Emergency visit

Emergency visit ~ makes it sound like a fun and expected adventure.  It wasn't!  I've been feeling sick lately, run down.  I suppose to be expected.  The kids have commented that my breathing is very shallow and fast.  I'd been awake for the night in so much pain. Moaning and worried but not wanting to be perceived as a wimp.

On the morning of Oct 31st, I made an appointment at my doctor.  He was out of town but the locum fit me in.  She sent me for chest x-ray, blood work (including cultures) and whatnot. It would be days before she'd get the results.  Sarah shuttled me around and helped me in and out complete with my walker. 

My brother came over in the afternoon so his daughter, my beautiful niece, could show her halloween costume off.  Being a ALS paramedic, he took one look at me and told me I could go willingly or the hard way, to the hospital.  He hadn't seen me in a while and could see the down hill slide.  He made a call and the chariots were sent.  

Cam was at one of his football games when he received a concerned call from a neighbor wondered what had happened.  Cam had no idea and spent the rest of the game worried.

My mom and Carlie met me at the hospital, along with Dwayne and Cam.  Sarah quickly followed after work was cancelled.  Pete set to work with the docs and nurses getting me into a bed and checked in.  Because I had gone to a clinic for my x-rays and bloodwork, I had to re-do the entire thing.  They added a CT scan to check for swelling and then waited.  I was given numerous bags of fluid as well as pain meds.  

Turned out I had bronchitis, the flu, a cold and all of this helped create severe dehydration.  Jeepers!!

I was released late (with antibiotics and a puffer) and sent home to recover.  If I'd left the hospital initially at 20% capacity, I was now at about 5% (dwayne's terminology).  The 'dig out' is taking a while.  I need to learn to rest.  Kristin tells me it's mandatory that I look after myself.  So difficult to accept.  

Staples out!

Staples are out....all 42 of them!  Thanks Daniella for driving me, holding me up while walking and holding my hair out of the way for their removal.  My incision is over 9" long but is nice and clean and healing well.  The sensation in my scalp is weird as nerves go from the front up and over your (and mine) head.  Mine were cut (lots of them!).  Also, my temporal muscle was cut, making eating, talking and general jaw movement painful.  It'll heal but it'll be slow. 

What a blessing!

Yesterday, we were blessed to have The Trinity Western University work-day crew arrive with numerous helpers.  Some were in the house and some were outside working with Dwayne in the yard.  Leaves were raked, weeding done, garden beds ready for the winter and such.  Inside, I had a list of things to get done as well.  These students were amazing and so gracious as I was only able to sit and answer the occasional questions.  Our kids were, of course, amazing at helping and being my greatest advocates.

What a gift!! Pizza and pop were supplied to the starving University students to end their 3hrs of work.  Thank you TWU Spartans for blessing our family in such an amazing way!

Disclaimer: Kristin was right,  she usually is.

As I've crossed the line at 14 days since surgery (which really isn't that long), my exhaustion level has kicked in even further.  I could sleep all day and then some.  Sometimes I just have to close my eyes in the middle of a short visit with a friend, I'm sorry if I've done that to you.  The 4-6 months that I was initially told to get back to normal is clearly the right time line.  I'm working having no visitors on certain days so I can recuperate further.

Home for a week

Well, it's been a climb, to say the least (and I don't mean I'm even doing stairs yet!!).  

When I came home my family and friends rallied to help with my adjustment to a weaker me. Furniture moved for new sleeping arrangements,  as I couldn't lay down for the first few days home.   I've since transitioned into bed and am finding new ways of sleeping that don't include my favorite ways of sleeping (as that's where my incision continues to).  I've found out I have 42 staples and a 8- 9" incision that goes from the mid spot in front of my right ear all the way up and over to the outside of my left eye, far larger than I'd expected. Yesterday, I got to remove the dressings and wash my whole head! Yes, I've showered but only able to get the back of my head wet. 

I have never enjoyed a shower so much!!!!

I'm getting on with rehab'ing my body now, oh how quickly the muscles forget what they're supposed to be doing! Yesterday, I walked to the end of the driveway, about 200', so I'm making progress.  I'm still using a wheeled walker for stability but that's going to be gone by Friday, or so I'm determined.  My face is still swollen with much bruising around and under my eyes as well as my forehead and down my right side. Today was another step down from my steroids, so I'm only at 2x a day (rather than 4x a day when I left the hospital).  I'll be thankful to be off meds fully.  Another 8 days of weaning off and then I'll be done!!  Staples don't come out for another week but at least they're clean and easy to cover with my new hats and scarves.

Today, as I sit in my chair with sun beaming in the window, I'm so thankful for so much. My family that loves me, my friends and family who visit for tea and understand when I can't focus on what they're saying anymore, the amazing people who are blessing us daily with meals. I can't even describe what it's like to have a healthy dinner just arrive.  Sarah doesn't need it be the Mama, Dwayne doesn't arrive exhausted from work and then have to figure out dinner, and Cam, well, we're all in a new state of normal. Maybe it's time for my own boundaries to change!?

Also, today and for many coming weeks/months, may I ask a favor.  Please keep my friend 

Kristin in your thoughts and prayers.  Kristin is my dear friend.  In a way I can't describe.  She's the one who accompanied me to meet the neurologist the first time for my diagnosis, she's one of my 'people'.  Kristin has been on a journey, and today her journey continues with chemo.  Please follow her at canadiankristinconnected.blogspot.com, leave messages of encouragement or just uplift her when you can.  This woman is amazing and I do so love her.

Well, that's the update for now.  

Have a happy day with sunshine and fall colors!

Xo Diane 

Home again, Home again jiggity jog!

Silence, the best way to get some sleep!

I was able to arrange a trip home yesterday from RCH, after seeing Dr M, physio therapy, and the social worker.  Doc was a bit skeptical with my mobility and stability but physio had cleared me and after speaking to Dwayne, Sarah and myself, the social worker was convinced that my family was more than ready to be my primary caregivers. Fortunately, my family can also have a convincing argument about the existence of Unicorns, so they were well prepared for this discussion.

I was happy to give my bed and room to a new patient and allow them to recover with ease.  The nurses on the neuro ward were (for the most part) amazing!!!  I became mobile quicker than the others in the step-down area (extra special observation area for those of us that are extra special!!), so the nurses weren't needing to pay as much attention to me as some of the patients (one who had to be restrained as an example).  I suppose that's a good thing.

Once I was released, it took me quite some time to get dressed and gather the strength to head home.  Dwayne and Sarah got the paraphernalia organized and packed up.  My nurse gave me the last of my medications and sent me on my way. No more free drugs.

The ride home was tough.  Oddly, I was emotional and scared.  Would my family be able to do this?  Could I remember to ask for help?  Would I try to go to fast?  Would I want to see people or would I be able to say no when I really needed to?   So many things to think about.  Dear friend Daniella dropped off a walker (yes, I use a walker), shower chair and some other items for my home needs (provided by her mother-in-law,Wendy, from the Red Cross loan cupboard) by the time I got home yesterday.  It has made getting around so much easier. Thanks D!

Dwayne and the kids had been anticipating my arrival and had moved furniture to accommodate my new sleeping needs.  I can't lay flat for the first few days while my head/facial swelling is being resolved, so one of our large recliners is now in bedroom for restful sleep.  My first night back was an adjustment for all of us.  Dwayne was very attentive through the night, up whenever I needed anything or even moved to adjust a blanket.  What a great guy!

Sarah spent the day with me today, attending to my every whim.  Today was spent dozing, napping, and a brief visit with my friend Lisa, who dropped off some much needed fresh fruit, and snacky items. Kristin, my dear friend of constant support, and amazing listening abilities, also stopped by for a short visit.

At this point my days will be spent not doing much except working on my recovery.  Visitors are welcome on a limited basis, depending on my pain and how tired I am.  Please do not be offended if the answer is no, or just not right now.  As the weeks go on, I'll be getting myself stronger and able to visit for longer and more.

Thank you again, from the bottom of our hearts for all of your love and support as well as the amazing meals that arrive nightly.  What a blessing to be loved on like that so I don't have to worry about getting meals done.

Love and hugs,
Di xo

Second day post-op

Today was a tough one. I vaculate between bored, lonely and tired. Mostly with tears in between all of those phases.  I'm missing out on life, or am I?  So thankful for friends looking out for my family so that they can look out for me.   I had some visitors today, too! Sometimes I just close my eyes and listen while they talk or just sit there. I try to stay awake but I just can keep my eyes open. 

I had all of my tubing removed today. My head drain (yup, between my skull and brain) was the last and it was unbelievably painful. Shortly after that, my pretty pressure dressing 'hat' was also removed.  It's pressure dressing for a reason and now the effects on my face and incision site are being felt.  I'm not able to lay down fully now for a few days as the swelling continues and then drains. Fun stuff!!! I'm now in possession of a gorgeous 😱 10-head (rather than a forehead) with 25-30 staples in it!  Sarah has amazingly hooked me up with scarves and headbands to cover the area, thank you my girl for looking after me!

I walked a bit with the Physio yesterday and a bit with Dwayne today.  The baby steps are frustrating for me, but, I must remember I just had brain surgery!

Thank you to my family, friends, neighbors and well wishers for holding us in your hearts.  My tears and love of appreciation are not enough. Please know that I love you all!

Xo

Di

(That was a bit rambly...I blame it on the meds!!) 😜

The Big Day

Dwayne, Diane's husband, is the guest blogger for today.

The morning started off early with nervous packing but no passport for sunnier climes needed. Diane spent much of the morning micromanaging food, football, and schedules in an effort to shift her focus away from the coming surgery. We arrived on time for our 7:00 am check in and by 8:00 the pre-op nurse came to get the family to see her off.

The nurse played a small joke on us; warning us to be prepared for her shaved head. Cameras at the ready, we were disappointed when she just looked funny in her blue gown. It was great to see humor so readily used by a high functioning confident team at RCH. By 8:30, after a few final FB posts, and a rash of texts, Diane was wheeled into the staging area for the 11 operating theaters. She was visited by her Anesthesiologist and Dr. M prior to her surgery, and the good Doc actually initialed her forehead before she went in. He was in good spirits and asked her if she would like a superpower installed while he was in there. I offered up super-model as an option, but no one thought that was funny except me. Oh well, tough room. I kissed her and told her I loved her and then just as she went through the door, I shared a comment that our good friend Bruce gave today "Don't worry Di, it's not like it's rocket science." She didn't laugh at that one either. She told me later that she was put under with little warning once on the table, and waking up felt like seconds later, not the 3 1/2 hours it actually took.

The thing that struck me the most in the pre-op experience was the confidence and competence displayed by all the high functioning teams that were coming in to take their patient to the given surgery. Names were checked, allergies double checked, and X marks the spot applied as required all the while a light humor permeated the conversations throughout the room. RCH has their act together.

While waiting in the hall we were greeted by a volunteer who offered us coffee, updates on Diane, and cheap parking tips. What service! More kudo's to RCH. We went and got some breakfast and were back in position before the surgery was over. Dr. M called me once he was done, and I went and met him in recovery where he explained what happened. In brief the tumor was confirmed benign (as expected) so NO CANCER to worry about! Massive relief to have that confirmed. He described the size of it - literally the size of a mandarin orange. He got it all, and Diane came through surgery as smoothly as possible. Now onto recovery.

Diane spent the balance of the day in recovery and then up to post neuro surgery observation where she will be watched over by 2 nurses all night, while being woken every hour to check vitals - much as you would with someone who suffered a massive concussion. Di struggled to remember things from moment to moment, often asking the same question - with the same reaction each time. She got excited and happy after hearing The Mandarin was cancer free three different times. I think this was mostly a drug induced short term memory issue rather than anything else. Cam had to leave to participate in his JV football team's league game. Diane was insistent that he win for her, since she had won for him today. I'm happy to report the team, led in part by Captain Cam, was true to her request, winning by 2 points over Lord Tweedsmuir.

By the time we were asked to leave about 7:30 pm, she was doing much better and even cracked a few jokes and generally started to sound more like herself. She wanted me to leave her phone behind, but there was no way her light sensitive eyes needed to try and stare at a screen.

We will be back in the AM and will offer an update at the end of the day Friday. She will not likely take visitors while at RCH, preferring to focus on recovery rather than being entertained. But Diane being Diane, that may all change and a party might break out any time.

Thanks for all of your best wishes, prayers, and love - it means the world to Diane and all of her family.

Cheers,
Dwayne, Sarah, and Cam

It's today!!

We are all up early and getting the truck packed with all sorts of items (for me and withe Cam's football gear).

I didn't sleep great but that didn't surprise me.  I wish this trip included a passport!  Sarah says I can take it but won't need it...thanks kid!

Dwayne or Sarah will be updating the blog and my facebook with post surgery info.

Have a great day everyone!!

xoxo

Pre-admin done and time for surgery

This was from Monday and I'd forgotten to publish it while sitting at the hospital.  Oh well, here it is now!  

Another step in the 'it's this week'! Mom and I spent the morning at RCH getting acquainted with the hospital (due to lots of waiting!).

Got lots of information for Thursday and beyond.  I won't find out until Wednesday when my actual surgery will be and my patience is taking its turn being fine tuned! 

Sarah and Cam are having a tough time with logistics.  I'm the 'band leader' and the keeper of the plan, usually. This time I don't know the plan until I hear about timing. It's got us all wondering.

On Tuesday morning, as soon as they opened, I got the call from the neurologist office.  My time to show up at the hospital is 7am, Thursday.  TOMORROW!!!!  That means that I have a 9am surgery.  I'm happy to be first on the docket and get on the road to recovery.  Dwayne and the kids will accompany me to the hospital very early and then they'll stick around to wait for me to come out of recovery.  Cam has to be at a football game in Cloverdale at 2:45pm so Auntie D has graciously offered to come and get him at the hospital and get him to Lord Tweedmuir (where I believe they will have a huge win, as it's a clearly a winning day for our family!).  He likely won't see me after surgery but he just wants to be with Sarah and Dwayne while they wait.

Dwayne will update the blog and FB when I'm out of recovery and into the neuro department. Thursday night will be a rough one as they will wake me every hour to ensure I'm ok.  Friday morning will be spent sleeping.  Dwayne and the kids will stay at home on Thursday night and come in about noon on Friday.

I have no idea what the days in the hospital will be like as far as wanting visitors.  Please text (or pm on facebook) Dwayne or one of the kids if you're wanting to come and they'll let you know if it's a good time or not.  Long way to drive to be turned away at the door.  My bulldogs are good ones!

Thank you for the notes, prayers, happy and positive thoughts, pixie dust and rainbows that people are sending my (our) way.  We are so thankful for all of them!

Thank you to everyone who is providing meals for our family.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate the love and kindness you've shown us.  What a blessing!

Have a happy day everyone!!

xoxo
Di

PS Happy Birthday Charlyn Friesen!!

In a week....

In just a week, 7 days, I will be starting the recovery phase of this mandarin thing!  I'm apprehensive and a bit concerned.  I'm not scared about the actual mass being anything but benign.  However, I'm having brain surgery and that is what has me thinking.  Maybe I'm thinking too much!

I've come to a lot of conclusions about myself, self reflection has been one of the toughest things with this.  I know (and am so happy)that I'm not in a battle of my life (ca...er and all) but for me (for us) this has been a change in our behaviors and thinking.  Accepting help, because I'm the do'er/helper, has been the hardest.  Is it pride?  Is it stubborn?  How do I learn to say 'yes' to help instead of 'yes' to doing?  I've come a long way in 3 weeks, believe me.  Being able to accept is something that is learned and I'm getting there.  My boundaries are changing too.  What am I willing to do? Help with? My help is mostly in the form or phone calls or texting now to friends and extended family.  I'd love to help more but at this point my focus is far more me (oh dear!) and my family centered.  Rant over.

Thank you to my sister, Jo-Ann, for setting up a meal plan for us.  What an amazing gift to come home after football pick up daily to a warm meal and only a few dishes to do.  This was a huge jump for me to accept.  I can muddle through and make it daily, can't I?  By afternoon, I'm ready for bed and not having to work on dinner and the big mess is such a gift.  My biggest concern with this diagnosis was that Sarah (our sweet 18yo daughter) would be forced to become a housewoman/mom-ish/do'er.  She's a great help but works and goes to school as well.   Thanks Jo for looking after us!!


So, in a week I'll be at RCH covering.  I'm excited to get going and in a few months be back to my old self, albeit with new boundaries and a few new strategies to not be the 'all' to everyone.

Have a wonderful day everyone!!

xo

Today

Today is a great day!  No head or eye pain today, as long as I remember to wear my sunglasses.  I'm tired but that's manageable.   I've got wobbly legs but I'm sure that's just part of the meds keeping me pain free.  Sarah and I met for lunch, as I haven't seen her in a few days as she's housesitting for one of my brothers.  It was lovely!  We drove down to the old part of town and wandered some shops while chatting and loving the sunshine.

When we parted, I headed over to the big park in our city, Mill Lake.  I sat in a lovely shaded spot facing the lake and away from the noise to watch the ducks and geese cruising the area.  I've never just sat in a park to think, meditate, contemplate or do nothing at all.  This has got to be part of my routine now!

Today, I was contacted the pre-op clinic at RCH and have my appointments for blood work and anesthesiologist on Sept 30th.  So thankful to my amazing husband, Dwayne, for driving into the Dr office the other day.  Until he did that they still hadn't committed to a date.  The booking clerk informed me today that they had just received my paperwork this morning.  Thank you, my love, for taking such good care of me!

Also, last night a friend showed up with dinner.  An amazing friend!! The best beef borscht I've every tasted with extra long cooked bone broth (so good for our bodies) and their home grown red cabbage.  She's a fantastic cook and we were extra blessed to have dinner from her.  Thanks Connie!

Sunshine and happiness!
Diane

Surgery date

After trying to contact the neurosurgeon office today for an hour (line busy constantly), Dwayne got frustrated and drove from Abbotsford to New Westminster and waltzed into the office.  He spoke to Dr M who confirmed I have a surgery date for Oct 3rd. At least it's a date! 

So, 2 more weeks of waiting and managing some symptoms.  To avoid being bumped the day of, I'm to show up in emergency on Oct 2nd and stay the night.  I'll be in for pre-op next week, making it harder to be bumped. 

That's it.  A date.  A plan.  Still moving forward!

Tough day

Today's been a tough one. For some reason I can't get my headache under control. A few doses of Tylenol and still nothing.  I'm extra dizzy today and off balance too.  My right eye is increasingly sensitive to light and the pain with just moving it is, well, painful.  I spent the majority of the day resting, watching movies and having a nap. It's nice to not have to be somewhere today. 

Laundry beckons, so I've folded the huge pile of clean clothes and now maybe another nap! Perhaps a wander down the driveway for some fresh air...maybe.

Dwayne is going to call the neuro office tomorrow to see if I can get help with my headache, and get on the docket for this Thursday, fingers crossed!  I don't know what's going on with my pain but it's not something I want to deal with much longer.  

Hope you were able to get out and enjoy some sun and fresh air!

Cheers!! 

Headaches and meds and no news, oh my!

As Friday came to a close, I had not been contacted for a surgery date, and having left a message for the neurosurgeons office, now I just need to wait.   There is still a good possibility that this Thursday could be surgery or Oct 3rd (the Dr is away on the 25th).  Patience....I'm working on it!

My medications are working well to keep the majority of my headaches away with only an occasional break-through advil/tylenol dose to fully rid my pain.  That's not bad considering I was up to 14 doses a day before my diagnosis (there will be a liver cleanse when I'm recovered!).   My nights of sleep aren't fully sound but that's been going on for months so as long as I can sleep a full 5-6 hours then I'm golden!

Last night, Dwayne and I cheered on Cam's Sr football team at the home opener.  They trounced Howe Sound at 46-6 (or something close as I lost count of all the touchdowns!).  I'd chosen proxy 'yellers' as my head was pounding and while I didn't want to miss the game, I didn't miss the hollering!!  My right eye is far more sensitive to light and is quite painful but my sunglasses (cool factor!) help keep that at bay. 

This weekend is a quiet one for us.  I'm thankful that we can just rest in the moments for a bit.  We, as a family, haven't really had a chance to just be together since all of this madness started.  Maybe tomorrow I won't even need to change into 'going-to-town' clothes!!

I hope you're out enjoying family, friends, fresh air and good times today!

Diane

xo

Update from today

Good evening friends!

Today was a good day.  Another day of discovery and a day to have loads of questions answered.  Dwayne and I met with the neurosurgeon today, Dr. M, who was very confident.  That's exactly what I want in my neurosurgeon: confidence!!!

We started with looking at the most recent scan images (from Friday's MRI) where it was apparent that I clearly have a tumor the size of a small orange in my head.  We moved on to how he would remove the tumor and where the incision and bone removal would be.  I was paying such close attention to the actual areas of the incision, that I didn't hear him explain that it would be like removing an orange from the inside out: soft centre first, with outer "rind" last.  When we got in the car later, Dwayne was very surprised that he'd used that lingo, because we call it a Mandarin.  Funny!

Dr. M said a few times that it was likely benign, however that will be confirmed during the surgery. He also stated that the location of Mandarin is "very lucky".  Easy to access and not attached to a major motor center or other critical hard to reach area of the brain.  There are of course risks, "It IS brain surgery", he said.  Some of the risks are so low, that I'd have a better chance of being hit by a car, so we won't be dwelling on the risks.  Actually, one thing he did say was I couldn't vacuum for 3 months following surgery (I'm going to roll that into dishes as well!!).

Surgery will happen within the next 2-4 weeks, depending on emergent cases (mine is urgent, not emergent). I will have 3-4 days in the hospital and then a month at home convalescing.  I'll be required to have a CT Scan at 3 months and then at a year and every year for 5 years following.  The likelihood of the meningioma reoccurring is very slim.

Meningioma in the right frontal temporal lobe. It's smiling for the camera!!  It's changed the mid-line of my brain, no wonder I've been getting such bad headaches.

Sideview (eye in center, tumor to the top)

While this has me nervous, I'm not scared.  Today's emotions were a bit raw, more real.  Maybe because Dwayne was with me and I felt like I could just be in the moment.  Maybe because now it's really real.  It's not like it's brain surgery....oh wait...it is.

Thank you to everyone for the kind texts, messages, prayers and thoughts.  It is amazing to be surrounded by love from so many wonderful friends!

Love 
Diane xo

Ramblings of the day so far

Today was my MRI day.  Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy!  Actually, it was quite restful and nice to just be walked through the hour or so without having to think or wonder.

My mom took me in and waited the time that I was occupied and my Uncle Jack showed up to lend support.

We stopped by the New West gluten free bakery that I love and then over to Burger Heaven for a crazy yummy lunch!  It was nice to spend time today just in the moments of discovery.  It's actually quite interesting.  I don't feel different or sad or weird at all (but I'll use my brain issue to my advantage these days!).  I kind of feel better, I know there's a reason for my headaches and that there is a fairly simply solution.

Dr appointment on Tuesday will tell us more and Dwayne will be with me for that one.

Cheers everyone!  TGIF!

Diane
xo

Thankful for medication

I am so very grateful for the meds I'm on now to keep the 'marching band' out of my head (as one friend put it so well!).  Today is day 5 without a headache and I'm unsure how I managed before with such a pounding head all the time.  Oh well, just happy to be pain free for the time being!

We've received such great notes on the blog, facebook and texts.  THANK YOU to everyone for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. While I know this is not a life threatening item, and many people face much worse things daily, this is our journey.  How it plays out is not up to me (or us) but it is up to us to be positive and accepting. 

Our kids are being super amazing and understanding (I'm sure there's a bit of doubt under the surface, but they don't let on!).  Sarah is working and has started her dance teacher training so those keep her busy!  Cam is back to school (gr 10) and is on the Junior Varsity and Varsity Football teams.  There will be lots to tell you about those as the seasons progress!  

My hubby, Dwayne, has been so wonderful and even though facing his own hectic schedule at work, his compartmentalize (is that a word??!) behavior allows him to be here and present in the evenings, unless he's traveling, like tonight!

I had a wonderful sit at the kitchen counter today with my dear friend for tea.  I've missed having time with her and, really with everyone, as life has gotten more hectic.  This is a chance to re-focus on what's important, truly important.  If you're in our neck of the woods and would like me to make you some tea, shoot me a text or get ahold of me on FB.  I'm not a good drop in's (is that a control thing Shirley?!) but I do love visits!

That's all for now.  Just a quick note about what's running in my head!

Cheers,

Diane

xo

MRI and follow-up dates

My MRI is booked for Friday the 6th at 9:30am.  Neurologist follow-up is on Tuesday the 10th.  Dwayne will be with me to take notes and ask questions.  We'll figure out at that time what the next steps are.   Not much more info than that, it's a start though.

Cheers!

Diane 

Telling all, tough going.

Today, we (hubby and I) ventured out to talk to each of our parental units.  While sharing crappy  news is not at all nice, they all handled it so well.  My dad said, "take this to heart, only the good die young so you'll be around for a while"....thanks Dad!

With almost all of the siblings knowing, my sister still needs a visit tomorrow.  I'm not trying to drag this out at all, I'd prefer to just send a mass text to everyone so I don't have to relive the words every time.  Weird, maybe.  

Tomorrow I find out when my MRI will be for more in depth information.  I'm nervous to even make the phone call.  Although, answers are better than none.

I woke up (my second morning in a row) without a headache.  I've woken with a headache for months.  I just have gotten accustomed to taken tylenol as my morning routine.  The new meds the Neurologist has me on have helped a lot!  

Joy is much easier to find the more people know and continue to love me (us) anyway.  I don't have to lie to anyone.  Them: "How are you"    Me: "I'm great thanks"  (lies).  So instead of ruining someones weekend, I choose Joy!!!

Love and Joy,

Diane

It's a Mandarin!

The Mandarin: like an orange.  You know the one?!!

My blessing of a husband (for 21 years now!!) wanted me to let you know, about Mandarin.  We have so many friends and family that love us and whom we love equally in return.  So in the age of social media, we felt blogger/facebook could help deliver the message and keep us all connected to our deep and wide support group.   I'd prefer to talk to each of you face to face, this is tough given where people live.

I have been diagnosed with a meningioma, a likely NON cancerous benign brain mass.  I had a CT scan on Friday the 30th of August in Abbotsford, a lovely Dr in ARH emerg let me know what had been found.  He booked me a quick Neuro consult with a great (and steady handed) Dr at Royal Columbian for Saturday the 31st.   He was fantastic and so kind and soft spoken.  We have nicknamed the mass (the mandarin, as it's the size of a small one!), 4x4cms big on my brain!

An MRI and excision biopsy will be scheduled in the next 5-10 days, to then determine the best course of action.  Since November 2012, I have experienced headaches at varying levels.  Apparently, 'Mandarin' has been growing for several years and Dr. M feels that waiting a few days for an MRI and then surgery will be just fine.

We live in a world of amazing options and abilities to not only detect, but to repair, to heal and to continue living life to the fullest.  That is our strategy as we step onto this new path life has laid out for us.

With love,
Di, Dw, S and C!  (The Stewarts)
xoxo