Sunday, May 27, 2012

The Time Has Come!


Well, this is it!  The surgical procedure I have been dreaming of receiving for nearly three years is coming to me next Monday, June 4th, 6am at the Facial Nerve Center, Boston Eye and Ear Infirmary by Dr. Tessa Hadlock.  I am nervous, but also excited, and emotional (poor Adam) because I don't really know what to expect to see on my face.  But, then again, things can only get better.  I mean, I have no movement in my right cheek right now, so the surgery is kind of a no-brainer.  I am on the up-and-up! :)

Anyway, I think I have explained the process of surgeries before, but I will re-iterate.  I have already had a nerve grafted from my leg, then placed into my cheek.  This surgery entails taking a chunk of muscle from my thigh and placing it into my cheek hooking up the nerves and other tissues.  I will also be receiving a mini face lift where my nostril will be opened a little and my mouth lifted a bit.  I should see spontaneous/emotional movement within two months with improvement up to two years or so.


Baby Robin, 1 week old, in our bushes. So sweet!
So, I will have great company coming along with me on this journey.  The lovely Mama Marlene and sweet Cousin Holly.  They are super fun, supportive, and easy going.  Did I mention they get along great?  There are so many museums to visit, along with historical tours, great Architecture, and of course the Hospital I hear is AMAZING! :)  I am happy to have a posse of two to stick up for me while I am stuck in what I hope will be a great stay, with lovely nurses.  Maybe that means that I need to think positively, right? :)  I wish Adam, my husband, was coming with us, but he is in the midst of a crazy trimester in law school, so I'd rather he stay and get through school.
So, if you would like an update on how my surgery goes, I will have my Mom or Adam post here.  Should the surgery go smoothly (9hrs), an update should be up by the 6pm or so, east coast time.

Toot-a-loo! Thanks for all of your positive thoughts

Monday, May 14, 2012

Yay!

Cinco de Smile was a blast!  Thank you each and every person who attended or contributed in some way, shape, or form.  What a pleasant day filled with positive vibes.  I actually forgot that I had paralysis for the day and it was an amazing feeling.  After my next surgical procedure, I will most likely be able to have that wonderfull feeling everyday... Oh geez!  Of course, the healing and swelling will take a while to resume normalcy (apparently 2 months), but then I hope to be able to march back into life feeling confident....  Please!!! I hope!  Thanks again to all of you for your loving thoughts, prayers, words, and actions.