ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: Kathy M on January 13, 2009, 10:49:32 am
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Hi everyone! This is Kathy's daughter Kristin, some of you might remember me from my posts when we first started this looong journey.
In the wee hours of the morning, my family and I packed up our belongings, checked out of the hotel that we stayed last night, and came to the hospital. My mom was prepped for surgery, stuck with iv's (one in her arterie, one in the vein which really hurt her because her veins are so tiny) then wheeled her into the OR, of course not without or hugs and kisses first!
We were given a buzzer (like the kind you get at restaurants that buzz when your table is ready) to notify us when we will be receiving an update. The first update came from Dr. Tew himself. At 8:30am he came out to the waiting area and introduced himself to the family, and told us she went under anesthesia just fine and everything is going swimmingly. Then we received a phone call from the front desk at around 10:45am to let us know that the surgery is going just as anticipated and again everything is going well.
We are probably going to go grab some lunch at the deli downstairs now. We have been playing cards and talking and laughing the whole time! Of course we are all a little anxious and awaiting our next update, but mostly we are all in high spirits. My dads two brothers and sister are here as our support group, and the pastor of our church even showed up! We are surrounded by so much love it is hard to be upset.
Fun little surprise: it turns out my dads cousin works at the hospital, and requested that a particular anesthesiologist be the one to put my mom "under"! He is extremely talented and we all feel so good that he is the one to be doing the job!
Also, when we got to the hotel, the principal of the school that my dad teaches at had already paid for our room :)
All of these gestures have made us all feel so blessed and fortunate that we have such a great support group.
And just for the record, I wanted to sincerely thank you all for your love and support throughout this entire thing. My mom has been talking about everyone non stop! You all have given her so much comfort knowing that she is not alone in this, that she is not the only one that has been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, and most importantly, that there is life after surgery.
I get teary thinking of how much you all mean to her, you are our family now, and I've always loved a big family, so what's one or two more members??
I will be keeping you updated, and I'm sorry if this post has been choppy and I've been rambling...I'm running on empty as far as sleep is concerned and there is so much that I want to tell you I just don't know where to start!
Keep praying, it's working!
More Later and lots of love,
Kristin :)
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Thank you for the update - will be checking frequently for more good news.
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I'm glad all is going well. Please keep us updated as we will keep you and your mom on our minds.
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Thanks for the update! just sent a prayer and hope for a speedy recovery. Please let her know that people all over the country are thinking of her. Keep us updated. From Fellow ANers' of Florida!!! :)
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Hi Kristin!
Thank you for taking the time to keep us updated. I'm so glad to hear everything is going well and it sounds like mom has lots of support!
That is so sweet that your hotel room was paid for! There are just wonderful, generous people all over! And what a great way to help out your family - much better than a fruit basket, if you ask me! :D
Hope the day goes by quickly for you - waiting is sooo hard.
Can't wait to hear it's all over and she's on the road to recovery!
Lori
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Thanks for the update. This is the hardest part for the family and friends. So, just hang together and tough. I'm confident things will go very well as expected. Update us when you can. Having the room paid for in advance by someone else was a great surprise! You'll find that there are many who help along the way and in unexpected ways.
Regards,
Brian
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I have had your mom and your family in my prayers today. I am glad all is going well. Your information will help me and my family prepare for next Tuesday!
Jill
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Kristin -
thank you SO much for the update. I've been thinking of your mom today.
When she's awake enough to remember things, please tell her I send my best and can't wait for her first post op PM to me.
Jan
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Kristin~
Hope the day is moving right along...maybe the surgery is even over now. I hope that everything continues to go well - I know it will!
You are all in my prayers!
K :)
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Hi Kristin -
Just thought I'd take a break from sending prayers and positive energy to your mom long enough to say "Thanks" for keeping us all updated. Tell your mom that her other family is worrying about her, okay?
Debbi
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Kristin...thanks for the update. Your mom is lucky to have such a great support system around her. I know it will be a big relief when the surgery is over, but I'm confident all will go well. Give her our best wishes, and you guys all take care of yourselves as well.
Patrick
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Thank you for the update - - family if sooooo' important to those of us going through this surgery - our blood family and our AN family - - I am looking forward to hearing that your mom had a very successful outcome - as we all did!
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my prayers are with your mom and teh whole family
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Sending postive energy your way!
You sound like a loving daughter. I have three daughters and can't tell you how much I appreciated the love and support from them while I was healing.
Your mother needs you and there you are... big warm hugs to the great caregivers in our lives.
Michelle :-*