My Brain Tumor - Bill is $62,000.

[beeniesmom]

Wow, just reading this. I'm glad that they were able to remove your tumor. I hope you gain full function in your hand. Hugs.

[Karen]

Even 15 years ago, when I had my brain surgery, the bill was something like $30,000 - all covered by my insurance, thankfully. So I am not surprised it's even more now! Still it is startling to get a bill with such huge numbers on it - even if it's nothing you actually have to pay!

[lizbud]

I was wondering how you were doing. Has the PT been a help in your
use of your hand? Just thought it was time for a general update if you
feel up to it. I do miss your postings & hope all is well with you.

[Laura's Babies]

Yea me too! How are you? Please update us here...

[dukedogsmom]

I'm just now seeing this. I hope your recovery is still moving forward. Would be a scary thing to have experienced.

[Grace]

Thanks for inquiring liz, Laura and Val. Sorry I didn't get to this sooner.

Surgery was 6 weeks ago today, and I saw my surgeon yesterday for a final check. All is well - except for that left hand. Two of the fingers, middle and index, continue to be extremely numb. And if you can't feel it, you don't know what it's doing. This doesn't work too well with typing. I am getting better with that, though. The surgeon feels that I will regain all feeling and normal function in the future.

I had several visits with O.T., and they gave me exercises and activities to do at home. I find that the best thing for me has been to return to my volunteer work in the school library. I started back two weeks ago and it has done wonders for my spirits as well as my hand. I get there and start doing all the stuff, and suddenly realize I'm using my left hand without thinking about it. That's what I need to do.

The staples were removed a month ago, and the scar has really faded. Unless you know where to look, you won't see it. I asked him how big the bone flap was - as big as his hand - Yikes!!

He said I have no restrictions now - can do whatever I want. I'll have another MRI in a year, and an EEG in March. I got put on an anti-convulsant post-op, prophylactically, and if the EEG is clear, I can stop them then.

I still need a nap once in awhile, but basically I'm doing well. Putting on my earrings is still a challenge, as is hooking my bra (hope that's not TMI ??).

I got a copy of the surgery report - I've read things like this for years, but when it's your own . . . . . . .

[Freckles]

Putting on my earrings is still a challenge, as is hooking my bra (hope that's not TMI ??).

I learned this, I think, from Heloise. Put your bra around you, upside down and inside out. So the outside is next to your skin and straps hanging down. Turn it around so the fasteners are in front of you. Should be easier to fasten, if you can see them. Then turn it around so fasteners are in the back, put your hands, then arms through the straps and pull up and over your shoulders. Good luck

Can't help you with the earrings.

[lizbud]

LOL Not TMI at all. re: that problem with the hooks, just wanted to
say that that's what husbands are for. It's great that you can get back
out for volunteering again. Thanks for updating us.

[anna_66]

Grace it's nice to hear that your working and feeling so much better!

[phesina]

That's great news, Grace. So nice to learn how well you're doing!

Are you up for some coffee at Bearclaw any time soon?

Pat

[dukedogsmom]

Glad to hear things are improving! Having good spirits are really important in healing. Sounds like the library job is just what you need