I’m alive!
October 31st, 2006 by Yvonne
Thank you everyone for the encouragement and warm comments you left on this blog while I was away. I’m up and about now, but still lack of energy. Thanks Poh Kheng for the kind update on my behalf. She’s such a doll who bought vegetarian food for Mom or we wouldn’t know where to get them.
Poh Kheng is right. The Acoustic Neuroma was successfully and completely removed, and the facial nerve is INTACT. Meaning, my face is the same as before and not totally paralyzed. It could have been much worse, with the eyelid remianing shut and dry. On top of that, my slit eyes became almonds. I’m still not very used to seeing myself with big eyes in the mirror. I suppose the tumor exerted on the facial nerve, causing the eyeballs to sink. My mouth, however, is facing temporary numbness. The hospital kitchen, “Meals On Wheels” have a very extensive selection of meals that changes everyday, but I was unable to savor much. But no worries, doctor assured me that the numbness will soon go away.
After surgery, I stayed in the ICU for one day. I have never been sponge bathed by a male nurse before so there were awkward feelings, but when you’re that sick, you wouldn’t be able to care much about modesty. Staying in the ICU was a much painful experience than the previous surgery, probably because the incision this time was longer. Besides reaching the tumor in the auditory canal, they also need to place the ABI into the cochlear nucleus in the brainstem. Besides pain on the left ear which is still swollen right now, there was also pain around the head where parts of my skull is now replaced with a titanium plate. But the most painful part of me at that time was my lower back. The nurse said it could be due to spinal fluid retention, but I believe it’s due to the long hours lying down.
Doctor said I was given a pint of blood during surgery. Feels weird to think that a stranger’s blood is flowing inside me right now. ICU was very uncomfortable, with two IVF drips on each hand, an oxygen supply that entered my nostril and went straight into my lungs, an oxygen mask over that, and many, many wires attached to my body. I don’t like the feeling of being confined. But the doctor have to becareful. Later, I got to know this NF2 patient named Jennifer from Illinois who was operated by Dr. Friedman a day before me. Jennifer lost consciousness after surgery and had to rely on an incubator for two days.
While at the ICU, I waited anxiously for Dr. Stefan to come discharge me, so that I can have the freedom of my own private ward, free of wires, less drips and the lot. That soon came true. I was sent back to the ward on that evening itself. By the way, all wards here are single occupancy, fair and square.
Now that I have some privacy to myself (when mom saw me at the ICU, she was warned by the nurse not to touch me. LOL! I must have scolded the nurse in my subconciousness) another 6 days began with lots of headaches, backaches, fever, sleepless nights, painful hands due to the drips, and lack of appetite. But these obstacles proved to be much easier with the gentle, loving care of the nurses.
While at the ICU, I swore that I would have a lot of horror to blog about, but now I’m here, I don’t actually have much to write. Proves how resilient the human spirit can be.
During surgery, the Drs discovered two tumors on my neck that, in their opinion, needs to be killed by radiation. Invasive surgery will leave me unable to swallow. Ah, from one tumor to another tumor. I’ve personally seen how SRS kept failing in Malaysia, patients going for radiation again and again, recurrence after recurrence, that it’s seriously frightening me. Personally, I would prefer the FSR, which administers smaller dosage over a few sessions, instead of the single dose SRS. But that would mean fundraising all over again. FSR is not available in Malaysia.
But….Let’s focus on rehabilitation right now and leave the neck tumors until later.
Dr. Hitselberger sent me for a brain MRI this afternoon, saying that the ones done in Malaysia are no good. haha! I must have pulled his last straw over the years.
As for today, I’m back in Seton Hall. Still have to be very careful with what I eat because I have been throwing up.
Oh, and, before I forget, surprise surprise! Even without balance nerves, I can walk without aid! Before surgery, I was worried the same that happened in GHKL 3 years ago might unfold again. I worried the world might seem lopsided, myself unable to remain balanced and I’d feel dizzy all the time. But as it turned out, none of that happened and I’m so amazed!
A big thank you to all surgeons involved in this surgery! Praise God!
Posted in Health |
October 31st, 2006 at 12:04 pm
First,
THANK YOU GOD!!!!!
Hi Yvonne,
it’s so good to hear from ya. Take things easy and milk this for all you can. Enjoy every bit of attention and pampering you can. You deserve it. You just made my whole day reading that you’re OK. See ya later,
Mark
October 31st, 2006 at 12:12 pm
Praise the Lord! You make everything sounds like a little dental work only! You are one tough cookie! Take care ya!
October 31st, 2006 at 12:48 pm
glad u are fine and mayb god be with you. happy for u=)
October 31st, 2006 at 2:31 pm
Hugs Yvonne, thats cheery news, all the best to a great recovery, stay strong. Always meant to send you a pic of me in your tshirt, but have misfiled the photo somewhere.
Get well soon! See Ming
October 31st, 2006 at 2:43 pm
glad to know everything went well
*hugs*
October 31st, 2006 at 2:45 pm
Hallelujah, Praise the Lord. You are one plucky lady. Don’t worry about the neck tumours now, just concentrate on getting well; cross the bridge only when you come to it. Keep up your high spirits. May the good Lord be with you always and your mother too. And bless all those people who have helped in one way or another in making the surgery happen.
October 31st, 2006 at 3:14 pm
Great to know that you are doing well. Take Care!!!
October 31st, 2006 at 3:24 pm
i have been reading your entries for the past few days and i must say, your courage, bravery, faith and love for God is indeed very inspiring. =) may you get well soon, and continue to touch others’ lives.
October 31st, 2006 at 3:29 pm
hey great to hear ur alrite. God speed!
October 31st, 2006 at 6:01 pm
great to know u’re alright. get well alrights. take care.
October 31st, 2006 at 6:05 pm
Praise God that everything went smoothly! Hope you have a speedy recovery! All the best! *hug hug* =)
October 31st, 2006 at 6:42 pm
Thank god you’re safe and fine!
I know you can overcome any obstacle on your paths!as for the tumor in your neck if not too dangerous just leave it and concentrate on your recovery! Can’t wait to meet you! well when you’re back we’ll go lookout point again ok? lol..ok take care of yourself dear..
October 31st, 2006 at 7:00 pm
October 31st, 2006 at 7:14 pm
Praise be to God. M happy you are up and about. Lotsa love from me, hubby and my 2 kiddos. Big air hugs (knowing u can’t be physically bear-hugged at the moment) You are in our daily prayers. Take great care, deary Yv…..
October 31st, 2006 at 9:25 pm
Praise God…~!
You’ve been brave, keep it up!
October 31st, 2006 at 10:39 pm
You are a very resilient spirit. I’ve recently come across your blog and your life journey inspires me.
God Bless.
October 31st, 2006 at 11:11 pm
glad that the surgery was sucess! take good care of yourself !
October 31st, 2006 at 11:29 pm
PTL Yvonne that you are alright. Been really missing u blogging =) Glad that u r back !
November 1st, 2006 at 12:05 am
YAYY!!!!!!!! i’m so glad that everything turned out for the better!! face intact, eyes good, balance great!
lol at the male nurse.. i had a female for mine, three different ones, i thought that’s how they always did it but guess not..
now to kick some major butt!! ^___________________^
November 1st, 2006 at 1:24 am
i thank god for the successful surgery of yours. take care!
P/S: Male nurse? wow..
November 1st, 2006 at 4:26 am
Isn’t God good? … all the time? Glad to hear from you again.
November 1st, 2006 at 5:40 am
Hey Girl,
I continue to pray for you w/your recoveries and healings… you are in my thoughts. I am glad the sugery was a success. You are a brave & strong young woman to put up w/such barrerals. Take Care
lil wings
November 1st, 2006 at 5:45 am
[…] Thank you all for your prayers for Yvonne, her surgeons and whatever else you prayed for her. Thank God that all seems have gone very well. The doctors did discover two more tumors, but… well, why don’t I just let the lady tell you herself? […]
November 1st, 2006 at 8:13 am
Hey yvonne,
Am soooo glad to hear you are okay
Take care ya!! HUgz!
November 1st, 2006 at 11:01 am
Dear Yvonne,
Glad to hear that you are okay and u make me believe that miracles can happen with the help of all those caring ppl out there!!! May you have a speedy recovery!!!
November 1st, 2006 at 11:13 am
you rocks. take care babe. =)
November 1st, 2006 at 11:18 am
Hi Yvonne
Good to hear from you….
From what I see here, the hospital there really did a fantastic job. Kudos to them!
Have a speedy recovery and hoping to meet the new and improved Yvonne with bigger eyes soon!
Cheers!
November 1st, 2006 at 12:01 pm
HEY GIRL! Good to hear that you’re doing great! I’ve been checking your blog almost everyday to see how you’re doing… (something that I never do!!) haha! SO, great to hear from ya! Hope to see “the new you” soon!!
Be blessed~ Jo
November 1st, 2006 at 9:08 pm
Hey Yvonne, thank God you’re alright. I’ve been worrying these past few days! You and I share similar sentiments after post-surgery. haha! I’m so happy ure alright! By the way, SRS does work, it worked on me, didn’t it?
November 2nd, 2006 at 8:44 am
Hey Gurly..!!
Praise God that you are well!!! Isn’t He great?! Thank God for all the blessing!!
Stay strong my gurl!! Take care and get well soon!!