WalkerPad

Ah, what can I say about this past year? It’s almost over? We survived? This past year has been a lesson in patience. We have taken a few punches and rolled with them all. I remember this time last year, looking forward to the end of the year. I was finally done with my arm and wrist surgery. It looked like I was going to return to work and everything was going our way. 2006 was going to be my year.

I made it to January 5! That is when I got the news about the swollen optic nerve and my eye doctor gave me a prescription for an MRI. I didn’t even make it a week before they had found the brain tumor. Griffon and I spent two weeks wondering if the tumor would be operable, and if it wasn’t, how long I would have before the tumor caused major (if not mortal) damage. I remember asking my doctor if I would make it to Christmas, and she said she couldn’t say. My first thought was, I better get my Christmas shopping done early!

This February 8 will be the one year anniversary of my operation. So far all of my follow-up MRI’s (and there have been many) have all been clear and my recovery has been “above average.” Yes, I have always been an over-achiever. I was also very fortunate to have my mother come and stay with me for almost three months. She was the reason I was able to rehabilitate at home and did not have to go to a care facility. And let’s face it, no one takes care of you like your mom.

I am now back at work two days a week. I am team-teaching second grade at my school and am still in my classroom. The staff has been warm and welcoming and reaffirms everyday how lucky I am to work with them. I have been able to gain about 85% of my speech and can walk without a cane. I still go to physical therapy twice a week to work on balance and strength. My vision has improved with prisms on my glasses and I can drive myself- yeah! It is exhausting to do so much, but I see improvements all the time.
The future looks good. My brain has completely healed from the surgery and I have a groovy scar down my neck. We will continue to have scans every 3-4 months to watch for tumor regrowth ( a real potential, unfortunately) and decide what to do when, and if, that happens. For now, we cherish everyday together and I lavish attention and love on Kaily- just in case she needs a little more.

I am quite sure that 2007 is going to be my year!