After much (very much) deliberation, numerous conversations (thanks for listening and for your input), lots of reading, and a dash of angst and anguish, I have decided to proceed with the surgery. It must have taken 10 days to get the surgery scheduled after my original phone message saying that I wanted to schedule. Those days were basically hell. On March 31st, I got the call, and now I know that May 1st is "The Day." The surgery will be performed at Tampa General Hospital by Dr. Vale.
Bottom line...I want it out! I want the seizures to stop, and I want to quit wondering if each simple partial seizure will be followed by a grand mal. I want to be able to drive and regain my independence. I want this done before the slow growing tumor becomes a fast growing one and the surgery becomes more difficult and likely less effective. I don't want to continue on anti-seizure medications (which aren't working) for 15 years before deciding to have surgery. So...I am going to have brain surgery. Yikes!! I mean really??? Is this my life??? Part of me can't believe it, and part of me believes what I always tell my son (and previously my students) "Got a problem...Get a plan." So my plan is brain surgery.
In the meantime, I'm enjoying every moment! Bryce and I are taking lots of long strolls. He's taking steps here and there.
Bottom line...I want it out! I want the seizures to stop, and I want to quit wondering if each simple partial seizure will be followed by a grand mal. I want to be able to drive and regain my independence. I want this done before the slow growing tumor becomes a fast growing one and the surgery becomes more difficult and likely less effective. I don't want to continue on anti-seizure medications (which aren't working) for 15 years before deciding to have surgery. So...I am going to have brain surgery. Yikes!! I mean really??? Is this my life??? Part of me can't believe it, and part of me believes what I always tell my son (and previously my students) "Got a problem...Get a plan." So my plan is brain surgery.
In the meantime, I'm enjoying every moment! Bryce and I are taking lots of long strolls. He's taking steps here and there.
(I'll add a picture when I figure that out.)
Nicholas is playing soccer, enjoying Kindergarten, and reading!
Jeff and I finally have a babysitter and have been getting out for date nights and nights out with friends.
(I'll add a picture when I figure that out.)
As a family, we're heading to the Smoky Mountains for Spring break next week. One of the first trips Jeff and I took together was backpacking in the Smokies. Despite the unexpected snow, unreached destinations, and crazy altitude changes (up and up and up), I loved it, and I knew that "we" were the real deal! This time, we'll share that special place with the kids. Don't worry, we'll be car camping and day hiking.
Like I said before, I'm enjoying every moment, and I hope you do the same!
