Katie’s Story

Site created on April 27, 2018

Thank you all so much for your support of Katie and her family. It has been an extremely difficult week. Katie had sudden onset of double vision last Wednesday when she woke up, and has went through a battery of tests, multiple ER visits, MRIs and CT scans.  After her first admission to Albany Medical Center on Friday night, the Neurosurgical team believed that Katie had a rare cavernoma that bled in her brainstem. This was a scary diagnosis, and one that had no option for treatment except watch and wait. She stayed in the Neuro step down for 3+ days, and was discharged on Tuesday 4/24. She had a nice, but challenging few days at home enjoying the kids, the routine, their wonderful home, and some fresh air/sun. Her symptoms of impaired vision, difficultly walking, left facial weakness and speech difficulties continued to worsen, so ultimately on Friday, 4/27, we brought Katie back to Albany Medical Center a second time. They again performed a CT scan and MRI and it seems the lesion they initially thought to be a cavernoma had grown in the last 4 days, leading the neurosurgical team to believe this lesion is not a cavernoma, but something else. So, Katie has now been admitted to the Surgical ICU for a battery of tests to try to figure out what is happening and what course of treatment is best. 


Katie's spirits are good, and she remains that fighting, spirited individual that we all know and adore. The love between Ryan and Katie is so strong and supportive. She continues to try to organize sporting events, carpools, and school events from the ICU.  From the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate every prayer, word of support and love that any of you can offer. The need for the meal train to continue would be helpful to those watching the kids. Please sign up if you have not already. Also use this site to comment if you would like as texts and emails have become difficult to manage and respond to. We will read your messages to Katie as she loves to hear from her friends and family.


Please share this site with anyone that we have not included. We welcome every ounce of support we can get!!

Newest Update

May 1, 2020

Journal entry by Maryanne/Ryan Canavan/Odell —

Hello all! Today marks the two-year anniversary of my life-saving brain surgery and I thought I would send out a quick update to all of the wonderful friends and family on this site. Two years ago today my husband, sister, and now dear friend Melissa Bellino, along with many other amazing medical professionals, worked together to save my life. I continue to be so grateful. A lot has changed for me in two years and I thought a quick update was appropriate. 


Most are aware that I went back to work as a teacher this year full time and I am driving. Through yoga, exercise, bike classes, and a wonderful team of doctors, I am still progressing slowly in terms of balance and left-side weakness. 


The current global pandemic of the coronavirus has slowed down my vision progress for sure, as I was getting ready to try special glasses and other visual interventions. Once the dust has settled in New York City, I will return to Cornell Medical where my ophthalmologist is ready to go! This past year I had two strabismus surgeries on my right eye, and I am currently in the process of figuring out the best solution as far as prism glasses go. I will also need plastic surgery for my right eyelid in the near future. Until that time, I am able to make do with the pirate patch! I plan on hitting the bunny slope again next winter, and Ryan and I have purchased a tandem bike to get back on the bike trail again within the next few weeks. When I play lacrosse with my girls, I play with a goalie stick so I can catch! Accommodations are key. 


The transition back to the classroom was challenging in September due to fatigue, but I get stronger every day. My students have been wonderful. Because of my experience, I have been able to bring unique lessons to my students in grit, determination, and gratitude.


My heart goes out to everyone who has fallen sick, suffered, lost a job, or lost a loved one during this terrible pandemic. We are all fragile indeed and all in this together. Love to you all. I hope to sign off on this wonderful site for good and hope to see you all further on down the road. Best health and happiness to you all.

 
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