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.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

What a difference a year makes: Part 2

Here are some pictures that document the past year. While some of this is not "pretty", this is the reality of where we have been. I can not seem to load the video portions..so I will try to post that another time.
Pre-op 12/10/10
  Me holding a special rock from my Grandma. Asking God to be with me through all of this.

Recovery 12/10/10
 Alive after surgery, barely! Not feeling or looking good. I laid like that for a long time, barely opening my eyes because every time I opened them, I threw up. My neck and jaw were extremely sore. I was in a lot of pain. Glad that's over! :)


12/15/2010
Cruising the hallways of rehab with Jack.

12/15/2010
After I regained some use of my left arm, it remained bent up and "guarded" most of the time. I still have to think about relaxing at times..but I can relax it. :)

12/17/2010
 Tired after a long day of rehab, thrilled to be visiting with my boy who I missed so much! My best smile at the time.



12/18/2010
Working in the rehab gym...after hours.


03/05/2011
My first time "out" alone with Jack. I had to be strong enough and alert enough to keep him safe outside of our home. A very big achievement for me!!

10/31/2011
Our annual trip to the pumpkin patch. The only picture we can get with all of us.




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6 comments:

  1. Crystal December 21, 2011 at 10:03 PM

    Jack looks SO ecstatic to be in your lap :D Some of these photos were taken during the darkest times, but your beauty still shows through. Thank you for sharing and I'm happy this Christmas can be peaceful for you and your family.

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  2. Elizabeth, John, Jack, and LukeDecember 22, 2011 at 12:28 AM

    Thanks Crystal! I have hesitated to post any unflattering pictures before, but I decided that doesn't really tell the whole story. I have seen some other individuals photos and they all looked so good...including yours :)...I looked like crap...pretty much sums up how I felt.

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  3. AnonymousDecember 23, 2011 at 2:33 PM

    You incredible lady - thanks for sharing the pics!!! Onward & upward for you & your beautiful family. :)
    Patti

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  4. Grace CarpenterDecember 30, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    You're courageous to post the photos--although except for the photo which you're in pain, you look fantastic! Congratulations for getting through the 1-year mark.

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  5. Elizabeth, John, Jack, and LukeDecember 30, 2011 at 10:49 PM

    Thanks Patti and Grace. Here's to better 2012...for all of us!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. oc1deanJanuary 5, 2012 at 4:57 PM

    Congrats on the article about you in Stroke Connection.
    Dean

    ReplyDelete

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