Wednesday, November 21, 2012

fun facts about Laurie's brain surgery

I will be having surgery, next Tuesday, November 27.

The exact time is to be confirmed but I will be going to the hospital very early in the am. The operating room is booked for seven hours but some of that time will be bringing me in and out of the anesthesia (I'm guessing at this because the surgeon estimated the procedure would be five hours long).

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If you don't want to know the gory details, I understand completely. Why don't you go over to Frivolity? It's a much for fun place. Come back any time you like.

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I will have six different tubes in me in various places in my body. This will be uncomfortable when I wake up.

Surgery to the back of the head is sometimes done with the patient sitting up. I don't know if my surgeon will choose to do it this way.

He will have to cut through my neck muscles to get to the cerebellum.
You can read about the rest of the steps in this very helpful article from Johns Hopkins. The biggest difference is my bone will be tossed and replaced with wire mesh to avoid infection. You shouldn't be able to tell - it won't feel very meshy from the outside.

My surgeon does what his colleagues laughingly call a "California hair cut." He spent time at Stanford University, where they treat many celebrities and try to shave as little hair as possible. It will be nice not to be bald again (also, this makes me like my surgeon even more).

I think I would have liked a few more days to prepare and nest but I'm very relieved to have a date and to be moving forward.

15 comments:

bibliogrrl said...

I'll be keeping you and your house full of guys in my thoughts (as I've been ever since this all started).

<3 from Chicago.

laurie said...

Thanks so, so much.

The Maven said...

Oh, honey.... Big day on Tuesday, huh? I'll be thinking of you and yours. ((((hugs))))

I'll be in touch privately to ask about how I can help. And I WILL help in any way you need. I'm local and have a flexible schedule and I'm hoping by now that you don't think I'm very creepy (just a little creepy). Use me.

laurie said...

I don't think you're even the tiniest bit creepy, Maven. - and thank you!

deb said...

You will be surrounded by I incredibly competent doctors and incredibly supportive friends to help you every step of the way. Xo

Babz Rawls Ivy said...

Holding you in prayer...(for me)

I have no worries for you. You are Amazing and you will be fine.

Behave! Do as they say and be FABULOUS!

laurie said...

I love you all. I really do.

Anonymous said...

Tuesday. Got it. I'll be thinking of and praying for you and checking Facebook for updates constantly.

Hugs!

G. said...

Wishing you the best success Laurie. I truly hope everything goes as best as is possible.

Ann said...

Whatever you face you remain inspiational. Will be thinking of you on Tuesday. Hang on in there and look forward to lots of frivolity. Ax

sassymonkey said...

You and your boys will be in my thoughts, as you all always are. But they'll be EXTRA SPECIAL happy brain thoughts on Tuesday.

Lene said...

I'll be spending Tuesday sending vibes to Ottawa: brilliance for your surgeon and handholds for you, Tim and the boys.

Remember: it's a 3.

ElisaC said...

Good luck Tuesday, will be thinking of you.

Delaney said...

I'll be thinking of you on Tues! BTW, I did ask my oncologist (Dr. Sunil Verma) his opinion on my last visit, and his first response was Cyberknife, with WBR being at the bottom of his choices. But of course he doesn't know your exact medical info...Sounds like you have a great plan in place!

Blondie said...

This sounds super scary, but I am excited for the moving forward AND the awesome mesh. Love you, honey!!