Brain Cancer - the first week

I was In New York for two weeks to help my Mom move into an assisted living. The entire time I didn't feel right, physically or emotionally. and I was extremely stressed and having a difficult time tracking. I wasn't sleeping. It was a very emotional time and I was getting intense headaches which weren't so unusual since I have had a history of migraines. I assumed all of my symptoms were due to moving mom to assisted living facility which was necessary, but heartbreaking. It was really one of the most difficult times in my life. I just didn't feel like myself. In this state, I was causing stress and couldn't get balanced in NY.
After 2 weeks in New York, Mom moved in, I was very ready to come home and get back to normal. The plane ride was long and challenging. I was never happier to be back in Steves' arms.

My intense headaches continued at home. It felt like my brain was swelling and my skull felt way too small. Turns out I was right, literally. I was popping Imitrex (migraine medication).

Here is a brief sequence of events on June 9, 2017:
4:00 am - Steve takes me to Duke University emergency room. I threw up a couple times, I could barely walk. They did a CTScan and an MRI and discovered I have a tumor (cancer) on right side of my brain.
2:40 pm, I was in surgery. Steve sister, Val (who happens to be a general surgeon) and her husband Greg were there to provide support.
5:10 pm, I was out of surgery. The next thing I recall was being in the neuro intensive care unit.

That night, Steve slept in the intensive care unit. Steve slept some since he was beyond exhausted from the emotional rollercoaster. I didn't have fear, I was just so out of it the entire day, I had no real idea what was happening thanks to medications. That night, I was wired due to being on steroids to prevent swelling in my brain. I had my own nurse who continued to monitor me closely, especially my pain management.

June 10, 2:00pm - would you believe one day after surgery I am back for another MRI and by 2:00 pm discharged?! All that in 24 hours!

BLESSINGS: Here are some of the blessings on what could have been the worst day of my life"............

• When I came out of surgery, I was talking fine, no visual problems which the doctor said could have happened from removing the tumor. I was just like my old self per Steve.
• If I had to have something like this happen, I was fortunate to land at Duke which is a world leader in oncology treatment
• I was blessed to have Dr. Allan Friedman perform my surgery. He is one of the top neurosurgeon's in the world. He was also Ted Kennedy's Neuro Surgent! Lucky me to get the very best.
• My wonderful husband is the best caregiver, taking care of our household, medications, food, doctors visits and so much more which allows me to relax and heal. Feeling even more grateful for my wonderful husband, partner I have in my life.

Next Steps: next we have a meeting to find out what next steps are needed. We are happy to be home and recovering and making huge strides. We are meditating, eating healthfully, keeping positive energy and getting strong for whatever comes next.
I truly am feeling very positive, peaceful, grateful and calm. I can't believe how far I have come in just a few days. This new healthy lifestyle will be carried over in all aspects of our life.

For those of you know my mom, Gina Burton please do not ask her about my health updates. She doesn't understand the entire big picture and we are leaving her out of these details. Mom believes it is all taken care of and want to avoid her any undue stress and worry.   Thank you