Is it really over?

Friday, February 18th was the day of my "brain surgery." My appetite had been little or non-existent, but water, ginger ale, and coffee were still very much in demand for my liquid menu. My surgery was scheduled for sometime around 2:30PM so I had to go from midnight to mid afternoon with nothing to drink. NOTHING can you say torture?
Around 8AM the nurse came in with my breakfast tray - oops... sorry you don't get any. Noon, the nurse comes in with my lunch tray - oops...sorry, you don't get that either. Well thanks a lot! My mouth was literally so dry that I could not talk. Have you ever had that happen to you? It is miserable. It is like your tongue and the roof of your mouth are velcro. Anywhere you move your tongue it just gets stuck there - very pleasant.
Finally the sweet nurses came to take me to pre-op. David, Lee, the nurses and I  were laughing so hard at the nurses. They got me into the pre-op and again I asked for some TUMS - but they hooked me up with something better that tasted like sweet tarts :) Then for the first time in 4 days I was allowed to stand up and walk around a little.
Of course I don't recall the operating room but do remember coming out of the anestisia and hearing the words NG tube.

Tubeless

Leigh Anne no longer has any tubes coming from her, or any machines connected.  We are hopeful to be released from the hospital to the hotel later today and may be able to travel back to NC Wednesday.

I hear the Daffodils are starting to come up, can't wait for spring in North Carolina!

On the Road to Recovery

Lot's of action and progress today.  Leigh Anne sat upright in a chair for an hour or so this morning and took a short walk down the hallway this afternoon.  They also removed one of her IV's.  We are having trouble finding a comfortable setting / position for the neck collar she is wearing which is causing both of us to be a little grumpy.

Leigh Anne say's she loves everybody!

Suboccipital Craniectomy with fusion to C2 complete

Leigh Anne is in recovery, Dr. Henderson said everything went well and as planned.  She has a difficult 24-48 hours ahead of her as she has taken quite a "smack"

Suboccipital Craniectomy with fusion to C2 underway

Leigh Anne entered surgery around 3:00 this afternoon.  Just prior to going in she was able to get out of the bed for the first time since Tuesday.  All are in great spirits.

The Calvary

The Calvary arrived last night in the form of Lee Morphis, one of Leigh Anne's closest friends from Greensboro.  Lee has rejuvenated both of our spirits and has been a welcome help.  Leigh Anne is doing much better today, resting more comfortably and very talkative.

Her surgery is scheduled for 2:30 this afternoon.

Prayers

The second day is always the worst

They say the second day after embarking on a new fitness regime, or working in the yard after a long winter, is the worst for sore muscles.  I guess the same can be said for surgery.  Today has been tough for Leigh Anne as she struggles with an all over body ache caused in part by the operation, but mainly by being on strict bed rest.  Fortunately medications have helped keep her as comfortable as possible.  It has been a very quiet day.

Our former Pastor and friend David Fischler paid a visit yesterday afternoon lifting both of our spirits.  Very good to see him.

We have not yet confirmed the time of tomorrow's procedure and will update as soon as we know.  Leigh Anne is maintaining a positive attitude and we continue to be blessed with prayers and well wishes from around the world.