Sunday, March 1, 2009

Long Overdue Update...

Wow, it has been a month since I have written in our blog. Things have been kind of crazy here in our home for the last two weeks so this should catch everyone up to date. For those that do not know I underwent surgery on February 13th to remove a brain tumor that was found just 6 days before surgery. This came as quit a surprise to say the least and the last thing we thought would be going on in 2009. For many years I can think back to at least 6 years I have had really bad headaches and so when they were more frequent and nothing helping the doctor decided that it was time to do a CT scan. Within an hour from the scan I had received 3 phone messages at home to call in. Not getting them until Saturday morning I called back and was told the news I had a brain tumor the size of a golf ball behind my right eye and it was going to need to come out as soon as possible. I met with the neurosurgeon that Tuesday and was in the hospital early Friday morning.

The surgery went as well as one can go and recovery is coming along. I am sporting a new hairdo of the buzz flat top look and had a nice shiner for two weeks and a scar that will be hidden by my hair. But those things will be fine. The black eye is just about all gone and makeup will cover it just about all the way now. My hair is growing fast also and is about ¼ of an inch long so come spring I will be good to go. I wear a lot of hats right now and do have a wig that I purchased. Still working with the wig to look more natural and not like a dead animal on my head I have only gone out in it one time so far. But I am getting there so soon I hope no one will even notice that it is not my own hair.

Brian and the kids are doing great and are wonderful troopers. Recovery is going to take some time and I am finding I have more limitations than I expected. Shawn thinks it is cool to see mom and does not like it when I cover my head. Katelyn is the opposite and does not want anyone to see my head without a hat or the wig. They have been trying to “take care of mom” as much as they can and it has been cute. Brian has struggled the most but is still hanging in strong. I keep trying to put myself in his shoes to understand his viewpoint. I am so grateful for all of their love and support along with all of the support we have had from our ward and neighbors. Words cannot even describe how this has effected our family.

Other than this everything is going great. Katelyn loves school. Shawn has had fun playing with many friends and making new ones as many people have helped me while Katelyn is in school so I can lay down for a bit and catch my breath. Brian is staying busy with work and has been spending a lot of hours to help get things caught up there. Me, I feel like the lazy one in the family. My energy is starting to come back a little more each day and I am able to do a little more each day. I still have 2 weeks to plan on being down and then after that it should pick up more. This will be so nice and I can’t wait to be back to “normal” if there is such a thing.

Hope all is well with everyone and I will try not to wait another month before posting again.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad to hear that all is going well!! I love you!! (Also, I can't believe that Katelyn is in school!!) Where does the time go? =)

Teri's Life said...

We are all so happy that things have worked out! I know it is a relief for you - and you know you can ask us for help anytime!

Lewis Family said...

I just found your blog :) Please, please let me know if you need anything! I'm so glad you are doing so well. ~Emily

Jonie said...

You just keep smiling, you have handled this whole thing so well. I am coming to see you soon, I am at the end of a terrible cold, did not dare come until I was better.

Kelly Robinson said...

I am glad you are getting better every day. And as for the lazy thing you are the least lazy person I know so enjoy the vacation. You will be pulling your hair out soon enough. HEHE

Rod and Jess said...

Your attitude about this whole thing is inspiring! I'm positive that's why your healing is going so much quicker! Keep taking it easy and keep getting stronger! Hopefully this will be the end of trials for a long time, and will be the answer to even more prayers! All our love to you and your family!

Judy said...

Love You Lots!! No more trips to Julies by yourself & leave the knitting to Brian for now!!

Donna said...

Hi Shana! It's Judy's friend Donna. Judy had told me all about the tumor and surgery. I am so glad to hear that things are looking up and that you're feeling better each day. I'm sure your testimony of how trials strengthen and bless you in the end will grow unbelievably. Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking about you. Take care.

Kori said...

You look fabulous darling!!!!! whether you have hair or not. I am so proud of all that you have been able to do. Keep up the good work and remember it's okay to get a lot of sleep. Your body needs to heal. Besides sooner than later you'll be back to the ol' grind and want to have a chance for a nap. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Lora said...

Shana, I'm so sorry for your unexpected trip to the hospital! How scary for you and your family. I'm glad your on the mend!! Please know that you are in our prayers! Love ya!

Lora said...

Shana, I'm so sorry that you had an unexpected trip to the hospital! I'm so glad you are doing better and that you are recovering! How scary that must have been for you and your family, especially for Brian. You and your family our in our prayers. I think you look beautiful with our without hair. I've always wanted to try the shaved hair look, just to have the freedom of not having to do my hair for once!