Eye and Facial Nerve Updates



January 2011-eye is better



Hi!  It has been a while and I have been busy with my medical appointments, cooking, art, research and practice on environmentally friendly living, healthy living, running, crafting, sewing and spending time with Adam and Oliver.  



my newest 100% recycled art

Now that I have been accepted to Medicare, I am able to visit some great Dr's at The University of Michigan.  The system is highly reputable, so I am stoked to have such knowledgeable people helping me out with my brain, nerves, face, and eye.  In fact, I had my tear ducts cauterized in my paralyzed eyelid earlier this week.  The process allows moisture to keep my cornea from getting super dry.  It's hurts though... my only complaint.  Otherwise my eye is doing a better job keeping lubricated, so I believe the mission was accomplished.



Other good news!  My 2nd surgery for facial paralysis has been scheduled.  I am excited to announce the date is June 4th, 6am.  It's a minimum 3 night hospital stay, I hear.  I don't really like hospitals though, so we will see.  With my brain surgery, I was out of the hospital in 4 nights and I could not wait.  I was ready to jump out the window for freedom and sanity... :) :)  I guess I am a little antsy sometimes, hence my Miss Piggy reputation, but my husband keeps me in check most of the time.  Unless of course, I listen with my deaf ear ;)



Also, I had an MRI and my little 7mm brain tumor is stable.  No issues with that.  I was told that if it does grow the Dr would like to surgically remove the entire growth instead of radiate it.  He explained that since I have already lost my hearing and facial nerves, there is not anything else that can be affected by surgery.   Radiation on the other hand can have many unknown health issues that could pop up in the remaining 50+ years of my life.

Life has been great otherwise.  Adam and I are still running in this cold weather.  It can be fun when there is snow on the ground because you have more obstacles to bounce around.  I like to think that my running is promoting extra good circulation in my body and nerves.  It must be true because I can already feel the nerve axons growing to the end of my donor nerve.  I was told that things have moved along very quickly... Yes!!  In reality, all I can do is be in excellent health mentally and physically.



back side of my first rag
quilt for Rainee and baby
Mayson due in Feb.



front side of rag quilt:safari

Truthfully, it is a little crazy for me to have so many health issues, but that is how the dice rolls.  At least I am alive and well.  I have to remember that this is just a phase of my life.  

What happens when I get my facial movement back???? :)  I will go crazy in the "happy department" for the rest of my life.  How could I not?  It's the little things that have turned into really big things for me, so I feel that maybe I will appreciate so much more when I can just smile slightly.  For now, I am thankful for a lot of things such as life, love, family, friends, a creative mind, nature, animals, music, health care, and inner happiness.

For Now, JPC