Here We Go Again

Where do I start? Been having these darn headaches and then the dizziness and then the puking.

We went to the ER again this Sunday afternoon because I couldn't get up or move around without throwing up and I had the most terrible head pain I've ever felt.

We got to the ER and I threw up again. The doctor on call thought we were dealing with an inner ear disturbance because I wasn't exhibiting any signs of neurological distress. He ordered a CT scan just to be sure.

He came back into my room and pulled up a chair. He said that the CT scan didn't look good. It showed two tumors on the back of my brain. One of the tumors was compressing my spinal fluid and that was very dangerous.

They admitted me to the hospital and began giving me steroids to shrink the swelling. Monday morning I had a MRI that showed the doctors more detail.

My oncologist called mid morning and without beating around the bushes said I was being transferred to Minneapolis where I would be having brain surgery by Monday night to remove one of the tumors.

I was given an (very bumpy) ambulance ride down to the twin cities. Dan and my father in law followed me very shortly and my mom and dad and two sisters from Colorado flew in a bit later. I met with the neurologist and after looking at my MRI determined that they needed to shrink the swelling in my brain with steroids before attempting the surgery.

I will have surgery on Thursday barring any complications before that time. The neurosurgeon will try to get as much of the two tumors without getting too much of the brain matter.

These tumors are most likely metastasized from my breast cancer. They respond well to radiation which I will be having following the surgery.

I am expected to be in intensive care for 1-2 days after the surgery and another 4-5 days in the regular hospital before being released.

Sorry for so much detail. My sense of humor seems to be missing as well. I covet your prayers. I am not asking why any longer. I don't know why. But I do know that God has a plan for even this. I want the light of his love and goodness to shine from my face even during this huge difficulty. I am expecting nothing short of another miraculous healing. Believe with me won't you?

Psalm 103:3-5
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And all that is within me,
Bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all his benefits,
Who forgives all your iniquity,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
Who satisfies you with good
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Our Kitty; the Killer

Boots is now an outside cat because a few months ago he took a liking to peeing behind our sofa downstairs. It took a bit before we realized what he was doing. We tried rehabilitating him but to no avail. So now he resides in the great outdoors. When we so rudely put him outside, he sat on our back porch for a day or two before he made a move. He was really frightened of everything.

A few months later and he is a new cat. He has become quite the killer. He loves to leave us his "treasures" on the rug inside the garage. Usually it is a mouse or a chipmunk that he has decapitated or, in more severe cases, pulled the body apart and left the entrails on the rug for us to pick up. I guess he doesn't like mouse "butt" because he leaves those behind also.

The other day I was doing my Bible study on the back porch and Boots came up beside me on the table looking for some lovin. After I scratched his head and ears he decided it was time for a nap and he plopped down on my notebook and pencil and went to sleep.

He's probably the most social cat we've ever owned but to the rodent world he's a menace. He's small but stealthy. He's a killer kitty.

Round and Round I Go

I've been having headaches for the past 3 weeks or so. They have been pretty horrible. I am used to migraines. I was diagnosed with them many years ago. But these are different. They are coming from my back, shoulders and neck.

Recently, I've added dizziness to the equation. I actually threw up a couple of times.

I've talked to my surgeon, my doctor, ER doctor, and 2 chiropractors. I've been given enough pills that I could open my own pharmacy. Muscle relaxers, Vicodin - you name it - I've got it.

So, the prevailing opinion is that while being under for 10 hours during surgery and having my arms stretched out over my head that whole time my neck was injured or stressed.

Today, my chiropractor told me that I have positional vertigo. I start physical therapy on Friday. I'm hoping they can help me.

I feel rather whiny about the whole thing. I don't want to look like a listing ship anymore. I don't want anymore medical problems. I'm sick of doctors and medicine. I just want to get on with my life.

I know that all things come into our lives for a reason. I know that I can learn even while in pain. I know lots of things in my head. It's just my heart that doesn't get it.

On a positive note, my incisions have healed up nicely. My infected spot on my incision has healed up also. No more packing it with gauze twice a day. Yay!