Tuesday, July 10, 2012

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.

6 comments:

Janet said...

Oh Collene, I am so sorry to hear this, but you know your prayer team is going to be right there, praying for you and your family as you go through this valley. I know God is going to shine through you continually as He already has been. Love and gentle hugs and lots of prayers,
Janet

Jill Gibbs said...

We love you so much Colleen!

Jill Gibbs said...

You are very loved; by Jesus and by all of us!

JulieNBrad said...

Thank you, Co for all the detail! I saw Jill had cancelled all classes due to family matters and it took me a day or two to put it together...check Co's blog! Dear Lord I am so sorry for this further challenge you must surmount, but you WILL surmount it. I absolutely believe in you! Your body is amazing--it told you something was wrong (headache/throwing up) so you could get urgent help to find the cause. "These tumors respond well" and yours will respond brilliantly, miraculously even. Prayers, light, love, strength are yours from all corners of the world and Cordova. :) Be well my dear, I know you will!!

Tammy Lewis said...

I am praying for you my friend!! I love you and miss you.

Mary Aalgaard said...

Blessings, hugs, and prayers for healing. I hope they caught it quickly and can make it right. Prayers also for your family.
Love, Mary