Journal entry by Nicole Felten —
Hi everyone! I want to start by again expressing how immensely thankful I am for all those who lent support in some way to my family or I over the past few months. I promise nothing goes unnoticed!
A few days ago, on March 20, I had my follow up appointments at Mayo in Rochester. My morning started with an MRI followed by a consultation early that afternoon. My MRI showed absolutely no swelling in my brain and a completely healthy cerebellum. HALLELUJAH! The doctors also saw no sign of brain damage – which means even though my speech and fine motor skills may not be perfect right now, there is no reason they won’t return to normal in due time. Again I say, HALLELUJAH!
During my consultation, I met with two of my doctors who were on my case the duration of my stay last December. It was so great to be able to look them in the eye, completely focus on them, thank them and show them just how great I was at my neurological tests (things like rapid eye movements, touching my finger to my nose, walking, etc.). During my visit, I was able to compare my MRI results from that day vs. the results from last December. The difference was jaw dropping. What once looked like a giant blob of play doh now looked defined and clear, and dare I say the most beautiful cerebellum I’ve ever laid eyes on. (Not to gloat.)
Going forward, if I should ever catch a virus, the likelihood of this happening again is slim to none. For lack of a better medical vocabulary – this was a freak accident.
This was my final follow up appointment at Mayo. There will be no reason to have to keep checking up, unless for some reason I feel there’s a need to.
This thing that happened was scary and hard and a lot of not-so-wonderful things – for myself and for those I love. But regardless, it’s become a chapter in my life. A chapter where I was reminded just how giving, loving and outstanding the people around me are. And I feel so extremely fortunate that I’m able to keep writing my story.
Thank you again to all of the people I’m blessed to have in my life. If my life truly were a book, I’d need volumes on volumes of credit space to write you all in.
Much love,
Mikayla
A few days ago, on March 20, I had my follow up appointments at Mayo in Rochester. My morning started with an MRI followed by a consultation early that afternoon. My MRI showed absolutely no swelling in my brain and a completely healthy cerebellum. HALLELUJAH! The doctors also saw no sign of brain damage – which means even though my speech and fine motor skills may not be perfect right now, there is no reason they won’t return to normal in due time. Again I say, HALLELUJAH!
During my consultation, I met with two of my doctors who were on my case the duration of my stay last December. It was so great to be able to look them in the eye, completely focus on them, thank them and show them just how great I was at my neurological tests (things like rapid eye movements, touching my finger to my nose, walking, etc.). During my visit, I was able to compare my MRI results from that day vs. the results from last December. The difference was jaw dropping. What once looked like a giant blob of play doh now looked defined and clear, and dare I say the most beautiful cerebellum I’ve ever laid eyes on. (Not to gloat.)
Going forward, if I should ever catch a virus, the likelihood of this happening again is slim to none. For lack of a better medical vocabulary – this was a freak accident.
This was my final follow up appointment at Mayo. There will be no reason to have to keep checking up, unless for some reason I feel there’s a need to.
This thing that happened was scary and hard and a lot of not-so-wonderful things – for myself and for those I love. But regardless, it’s become a chapter in my life. A chapter where I was reminded just how giving, loving and outstanding the people around me are. And I feel so extremely fortunate that I’m able to keep writing my story.
Thank you again to all of the people I’m blessed to have in my life. If my life truly were a book, I’d need volumes on volumes of credit space to write you all in.
Much love,
Mikayla
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Mikayla Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Mikayla's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?
