Welcome to our blog! I originally started this blog in November 2010 just prior to having a major brain surgery to remove a large bleeding cavernous angioma from a deep part of my brain. You can best understand the gravity of our experience by reading the first several entries.(Nov 2010-Dec 2010) I wrote the first one and my sweet, adoring husband, John, wrote the next several (while I was too sick to do much of anything) that documented surgery, immediate recovery, and our reaction to the surgery complication (stroke)that was revealed 2 days after surgery. This recovery process has been difficult but we are making it. We appreciate all the kind words of encouragement we have received and we would like to thank everyone that has participated in helping us along this difficult journey. Also, if you have any questions about my personal experience, please leave them as a comment or contact me directly at thankfulforeveryday@yahoo.com and I will respond although I am not a doctor and this is not a replacement for medical care or advise. Please ask a real professional, or probably several. :) I hope to be able to help at least one person along the challenging road of brain surgery and recovery.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

The beginning

These past few years have brought such joy and enlightenment....and now seems like the perfect time to reflect on all the blessings in our lives both big and small. Almost two years ago, we welcomed our little guy, Jack, and life has never been the same....thankfully!! The birth of a healthy baby still amazes me everyday and I couldn't be more thankful to share in raising our spirited and wild little boy. About a year and half ago, I was diagnosed with a cavernous angioma in my brain. One would not think that finding a mass in your brain could be a good thing, but in a strange sort of a way it has been. While I do sometimes wonder what life would hold if this little monster was not in my head... that is not the reality that is our life. This "thing" IS in my brain...that's what we do know and coming to terms with that has been a process. Thankfully we found it before it caused catastrophic deficits. Also, thankfully there is only one (some people that have the genetic form of this condition have many). After many doctors' visits, medical test after test,  countless hours of research, sleepless nights, days of crying, laughing, and everything in between.....my cavernous angioma is coming out on December 10th. This has been the most difficult decision in my life. Trying to evaluate the pros and cons of something that is surrounded by such uncertainty has proved to be an arduous task, especially when major brain surgery or "watching-n-waiting" are the only two options for this condition. While we having tried "watching-n-waiting" it has become clear along the way that that option is no longer an option for me. My cavernous angioma has been growing and bleeding for the year and a half we've been following it, and now is the time to reclaim my life before it's too late.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, my gratitude for the simple things is magnified times a million....and for that I am thankful! We will be celebrating all the blessings in our lives today and everyday!!! Happy Thanksgiving!

12 comments:

  1. Elizabeth! Great to see you on here! I will add you to my list if that's okay.

    Having this condition really does make us appreciate everything much much more. While I don't live everyday like it is my last, I do appreciate everyday like it is ;)

    I responded to your thread on AA. That date is coming up fast. I am so very happy for you and your family. I hope you'll stick around with us lesion-aires once you no longer have one in your head :)

    Brain surgery and watching and waiting, too bad there is no in-between, huh? I guess that would technically be purgatory :P

    Again, I am SO so happy for you all. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts on December 10th.

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  2. Thank you so much for the good thoughts!! I hope to be able to share the details of my successful surgery before too long....I know how helpful other people's stories have been to me.

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  3. Hi I read you post, I´m sure you have taken the right decision, I will think about you and your family on the 10:th..and happy New you :)and happy christmas as new you

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  4. I will be thinking of you every day! My prayers are with you! You will have an amazing recovery!!
    -rachel

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  5. I will be thinking of you and cheering for you everyday! I am so glad that we met and that you choose me to help with Jack. I can already tell he's going to take over a very special place in my heart. You are a very strong person and please know that I'm here to help in what ever way you need it. I will be waiting here and ready when you get back home. Good Luck Elizabeth! Hugs!

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  6. You are in my VERY BEST thoughts and wishes and know you'll be in good hands! I will look forward to hearing your success story when you are up to sharing. :)
    Best wishes & hugs,
    PattiG

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  7. Your young family is in our thoughts and prayers. May God`s love comfort you and give you peace with His gentle presence embracing you. We Love You, Uncle Joe and Aunt Cathy

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  8. ELIZABETH.JOHN & JACK

    XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

    ..........................AND A FEW XTRA HUGS

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  9. Elizabeth,

    You are such a strong woman with a wonderful husband and son there for you. Wishing you serenity and tranquility through everything. We love you so much and are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

    Love to you always :)

    Joey, Jana, Cassandra and Aiden

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  10. Today is the day the Lord has made...Rejoice

    God bless you & yours

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  11. So happy everything is moving forward! We are thinking of you and praying for you.
    Liz,Michael, Sydney and Danielle!!!
    XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

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  12. Silent night,Holy night, all is calm.....ALL IS BRIGHT ......HOPE.....PEACE AND LOVE are surrounding you......gently.

    Liz

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