Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2008 2:11 PM
Subject: Hi everyone- I return to the land of the living and slightly non-grumpy
Well, here I sit in my bed in the "step-down" neurologic unit at Johns Hopkins. I have to say that I am a MUCH happier Kristina today than I have been since Tuesday. Boy, did this hurt! My pain is finally under control, I've even been up on my feet as of today, and I got some sleep last night. The first night after the surgery they don't even pretend to let you sleep :)
I am recovering well, and I can even read. The only "problems" I've really got at the moment are that some muscle had to be cut near my left ear—which is painful—and this same set of circumstances has affected my hearing ability in my left ear as well, possibly permanently, but still not that big of a deal.
My surgeon is very, very pleased with the operation, and he estimates that we have removed 70-80% of Lloyd. It will be probably two weeks before we receive any pathology about what he is. However, we can always go back in to remove more, or use methods such as radiation or chemo—we will just have to see what the pathology tells us. At the moment, I am happy that he is so happy.
I am going to attach some photos that are NOT for the faint of heart! The first is a pre-surgery photo of the (eleven) charming green GPS stickers that Dr. Lim used, as well as his "tattoo" on my neck in purple. The next are post surgery, and you can see that I have got one heck of a look going on. Be forewarned- this is one colossal cut with a lot of staples. Don't open it if you think you'll be bothered. But, in the interest of maybe people wanting to see it—and since I'm really okay—I thought I'd send it around.
Thanks for all of the prayers and good wishes. Things really seem to be progressing well, and I look forward to being sent home probabl
Thursday, August 28, 2008 2:15 PM
Subject: sorry- didn't quite get that finished
So-
Thursday, August 28, 2008 2:19 PM
Subject: argh!
Well, I DO have a brain tumor, after all.
Okay, I'm just trying to say that I think I'll be sent home probably tomorrow, which is awesome, and that my only "job” for the next couple of weeks is to heal this giant thing on my head while they try to figure out what Lloyd is & we'll take next steps after that.
Thank you so, SO much for your thoughts, prayers, good wishes, and general thoughts for my safe recovery :) I think I'm coming along well, and I look totally awesome, so things are good. I am NOT in the mood for any sort of visiting yet, awesome as I know I am, but maybe by next week I'll be fit for the world.
Love, -Kristina
1 comment:
Yes, really.
Post a Comment