ANA Discussion Forum
Archive => Archives => Topic started by: chelsmom on June 24, 2006, 09:11:12 am
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Chelsea cleared a major hurdle today. She had surgery to implant her shunt (brain drain) internally. This surgery was problematical because of swelling, breathing, and infection issues over the last few days. Yesterday it was determined to go ahead with the procedure. Scheduled to go to surgery at 6:30 a.m. she finally rolled out the door at 7:45. The surgeon, Dr. Bergschneider, another world renowned physician (Chelsea has been so fortunate with her amazing doctors) came out to the waiting room at 9:45 to announce success. He was chuckling at an episode he had witnessed that is typical Chelsea. Because she is on aided breathing, they put her on a temporary device while transporting her to surgery. It consists of a kind of bellows, a football size heavy plastic balloon that a, in this case male, nurse has to repeatedly squeeze to force air into her lungs. While waiting to go into surgery she expressed exasperation and disgust at the nurse with her eyes. She gave the hands down waving signal indicating to slow down! He didn't get it so she grabbed the device and started squeezing it at her own pace. He looked dumbfounded and just let her do it. She was squeezing away at this thing when the surgeon came to her bedside. He told us in 20 years of doing surgery here he had never seen anyone self-ventilate. All I can think is that it's a good thing she was unconscious during surgery or she probably would have had an opinion in there as well.
With each surgery she loses more hair but gains more ground. The tube running from the top of her head is now gone. The goal is for her to lose the ventilating tube in her throat tomorrow or Sunday. All her vital signs are good. Her heart rate is now consistently in the 50's. Her breathing is still labored on it's own but fine when aided. Her right eye still doesn't track to the right. I'm concerned about her swallow function when she loses the tube. The next surgery on Friday the 30th is going to be tricky given the location of remaining tumor tissue. However, we remain confident that everything will work out. With your prayers and Chelsea's feistiness, all hurdles will be cleared just as today's was.
Returning the love we feel from you,
George, Michelle, Chase, and Chelsea
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Helo to Chelsea's family. We haven't officially "met" but I have been following your daughter's story and think about her often. I love the visual of her ventilating herself and can imagine that if they didn't put her out she would probably try to operate on herself! That kind of spunk is just what she needs to get through this and get back to life!
I am keeping my fingers crossed that she continues to improve and all goes well!
Best wishes!
Amy
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Well our Chelsea is certainly one very strong, independent and determined young lady. Way to go!!!!ÂÂ
Even though she has another hurdle on June 30th, it certainly sounds like she has made incredible progress since last week and I believe she will continue to amaze everyone.
She is in everyone's prayers and please know we are here if you need anything.
Thank you for the update and sending you a hug!
Cheryl
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chelsmom:
Wow! Your girl is quite a fighter. Good for her!
Our prayers are with you both.
Jim
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Wow what a wonderful story of strength! You're daughter is a fighter and spunky which will carry her far!! Thanks for keeping us in the loop! Give her a thumbs up for me. I'm keeping your family in my prayers and as I found out today God does work in mysterious ways! I met a guy for a job prospect for months down the road who's wife also needs help with bookkeeping which is what I'm hoping to get trained to do since I can no longer teach. They are both wonderful people who happen to be doing a home based study group from my pastor from texas. I've been in Fl for 5 years now and only briefly lived in texas....Very short readers digest version of this story but just goes to show prayers works! Power of postive thought.
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WOW, I'm amazed at your daughter’s strength and perseverance. I think she is going to get through all of this just fine.
My prayers are with you during this time.
nip
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It's great to hear that chelsea is such a fighter. You guys will continually be in our prayers.
Take care,
Lynn
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I feel better getting that update. Chelsea has what it takes ! Please tell her we're thinking of her thru all of this. Chris often asks about Chelsea. Positive thoughts and prayers coming your way.
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Prayers for you and your family, Chelsea sounds like she has an amazing strength, she is an inspiration. Looking forward to reading about
a successful recovery for her.
Blessings sent your way,
Suzan
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Great news!! Inspirational!!
Paul
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chelseasmom... what a true trooper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please give her huggles from me and tell her to keep fighting the good fight! Amazing! What an inspiration and a pillar of courage and strength! Those genes must come from the maternal side! :) Pat yourself on the back for raising an amazing daughter! :)
xo
Phyllis