One year ago today, I told my husband I loved him and tried not to cry as they wheeled me toward the operating room. My thoughts vacillated between the scary “what ifs” involved with brain surgery and the hope of a new, improved life.
The summer had been a whirlwind with the Chiari diagnosis in early July, appointments with neurosurgeons and neurologists and then planning for the surgery we felt was the best path for us. As much as I tried to cherish the moments leading up to October 2nd it felt as they had slipped so quickly through my fingers. So much of my memories were veiled in pain and fear of the unknown.
With the help of a fantastic neurosurgeon and the support of an amazing network of family and friends–too many to list right now–I came through surgery with flying colors. The first few days following the ordeal are very fuzzy, which now mimic the memories of the headaches and pain that used to plague me as well. As my body healed in the first few weeks after surgery it became evident how successful the procedure had been.
Now, a year later, I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given. I’m grateful we made the decision to travel to Salt Lake to meet with Dr. Schmidt at the University of Utah instead of relying solely on the opinion of a local neurosurgeon. I’m grateful that I never had to find out about the scare “what ifs” of the surgery. I’m grateful to live (mainly) pain and symptom free with an occasional headache peppered into my life to keep me humble. I’m grateful that I was a positive statistic in this game of what appears to be chance at times.
A year ago, with the help of many, I kicked Chiari’s ass.
I AM A BRAIN SURGERY SURVIVOR!
In medical speak, the doctors say my skull is too small for my brain. I like to turn it to my advantage and say my brain is too big for my head. Either way, maybe it will help to spill stuff here.
We are so happy that your surgery has been so successful and that you have had so many headache free days. That you have come to know what it is like to be pain free from the many debilitating migraines and to be able to live life to the fullest is a joy and a blessing. We are grateful to have such a brave woman as our daughter-in-law!! We love you!!!
I am so proud of how you have kicked this. A whole year…it’s amazing. YOU are amazing!
I have a couple post surgery pictures I could show you if you’d like a refresher…just sayin’.
Woohoo! What a difference a year makes!
Hat Tip to You.
The 21st of September was my anniversary of the nephrectomy. Renal Cell Carcinoma once the pathology was done.
Again, I am glad for you and your family. Well Done!
What would you have thought if you’d been told a year ago that you’d be feeling so great you could sit at a sewing machine enough to make a business out of it?!? I’m so glad you’re one of the positive statistics
So imprssive. You are an inspriration to more people than you realize. Good work!