Surgery is finally scheduled

[StephN]

Hello Survivor Sisters and their caregivers -

Got the call this afternoon that my insurance has agreed and my surgery is the day after tomorrow - Thursday. I will appreciate any and all forms of prayers/positive energy. (My radar will be on HIGH!)

This surgery is necessary as a result of my brain surgery last Feb. that was checking for tumor regrowth. Good news was that there was NO tumor regrowth, only radiation necrosis lighting up on the scans. Bad news was that a pinhole leak developed allowing my cerebral/spinal fluid to leak forming a fluid pocked under my scalp at the back on my head. (Medical name for it is Pseudomenengocele.) This is essentially like having a water balloon under your scalp that is slowly filling drop by drop. It is quite full now, but still hidden under my hair.

After meeting with brain/neuro specialists, I have settled on one who uses some newer methods and materials for a better success rate. He also does several of these repairs every month.

So, here I go again, with another 4-day hospital stay as I will also have to have the Lumbar Drain to keep the fluid level in check while the initial healing takes place. Also increases the chances of successful outcome.

My new med onc says she has never seen something like this in her patients. Seems that this problem is seen more in patients with brain tumor primaries. It is mainly a result of the location of the "tumor" (which had been killed by Gamma Knife) they wanted to get out.

[Vanessa]

Hi Steph,

I hope your surgery goes well. It sounds like have done your homework and are getting the best care available. You are already in my thoughts and prayers and I will be especially thinking of you on your day of surgery. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[rinaina]

sending thoughts and prayers your way and I hope all goes as expected. I wish you a speedy recovery and looks like you found the right specialist to do this. sounds like you are in good hands. I wish you the best.

[Becky]

Dear Steph

I know you will soar through this with your positive attitude and winning spirit. I will be thinking of you and praying for you.

Big hugs

Becky

[Barbara]

Steph:

You will be in my thoughts and prayers. You have been a leader on this board and someone who has my respect and admiration. I wish you only the best.

Barbara

[tousled1]

Steph,

Sounds like your did your research and that you'll be in good hands. I'll keep you in my prayers.

[Lolly]

Steph, just try to see this 4 day sojurn as a little "bed-and-breakfast" vacation :) You'll soon be home toasting your successful recovery with a nice little Merlot(as soon as it's ok'ed by the doc of course).
I'll be sending healing prayers your way.

<3 Lolly

[Sheila]

Steph
You always take things with such grace and courage, I admire your strength....hope the 4 days will fly by and you will be better than ever when its over...you have my prayers and a big hug.

[Cynthia]

Steph,

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Another hurdle to jump -- come home soon.

Cynthia

[chrisy]

Steph, I will definitely be sending good healing prayers for you on Thursday. Not that anyone ever looks forward to surgery, but you seem relieved to be moving towards resolution of this issue. I pray things go well and you are back to full strength soon.

Chris

[sherri]

Dear Stephanie,

I send you positive energy and wishing the best for you. I don't have any doubt that you will be back to normal in no time and we go again for diner and drink one of the best french wine to your "sante".

Much love,

[Tom]

Prayers on their way to our Creator for your surgical success and rapid healing. Tom

[Adriana Mangus]

Hi Stephn: I'm so sorry to hear you're having anothr surgery. I will be praying for you...Please be strong, have faith that everything is going to be ok. You have tons of people behind you, wishing you the best. Please let us know everything about the surgery as soon as you are able. I love to hear from you, anything even one line email. I'd like to know you are ok. Thank you..God Bless.

[chrislmelb]

Positive thoughts from Australia.

[mts]

Sending sunny vibes and warm thoughts from Florida! I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Maria (MTS)

[SusanV]

Best of Luck to you on Thursday...Stay Strong

[Sandy H]

Hi Steph: I know you sound so positive on your posting however, knowing you personally I know you will be stressing as time gets closer to surgery. You will be in my prayers and I will be checking this board to see an update as I know you will give us one asap. You have done your homework here and now it is time to lay back and let the doctors do their job. Wishing you well through another hurdle! Its good to get it done and then you can enjoy the Holidays! Sending you a hug. Sandy

[Barbara H.]

Hi Steph,
I'm glad you are finally getting this over with. All of the waiting is not fun. I will be thinking of you tomorrow and have faith that all will go well. I will be praying for you that it works and that this issue can become a memory.
Best wishes,
Barbara H.

[mom22girlz]

Sending you warm thoughts on a snowy day from Wisconsin! susan

[Tami]

Sending the positive vibes and prayers to you and your medical crew.


Be well, be strong.

Tami

[Esther]

Steph I know you will get through this and be fine in the end. I'll be sending positive thoughts your way on Thursday.

Keep us posted on your progress.

[Julie2]

Wish you all the best Steph, waiting to hear the good news.

Julie

[sassy]

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Your positive attitude will stand you in good stead.
________
Glass Smoking Pipes (http://glassgallery.tumblr.com/glass-pipes/)

[Cathya]

Steph;

All the very best during your surgery and recovery. You will be in my prayers.

Cathy

[StephN]

... all these Good Wishes make me feel better already. I have eaten light and hydrated myself today. Now I am squeeky clean and ready to get up at 5:30am to check in at 6:30.

Yes, I do have some sense of relief that I am finally going ahead and dealing with this problem. I just hate all these setbacks, when it is not even the cancer doing it!!

See you in a few days http://www.her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif

[IRENE FROM TAMPA]

I am sorry but I just today read your post about your surgery today.

If you do read your post from the hospital, of course I am sending you
all of my prayers today for your surgery.

I know you will do well. Your fighting spirit assures that.

Please let us know how you are soonest you are up to it.

Take strong my friend

[Mary Anne in TX]

What courage and determination. I'm praying this morning for you Steph and also am grateful for strong women like you! God Bless and may your stay be brief and peaceful and UNEVENTFUL! ma

[Helen]

Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way ....

Helen

[jessica]

Steph~
Thinking of you, praying for you. Sending lots & lots of love, light & rapid healing your way. Hope you're enjoying all the jello, over-cooked green beans & other gourmet hospital cuisine you heart desires!
I especially hope that you are able to rest & your nurses and docs are taking extra, special care of you...

Prayers, Faith & Courage!

Jess

[MCS]

Thinking of you that all will go wellPrayers

MCS (maria)

[Shell]

Steph-


you're in our thoughts and prayers - thanks for always being so knowledgeable and caring.

Shell

[suzan w]

I have been off for a few days...just rad your post this morning. Hope everything went well...wishing you a speedy recovery and home soon!!!

[Montana]

Sending healing thoughts your way.

[lindaw]

Dear Steph


Sorry am late . Hope it all went well and you are recovering.

love
linda

[sarah]

Dear Steph,
Been off line all week, hope you're recovering well and without pain. We're all anxious for news.
hugs and love
sarah

[kristen]

Dear Steph,

I haven't been on in a while either.....I hope you are recovering well and You are always in my prayers. Looking forward to your next post to hear the details.

[AlaskaAngel]

Steph, by now you are past some of this, and I am wishing you a steady recovery with no more bumps in the road. Hope to see you soon.

AlaskaAngel

[kat in the delta]

I will be thinking and praying for a full recovery and that everything will go smoothly. kat in the delta

[Bev]

Hope they fix you up. Praying all works out. BB