Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Feel free to share this site with whomever you think might be interested. Thank you for visiting.
As most of you know, I was diagnosed with a benign epidermoid brain tumor in 2009 and had 2 subsequent surgeries (2009,2013). While the tumor is benign, it regrows and takes up space in my skull, putting pressure on important structures, with the potential to cause irreparable damage. My follow up MRI last Sept showed growth. and I was beginning to have headaches again.
My second surgery left me with some facial and hearing deficits, so after that I researched who would be the best surgeon if I ever needed surgery again. (Which I was determined that I wouldn’t ). That search lead me to Dr Takanori Fukushima at Duke and WakeMed in Raleigh NC. Every surgery has risks and this one risks further damage to cranial nerves, affecting facial movements, vision, balance and left sided strength.
My upcoming surgery is at WakeMed on Tuesday, March 9th. Marsh and I have rented an AirBNB in Raleigh for 10 days, then We have rented an apartment in Charlotte so we can be nearer medical care and good restaurants while I convalesce. ;)
Please keep me in your prayers for a successful surgery, wise, gentle handed doctors and strength for my family. I think this is harder on them than it is me. xoxo
