The surgery went well, but was much more complicated than expected. Apparently the nerves at the bottom of your spinal cord are suppose to be separate (the nerves are for your bowels, bladder, legs). My DD's were all connected and tangled up. So the neurosurgeon had to go in and separate each one before she could "release" the spinal cord. Her cord went down past her tailbone, which also is not normal. Dr. Bowman (who I absolutely LOVE!) said there were times during the surgery that she didn't think it would be successful, but in the end she was "very happy with the results". After fixing up her spinal cord, Dr. Reynolds (who I also LOVE!) went on to remove the mass - which they say was a dermoid. It is totally benign but still had to be removed, as that was likely causing some of her lower back pain. So - a 4-5 hour surgery turned into 9-10 hours. During the surgery she lost some spinal fluid, so the past couple of days she has had an absolutely horrible headache-it actually hurt worse than her backside! But there is hope - this morning I walked into her room and the first thing she said is "do you have my cell phone?". That is a very good sign if you ask me! LOL We are looking at a few more days here in Chicago -she will go home Tues or Wed. Tomorrow she gets to try a clear liquid diet which is pretty exciting. haha
I am staying at the Ronald McDonald House near the hospital. The house is a very large older home. It is clean and quiet, and only $5 a night! Can't beat a deal like that. Hotels in Chicago, as you know, are NOT cheap. I can do laundry for free, and they offer other freebies including massages in the afternoon (haven't tried that yet but hope to soon!), and sometimes volunteers bring in dinners and snacks. There are lots of places to just sit and unwind. I was on a waiting list for a couple of days before I got a room, so I feel truly blessed that I am able to stay there.
Thanks to all of you for your prayers and well wishes! I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends! I will keep you all posted as to her progress. Talk to you soon! Steph
3 comments:
We been thinking about you over at CK , the midwest girls were wondering how you are doing....Holler if you need anything!!!
Steph, I'm so glad it went well! But that must of been scary when the surgery took twice as long! Take Care!
Steph- So happy everything in going well. And yes, I'd say your DD asking for her phone is a very good sign! A 9-10 hr surgery, wow that's a really long time! You and your family are still in my prayers.
Thanks, for your comment on my blog! Hope you all get home soon!
Take Care-
Nikki
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