RAK for my mother, suffering from cerebral aneurysms

[Cat]

my elderly mother was rushed by ambulance to the hospital this weekend after fainting and falling at home. to make a long story short, extensive testing showed that she has six (three which are very large and in the posterior communicating artery) cerebral aneurysms, one of which burst on Saturday.

she's been moved to Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, where she is getting the best treatment from one of the nation's best neurosurgeons, Dr. Demetrius Lopez. through a endovascular procedure which allows the doctor to fix the aneurysm, he was able to close off the bleeding aneurysm, and my mother came through that well. the higher risk, over the next five days, results from the blood that is in her brain and the way the body absorbs and recovers. once she's past that, the doctors will determine how best to treat the remaining five aneurysms.

these next few days are critical to her recovery, and the family is expecting her to come through them well. it's likely, she'll be hospitalized for the next twenty days.

i live over 1000 miles away, and am confident my five siblings are close, involved, and attentive to both of my parents needs. i plan to fly home closer to the time she's released, so i can be there to assist in her care at home.

if you could find the time to send her a note of encouragement, i would be forever grateful. i suspect she'll be wanting to leave the hospital before they're ready to release her, and i know that some happy mail from my wonderful SCS sisters and brothers would do a lot to cheer her days.

if you can't send a card, please consider adding my mother to your prayers. she would take great comfort knowing of them.

please send to the following address [and tell her you're a friend of Cat's]:
Dorothy Finck
c/o Forefront
PO Box 257
Flossmoor, Il 60422

[barbfarmd]

Thoughts and prayers and a card (or 2) going out to your mom and all your family during this difficult time.

[Bumblebee Diva]

will send her a card. your mother and your family are in my thoughts and prayers

[Novell]

aneurysms can run in families. Please make sure you get yourself checked out! Any of your mother's siblings should, too.

Hope her recovery goes well.

[Cat]

Originally Posted by Bumblebee Diva

will send her a card. your mother and your family are in my thoughts and prayers

Originally Posted by barbfarmd

Thoughts and prayers and a card (or 2) going out to your mom and all your family during this difficult time.

thanks so much Barb and Lynn!

[Cat]

Originally Posted by Novell

aneurysms can run in families. Please make sure you get yourself checked out! Any of your mother's siblings should, too.

Hope her recovery goes well.

thank you for your well wishes Novell. actually, the surgeon has already suggested that her children be checked as he's convinced her aneurysms are congenital, but honestly, we're waiting to even focus on that until she's well. i appreciate your concern!

[B'Lou Moon]

I would love to send a card - 20 days in the hospital can feel like a lifetime...
I am a new card crafter with very few design skills, but I just received the most uplifting (and generous) package of card supplies from a new forum friend (feeling overhwhelmed with gratititude). So now, I have lovely things with which to make a lovely card for your mother - moms are special! My prayers are with you both through this time...

[Cat]

Originally Posted by B'Lou Moon

I would love to send a card - 20 days in the hospital can feel like a lifetime...
I am a new card crafter with very few design skills, but I just received the most uplifting (and generous) package of card supplies from a new forum friend (feeling overhwhelmed with gratititude). So now, I have lovely things with which to make a lovely card for your mother - moms are special! My prayers are with you both through this time...

i am sure one of your own creations would be perfect as well! it's all about the thought.
you are very kind!

[psychspa]

I'll try to get something in the mail this weekend. My prayers are with you and your family.

/p
psychspa

[Cat]

thank you Patricia!

Originally Posted by psychspa

I'll try to get something in the mail this weekend. My prayers are with you and your family.

/p
psychspa

[badcooker]

I will be happy to send your mother a card, and will keep her and you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

[Cat]

thank you so much for your kindness!

Originally Posted by badcooker

I will be happy to send your mother a card, and will keep her and you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

[Cat]

my mother is doing better, after a not-so-good (tiring) day yesterday. although she's still in ICU with a 24-hour nurse, she's able to get out of bed, and is walking.

she's a pretty strong lady [she raised six kids AND my father ] and the doctor has decided she's healthy enough to go through another coiling procedure next Tuesday to hopefully fix two of the remaining five aneurysms. she hasn't had any of the expected vasospasms, but headaches are an issue, and there's some worry that she may have optical nerve damage to one of her eyes. we're taking it day by day.

i know just how much she'll appreciate a little sunshine in the mail, so i truly appreciate all your offers for cards. thank you!

[Novell]

Originally Posted by Cat

thank you for your well wishes Novell. actually, the surgeon has already suggested that her children be checked as he's convinced her aneurysms are congenital, but honestly, we're waiting to even focus on that until she's well. i appreciate your concern!

My concern comes from experiences in my own extended family. My aunt had a double brain aneurysm a few years ago. She was found 40 minutes after it had happened. She survived that, has since passed away, but her sister had herself checked out. It was discovered she had one that hadn't burst yet. She had surgery in time to have it clipped before anything happened. This was while my aunt was still in the hospital recovering.

I don't mean to scare and of course, our experience most likely won't be yours. I just want to urge you not to wait.

Thinking of you and your family during this time....

[Cat]

thanks again, Novell. it really is a scary and confusing time for us. while everything we've read says "don't worry" unless there's two 1st-degree instances, the number of her aneurysms (which is now seven) has her surgeon concerned.

i just made an appt with my MD, who i'm sure will be happy to order the tests based on my history of migraine headaches.

i truly appreciate your urging, and the story you shared.

Originally Posted by Novell

My concern comes from experiences in my own extended family. My aunt had a double brain aneurysm a few years ago. She was found 40 minutes after it had happened. She survived that, has since passed away, but her sister had herself checked out. It was discovered she had one that hadn't burst yet. She had surgery in time to have it clipped before anything happened. This was while my aunt was still in the hospital recovering.

I don't mean to scare and of course, our experience most likely won't be yours. I just want to urge you not to wait.

Thinking of you and your family during this time....

[gadgetgal]

I mailed a card to your Mom today and am praying.

[Cat]

thank you GG!

Originally Posted by gadgetgal

I mailed a card to your Mom today and am praying.

[craftymomto2]

Novell is correct, unfortunately, my husband's first cousin (who was 51) didn't survive hers. Her siblings and her three children have been told to be check too. I will try to send out a card this week-end.

[shelsmom]

Sending hugs and prayers to your mom and family, and a card in todays out-going mail.

[redcaboose1717]

Cat....a card ( or a FEW ! ) are on the way ! I send out 5 cards each week to different people whom have been ill this past year, the latest person I have sent cards to is my BFF's dad, who is 80 yrs old,and in a rehab center in Florida right now !
My sister has had surgery for aneurysums too...so I know what you are going thru somewhat.
Take care.....

[Cat]

Mary, Betty and RedCaboose - thanks so much for taking time out of your busy days to send my Mom a card. they have really brightened her day, and reiterates just how much she is loved! you are so very kind!

[Cat]

my mother will be undergoing additional procedures/surgery this morning to fix two additional aneurysms in her posterior communicating artery. these two lesions are the largest of the six that remain and therefore the most critical. her surgeon will use the coiling technique he's most known for.

i'm making plans to fly up to see her next week. it's our hope that she'll be released by then, and i'll be "home" to help care for her.

she has started receiving the cards you've sent and you should hear her voice as she describes each one to me. i am humbled by the kindness of my SCS friends. thank you for helping me bring a smile to her face!

[Novell]

Cat, I'm so happy to hear you've made your own appt, especially after you noted you've got your own history with migraines.

Hope your mom's surgery goes well today. The husband of one of my cousins goes in today for Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinsons. We can pray for each other's loved ones today.

[Artcr8er]

Wanted to also tell you that I am praying not only for your mom, but for you and your sibling that will also need support. Caring or a ill parent is hard and tuff on emotions and tuff on family.

I am sending a card out today.

Hugs and bigger hugs

[Cat]

Originally Posted by Novell

Cat, I'm so happy to hear you've made your own appt, especially after you noted you've got your own history with migraines.

Hope your mom's surgery goes well today. The husband of one of my cousins goes in today for Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinsons. We can pray for each other's loved ones today.

i've been thinking of your cousin all day Novell. please let me know if you'd like me to send a card. you can PM me if you like.

[Cat]

Originally Posted by Artcr8er

Wanted to also tell you that I am praying not only for your mom, but for you and your sibling that will also need support. Caring or a ill parent is hard and tuff on emotions and tuff on family.

I am sending a card out today.

Hugs and bigger hugs

you are a sweetie Sam. i've had it easy so far, as my siblings have been busy this past week. i'm currently making my arrangements to fly up next week. but we could all use a few extra prayers these days and i truly appreciate it!

[Cat]

i am anxious to talk to my mom today; her recovery continues to progress, and she's out of bed getting a little exercise, but still in ICU where she's getting lots of personal *care* [read: something's going on all the time!].

we all hope to have her home soon, and i'm sure she's ready for her own bed and shower, too!

she is really enjoying the cards, and shows them off to everyone that visits, and even the nurses! my sis tells me she exclaims over all the "hand cut outs" and sparkles.

thank you so much for helping cheer her up! she's really needed it this week!

[Cat]

i should have posted for those that are keeping up with me and my mom! she was released from ICU yesterday, after twelve days, and that puts her one step closer to going home. when i spoke with her last nite, just after she was settled in to her own room, she sounded SO MUCH BETTER! i'm sure, the thought of a little peace and quite, and a shower, will do wonders for her attitude!

she's still not eating well as the meds keep her sick to her stomach. but, my sis is bringing her milkshakes, and that seems to help

thank you all for your prayers, and cards filled with inspiration. they have surely helped her recovery!

[redcaboose1717]

Cat,
I know how your mom feels......I have been in and out of the hospital for quite some time, and this last time, I really didn't want to eat either!! Not that I could afford to lose much more weight....and that isn't why I stopped eating either...nothing sounded good....even though our home town hospital what's called FOOD upon request.....which means you order off a menu during each mealtime ( breakfast, lunch & dinner ) and to be truthful, the hospital food was really good.....especially this DRIED CHERRY CHICKEN dish that was offered ! My husband J.R.actually ordered it for me the first time (KNOWING FULL WELL that if "I" didn't eat this dish, HE WOULD !!! ) .... Anyway, the food at our local hospital has REALLY improved over the last couple of years, and the Dietechicians will even work with you to make SURE you are eating coming to you and ASKING if there's anything that they can get for you !
Glad to know things are looking up for your Mom !
Hugs & Smiles !
Redcaboose1717

[cj nalley]

A card going out this afternoon.

[Cat]

my mother was released from ICU on Wednesday, and they sent her home from the hospital this weekend! she has a long road to recovery; her eye is still unresponsive, and she has some hearing loss (that wasn't apparent before the incident), so the doctors continue to test and monitor her. she'll have to go back in 6-8 weeks, once she builds up her strength for additional procedures to fix the remaining four aneurysms.

if you'd like to continue sending a card or two, the PO box belongs to my sister, and she'll continue to deliver any mail to my mom.

so, my sweet SCS sisters - i can't even tell you how grateful i am for all your sweet cards, and notes of encouragement. when she was feeling her worse in ICU, my sis would show up with a few more cards, and they surely brightened her spirit. she's already told me she wants to keep each and every card

thank you for making my mother happy!

[Cat]

First, I can't thank you enough for taking the time out of your busy life to send my mother a get well card. She was so tickled by them all, and continues to tell me what wonderful friends I have (I couldn't agree more).
Please accept my sincerest thank you!

It's been quite a week in Chicago. My mother has good and bad days; headaches, nausea and exhaustion continue to plague her. While her rate of recovery is just what doctors expected, she is struggling with what seems to be slow improvement. She goes to the ophthalmologist today for a review and physical therapy session for her right eye, which is still closed {she has vision, but cannot manipulate the eyelid}.

Unfortunately, my father was hospitalized last Friday and subsequent testing found two tumors on his bladder, both of which were removed. We hope to have him released today or tomorrow, and are just waiting for the surgeons visit today before we know more. The surgeon believes both tumors were benign, but pathology reports won't be ready until Tuesday or Wednesday.

I'm glad that I was here to help while Dad was admitted. I'll be staying an extra week here, so won't be home until next week. My husband and I haven't been separated this long since we were married, 25 years ago, and I'm disappointed to say he seems to be doing just fine without me

Thank you again for showing kindness to my mother. It really means a lot to me, and her.

Hugs, Cat

[B'Lou Moon]

Thinking of you during this stressful time.

[Novell]

Oh, my goodness, Cat! You've certainly had your share to worry about. I hope your dad's report comes back with good news. Sending continued healing thoughts to your mom...

[Cat]

i'm finally home in Orlando, after two weeks with my family. my father was released last monday, just in time for us to readmit my mother on tuesday [ended up being a reaction to her antibiotic] and a few more days in the hospital!

both parents were home by the weekend, and doing relatively well. my dad's tumors were cancerous (100% caused by smoking - take note!), but as both were removed completely, he won't have to suffer through chemo or radiation. my mother's next neuro appt is on friday, and we'll learn more about plans for the remaining aneurysms.

i can't say enough just how much i appreciate all the cards, get well wishes and prayers. my mother would go through her stack of cards and ask questions about them (how do you get that design pressed into the paper? what attaches those sparkles? do they draw the images? etc).

this will be my last post on the thread. thanks again SCS sisters & brothers! you truly helped my mom's healing!