Well it is still there and still growing. Today I visited the Ear Nose and Throat specialist (ENT) that will navigate through the nose and sinuses, probably only 4-5 inches.
Dr. Child seems to know what he is doing. He is very smart he graduated Magna cum Laude from theU of U. And he has done this a number of times before.
He did a CT scan and got a good look at the sinus work I had done a few years ago. He thinks the nasal approach will be just fine. He also said it appears that the tumor has broken through the sella, a boney covering that fronts the pituitary gland. They have to break through it anyway to get to the tumor. It's just an indicator of the size. They won't have any trouble finding the thing now.
So, it is all go for the 15th. at the new hospital in SLC. Pat calls it the "behemoth." It is scheduled for 7:30 am, although I have to be there at 5:30--that is early! That means I have to leave home about 4 a.m. UGH!
Although the after care is sounding a little more difficult than I originally imagined. I plan on putting the time in the hospital to good use, recovering. no projects, no journal articles. I will most likely not return to Logan until Monday (sorry guys, I will not be able to help with the Ward outside spring clean-up) after I see the ENT and get the sinus packing removed. Just the thoughts of that gives me the shivers. Face it, this is not a tonsillectomy. and I am not 8 years old.
But the future "looks" bright and clear!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Oh for my Chair!
The weekend was nice. Dave and Lexy stayed and watched conference with us and I got to enjoy seeing Noah's first walk down the runway. Saturday night Granny bought us Kentucky Fried Chicken. It's been a long time since I had KFC and it was so nice not to have to cook!
Beck and girls came over for the morning session. She brought yummy cookies. (thanks!) The kids got to play a little it was fun for them I think. After they left Noah kept walking around calling "Ella, Ella." He missed her. but it was nap time for Mia and Noah.
Dinner on Sunday was kind of a fiasco. the second box of Fettuccine Alfredo was a little old, it had bugs in it. When I added it to the stuff in the pot already, well I ruined both of them. While trying toi fish out the exoskeletons, which I could hardly see, the meat started to burn. I had to dump out the noodles and sauce and ended up washing the frying pan three times before we got to sit down to eat.
But that wasn't why I was ready to cry all the way through dinner--I held it together pretty good hoping it was the hormones. However just before dinner Lexy noticed there was only one rocking chair on my porch. I know there were two there yesterday. I remember looking at them while I was visiting with Shelly from next door. I was anxious for spring and returning to the play and visiting on the front porch. But one of my chairs was gone. We looked around the yard and asked Pat if he'd put one in the garage or something. But NO, the chair is gone.
I wanted those chairs for a very long time. I really enjoyed those rocking chairs. Why would someone steal my rocking chair? It makes me so sad! why pick on me? A rocking chair is not a necessity of life. They just took it because they could. I know they had no idea how hard it would be on me, at least I hope they don't know. I am just so very sad. Stealing is just not nice! I guess I am just going to have to find a way to chain everything down.
But if you happen to see a white rocking chair just sitting around somewhere it doesn't belong, let me know. I would be happy to identify it. I would offer a reward if I weren't trying to figure out how I am going to save enough money up to buy a new one.
Beck and girls came over for the morning session. She brought yummy cookies. (thanks!) The kids got to play a little it was fun for them I think. After they left Noah kept walking around calling "Ella, Ella." He missed her. but it was nap time for Mia and Noah.
Dinner on Sunday was kind of a fiasco. the second box of Fettuccine Alfredo was a little old, it had bugs in it. When I added it to the stuff in the pot already, well I ruined both of them. While trying toi fish out the exoskeletons, which I could hardly see, the meat started to burn. I had to dump out the noodles and sauce and ended up washing the frying pan three times before we got to sit down to eat.
But that wasn't why I was ready to cry all the way through dinner--I held it together pretty good hoping it was the hormones. However just before dinner Lexy noticed there was only one rocking chair on my porch. I know there were two there yesterday. I remember looking at them while I was visiting with Shelly from next door. I was anxious for spring and returning to the play and visiting on the front porch. But one of my chairs was gone. We looked around the yard and asked Pat if he'd put one in the garage or something. But NO, the chair is gone.
I wanted those chairs for a very long time. I really enjoyed those rocking chairs. Why would someone steal my rocking chair? It makes me so sad! why pick on me? A rocking chair is not a necessity of life. They just took it because they could. I know they had no idea how hard it would be on me, at least I hope they don't know. I am just so very sad. Stealing is just not nice! I guess I am just going to have to find a way to chain everything down.
But if you happen to see a white rocking chair just sitting around somewhere it doesn't belong, let me know. I would be happy to identify it. I would offer a reward if I weren't trying to figure out how I am going to save enough money up to buy a new one.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Thursday's visit to the neurosurgeon and the view from here
I went to see the surgeon today. Surprise, surprise, we need yet another specialist. I thought neurosurgeons could do anything. Reallyb all they have to do is decide whether they can go in through the nose--the most common approach--or have to go through my "thick" skull. I may have too much scar tissue to go in the easy way he wants the Ears,Nose and Throat surgical guy to help get through the nose and sinuses. The alternative more invasive over the eyes they want to avoid if possible. I just want it done now. All the waiting around makes me nervous. Too much time to think about the possible drawbacks. Besides waiting means I lose more of my vision, which now they tell me they cannot promise I will get back. and more headaches.
I have never been very good at waiting, I just like to get things done and move on. I guess I will just try and stay busy and out of trouble--no more falling down. . .. Either way the surgery is schedulad for the 15th.
The good side is I get to celebrate Easter. I love Easter. We have never had the Easter Bunny in our house, candy and new clothes but no Bunny. I almost always go to John's grave for sunrise and recite my mantra: As surely as the sun arose this Easter morning, the Son of God did rise on that first Easter morning, and my son too will rise and we will be together again.
There is no holiday more important than Easter. To have the knowledge that "Death is conqured, man is free, Christ has won the victory" There is nothing more important or glorious than the hope we gain through Jesus Christ and the atonement.
May we all enjoy general conference and prepare for a glorious Easter.
We have so much to be grateful for!
I have never been very good at waiting, I just like to get things done and move on. I guess I will just try and stay busy and out of trouble--no more falling down. . .. Either way the surgery is schedulad for the 15th.
The good side is I get to celebrate Easter. I love Easter. We have never had the Easter Bunny in our house, candy and new clothes but no Bunny. I almost always go to John's grave for sunrise and recite my mantra: As surely as the sun arose this Easter morning, the Son of God did rise on that first Easter morning, and my son too will rise and we will be together again.
There is no holiday more important than Easter. To have the knowledge that "Death is conqured, man is free, Christ has won the victory" There is nothing more important or glorious than the hope we gain through Jesus Christ and the atonement.
May we all enjoy general conference and prepare for a glorious Easter.
We have so much to be grateful for!
today the surgeon
So, the day has finally arrived, today we meet with the neurosurgeon. I know it's only been a few days, but it seems like forever. I want to have this over with but I also wonder if I really know what I am getting into. I know a lot of things can go wrong but if I allow myself to think about all that. I could just dissolve into a blubbering mass. That would help no one, especially my family.
I went to Enrichment last night, it was fun and good to see so many sisters attend. We had just under 40 show up. We learned how to make yummy chocolate creme Easter eggs. Which of course, we had to dip into chocolate and decorate! There were two humanitarian service projects to work on as well.
The only bad part was clean-up. Thanks to so many willing helpers it wasn't that bad, I really just watched for the most part. But, I hate that big mop and bucket! I think we may have to invest in a swifer sweeper. I just love having such good people around! Thanks!
I went to Enrichment last night, it was fun and good to see so many sisters attend. We had just under 40 show up. We learned how to make yummy chocolate creme Easter eggs. Which of course, we had to dip into chocolate and decorate! There were two humanitarian service projects to work on as well.
The only bad part was clean-up. Thanks to so many willing helpers it wasn't that bad, I really just watched for the most part. But, I hate that big mop and bucket! I think we may have to invest in a swifer sweeper. I just love having such good people around! Thanks!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Life this week
Life is very busy this week. I assume you know all about the mess in my brain. I can't remember who I told or know who told who. I don't really care. The truth beats gossip any day and a few more prayers in my behalf could not hurt.
Anyway. Tuesday I have eye tests and a visit to radiology. I also have a couple of letters to write and a few more people to visit and some last minute phone calls to make--if I can find them.
Wednesday we have Relief Society enrichment-which will not take all day but needs to be remembered. Since it will just be the first of April I doubt we will have all the info we need to do the computer work by then. Of course I know we are limited by the supervisors and they are limited by the VTs themselves. Nobody's fault, just the facts of life.
Thursday I go to SLC and meet with the surgeon and find out the where and when and how all this will take place. The surgery will most likely take place next Tuesday. Right now I would just as soon have it over with and be on the mending end but all things in good time.
That leaves my VT coordinator and me Friday to get the Visit Teaching into the computer. The ward clerk reminded me on Sunday that we need to get it in early because it is the end of the quarter and thus a reporting month.
Too much info eh? Oh well, there you've got it, my life in a blog. :) But you know, I would rather be busy than sitting around worrying about the future. Although the worrying is coming more easily these days. I could clean the house but, that is just not high on my priority list right now. Maybe Saturday between Conference sessions, maybe next Monday, maybe not.
Be happy, stay busy and do some good!.
Anyway. Tuesday I have eye tests and a visit to radiology. I also have a couple of letters to write and a few more people to visit and some last minute phone calls to make--if I can find them.
Wednesday we have Relief Society enrichment-which will not take all day but needs to be remembered. Since it will just be the first of April I doubt we will have all the info we need to do the computer work by then. Of course I know we are limited by the supervisors and they are limited by the VTs themselves. Nobody's fault, just the facts of life.
Thursday I go to SLC and meet with the surgeon and find out the where and when and how all this will take place. The surgery will most likely take place next Tuesday. Right now I would just as soon have it over with and be on the mending end but all things in good time.
That leaves my VT coordinator and me Friday to get the Visit Teaching into the computer. The ward clerk reminded me on Sunday that we need to get it in early because it is the end of the quarter and thus a reporting month.
Too much info eh? Oh well, there you've got it, my life in a blog. :) But you know, I would rather be busy than sitting around worrying about the future. Although the worrying is coming more easily these days. I could clean the house but, that is just not high on my priority list right now. Maybe Saturday between Conference sessions, maybe next Monday, maybe not.
Be happy, stay busy and do some good!.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Medical update as of Sunday
Perhaps this is not the place to put this info but I will anyway.
The Doctor was great! Pat drove me down and Mary, our family medical consultant, met us there.
Not only was the doctor there but he had a nurse to draw blood for lots more tests and the lab was also staffed so they could get started on the tests. i should get the results on Monday he said.
Meanwhile, the doctor informed us that the tumor is approximately the size of a walnut and had almost totally encompassed the carotid artery and is pressing on the optic nerve. these are almost never cancerous! It needs to be removed and the sooner the better. I will have to see the surgeon as soon as possible this week (another trip to the big city) and then it will be scheduled. The doctor hopes by the end of the week.
We are frankly excited. I cannot wait to see again! The kids "want their mother back." Pat, of course is worried, but satisfied that the doctor knows what he is doing. I think we are all a little worried but dwelling on it just makes it worse. The after math, trying to balance the hormones involved will not be fun but the whole idea of normalcy is overwhelming.
I've got a lot of good helpers in the Relief Society and I am sure they will very competently take over.
Life goes on and we are so very blessed to live ina time and place where the medical knowledge and services are available. Even more Pat is employed and we have insurance to help cover the costs.
When I know the time and place I will let you know, probably via email. Love ya lots and lots and lots!
The Doctor was great! Pat drove me down and Mary, our family medical consultant, met us there.
Not only was the doctor there but he had a nurse to draw blood for lots more tests and the lab was also staffed so they could get started on the tests. i should get the results on Monday he said.
Meanwhile, the doctor informed us that the tumor is approximately the size of a walnut and had almost totally encompassed the carotid artery and is pressing on the optic nerve. these are almost never cancerous! It needs to be removed and the sooner the better. I will have to see the surgeon as soon as possible this week (another trip to the big city) and then it will be scheduled. The doctor hopes by the end of the week.
We are frankly excited. I cannot wait to see again! The kids "want their mother back." Pat, of course is worried, but satisfied that the doctor knows what he is doing. I think we are all a little worried but dwelling on it just makes it worse. The after math, trying to balance the hormones involved will not be fun but the whole idea of normalcy is overwhelming.
I've got a lot of good helpers in the Relief Society and I am sure they will very competently take over.
Life goes on and we are so very blessed to live ina time and place where the medical knowledge and services are available. Even more Pat is employed and we have insurance to help cover the costs.
When I know the time and place I will let you know, probably via email. Love ya lots and lots and lots!
On the radio
Evidently one of my blog entries, Code Words and Meanings, was picked up and used in a national radio show this weekend. The host left a message informing me. I wanted to check it out so here is the link to the Radio show: http://www.waywordradio.org/ I thought it might be a hoax but no. Isn't that interesting. I am even quoted on the front page as of Sunday.
I guess that means they also quoted me quoting Ella.
It's a small world with the internet.
I guess that means they also quoted me quoting Ella.
It's a small world with the internet.
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