Well...sorry music friends. I win. I've officially gone more than triple platinum before you!!
First, THANK YOU EVERYONE. I have received so much love and support from EVERYONE, and it's really been helping me stay positive and keep pushing on. Every Facebook like, Instagram like, text, message...everything has just put such a smile on my face, and been so incredibly humbling.
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| May 2016 EEG |
So I owe everyone an update. For those who don't know, this Thursday was surgery Part ONE. That EEG from last May 2016? This is the super intense version! They have put an electrode grid on my brain surface, in order to properly map where these seizures are coming from. NEXT THURSDAY is Part 2-the actual "slice-and-dice" where they remove the seizure-causing tumor and portion of my brain.
These 6 platinum electrodes will be in place for the next week...so that's how my platinum life has taken off. While they get these readings, I'll be in the EMU-Epilepsy Monitoring Unit- at VCU. So, yes, VISITORS WELCOME! If they weren't removing my brain next week, I'd say I will be bored out of my mind...but I'll hold onto it as long as possible.
So, here's a mini itinerary update of what I've been thinking/ doing the past days!
1/25/2017: The Night Before
I can't believe it's here. I've been joking about this for almost a year, telling people, taking the meds, taking my friend's cars, and barely counting down. And now I can't. Because I'll be under the knife in under a full night's sleep.
Earlier I received a call, reminding me about the last-minute protocols before the surgery actually happens...
1. "No eating after midnight"
2. "Wear comfortable clothing"
3. "Shower and brush your teeth as normal"
4. "Arrive at the VCU Hospital at 5 a.m."
5. "Did I mention it is 5AM?!?"
2. "Wear comfortable clothing"
3. "Shower and brush your teeth as normal"
4. "Arrive at the VCU Hospital at 5 a.m."
5. "Did I mention it is 5AM?!?"
Oh shoot...I have to wake up at 4 a.m. maybe I should sleep...after Candy Crush ;)
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| The 5am check-in line |
1/26/2017: D-Day
Today was AWFUL. Mostly. I was at the hospital at 5 a.m., and did a brief check-in procedure, waited around a bit, then went into my pre-op. NEVER EVER EVER....EVER wash off with the hospital antibacterial wipes. I know I was in for brain surgery, but I almost scratched my legs off the stupid residue was so itchy.
After waiting around a bit, I found my future life plan. The anesthesiologist told me about a wonderful program in France, that your entire trip is covered, and you simply teach English to French students. Free travel? I think yes!!
Then, finally, many IVs later, I was rolled into surgery, waving my parents off Princess Diaries Style (you know that 'thank you for being here today' wave? yeah, that) and making it into the OR.
6 hours later I woke up. Feeling AWFUL. My head felt like it was being drilled, I was nauseous from anesthesia, and EXHAUSTED. My nurses were angels, and helped as much as possible, and the day finally ended. No point in dwelling on a crappy past.
1/27/2017: EEG Day
I woke up feeling completely better. No nausea, my headache was fairly contained, and I was tired, but able to sleep. All that love everyone sent my way, really pulled through. So thank you.
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| YAY FOR FEELING BETTER |
My wonderful nurse in the ICU made sure my pain was contained, two Occupational Therapists took me for a walk down the hall, and I got to strut my stuff Top Model-style simply because I could! My need to continue making stupid puns and make everyone laugh had returned.
Once I got to the EMU, my EEG wires were hooked from inside my head to the machine, and the week of monitoring began. And so did my brainstorming for new hairstyles. That's right...half of the Italian mane is gone. So beauty experts? I need some help here. The hospital tried to help by giving me a bag of my hair, which severely confused me more than anything...I could have made a weave?
But, I feel 20x times better than yesterday. My stomach can handle food now, my hair will eventually look normal, and I am learning how to work this hospital gown...so watch out Vogue...it's coming into fashion! I have one week of movies and boredom, my next surgery will go well next Thursday, and then, I'll be back home to recover and get back to crazy me!
Everything has gone so well, and everyone I've worked with has been incredible. So, could my head feel better? Sure....but guess what? LIFE IS GOOD!! :D
I'll keep some updates coming as new stuff happens! I love you all, thank you!