Today marks 1-year since my surgery at UCSD to remove the acoustic neuroma pushing on my brain. (I can’t believe I just wrote that!) So much has happened over the last 365 days. I give thanks to God every day for the gift of continued healing. We celebrated my ANniversary (Get it? AN = acoustic neuroma) by having dinner out. Then we came home for chocolate vinegar cake – Grandma Lois’ recipe.
Jake and I took some time this morning to reflect back on 1/23/18. Some of it I remember clearly and some I don’t. It’s probably a gift that the meds I was on also kept me from recalling a lot of what I experienced immediately post-op. There are times I think back to what has transpired over the last year and a half and shake my head in disbelief. Did I really go through all of that? Then the reality of my lost hearing, my scar, my hair that continues to grow back, my tongue that has lost its sense of taste on one side, all “prove” to me that yes, I did in fact experience all of this. And God has shown me His faithfulness throughout all of it. I am changed. I’m definitely not the same person I was before my surgery or even before my diagnosis. And that’s ok.
Next up – 1-year post-op MRI to (hopefully) confirm zero regrowth.
Anniversaries can be filled with joy and sadness. I’ve hit two in the last two weeks that are a mix of both. Joy that I’m a year out from the start of one of the hardest medical experiences I’ve ever faced, and a some sadness for what has changed as a result. Back on 8/21, it was one year since the MRI that picked up Norman growing inside my head. One year ago today, I saw Norman for the first time when I met with the doctors at the U of M. I posted the following comment on the AN Facebook group that became a great resource of information for me, including helping me find surgeons to contact for 3rd and 4th opinions.
Diagnosed with a 2.4cm AN 1 year ago today.
Surgery 7 1/2 months ago.
I don’t post here much, but want to take a minute to thank those who do. After my diagnosis you helped me feel like I wasn’t alone. As I discerned my treatment decision you helped me understand the possible outcomes of surgery – real life, no sugar coating. In the days leading up to my surgery and still now as I recover, you helped me see that life does go on and that it can be (and is) good. Stay strong, warriors!
There’s something about being able to dialogue with people who “get” what you’re going through. Their situation may not be exactly what yours is, but it’s close enough. They understand the emotions and the unknowns and some can offer hope when sharing where they are at today. I was able to “meet” two people through the AN page and corresponded with them after my surgery. They left notes letting me know they were thankful for my support during the time leading up to their surgeries. Looking back on those conversations now, I think they helped me just as much. It was a lot to process. Talking to them helped me face the reality of what I went through and keep pushing through my early recovery.
We took the kids out for dinner to celebrate our 15th anniversary. Some may wonder why, but we love spending time with them. Maybe we’ll do a round 2 of just us going out before my birthday rolls around next month.
Jake also surprised me with a crystal elephant since it’s our crystal anniversary.
Aunt Larissa came over bright and early to watch the Shecklets so Jake and I could go to the Gopher’s homecoming game today. From the looks of it, I’m pretty sure the kids had a good time.
Many moons ago, (enough to total 40 years,) two twenty-somethings started their life together as husband and wife. Together, they made a wonderful, loving home in which they raised their two children.
Today, 40 years later, their family has grow five-fold.
Mom & Dad – today we celebrate the commitment you made to one another back on September 7, 1974, and have lived out every day since then. Thank you for saying “I Do!”
A lot happens in 1 year. Multiply that by 9 years and add in 3 kids and holy moly, you’ve got good, bad, high, low, awesome, not so awesome & super awesome. What really matters at the end of each day though is that you stick it out, love lots, forgive even more, and do your best to help the person God placed in your life to share the ups and downs, grow in faith and love.
Tonight, my sister-in-law, Larissa, came to watch the kids so Jake and I could go out to dinner. We ate at Kafe 421 – great food, quaint atmosphere, and did I say great food?!? After we ate, I opened the card Jake picked out for me. It’s crazy how card companies can write things that just seem to fit so perfectly. It’s almost like they’ve been following you around and know what you’ve been through together.
I gave myself more than 5 minutes on this one because of all I attempted to cover.
Friday night we had a Rody rodeo at the house. Jake gave Rody a little extra bounce and the boys loved it!
Our 7th anniversary was yesterday (10/18.) It’s hard to believe how fast the years have passed. I recently realized how close Jake and I are to having been together for 10 years – we started dating in 2000 when we were at the U. I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather be spending this crazy, fantastic life of marriage & kids with than my husband. For all of the ups and downs that life brings our way, he has been (and continues to be) a source of calm, strength, and consistency for me.
Saturday morning we were planning on bringing the boys to Jake’s parents’ house for the day so we could go on our anniversary date – a day early. Jason, (Jake’s brother) called and offered us his Ford Mustang for the day, so we altered our plans a bit and exchanged cars and transferred kids at his house instead. I didn’t know where we were going until we left our house. All I knew was the attire for our date. It was great to be surprised!
Short side story. My mom and I had the most successful 10 minute shopping trip on Friday night. I didn’t have anything fall-ish to wear on Saturday, so my mom agreed to meet me to do a little shopping. On my way to Maple Grove, she called and suggested we try Nordstrom Rack. When we arrived, it was 10 minutes until they closed. We hustled in, found a couple of dresses to try on, found one, scooted over to the shoes, and successfully found a great pair of red heels. Love them! Not too bad for a “let’s just see what they have” stop.
Back to Saturday. Once we picked up the Mustang, we headed east on 94 and traveled various small highways up through Wisconsin to St. Croix Falls. We had lunch at a fantastic restaurant called Grecco’s on the St. Croix. The place is quaint and has an intimate feel. We sat near the fireplace, which was great because if you know me, I’m always a bit cold. We ordered an appetizer and each chose the herb crusted walleye for our main dish. To our surprise, the host came over a short time later with a different appetizer, Ahi Tuna, “compliments of the chef.” I had never eaten pan seared tuna until Saturday. It was delicious! In fact, every part of our dining experience was amazing. We plan on returning and would highly recommend Grecco’s – it’s worth the drive to St. Croix Falls!
We drove back to Jake’s parents’ place through Minnesota. It was such a beautiful day and the leaves still had some color. We stopped in Afton and got an ice cream cone (my 2nd dessert of the day) and then finally arrived back in Hastings. We spent the rest of the afternoon watching football (poor Gophers :(), letting the boys and dogs run off energy (and ride) outside, and finally having dinner with Grandma, Grandpa, the boys, Larissa, Jason & his girlfriend B. It was a nice way to end the fun day Jake and I shared together.
Our actual anniversary was pretty laid back, which was ok with us. We went to mass in the morning, came home and had donuts – Nolan’s favorite 🙂 and then watched the Vikings game. Jake also worked on a few things around the outside of the house since the weather was so beautiful! Later in the evening, my mom came over and watched the boys so we could go to a movie. Neither of us would recommend seeing Where the Wild Things Are. Unfortunately, it was a depressing movie with no real plot. I’m glad I know the book is good because had I not read it before, I don’t think I’d even pick it up. It seems we’re 0 for 2 lately with picking movies to watch at the theater. We seem to do better with our picks from RedBox. Plus, in my opinion, it’s way more comfortable to watch a movie at home. I’m guessing we won’t be hitting the theater again for a while – unless someone can recommend a really good flick for us to see.
Today was business as usual. Nolan went to school and Lincoln and I headed to the gym. I feel so much better when I get a workout in in the morning. After school, we came home for lunch and then everyone took a much needed nap. We spent the afternoon outside – took a walk, played with chalk, and took “cheesy” pictures with the bale of hay we received from the local volleyball boosters we supported.
