Since early this morning family and friends have been flowing in and out of Kelly’s hospital room bringing laughter, good cheer, flowers (including the strangest BRAIN flowers from France) and yummy goodies (Magnolia Bakery cupcakes and chocolate-dipped cherries!) It has been quite an eventful day.
Now that the storm has passed, we have time to reflect on one of our biggest blessings: finding the best neurovascular surgeon in the world to perform Kelly’s operation, Dr. Philip Stieg. His hands were guided by God. How can we ever thank him for bringing Kelly through this delicate operation with such success? We will remember him forever! If any of you ever needs a neurovascular surgeon, he’s the man!
Kelly had her post-op MRI early this morning before we arrived. Dr. Stieg reported this afternoon that the MRI came out fine (we will submit MRI and biopsy results to a few recommended oncologists for second opinions). He also announced that all her vital signs are normal and the leakage from the brain has diminished considerably, allowing him to approve her discharge tomorrow! Yahoooooooooooo........
After Dr. Stieg left, a skillful medical practitioner removed her head bandages and drain tube (Ani’s got it all on a video)! We were so surprised at how little of her hair had been shaved and how clean and neat the cut was stapled. It literally looks like she has a thin headband on her head. It’s just incredible how the body adjusts to a major surgery and begins to mend so quickly when it is in the hands of experts.
So, the plan is that the Dillon’s will head back to Mountainville tomorrow and the wonderful hospitality of Tio Kurt, Tia Bea and our young cousins, Charlotte and Ernesto. On November 9, Kelly returns to Dr. Stieg’s office to have the staples removed. On November 10, 2010 we fly home to Panama! Next week we receive critical info from pathology to determine whether or not she will need radiation. If necessary, our return date to Panama may change.
If you ask Kelly, the highlight of today (aside from the meals prepared by her personal chef) was being able to wash her hair!!!! The little pleasures of life!
~Mari
