Surgery

I went into surgery on September 10, 2012. My doctor was Dr. Aziz at Allegheny General Hospital. He seemed to be a very competent doctor and I was glad to be sent to Pittsburgh and that I had a legitimate reason to be there. I still faced disappointment that I had not been believed previously, but was still in good spirits as I did feel a certain sense of vindication from knowing that I wasn't making things up.

The surgery itself seemed to go well, though I must admit that I do not remember most of it. I remember Dr. Aziz marking spots on my head, my friends and family being nearby including, my loving husband, my parents, my sister, my mother-in-law, my sister-in-law, & my minister (If I forgot anyone I apologize as the day was a blur, but please let me know so that I can fix it) and then going to the OR. I do not remember much from the OR except them asking me to lay down and the way the lights looked. Everything else is missing until I woke up in the ICU.

My husband tells me that I responded to him in ICU by squeezing his hand and loving him like I do, unfortunately I do not remember this though I wish that I did. I love him and I was glad to hear that I was able to provide some comfort.

Below are some pictures related to this time.

This is Doctor Aziz placing the markers on my head.

 

My husband and mother-in-law anxiously awaiting the end of my surgery :)

 

I slept most of the time and they gave me this cute hat to wear while I did. It even looks like they were able to save some of my hair doesn't it?

 

This is what was actually under the hat. I felt like I looked like a deranged poodle!

 

This is my scar, after I convinced one of the night nurses to do away with the deranged poodle look. He was nice enough to shave my head completely and then my family was "kind enough" to take this picture.

This is my sister & mom with the nurse checking out my MRI post-surgery. They were looking to see how much of the tumor was actually gone. At the time, we thought that about 75% percent was gone. We have since learned that it was less, though we do not have an exact number.

This is all for now, stay tuned for the next installment and thank you for your interest!