23 March 2008

Another Update

Although I was told that my Mom would be in surgery for approximately 4-5 hours, in the end her surgery took almost 10 hours. We arrived at the hospital yesterday at around 3:00 pm (which was near the time her surgery was supposed to end), but didn't see the doctor until 9:15 pm. He said the surgery went well, it just took longer than expected because the tumour was so large and bloody (sorry for the graphic details). The tumour was approximately the size of a billiard ball and during the surgery she lost around 7.5 L of blood (which is a ton when you consider the average adult only has 5 L of blood), so she had to be transfused several times.

This morning we arrived at the hospital hoping to see my Mom in the ICU and talk to her doctor. She was sent for a CT scan to ensure that there were no blood clots (or other complications) developing after surgery and we were supposed to speak to the doctor after he saw the scan. Unfortunately, the doctor was called away on an emergency surgery so we couldn't talk to him, but we did get to see my Mom.

I have never seen so many machines and tubes and wires and blinking lights in my whole life. When my Dad was dying of lung cancer three years ago, I thought he was hooked up to a lot of equipment, but this was a whole other level. When I went in to her room, she was awake. She couldn't talk to me because of the tube down her throat, but she did write on a tablet. She was lucid and there appears to be no sign of paralysis or loss of mental capability - boy, did I breathe huge sigh of relief when she knew who I was and began asking questions and giving intelligent answers! Prior to the surgery, she had almost no power in her left hand and it shook horribly (the tumour was located on the right side of the brain and was adversely affecting her left side). Today, she was able to squeeze with her formerly feeble hand, which is an excellent sign. After two short visits, we decided to come home, as she needs her rest. I just pray that her recovery continues to go smoothly. I guess the next several days will begin to tell the tale.

Once again, thank you to everyone that has left such kind messages of hope. I feel like I have love pouring in from all over the world. You all cannot know how much I needed your support the last few days.

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

Shannon, that is such good news about your Mum. I hope her recovery continues as well as it has started. It is amazing how sewing can be such a strong link for many different people - no matter what kind of work people do with a needle (or two) they are so often kind, generous and caring as well!

Anonymous said...

In our tradition, this is the Day of Resurrection, hope and new life. I wish you and your family plentiful Easter joy, and continued healing for your Mom.

Bonnie O. said...

Shannon, I am so happy to hear the surgery was successful. Here is a hug to you and your whole family.

Anonymous said...

And how the relief is pouring out from your entry - tears rise in my eyes. Best of luck to your mom!

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

Shannon - I am so happy that your mom is making progress! I know at least one prayer of mine was answered today! Thank you so much for generously keeping us updated because I know that is just one extra thing right now! I will continue to pray for your mom's speedy recovery!

Anonymous said...

Good news re the return in function of your Mom's hand. Looks like the long ordeal of surgery was a success. Keep us posted. - Canadian Gail

Anonymous said...

May God's hand hold you and your family.

Happy Easter!

Anonymous said...

I am so happy to hear your mom is doing well. My father had brain surgery several years ago, though it sounds like your mom's was far more intense. My dad, when he finally got out of ICU, said the recovery was like a bad dream he barely remembered having. The results of his surgery were practically a miracle, but it seemed like it came at a high price for everyone who loves my dad - I know all about the tubes and machines and wondering how the person you care about so much can possibly be in the middle of all that. I hope things continue to go well and my thoughts are with you.

Melody said...

Shannon, I'm so happy your mom is doing well. I'll keep sending good healing vibes your way. Stay strong.

Anonymous said...

Yikes! I'm so glad that your mom's doing ok, despite the length and extensiveness of the surgery.

Anonymous said...

Shannon, hang in there. You have lots of prayers coming your way.
Marguerite

Anonymous said...

Shannon, I'm so glad to hear that your mom's surgery went well. I'll keep you both in my thoughts for a speedy recovery and easy times for the both of you.

Jodi

Chrispy said...

what an awesome easter present to see your mother back to being more herself. I pray that she continues to heal.

Anonymous said...

What great news! I will continue to pray for her speedy recovery.
Mary in AR

Debbie Cook said...

Wonderful news! And thank you for sharing it with us. Best wishes for a speedy recovery for your mom and prayers of strength for you all.

Anonymous said...

Shannon ... It's great to know that your mom is on the mend. This has been a scary time for you this weekend. Blessings for you and your family. Many thoughts and prayers are with you now. Praise God!

Anonymous said...

Shannon...great news about your mom! Continued prayers for her recovery and strength for you and your family as see her through this ordeal.

J

Anonymous said...

Hugs! I have health problems that the doctors can do little or nothing about and I get so frustrated and crabbit - sometimes I forget that we really have come a long way and that modern medicine can do wonderful things these day. I'm glad all the effort and worry is paying off. My sincere wishes for a continuing and speedy recovery for your mother. I hope you don't have a lot of draining travel to go see her. Cheers, AJ

Anwen said...

That's great news!

LauraLo said...

Oh Shannon, the most difficult part is now behind you. I'm wishing your mother speedy recovery. As for you, be strong and positive, I'm sure she needs your strength and energy right now.

Unknown said...

Shannon that is fabulous news about your mum. I hope she continues to do well and you get a chance to talk to her doctor soon. Be nice to you while you are stressed and waiting to make sure mum is okay - g

Marji said...

It's so wonderful to hear that she's doing well. It can be so frightening to see all those tubes and monitors.
Know that you have a lot of support and well-wishes and prayers coming your way, and hers.

Emily said...

Hang in there! My mom had a brain tumor a couple of years ago, and it was so intense and scary. It sounds like your mom is safely on her way to recovery, and I wish her and the rest of your family all the best in the next few weeks.

Summerset said...

That's great news! I hope she continues to progress and recovers enough to be without all the tubing, wires and lights.

Lori said...

Wonderful news! I wish her a speedy and full recovery.

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear it went well. I will continue to pray for you and your mom.

Lisette M said...

Wonderful to hear your mom is doing well. My father had similar surgery, but in our case the tumor was malignant. My best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Anonymous said...

Shannon, thank goodness! LONG SIGH!

Best wishes for a quick recovery for your mom!! Carla

Vicki said...

Shannon, I hope your mother continues to improve. I am glad you are sharing this with us so we can pray along with you.

Tany said...

I'm glad everything went well and I hope she will continue to get better, Shannon.

Linda L said...

Shannon, this sounds like your Mom is doing very well. You have been in my thoughts and I am glad to read that she has use in her hand again and was alert and responsive. That sounds like good news. Best wishes.