April’s Story

Site created on November 29, 2016

The past few months April has been doctoring for ear pain, vision changes, light sensitivity and headaches. After many trips to the doctor and many tests we found out that April has a cyst-like liaison on her brain. So we scheduled the first available appointment we could with a neurosurgeon in Grand Forks, which was Friday December 2nd. However, her headaches continued to get worse. This past weekend she had a super bad headache so we took her to the Grand Forks ER. After reviewing her chart and her test results the Grand Forks doctors felt she needed to get to the Children's Hospital in Minneapolis asap. So April and Mike were flown to Minneapolis and I was driven there by Mike's parents. Initially we were told they were going to operate as soon as they arrived. But after the doctors reviewed her case, they felt it would be in her best interest to learn more about the cyst before proceeding. On Monday they gave her a second MRI which gave them a better look at the cyst. This MRI mapped the brain fluid and thankfully showed that there was no blockage. The surgeons feel the cyst should be removed and feel that the surgery will relieve her headaches and vision troubles. Surgery is scheduled for Thursday, December 1st at 7:30am. April has remained positive and upbeat throughout this whole situation. We would appreciate your prayers for a successful surgery and quick recovery.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Rachael Hugg

Sorry for the delay on any updates on April’s progress. April is doing awesome!  She was cleared to go back to school and drive two weeks after surgery.  We went to Children’s Hospital last week and she had her stitches removed. The doctors were impressed with her recovery.  Her headaches have been very low on the pain scale, but they spike up when she has to concentrate on reading and homework. She is still having some cognitive issues, but they feel those will get better with time.  Her doctors cleared her to go deer hunting on opener, just no chasing the field or heavy lifting.  She is cleared to go back to work as a CNA at Lifecare nursing home after six weeks which she is looking forward to! She is such an amazing, resilient and stubborn person and we are so proud of her!  We want to thank each and everyone for the prayers, kind words, cards, gifts and food.  They have all been greatly appreciated! 💜 She doesn’t have to have another brain MRI until February and we are hoping and praying the tumor doesn’t come back for a third time.  
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