what people will discuss openly in front of someone they assume to be sleeping. As bad as you think things are for you at times, someone else always has it much worse. As we continue our prayers for Jenny and her speedy and full recovery, let’s add the gentleman I listened to this morning that is obviously struggling with his wife’s sudden illness. He kept saying, “I don’t want to go home, all I see are her fingerprints”. I don’t know his name and I never saw his face, but I felt his pain.
On a happier note, I spoke to Jen’s nurse earlier today. She had a good night (Jen, not the nurse). No problems. They just ordered her breakfast and she is doing fine. The doctors were just in to visit and said the surgery couldn’t have gone any better. She has an MRI scheduled for this morning to make sure everything looks good internally. After that, they hope to move her to floor soon (hospital talk for a regular room). Currently all rooms are full. She may have to spend another day in ICU, but that’s o.k. as the care she receives here is one on one.
Our next allowed visit is at 11:00 a.m. I’ll update everyone after that.
On a happier note, I spoke to Jen’s nurse earlier today. She had a good night (Jen, not the nurse). No problems. They just ordered her breakfast and she is doing fine. The doctors were just in to visit and said the surgery couldn’t have gone any better. She has an MRI scheduled for this morning to make sure everything looks good internally. After that, they hope to move her to floor soon (hospital talk for a regular room). Currently all rooms are full. She may have to spend another day in ICU, but that’s o.k. as the care she receives here is one on one.
Our next allowed visit is at 11:00 a.m. I’ll update everyone after that.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Update 5
We’ve been back to visit her twice. She looks good and is in great spirits. She’s even feeding herself ice chips. She also keeps apologizing to her nurse, saying “I’m sorry I am so tired. I’d really like to talk to you.” Unfortunately she has no hearing in her left ear, but we knew that was going to be the case. As soon as our youngest son heard this he yelled “yay! Now we can scream around the house again!” She has some facial drop on the left side. The doctor says this should only be temporary. She can now feel things on her left side of her face too. This is an immediate improvement. She is very nauseous, but that is to be expected. She has been a real trooper. She has even let us take pictures and videos of her immediately following to compare “before and after”. I promised her I wouldn’t post them on Face book….but I didn’t promise not to post them on her blog. Nah, I probably shouldn’t.
She told me that when she first woke up and heard voices, she thanked GOD and knew he heard all of your prayers. Thank you. Earlier I walked the hospital in an effort to find the most uncomfortable chair possible to try to make my place of slumber for tonight. Mission accomplished. Goodnight for now.
She told me that when she first woke up and heard voices, she thanked GOD and knew he heard all of your prayers. Thank you. Earlier I walked the hospital in an effort to find the most uncomfortable chair possible to try to make my place of slumber for tonight. Mission accomplished. Goodnight for now.
Update 4
The surgery is complete. She has moved from anesthetic recovery to surgical recovery and now to surgical ICU. We are now waiting in the NICU (neurological intensive care unit) waiting room for word we can go, back and visit. The report from the nurse is “awake, orientating and nauseous with really bad morning breath.” OK, I embellished the morning breathe part. Call it an "educated guess". The nausea part is true and can be expected after a 10+ hour procedure. I’ll update more as we are able to visit with her.
Update 3
The tumor is out. The doctors were able to remove the entire tumor. It was growing on the balance nerve, so that was removed with it. The balance nerve on the opposite side will eventually compensate. They still need to close and they anticipate that will take 2-3 more hours. After that, it’s to ICU for the night.
Update 2
Not much new to update. I guess that’s a good thing. All is moving forward as planned. No complications to this point. I did have a nice surprise. Don Toy, the minister whom married Jen and me, came to the hospital from out of state to sit with us. It was a nice surprise and has really helped pass the time.
Update 1
Surgery day is here.
After 17 minutes of sleep last night, surgery day is finally here. We arrived at the hospital at 5:45 a.m.,and after a quick registration and pre-op, she entered the O.R. at 7:27 a.m. The first incision was made at 8:12 a.m. Our 12 hour adventure has officially begun. I am anxiously waiting in the family waiting room with Jen’s parents (Keith, Karen and Duane). The hospital has obviously done this before. They have a “jumbotron” on the wall that allows families to track the progress of the surgery. There were some humorous moments this morning too, but I’ll let her fill you in on those. Just remember to ask her about doctor “McDreamier”.
After 17 minutes of sleep last night, surgery day is finally here. We arrived at the hospital at 5:45 a.m.,and after a quick registration and pre-op, she entered the O.R. at 7:27 a.m. The first incision was made at 8:12 a.m. Our 12 hour adventure has officially begun. I am anxiously waiting in the family waiting room with Jen’s parents (Keith, Karen and Duane). The hospital has obviously done this before. They have a “jumbotron” on the wall that allows families to track the progress of the surgery. There were some humorous moments this morning too, but I’ll let her fill you in on those. Just remember to ask her about doctor “McDreamier”.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Guest Blogger
Hello Jennifer Haas blog followers. I feel the need to introduce myself to all of you for I am the individual assigned to update her blog as she progresses through surgery in the morning. I feel so “Hollywood”.
I am her husband Dan, the lucky man that has been married to Jenny for 13 years. The way she has dealt with being tested and diagnosed, scheduled and preparing for surgery has been truly amazing to watch. What’s also amazing to me is the lives that she has obviously touched throughout her life. As most of you know, she has never met someone who didn’t soon become her friend. She once thanked a police officer for a speeding ticket and most of the drive thru food clerks and check out lane baggers in Tipp City know her by name. Therefore, I should not be so surprised by the number of people who have reached out to us during this time, but I am. Prayer chains, meals, counseling, groceries, prayers, hugs, phone calls, cards, e-mails, and the list goes on. I cannot thank each of you enough for all that you have done. I wouldn’t know where or who to start thanking.
But I would like to thank one person publicly. THANK YOU to my wife for the last 13 years of helping to continue to raise me. I promise I’ll grow up some day. I wouldn’t be half of the person I am today without her. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think to myself “I can’t imagine my life without her”. THANK YOU to the mother of my children for being such a great mommy. You have been a mom for 11 years, and never called in sick. You amaze me and inspire others. THANK YOU for everything.
You have always been there for everyone else, and now it’s now time for us to be here for you. Go into surgery in the morning knowing that everything will be fine. We’ll all be o.k. and so will you. When you wake up, we’ll be there, and whatever challenge presents, we’ll face it and get through it together. We all love you.
O.K., sorry to the rest of the blog “followers”, I went off script for a moment but thought it needed to be said. As you’ll discover, there will be an easy way to identify who is updating the blog. If the blog has an upbeat tone, Jen is your blogger. If it takes a more mono tone and gets boring or long at times, it’s me.
I don’t want to end my first blog so sappy, so I’ll share a funny story from earlier today. The surgeon’s office called to let us know the balance we’ll owe following the surgery. They then went on to tell us that if we paid it today, we could get a 10% discount. Who knew that surgeons run "today only brain surgery specials”? I would have done it, but I didn’t have my Kroger Plus card.
Until tomorrow..........
I am her husband Dan, the lucky man that has been married to Jenny for 13 years. The way she has dealt with being tested and diagnosed, scheduled and preparing for surgery has been truly amazing to watch. What’s also amazing to me is the lives that she has obviously touched throughout her life. As most of you know, she has never met someone who didn’t soon become her friend. She once thanked a police officer for a speeding ticket and most of the drive thru food clerks and check out lane baggers in Tipp City know her by name. Therefore, I should not be so surprised by the number of people who have reached out to us during this time, but I am. Prayer chains, meals, counseling, groceries, prayers, hugs, phone calls, cards, e-mails, and the list goes on. I cannot thank each of you enough for all that you have done. I wouldn’t know where or who to start thanking.
But I would like to thank one person publicly. THANK YOU to my wife for the last 13 years of helping to continue to raise me. I promise I’ll grow up some day. I wouldn’t be half of the person I am today without her. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think to myself “I can’t imagine my life without her”. THANK YOU to the mother of my children for being such a great mommy. You have been a mom for 11 years, and never called in sick. You amaze me and inspire others. THANK YOU for everything.
You have always been there for everyone else, and now it’s now time for us to be here for you. Go into surgery in the morning knowing that everything will be fine. We’ll all be o.k. and so will you. When you wake up, we’ll be there, and whatever challenge presents, we’ll face it and get through it together. We all love you.
O.K., sorry to the rest of the blog “followers”, I went off script for a moment but thought it needed to be said. As you’ll discover, there will be an easy way to identify who is updating the blog. If the blog has an upbeat tone, Jen is your blogger. If it takes a more mono tone and gets boring or long at times, it’s me.
I don’t want to end my first blog so sappy, so I’ll share a funny story from earlier today. The surgeon’s office called to let us know the balance we’ll owe following the surgery. They then went on to tell us that if we paid it today, we could get a 10% discount. Who knew that surgeons run "today only brain surgery specials”? I would have done it, but I didn’t have my Kroger Plus card.
Until tomorrow..........
Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due!
I haven't written in almost a week! So many wonderful things have happened and tons of amazing people have come into our lives. We are just so BLESSED and THANKFUL! That is the best way I can say it.
I do want to take a minute to give some credit though. While thanking you all for your prayers, emails, calls, cards, food, gifts, flowers...the list goes on and on, I want to take this moment to thank God! He is the one at work here. He is the one keeping me and my family strong. He is the one guiding you all to help us so selflessly. He is the one that will watch over my husband, children and me as we embrace this thing, get rid of it and move on. I am a better person because of this tumor and I'm sure glad I have God on my side to get me through it. He is AWESOME and through Him nothing is impossible. Thank you all for doing His work...I will continue to do the same!
Good Night and God Bless!
Love, Jen
I do want to take a minute to give some credit though. While thanking you all for your prayers, emails, calls, cards, food, gifts, flowers...the list goes on and on, I want to take this moment to thank God! He is the one at work here. He is the one keeping me and my family strong. He is the one guiding you all to help us so selflessly. He is the one that will watch over my husband, children and me as we embrace this thing, get rid of it and move on. I am a better person because of this tumor and I'm sure glad I have God on my side to get me through it. He is AWESOME and through Him nothing is impossible. Thank you all for doing His work...I will continue to do the same!
Good Night and God Bless!
Love, Jen
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Laying of the Hands!
Since I last posted a lot of things have happened...all good, one blessing after another. Each one leaving me filled with more love, amazing support and positive energy.
Wednesday I spent time with my oldest brother (it was his birthday) which we hardly get to do and that was very nice. I got home and had received a box, from my grandmother and aunt that live in Connecticut, filled with tons of new pajamas. They don't want my rear-end showing in the hospital in those gowns...their words, lol!
Thursday was my last mom2mom meeting for a while. It is always so uplifting and the women there are just amazing. They talked about "the touch" and how hugs make children grow and keep adults stable so everyone was hugging each other all morning (I think this just gave them an excuse to do what they normally do anyway). At the end of our meeting that morning they all gathered around me. I was a little confused at first (which it doesn't take much) and I said, "Oh what fun game are we playing now?" and one of the ladies said, "You really have no idea do you?" and she was right...I had no idea what was about to happen. These 20 or so women all said a prayer over me with their hands on me and I couldn't believe the emotion that came over me. I had never had this happen and had only participated once in the hospital with a sick loved one. I stood in the middle with my legs locked straight (which I can't do b/c I will fall over) and all of these women literally held me up (not even knowing they were doing so). I had relaxed and didn't even worry about falling over on to them b/c they were physically there for me to lean on. I've always known, but now I really know, that GOD is there for me and my family to lean on and it could not have been more obvious that morning. I can't thank those women enough for taking me out of my comfort zone and making me feel so loved and supported.
There’s one BIG thing that I don’t always mention that actually means the most and that is ALL of the prayers that people pray. Without prayer we’d be lost…our souls, our minds and our hearts. I may not be able to SEE all of those praying but I sure FEEL them and I can’t thank each and every one of you enough for your spiritual support.
God Bless You All!
Wednesday I spent time with my oldest brother (it was his birthday) which we hardly get to do and that was very nice. I got home and had received a box, from my grandmother and aunt that live in Connecticut, filled with tons of new pajamas. They don't want my rear-end showing in the hospital in those gowns...their words, lol!
Thursday was my last mom2mom meeting for a while. It is always so uplifting and the women there are just amazing. They talked about "the touch" and how hugs make children grow and keep adults stable so everyone was hugging each other all morning (I think this just gave them an excuse to do what they normally do anyway). At the end of our meeting that morning they all gathered around me. I was a little confused at first (which it doesn't take much) and I said, "Oh what fun game are we playing now?" and one of the ladies said, "You really have no idea do you?" and she was right...I had no idea what was about to happen. These 20 or so women all said a prayer over me with their hands on me and I couldn't believe the emotion that came over me. I had never had this happen and had only participated once in the hospital with a sick loved one. I stood in the middle with my legs locked straight (which I can't do b/c I will fall over) and all of these women literally held me up (not even knowing they were doing so). I had relaxed and didn't even worry about falling over on to them b/c they were physically there for me to lean on. I've always known, but now I really know, that GOD is there for me and my family to lean on and it could not have been more obvious that morning. I can't thank those women enough for taking me out of my comfort zone and making me feel so loved and supported.
There’s one BIG thing that I don’t always mention that actually means the most and that is ALL of the prayers that people pray. Without prayer we’d be lost…our souls, our minds and our hearts. I may not be able to SEE all of those praying but I sure FEEL them and I can’t thank each and every one of you enough for your spiritual support.
God Bless You All!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
My Cup Runneth Over!!
My cup runneth over...
I can't begin to explain how humbled we are by every person in our lives; be it GOD, family, friends, neighbors, church, the community and even strangers. The words of encouragement, the meals/goodies prepared or purchased with love, the calls and emails that are so touching, the cards received in the mail with words of everything from emotional support to belly aching laughter...I could keep going and going.
Early yesterday I received a call from Lynn (the unbelievably amazing woman that I spoke about in earlier posts who has gone through what I am about to go through and more) and she mentioned she would like to meet me in person and would tomorrow (today) be okay. Of course...it was more than okay...the fact that she was taking time out of her busy schedule to meet me was a blessing. I think I was glowing the rest of the day just thinking about it. (I'll get back to her later in the post.)
The day went on and around every corner was another blessing of some sort...some big, some small but ALL appreciated. Don't get me wrong...I have been blessed so much in life so it's not like I'm just now being blessed it's just that I'm now taking more time to realize what all is a blessing.
Last night we had a terrific dinner prepared by another amazing neighbor (we’ve gotten one every week and I have one thawing to bake for tonight from one of my loving daycare families) so as I stood in my kitchen thinking about how lucky I am, I had no idea how evident it would become. See on occasion I have a glass of wine with my dinner (especially Italian meals) and it just so happened I had some in the fridge (the box kind with the screw spout). So I baked the provided dinner, sat the table and waited for Dan to get home to have our family dinner. As I started to pour myself a glass of wine I felt so overcome with emotion and gratitude that I didn't realize the glass was almost full. I started to stumble to screw the spout closed and it wouldn't close. The wine starts to over flow EVERYWHERE; on my hand, on the floor, on my feet, on the counter. I started to get upset and thought, "Oh no what a mess and a waste" and finally I got the box over to the sink and realized that all along I was trying to close it the wrong way (blonde moment) and I just started to laugh and then cry and then laugh some more and mumbled to myself (as my children sat in shock to see how I was going to act b/c if they had made this mess I would have been irate) MY CUP RUNNETH OVER...with joy, faith, love, happiness, worry, appreciation, anxiousness and on and on. What a day!!!
This morning I met Lynn...could she be any more amazing? She suggested McDonald's so Landon could play while we talked. She brought photos of herself right after her surgeries, she let me see her hair that's growing back in and where the scars are, she offered to help in any way possible. She doesn't even know me...how cool is that? She let me see a REAL person that has gone through what I'm about to go through and she's GREAT...no problems! I know I will be great too.
This afternoon the door bell rang and there was the UPS guy with a package. As I am typing this I received yet another blessing...dear friends of ours just sent me a beautiful blanket with the inspiring words "warm embrace" throughout it and right in the middle is says "Jenny's Journey". It is just so overwhelming how much people care and I can't thank you all enough!
As I sat to type this today I wondered if I would have much to say...seriously me have nothing to say?!?!?! I know this was long but it really keeps me focused when I journal...you all just pay the price for it, lol!
Thanks again for EVERYTHING you ALL do...it is ALL so appreciated!
Lots of love,
Jenny
I can't begin to explain how humbled we are by every person in our lives; be it GOD, family, friends, neighbors, church, the community and even strangers. The words of encouragement, the meals/goodies prepared or purchased with love, the calls and emails that are so touching, the cards received in the mail with words of everything from emotional support to belly aching laughter...I could keep going and going.
Early yesterday I received a call from Lynn (the unbelievably amazing woman that I spoke about in earlier posts who has gone through what I am about to go through and more) and she mentioned she would like to meet me in person and would tomorrow (today) be okay. Of course...it was more than okay...the fact that she was taking time out of her busy schedule to meet me was a blessing. I think I was glowing the rest of the day just thinking about it. (I'll get back to her later in the post.)
The day went on and around every corner was another blessing of some sort...some big, some small but ALL appreciated. Don't get me wrong...I have been blessed so much in life so it's not like I'm just now being blessed it's just that I'm now taking more time to realize what all is a blessing.
Last night we had a terrific dinner prepared by another amazing neighbor (we’ve gotten one every week and I have one thawing to bake for tonight from one of my loving daycare families) so as I stood in my kitchen thinking about how lucky I am, I had no idea how evident it would become. See on occasion I have a glass of wine with my dinner (especially Italian meals) and it just so happened I had some in the fridge (the box kind with the screw spout). So I baked the provided dinner, sat the table and waited for Dan to get home to have our family dinner. As I started to pour myself a glass of wine I felt so overcome with emotion and gratitude that I didn't realize the glass was almost full. I started to stumble to screw the spout closed and it wouldn't close. The wine starts to over flow EVERYWHERE; on my hand, on the floor, on my feet, on the counter. I started to get upset and thought, "Oh no what a mess and a waste" and finally I got the box over to the sink and realized that all along I was trying to close it the wrong way (blonde moment) and I just started to laugh and then cry and then laugh some more and mumbled to myself (as my children sat in shock to see how I was going to act b/c if they had made this mess I would have been irate) MY CUP RUNNETH OVER...with joy, faith, love, happiness, worry, appreciation, anxiousness and on and on. What a day!!!
This morning I met Lynn...could she be any more amazing? She suggested McDonald's so Landon could play while we talked. She brought photos of herself right after her surgeries, she let me see her hair that's growing back in and where the scars are, she offered to help in any way possible. She doesn't even know me...how cool is that? She let me see a REAL person that has gone through what I'm about to go through and she's GREAT...no problems! I know I will be great too.
This afternoon the door bell rang and there was the UPS guy with a package. As I am typing this I received yet another blessing...dear friends of ours just sent me a beautiful blanket with the inspiring words "warm embrace" throughout it and right in the middle is says "Jenny's Journey". It is just so overwhelming how much people care and I can't thank you all enough!
As I sat to type this today I wondered if I would have much to say...seriously me have nothing to say?!?!?! I know this was long but it really keeps me focused when I journal...you all just pay the price for it, lol!
Thanks again for EVERYTHING you ALL do...it is ALL so appreciated!
Lots of love,
Jenny
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Just an update!
Well it's Saturday night and since I last sent a message things have been pretty calm. Friday I had a doctor's appointment with my family physician, to get the pre-op physical done, and everything looks normal. I still have to get my blood work results and EKG results back early next week but she didn't seem to think there were any problems. So it sounds like I am healthy enough to get this annoying tumor out...thank GOD!!!
Last night long time friends of ours (the husbands went to school with Dan) came to visit and we had such a great time. It was so nice to see them and catch up (they live out of town so this was a real treat). Thank you all so much for hanging out with us and our crazy group.
Today we had two basketball games...Gordon's and Nolan's. They were good and always exciting so that broke up the day nicely. We also got our new bed!!! I'm so excited!!! We've needed a new one for a while so we could have a spare bed for our guests...and now we do;0)! This will be so nice during my recovery! Thank you to all of you that made this happen. You know who you are and we greatly appreciate it.
This evening was awesome!!! I got to go on a date with my oldest son Austin. He took me to dinner at Harrison's and then to his "Blizzard Blast" dance at his school. I was a little worried about the noise and being dizzy but it turned out great. I didn't fall and embarrass him so mission accomplished. We did dance some but he didn't seem to mind when I couldn't. You just have to love boys...they are so good to their mothers!
Other than the above we haven't been up to too much! We get wonderful meals, messages, phone calls, cards and emails from numerous people everyday and each one brightens my day more than you'll ever know. I can't thank you all enough for your support. I truly am one lucky person!
Good night...I'm going to go sleep in my NEW bed, woo-hoo! Thank you all and much love to each of you! 13 Days To Go!!!
Last night long time friends of ours (the husbands went to school with Dan) came to visit and we had such a great time. It was so nice to see them and catch up (they live out of town so this was a real treat). Thank you all so much for hanging out with us and our crazy group.
Today we had two basketball games...Gordon's and Nolan's. They were good and always exciting so that broke up the day nicely. We also got our new bed!!! I'm so excited!!! We've needed a new one for a while so we could have a spare bed for our guests...and now we do;0)! This will be so nice during my recovery! Thank you to all of you that made this happen. You know who you are and we greatly appreciate it.
This evening was awesome!!! I got to go on a date with my oldest son Austin. He took me to dinner at Harrison's and then to his "Blizzard Blast" dance at his school. I was a little worried about the noise and being dizzy but it turned out great. I didn't fall and embarrass him so mission accomplished. We did dance some but he didn't seem to mind when I couldn't. You just have to love boys...they are so good to their mothers!
Other than the above we haven't been up to too much! We get wonderful meals, messages, phone calls, cards and emails from numerous people everyday and each one brightens my day more than you'll ever know. I can't thank you all enough for your support. I truly am one lucky person!
Good night...I'm going to go sleep in my NEW bed, woo-hoo! Thank you all and much love to each of you! 13 Days To Go!!!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Selfish Moment!
Okay, I know how blessed I am, I know how lucky I am, I know how loved I am and so on and I'm so grateful for all of that but today I've decided that having a brain tumor really SUCKS!!!
I have these sweet little men in my life that want me to play basketball with them; they want me to spin them around and fly them in the air (like I used to do) and much more. I have been able to say, "Can we play this or that instead b/c mommy will fall on her face if she tries to do those things or will end up with a huge headache?" and they are always so good about it and seem to understand.
Today my 11 year old and I were having a heart to heart about a dance coming up this Saturday (he and I go together) b/c I feel just horrible that I will not be able to dance with him. He doesn't seem to mind, and all of the other moms that are going say not to worry about it, but I feel just horrible. I offered a grandmother or someone else to go with him but he said he still wants me to be the one to go with him...how sweet is that?!?!
Anyway, I know things could be much worse right now but I just had to take a moment to feel sorry for myself and to say that having a brain tumor really SUCKS!!!
I have these sweet little men in my life that want me to play basketball with them; they want me to spin them around and fly them in the air (like I used to do) and much more. I have been able to say, "Can we play this or that instead b/c mommy will fall on her face if she tries to do those things or will end up with a huge headache?" and they are always so good about it and seem to understand.
Today my 11 year old and I were having a heart to heart about a dance coming up this Saturday (he and I go together) b/c I feel just horrible that I will not be able to dance with him. He doesn't seem to mind, and all of the other moms that are going say not to worry about it, but I feel just horrible. I offered a grandmother or someone else to go with him but he said he still wants me to be the one to go with him...how sweet is that?!?!
Anyway, I know things could be much worse right now but I just had to take a moment to feel sorry for myself and to say that having a brain tumor really SUCKS!!!
Monday, January 25, 2010
My Boys!
Well it's been a couple of days and the weekend was good. We had basketball (three of the boys play) and that was a lot of fun. Today however is Monday...a non-eventful, dragging Monday. I'm not really complaining b/c non-eventful is not all that bad but we're talking January in Ohio non-eventful Monday...blah is more like it. The day has dragged, Dan is traveling (which always leaves me feeling uneasy until he walks back into the door) and I'm well...cleaning, reorganizing, planning...all of the above. You would think I was due with a child in a couple of weeks the way I have been nesting!!!
As I sit here typing this I am listening to my boys play with each other (actually not fighting at this given moment) and they are laughing and giggling (I'm sure someone said "fart" or "poop" but I'm pretending it is all innocent). They don't realize how blah of a Monday it is and I think that is just priceless. They love everyday God has given them. I looked at this day as a grey, gloomy waste of day until they got home. They sure are the light of my day. My life is so much better with them in it. I'm glad I took the time to listen to them play (even though it hurts my ear, lol) b/c they made me look at my days differently...they are each priceless and we will never get them back. So I'm going to close for now so I can go enjoy what's left of this "not so blah" day with my precious little boys. They'll never know how much I love them!
As I sit here typing this I am listening to my boys play with each other (actually not fighting at this given moment) and they are laughing and giggling (I'm sure someone said "fart" or "poop" but I'm pretending it is all innocent). They don't realize how blah of a Monday it is and I think that is just priceless. They love everyday God has given them. I looked at this day as a grey, gloomy waste of day until they got home. They sure are the light of my day. My life is so much better with them in it. I'm glad I took the time to listen to them play (even though it hurts my ear, lol) b/c they made me look at my days differently...they are each priceless and we will never get them back. So I'm going to close for now so I can go enjoy what's left of this "not so blah" day with my precious little boys. They'll never know how much I love them!
Friday, January 22, 2010
3 weeks to go!
Well my surgery is 3 weeks from today. I'm grateful to have time to plan but it really starts to consume you after a while. Especially when you know you're going to feel worse before you're going to feel better. I say let's get on with the better!
We went to the ENT today for my balance test results and I failed. Not too miserably but there were definitely some balance and hearing issues on the left side. This was done basically to give them a base line to compare after the surgery. They are hoping my balance/dizziness will correct itself after the surgery. There is some rehab that can be done if not. The hearing...well it's just not going to be there at all on that side so nothing to correct. I'm just hoping that the pain in the ear will be gone...they feel pretty confident that it will.
This doctor felt good about the decision we had made...to go to Cincinnati and have the surgery. He's the one that told us to keep our second opinion appointment and then gave us Dr. Pensak's name (the doctor we got to see at the last minute who specializes in Acoustic Neuroma's) so he was more than pleased when we told him our plan of attack. He also said that he would be more than happy to help in any way possible after the surgery...for testing, therapy/rehab or whatever so we didn't have to travel as much. He's a very kind and caring doctor.
I feel so lucky with the people that are helping us through this. We knew nothing about brain tumors until after Christmas. We're so grateful to have such a great team of doctors helping us and teaching us more and more so we can get through this the best way possible.
I was contacted the other day by a wonderful woman. I have to share this story b/c she was so inspiring and amazing. Her name is Lynn and she lives in our town. I have had probably 15 people ask me if I knew her and without knowing people have been asking her if she knew me. She got my number from a mutual friend and called me. I’m so glad that she did. She has had 3 brain surgeries in the last 9 mos. and has the best attitude. We don’t have the exact same tumor but a lot of our story is similar so she really gave me some wonderful information about what to expect, not to expect, etc. etc.! I can’t thank her enough…and those in our community that made it possible for us to connect. God is working hard for me and my loved ones and I just feel so blessed.
Sorry this was so lengthy but I gave y’all a break for a couple days and you know me…the stories go on and on and on! Thanks again for all of your support, prayers, concerns and thoughts. God has heard them all and I have felt them all. I’m forever grateful! Love to you all, Jen!
We went to the ENT today for my balance test results and I failed. Not too miserably but there were definitely some balance and hearing issues on the left side. This was done basically to give them a base line to compare after the surgery. They are hoping my balance/dizziness will correct itself after the surgery. There is some rehab that can be done if not. The hearing...well it's just not going to be there at all on that side so nothing to correct. I'm just hoping that the pain in the ear will be gone...they feel pretty confident that it will.
This doctor felt good about the decision we had made...to go to Cincinnati and have the surgery. He's the one that told us to keep our second opinion appointment and then gave us Dr. Pensak's name (the doctor we got to see at the last minute who specializes in Acoustic Neuroma's) so he was more than pleased when we told him our plan of attack. He also said that he would be more than happy to help in any way possible after the surgery...for testing, therapy/rehab or whatever so we didn't have to travel as much. He's a very kind and caring doctor.
I feel so lucky with the people that are helping us through this. We knew nothing about brain tumors until after Christmas. We're so grateful to have such a great team of doctors helping us and teaching us more and more so we can get through this the best way possible.
I was contacted the other day by a wonderful woman. I have to share this story b/c she was so inspiring and amazing. Her name is Lynn and she lives in our town. I have had probably 15 people ask me if I knew her and without knowing people have been asking her if she knew me. She got my number from a mutual friend and called me. I’m so glad that she did. She has had 3 brain surgeries in the last 9 mos. and has the best attitude. We don’t have the exact same tumor but a lot of our story is similar so she really gave me some wonderful information about what to expect, not to expect, etc. etc.! I can’t thank her enough…and those in our community that made it possible for us to connect. God is working hard for me and my loved ones and I just feel so blessed.
Sorry this was so lengthy but I gave y’all a break for a couple days and you know me…the stories go on and on and on! Thanks again for all of your support, prayers, concerns and thoughts. God has heard them all and I have felt them all. I’m forever grateful! Love to you all, Jen!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
My Husband!
Today has been okay! I don't have a lot of symptoms but woke up with a terrible back ache. Dan brought me the heating pad and the lap top (he even offered to stay home and help with Landon). I was thankful but said no b/c I know I would be just fine. But I did what he said, "sit and feel better". Now I feel a little better...doing laundry, playing rescue heroes w/the boys and so on. As the moments pass while I fold laundry I think about this morning, the last week and the last month. I think back to when life was simpler and when Dan and I first met and started dating. I was only 19 and we were married when I was 23 and he 26. We were so young and naive. We didn't really have a care in the world. I think we all can relate to this in one way or another. What’s weird is that, at that age, you never completely think about sickness, finances or even the struggles you’ll have with your children. I thought...we'll get married, have a family and live life...and we have. (Though you never really know if that person is going to ALWAYS be there for you, you hope that you've chosen to spend the rest of your life with someone that will.) We never expected this crazy tumor thing to happen at all...let alone in our 30's but Dan is so great about it. He does all of the research and educates me on it. He calls me several times a day to see how I'm feeling. He worries but hides it well. He never asks for anything in return! One day I will be able to give back to him for all that he has done for us (the boys and me) but for now I am so thankful to have him. At 19 I didn't even think about something like this and how he'd be in this situation or vice versa so I must say, "Thank you God for putting him in my life b/c I couldn't imagine going through this with anyone else.” I love you Dan and thank you for everything. You are an amazing husband and father…we’re very lucky!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Attitude is everything!
Hello All,
Well I started the day with a headache, an earache and even some dizziness (I usually don't have them all at once) but regardless I was going to church…so the whole family got ready (it takes approx. 2-3 hrs. with this crew so luckily we have an 11:30 service). Anyway, everyone gets logged in to their class and finally, for the first time in I don't even know how long, Dan & I get to sit in church together with no children (love my children but seriously...it is like nails on a chalkboard sitting in the main church with them). Wouldn't you know, after listening to wonderful music (even though it hurts my ear), standing and swaying (which could seriously make me look like a fool if I get too dizzy), the purpose for my being there was the part of the message saying...your ATTITUDE can determine how you will heal from something. The pastor proceeded to say that it is proven that the more positive your attitude when going into a surgery and the recovery the more smoothly it will go and the faster you will heal! That is just what Dan and I needed to hear. It’s all going to be scary but God is in control so we just need to relax and have a positive attitude so I can be healed and back to normal (the new normal) as soon as possible.
Thanks for all of your comments, prayers, calls, emails etc. Each and every one of you have brightened my day and made me realize how lucky I am! Much love, Jen!
Well I started the day with a headache, an earache and even some dizziness (I usually don't have them all at once) but regardless I was going to church…so the whole family got ready (it takes approx. 2-3 hrs. with this crew so luckily we have an 11:30 service). Anyway, everyone gets logged in to their class and finally, for the first time in I don't even know how long, Dan & I get to sit in church together with no children (love my children but seriously...it is like nails on a chalkboard sitting in the main church with them). Wouldn't you know, after listening to wonderful music (even though it hurts my ear), standing and swaying (which could seriously make me look like a fool if I get too dizzy), the purpose for my being there was the part of the message saying...your ATTITUDE can determine how you will heal from something. The pastor proceeded to say that it is proven that the more positive your attitude when going into a surgery and the recovery the more smoothly it will go and the faster you will heal! That is just what Dan and I needed to hear. It’s all going to be scary but God is in control so we just need to relax and have a positive attitude so I can be healed and back to normal (the new normal) as soon as possible.
Thanks for all of your comments, prayers, calls, emails etc. Each and every one of you have brightened my day and made me realize how lucky I am! Much love, Jen!
Friday, January 15, 2010
You are where you're meant to be...
Well yesterday was awesome. I was feeling okay...a little dizzy with a headache but Landon and I were determined to go to the MOM2MOM group that I used to go to before I started my in-home child care. I have to say that I just LOVE this group of women! I really am one lucky girl:0)!
Anyway, we're there, getting ready for our lesson,(the pastor's wife was our guest speaker...Carolyn Slaughter...and I just admire her so much). We gathered hand in hand in a circle to pray (I have difficulties standing with no support b/c of the dizziness) so I'm swaying a little and realize that I need to start praying with my eyes opened (I sure hope God's okay with that) but then found myself wondering if the ladies holding my hands thought I had spiked my coffee before coming so of course I felt the need to share a short version of my story with them. Now anyone that has had a conversation with me knows that there are NO short versions to anything that I talk about so God Bless those women for listening. They are truly angels.
On to the speaker. My girlfriend saved me a seat in the front row...could be good or bad. Luckily for me it was great. Carolyn spoke and I listened like she was speaking to me. I know I'm not the only one there that felt that way but I know now I was meant to be at that meeting on that day. She gave me such insight on how to manage what lies ahead and to set boundaries. I don't do that well so this was huge. She also spoke about finding a middle place between Mary and Martha (the sisters that welcomed Jesus into their home during his travels). It was amazing and so needed. Carolyn I can't thank you enough...you were truly an inspiration yesterday.
Now to all of my family and friends when I start telling you NO or setting boundaries it's only b/c God told me to, he-he! Just kidding but seriously thank you all for your support during the good and bad of this.
Anyway, we're there, getting ready for our lesson,(the pastor's wife was our guest speaker...Carolyn Slaughter...and I just admire her so much). We gathered hand in hand in a circle to pray (I have difficulties standing with no support b/c of the dizziness) so I'm swaying a little and realize that I need to start praying with my eyes opened (I sure hope God's okay with that) but then found myself wondering if the ladies holding my hands thought I had spiked my coffee before coming so of course I felt the need to share a short version of my story with them. Now anyone that has had a conversation with me knows that there are NO short versions to anything that I talk about so God Bless those women for listening. They are truly angels.
On to the speaker. My girlfriend saved me a seat in the front row...could be good or bad. Luckily for me it was great. Carolyn spoke and I listened like she was speaking to me. I know I'm not the only one there that felt that way but I know now I was meant to be at that meeting on that day. She gave me such insight on how to manage what lies ahead and to set boundaries. I don't do that well so this was huge. She also spoke about finding a middle place between Mary and Martha (the sisters that welcomed Jesus into their home during his travels). It was amazing and so needed. Carolyn I can't thank you enough...you were truly an inspiration yesterday.
Now to all of my family and friends when I start telling you NO or setting boundaries it's only b/c God told me to, he-he! Just kidding but seriously thank you all for your support during the good and bad of this.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Surgery Date
Well as you have probably figured out we've decided to go with Cincinnati for my medical needs. As scary as it is, we know that brain surgery (Translab approach) is the best solution for me. We received the surgery date of Feb. 12 (delivered to us on my birthday, which changed the mood for a few minutes but you know)...I'm at peace with this. God knows what He's doing and I trust Him. The way this whole thing has played out thus far, the people that have reached out to us and the knowledge that has been handed to us to make a firm, comfortable decision doesn't JUST HAPPEN!! We are so blessed and grateful for all that this tumor is not so let's just get it out and proceed on with recovery and life. God still has a lot planned for me so I'll take the tools and guidance that He gives me to get through this. I want to thank everyone that has prayed, called, emailed, cooked etc. b/c without your support, I wouldn't be able to be this confident and at peace. I am forever grateful!!! We'll keep in touch as more progresses but until then stay warm, healthy and God Bless!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Appointment after appointment
We have now seen a local ENT, Dr. Adam, and I have had hearing and balancing tests. My hearing is actually pretty good so that was encouraging. I felt more comfortable w/Dr. Adam and decided to get his opinion on the Gamma Knife radiation. First there was a long delay after asking him and then he proceeded to say that there was a specialist in Cincinnati that would be good for us to see, Dr. Pensak. Obviously he thought we should keep our appointment with our second opinion doctor in Cincy, Dr. Theo that Dr. Hauler had already scheduled back in December for us. So that's what we decided to do. Off to Cincy we go during this first week of Jan.
Jan.6th-Dr. Theo was wonderful...very informative, kind, thorough. He went over everything with us and then said what we didn't want to hear...you should have surgery instead of radiation. We felt defeated b/c we were so hoping that he would say what Dayton had said and then we could proceed on with radiation and no brain surgery. As we were sitting there he excused himself and made a quick phone call and asked a doctor on another floor if he could see us today. Well wouldn't you know it was Dr. Pensak (the doctor that Dr. Adam suggested to us, these things don't just happen you know. Here Dr. Theo and Dr. Pensak do surgeries together. Of course we would stick around and see him...he's the specialist in Acoustic Neuromas and the one we thought would be the tie breaker if our two neurosurgeons had conflicting approaches. Off we go upstairs one floor to see a doctor that we wouldn't have been able to get in to see for about 3 weeks...we were ecstatic, nervous and still looking for a quick fix.
Dr. Pensak was also great, very thorough and informative. He was very to the point though. He said...NO RADIATION! I just sat and listened like a child being scolded by a parent, tears running down my face, as he proceeded to say...you should have this 12 hr. surgery, you will lose your hearing all together in that ear, you will be in the hospital for up to 7 days and it will take about 8 to 12 weeks for you to recover. HOLY COW...REALLY?!?! Don't get me wrong he wasn't rude, just to the point. The he said something that clicked. "I'm an ear doctor but your hearing is the least of my concerns right now. I focus on safety first, facial nerve second (controls the closing of the eye, smiling, winking etc.) and hearing last. Radiation will mostly like damage all of these where surgery will only sacrifice your hearing (most likely)." Of course surgery is so much more invasive but then the tumor is GONE! Radiation doesn't even guarantee that it will shrink and surgery after radiation is a disaster b/c the radiation fries everything it touches pretty much and the ripple affect of the radiation for the next 10-15 years could do who knows what to my brain. I am only 36...do I really want to be worrying about this thing in my 40's too?!?! Okay I'm rambling.
We left Cincinnati tired, defeated and oddly refreshed. We didn't hear what we wanted to hear...the quick easy fix of radiation was the way to go...instead SURGERY. But what we did hear was crystal clear. These two doctors were indeed the most informative and it all made sense.
Jan.6th-Dr. Theo was wonderful...very informative, kind, thorough. He went over everything with us and then said what we didn't want to hear...you should have surgery instead of radiation. We felt defeated b/c we were so hoping that he would say what Dayton had said and then we could proceed on with radiation and no brain surgery. As we were sitting there he excused himself and made a quick phone call and asked a doctor on another floor if he could see us today. Well wouldn't you know it was Dr. Pensak (the doctor that Dr. Adam suggested to us, these things don't just happen you know. Here Dr. Theo and Dr. Pensak do surgeries together. Of course we would stick around and see him...he's the specialist in Acoustic Neuromas and the one we thought would be the tie breaker if our two neurosurgeons had conflicting approaches. Off we go upstairs one floor to see a doctor that we wouldn't have been able to get in to see for about 3 weeks...we were ecstatic, nervous and still looking for a quick fix.
Dr. Pensak was also great, very thorough and informative. He was very to the point though. He said...NO RADIATION! I just sat and listened like a child being scolded by a parent, tears running down my face, as he proceeded to say...you should have this 12 hr. surgery, you will lose your hearing all together in that ear, you will be in the hospital for up to 7 days and it will take about 8 to 12 weeks for you to recover. HOLY COW...REALLY?!?! Don't get me wrong he wasn't rude, just to the point. The he said something that clicked. "I'm an ear doctor but your hearing is the least of my concerns right now. I focus on safety first, facial nerve second (controls the closing of the eye, smiling, winking etc.) and hearing last. Radiation will mostly like damage all of these where surgery will only sacrifice your hearing (most likely)." Of course surgery is so much more invasive but then the tumor is GONE! Radiation doesn't even guarantee that it will shrink and surgery after radiation is a disaster b/c the radiation fries everything it touches pretty much and the ripple affect of the radiation for the next 10-15 years could do who knows what to my brain. I am only 36...do I really want to be worrying about this thing in my 40's too?!?! Okay I'm rambling.
We left Cincinnati tired, defeated and oddly refreshed. We didn't hear what we wanted to hear...the quick easy fix of radiation was the way to go...instead SURGERY. But what we did hear was crystal clear. These two doctors were indeed the most informative and it all made sense.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy Holidays To Us
The last few months of 2009, I have not been feeling well (dizzy, ear pain/aches, headaches & numbness in my face). I had brought the ear problems up to our former family doctor (notice I say “former”) and he told me to go home and when it hurt, swallow really hard to attempt to pop my ears. Needless to say, that didn’t work. I finally made an appointment with a new doctor, Jennifer Hauler. I disclosed to her my symptoms and she listened. Not only did she listen, she heard me. She immediately sent me for a full MRI of the brain on Monday, December 21. We were called in to see her right away on the 22nd for the results. A rush to deliver the results is never a good sign. Needless to say our world has been rocked! We were informed that I have a tumor on a nerve connecting the brain to my ear (providing hearing, balance, facial function, etc.). There are two types of tumors: an aggressive cancerous type and an acoustic neuroma (benign) clinically known as a vestibular schwannoma. The neurosurgeon that we saw on the morning of the 24th feels pretty confident that it’s an acoustic neuroma (we can only hope). The surgery for removal (as mine is fairly large) is pretty intense and could cause more permanent damage to the nerve/face or brain. He suggested we try a radiation approach to try to shrink it. The technology he’ll use is called a Gamma Knife. All of this should start in January.
Prayer works wonders and all you know that I have a FULL family that depends on me and we are all so very scared right now. My husband is so wonderful and supportive and the older kids know what’s going on (minus some of the scary words) but we will get frustrated, mad and even question…why us? So if we have other people out there pulling for us, in their own way, that can only help.
We will keep you all posted on how things go and again have a wonderful New Year!
Prayer works wonders and all you know that I have a FULL family that depends on me and we are all so very scared right now. My husband is so wonderful and supportive and the older kids know what’s going on (minus some of the scary words) but we will get frustrated, mad and even question…why us? So if we have other people out there pulling for us, in their own way, that can only help.
We will keep you all posted on how things go and again have a wonderful New Year!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)