New Year, New Me

Well I got confirmation this week that I entered this new year TUMOR FREE! Yeah! Praise the Lord! I am going to insert a picture that has before (top) with the tumor and after (bottom) without the tumor but a lovely permanent stream looking space now in my brain. My Neurosurgeon showed us where the tumor was and that he had to remove it from space that my spinal chord use to occupy. Now I understand why I didn't recover faster.

I also brought my Neurosurgeon and the Neuro PT/ST at Therapy Brain cupcakes and they were quite a hit. See picture... good news on this front too... I took some of my monthly tests today and I surpassed the expectation we had set for me. I still can't walk a straight line but I am getting better. I also got news that this will be my final month of Physical Therapy. I am done, assuming I join a gym (weekend activity) and do my exercises there, starting February11th. I finish before my year! I AM SO EXCITED!

So the work continues and I hope to soon tell you I am swallowing. I have tentative plans to head back to Oregon for a permanent fix of my vocal chord and esophagus dilation and botox. Hopefully that will also push me in the right direction.

Thank you again for all your support, love, prayers. Keep it coming.

Blessings!

Almost a year out

I am posting a picture that was taken for us by Jennifer Hughes an awesome photographer in town. This was a week after Kadin was born and two weeks before the tumor/cyst were discovered. I plan to get new pictures of our family soon, showing my first birthday and Kadin's. My how we have grown and changed. Thank you for being part of this JOURNEY with me, it has meant so much to me. Keep tune - were not done yet! The new year is upon us and ready to display change and growth, thanks be to God.

Blessings!

Reflections

It is 1-1-11 - Cool huh? Good things for a good year to come!

As 2010 comes to an end, it would be much easier to focus on the have not instead of the haves. But, what fun is that? I know the areas that still need help! So, I am choosing to enter this new year relishing on the haves, as numerous as they are. So here goes:

A Savior that has begun a good work in me and I believe He isn't finished! Praise Him for all the healing so far!

An incredible man I get to call my husband, friend, father of my treasured children, and partner in crime (to name a few) - who has taught me so much about love, servant hood, and himself. Thank you for loving me and for staying! I love you more than I can express!

Two amazing boys who melt my heart and occasionally drive me bananas. Whose love is evident through hugs, kisses, laughter, and quiet moments. I love you more than myself and I fight to be a better Mommy for you!

To an incredible family who has loved, supported, prayed, laughed, cried, talked, and reflected on arguably the worst thing we ever could of imagined. To you I say, why not me when you ask why her? I take this on for all that it has done and all that it will do. I would bear it again if it saved any of you from going through it. I love ya! Thanks for being my biggest cheerleaders - I wouldn't be here without you!

A huge Thank You to the outstanding Doctors, Nurses, and Therapists who have worked with me. You did your best at keeping my needs and desires at heart. You each hold a special place in my heart and Thanks isn't enough.

I'm walking, albeit a little off kilter - no wheelchair, walker, or cane.

I'm driving and enjoying a little more freedom.

I'm caring for my kids during the day minus the time my gracious Mother-in-law comes to watch them while I have therapy.

I don't need assistance anymore for a ton of activities! I now am mostly independent. I cook a ton, and from what I hear its quite delicious.

My speech has improved dramatically and I rarely have to repeat myself. I sound like I have a cold.

I am swallowing a tiny (teaspoon) amount and am still improving. Plus there are other interventions to consider.

I know there is a ton more to be thankful for and I hope I am touching on all the biggies that have graced my life especially these last ten months!

Thanks for your love, warm wishes & kind words, and especially prayers!

Blessings in 2011