My Lucky Helmet

The surgery was the total opposite of what I and Doc planned. I got a phone call on Thursday after my scan  that the radiation disc had a leak and will not be used. I was really looking forward to trying something new. Even though I haven't had a reassurance in any of the areas they have removed tumor from, I  was worry about cell transfer. Transfer from instruments  that has happened to me in the past. The disc was an extra comfort to me. I was going to put it off surgery this past Friday  and change the date.  I wanted to use the Radiation Plaque. My scan on Thursday  didn't even show signs of growth.  I realized it's  better to get it out now. Not to wait for any kind of damage that would make it harder in the future.


Surgery was a success. Dr. B patched the Dura and reconstructed my scull with synthetic plaster. Because, we mapped my scull out with MRI from the night before he was able to use an incision I already have. That was great. No "U" shaped scars!! I wasn't happy about that. I know I don't have too many choices, but happy that it was done this way. And, I still have all my hair. They wrapped it tight with a Turban Bandage. I call it my Helmet! Everything was all snug underneath. Quite cozy.


I came out of surgery not feeling that great. The Anesthesia really wiped me out. I was so sick. The nurse called it, "Violently retching!"  Lol!  It did get bad. I had to hold my head because I thought it was going to open my incision.  After they pumped me with every drub possible I had a feeling of the shakes and panicky. They gave me a anxiety pill that let me sleep for a whopping 2 hours. Then I sat laying with lights in my eyes, finger pricking and urge to puke.  I never slept a wink.


Saturday, I was transferred out of the PAC Unit and onto the Nuero floor for observation. My screaming roommate provided me with no sleep. After her 20th HELP call , I begged the nurse to please check her. They got her Dr's in that did something right, she slept. Not me though!  One nurse was so sweet enough to spill water on her. That's when I paged my doc and asked him to move me. It's horrible when you can't sleep and a restless roommate doesn't help my sanity. Worst part is that I know exactly how that lady Emily felt. I was there and it's not fun.


Last night I slept like a baby. Got off the Dilauded and heavy pain medicine. Pretty catheter came out. Yeah pee time!  They took out 3 of my four IVs. My arms and wrists look awful, I can't bend them just yet. They let me eat and walk a little bit. I even did stairs, big accomplishment. Don't ask me how...I was a total mess! I just needed to get off that nutcase floor.


Paul and I had a romantic Percocet-comatose dinner last night. Nothing says I love you more!
I am feeling ...ok. Tired, sore and cranky. I got my lucky helmet off, and that was a funky mess of blood and nastiness. All the  lovely bruising is coming to the surface. It's when everything hurts the most. Wait...scratch that...Friday hurt the most. Saturday was complete torture! Today I am sleeping!


Peace and Sleep
Michelle