Thursday, April 27, 2017

Seven Years Already?

Yesterday was two months post surgery, a whopping sixty days. How is that possible? It feels like forever.

Major accomplishments include tying my shoes, putting earrings on (first time took 45 min, but I didn't give up), and most recently learning how to use scissor - that was two days ago. Still trying to master singing the alphabet, and handwritten word, among other triumphs.

I am stubborn, and continue to feed myself, and have dabbled with some makeup incidents. Needless to say, we had to get a new stain remover - we temporary brought in the big guns - for our carpet, all my clothes, and the wall. Oops.

I'm exhausted every day, but that makes sense, I'm recovering from brain surgery. (Even when I say it in my head, it doesn't seem real.) 

I stopped getting on to social media weeks ago (but am planning on posting this). I'm horrible about texting, emailing, and all forms of communication. I just don't have the energy. I really appreciate your understanding. 

On a side note for brain surgery friends, have you ever had a lymph node in the neck swell up after your craniotomy? We've been tracking one for over a month. It's hard, and not painful. It's about the size of a peach bit. My surgeon says that if it doesn't go away, or if it gets bigger, I need to get it checked out. Boo. I've never had this happen. I'm hoping it's a random immune response, but it is also scary. 

With all this stuff going on, trying to recover, and monitoring that blob in my neck. I'm just focusing on baby steps. And breathing. And books on tape. And not gripping my fork like Encino Man
. 

Fun Fact: Today 7 years ago, I had my first brain tumor resection! (And now I'm four deep!)

I really look forward to feeling capable of daily life. And writing my own name. For now, I think I'll go take a little nap.


Another favorite milestone was when Dan cut my hair for me last week.
He even added in some layers. Ha! 

15 comments:

  1. I was wanting to text you last night (and not wanting to because I want to respect your privacy)because I hadn't see a trace of you online and I got nervous! I'm happy to see your post today and know you are doing ok!

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  2. I am so glad to see this post Jess! You've been on my mind, but I didn't want to "bother" you while you're re-learning the alphabet. Let me know if you want me to drop by and sing a few rounds in harmony with you. Love and Kisses to you and Dan.

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  3. Thank you Jessie... you are an inspiration as usual and such a sweetheart. No wonder Danny loves you so much. Mary and I love you both. all the best peace and prayers. Smithy

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  4. Ahhh, so wonderful to read your words. Yes, rest and low stress will heal it all a day at a time. Miss seeing you on the morning walk when your ready it will be beyond ❤️ lovely, beautiful, exciting, fun to see you.

    Xoxoxoxoxo

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  5. Yes, so wonderful to hear from you. Rest and healing and doing what is best for you :-) Thank you for letting everyone know how you are doing. We think of you daily.
    Continued prayers and thoughts to you and your sweet Dan. Wow, a hair cut by Dan and layers too :-) :-)

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  6. Sending prayers and healing thoughts to you my gbm worrier ������You have always been such a inspiration for me since my first dx. Sadly to say the beast is back...I'm heading to radiation and chemo. Again I will fight this all the way! Sending love and light to you! ������ you can see a picture of our Dr. Liau and I on my listagram lainesm ~she herself is a beaming light of hope ��

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  7. I've been thinking about and praying for you !!! I am glad you are getting rest....and taking baby steps !!!! God bless you...little angel !!

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  8. Just tried to call you, just to leave a message to let you know I was thinking of you, but your mailbox is full. ;) So glad to read that you are settling in back at home. I can't believe the amazing progress you have already made. However, I really shouldn't be surprised. You are so strong and determined. Thinking of you always and sending positive thoughts your way.
    Lots of Love,
    Jess

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  9. maegan@healthline.comMay 4, 2017 at 12:37 AM

    Hi Jessica,

    Healthline would like to congratulate you on making our list of the Best Cancer Blogs of 2017!

    Our editors carefully selected the most up-to-date, informative, and inspiring blogs that aim to uplift their readers through education and personal stories. We’re glad to have you on the list!

    We’ve created a badge that you can embed on your site to let your readers know about your win. The embed code is at the link below.

    Winners list: http://www.healthline.com/health/best-cancer-blogs-of-the-year
    Badge to embed: http://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/best-blogs-badge-2015

    If you have any questions or need help embedding the badge, feel free to be in touch. Congratulations and keep up the great blogging!

    Warmly,
    Maegan

    --
    Maegan Jones | Content Coordinator
    Healthline
    Your most trusted ally in pursuit of health and well-being

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi, Jessica. I have just recently started reading your blog after learning of my own cancer diagnosis. First, I want to say what an inspiration you are! You have accomplished some miraculous things! I'm sure that this is due to your amazing positive attitude and fighting spirit I see evident in all your posts! Keep going, Jessica, you have come so far! I heard a song recently that made me think of you (weird, I know, but your journey as I said has touched and inspired me). The song is called, "Comeback" I think, by Danny Gokey. Look it up and have a listen. I felt strongly pulled to share this with you and I believe it is because your comeback is coming, Jessica! Keep the faith and stay strong! I am praying for continued and complete healing ahead for you!

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  11. Thanks to Healthline for turning me on to your blog and thanks to you for creating this amazing forum for sharing. I had an experience with a group of twenty-two cancer patients & survivors that offers hope and healing for all those affected by the disease. We worked with UCLA and a one-of-a-kind non-profit, We Are Ocean. I wanted to reach out to you about this inspiring story because I think it might be helpful for you as well as for your readers. Please let me know how I can best get you more details. Sincerely, Richard Yelland Director, Curtis Birch richardy@curtisbirch.com

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  12. Hey Jess, just checking in. Hope you are feeling better! So much live going your way. Hugs.

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  13. Love you pretty lady 💗🙏🏻💗 Stay strong & continue to drop us a line via your blog once in awhile. ☀️

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  14. Jessica, I'm just another fan rooting for you. I'm involved in the brain tumor community, and I have referred many people to your blog for information. I know your determination and resourcefulness have inspired others to fight the good fight. Funny coincidence -- I was a patient of Dr. Chang years ago for a smaller but chronic health issue. I now refer brain tumor patients to him as well. I will continue to pray for your complete recovery. With hearfelt blessings, Caroline from New Jersey

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