There are many different visions that come to mind when you imagine this type of surgery. From the people who have come to visit Susan, the first thing they say is that they are surprised at how good she looks. This prompted me to let people know what to expect when people come to visit her.
1. She looks great!
2. There isn't a bandage around her head, just a small bandage on the back of her head
3. She doesn't have a neck brace on
4. She's not covered in tubes, just a small IV on her neck
5. She doesn't have a lot of range of motion in her neck, so turning her head side to side is difficult right now. This will get better with healing and rest
6. She's got some muscle weakness on her left side, but that too will get better
She's in great sprirts and has been eating, laughing and complaining that there's nothing on TV :)
She's doing very well and hopefully she'll get to go home on either Monday or Tuesday. She's started some therapy today and did very well walking the hallways of the 9th floor.
More updates tomorrow.
Melody
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Hospital Information
Susan Dowlen is located at:
Methodist University Hospital
1265 Union Ave.
Memphis ,TN 38104
Room - 919
Her mother and I are asking for no phone calls at this time, so unfortunately the phone number for her room will not be posted. While Susan is recovering quicker than anyone expected, she is still in pain and the left side of her body is weaker than the right side. Also, because of the pain medication that she is on, she drifts in and out of sleep and needs all the rest that she can get.
We will both be at the hospital this evening with her and will see if she wants to make some phone calls while we're there. That way she'll have help dialing and holding the phone.
She said that she didn't mind visitors coming by and wanted visitors to come by. Feel free to stop by at anytime. There are no special hours for visitation or limits on the amount of people who can visit at any specific time.
Thank you for continuing to pray for her speedy recovery,
Melody and Nancy
Methodist University Hospital
1265 Union Ave.
Memphis ,TN 38104
Room - 919
Her mother and I are asking for no phone calls at this time, so unfortunately the phone number for her room will not be posted. While Susan is recovering quicker than anyone expected, she is still in pain and the left side of her body is weaker than the right side. Also, because of the pain medication that she is on, she drifts in and out of sleep and needs all the rest that she can get.
We will both be at the hospital this evening with her and will see if she wants to make some phone calls while we're there. That way she'll have help dialing and holding the phone.
She said that she didn't mind visitors coming by and wanted visitors to come by. Feel free to stop by at anytime. There are no special hours for visitation or limits on the amount of people who can visit at any specific time.
Thank you for continuing to pray for her speedy recovery,
Melody and Nancy
She's out of ICU
She got moved into a room about 20 mins ago. She's in room 919 and just finished lunch. She's been resting well. There are no special visiting hours in the regular room, after 7pm you have to check in downstairs.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Resting tonight...
We saw Susan tonight at 830pm and she was getting ready to get some rest. I read her most of the comments that were posted as well as some of the emails that were sent.
She wanted me to let everyone that she was not in a lot of pain and to thank everyone for all of the prayers and support.
I'll be visiting first thing in the morning and send another update.
Thanks again everyone,
Melody & Nancy(susans mom)
She wanted me to let everyone that she was not in a lot of pain and to thank everyone for all of the prayers and support.
I'll be visiting first thing in the morning and send another update.
Thanks again everyone,
Melody & Nancy(susans mom)
Visiting hours and room information
She is in ICU in room 438. She is very groggy, but wide awake and talking. The hours are 830-900 am, 1230-100pm, 530-600pm, 830-900pm. Only two people are allowed to visit at a time.
She should be in a regular room by Thursday.
She should be in a regular room by Thursday.
She's out of surgery
PRAISE THE LORD!!!
She is out of surgery. The doctor was just in and said that they were able to completely remove the tumor and the cysts. Not so surprisingly is that she woke up fussing...now if anyone knows Susan, you know thats her way :)
They took the breathing tube out and she's breathing on her own. The doctor said that the next 12 hours are the most critical and they will be watching for any bleeding.
Once she is moved into her room, I will post her room number and visiting hours for ICU.
God is taking care of Susan and working it all out.
She is out of surgery. The doctor was just in and said that they were able to completely remove the tumor and the cysts. Not so surprisingly is that she woke up fussing...now if anyone knows Susan, you know thats her way :)
They took the breathing tube out and she's breathing on her own. The doctor said that the next 12 hours are the most critical and they will be watching for any bleeding.
Once she is moved into her room, I will post her room number and visiting hours for ICU.
God is taking care of Susan and working it all out.
Update from the Dr.
Susan is still in surgery. The nurse calls once an hour to give us an update on how she's doing. The last update came at 12 noon and they were just getting to the tumor. It will be several more hours. She's doing well and no complications.
If anyone is coming to the hospital, we are in the ICU waiting room until she's done and in a room.
If anyone is coming to the hospital, we are in the ICU waiting room until she's done and in a room.
Checked in and ready to go
We surprisingly made it to the hospital in time...well...in time for us, anyway! We were supposed to be here at 530am and made it at 540am. She is checked in and getting settled in her pre-op room. She's got an entourage with her...part of her angel network. Her mother Nancy, her brother Bryant, me, a church member Cheri and another church member and friend Harry. Pastor Norman is on his way as well.
We know that God is going to work a miracle through Susan today. He has it all under control and will guide the doctors, nurses and hospital staff to take care of our Susan.
Thank you Lord, for all you have done for us!
Melody Bailey
We know that God is going to work a miracle through Susan today. He has it all under control and will guide the doctors, nurses and hospital staff to take care of our Susan.
Thank you Lord, for all you have done for us!
Melody Bailey
Monday, November 26, 2007
For those wondering
I forget that some people know Susan through other people and others don't know her at all. For those wondering who this Susan girl is :), her full name is Susan Dowlen.
She's in great spirits tonight. I'll update more tomorrow.
God Bless,
Melody
God gives us what we need and takes away what we don't.
She's in great spirits tonight. I'll update more tomorrow.
God Bless,
Melody
God gives us what we need and takes away what we don't.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Information
It's two days before Susan's surgery. She's been feeling well lately - just a little stressed with preparing things.
She will check into Methodist University (formerly Methodist Central) on Tuesday morning at 5:30am. Surgery is scheduled for 7:30am and should last 3-6 hours.
This site will continually be updated on Tuesday.
Continue to lift up Susan and her family in your prayers.
She will check into Methodist University (formerly Methodist Central) on Tuesday morning at 5:30am. Surgery is scheduled for 7:30am and should last 3-6 hours.
This site will continually be updated on Tuesday.
Continue to lift up Susan and her family in your prayers.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Contact information
If you would like to send a scarf or a card to Susan, her mailing address is:
579 Arbor Hollow Circle #306
Cordova, TN 38018
Once her surgery is complete and she's moved back home to rest, I'll post visitation hours if anyone would like to come keep Susan company.
Thanks again from Susan and her mom
579 Arbor Hollow Circle #306
Cordova, TN 38018
Once her surgery is complete and she's moved back home to rest, I'll post visitation hours if anyone would like to come keep Susan company.
Thanks again from Susan and her mom
Surgery Date
Susan's surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, November 27th at 7:30 am.
It will take place at Methodist University Hospital in Midtown Memphis.
It will take place at Methodist University Hospital in Midtown Memphis.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
What is VHL?
Susan has a rare, genetic disease known as Von Hippel Lindau, or VHL, for short.
A brief explanation of VHL:
The human body has lots of chromosomes and there is one in particular that is responsible for preventing random tumors from developing in the body. If a person has VHL, this chromosome is either damaged or completely missing. These tumors can develop just about anywhere, such as the kidneys, the liver, the pancreas, the spine or the brain. It can affect your eyesight or, even your hearing. A person with VHL can have a tumor in just one location or they can be in several places. Usually, only the tumors on the kidneys are cancerous, but that doesn't make the others any less serious.
Her experience with VHL:
She hasn't been genetically tested for VHL but it's really not necessary. She found out a little over two years ago that she has a tumor on her spine that is consistent with the manifestation of VHL. She goes to the doctor every 4-6 months to follow-up and for monitoring. While she has had some issues such as nerve sensitivity in her left hand or some discomfort around her spine area when overexerts herself, for the most part, she's done well and lived a normal life.
Recent Developments:
She noticed earlier this year that her neck and shoulders would get tense and hurt. For a long time, the pain would come and go. However, eventually, it got to the point where it was constant. She would hurt to some degree constantly...some days a little, others a lot. However, as stubborn as she is, she just thought it was stress and being overworked.
When she went to the doctor, she told him what had been going on. He told her to cut back on work for a month and come back and we'll see what happens. She did as instructed and the day she went back, she hadn’t gotten any better. He sent her the next week for a MRI and she went back the next day for the results.
The Results:
Her tumor has produced a cyst. The tumor and the cyst is on her cervical spine. The cyst has gone down her spine a little and it has gone into her brain stem. The cyst is interfering with the flow of fluid that comes off her brain and goes down her spine. The human brain has canals that this fluid flows through to get off the brain. The largest part of her cyst is at the last canal. With continued, and certain growth, the cyst will block the canal and the result will be fluid on the brain. This is not good!
Her doctor told her that the cyst and the tumor must be removed surgically. There is no medication or alternative treatment available, such as radiation. The tumor is not cancerous but the situation is serious.
Her Dilemma:
At first, she made the decision to wait for surgery. Her decision was based on timing and finances. Not her health. She figured that if she could make it to the first of the year, she would have time to pay some more things off and make some changes to her insurance. Over the next several weeks, she went back and forth about what she should do, wait or not wait. She couldn't help but to think of the financial burden this would have on her and her mom, who will be her caretaker during her recovery along with her best friend. She struggled with this burden and responsibility. She figured that as long as she wasn't getting worse, then she could wait, but the thought of the pending surgery and the affects the tumor/cyst have on her physically have been very overwhelming.
The Decision:
She finally made the decision (with the help of her mom and best friend) to not postpone the surgery for the beginning of the year and to make the appointment to schedule it. She made the appointment for Nov 2 to tell her doctor her decision.
The Doctor's appt:
She went to the doctor on Nov 2 with her mother. They scheduled the surgery for Nov 27th at 530am. This is a very serious surgery as the doctor will have to remove the cyst from her brain as well as the tumor from her spine. She'll be in the ICU after surgery for 2 days and then a regular room for 3 or 4 days. Once released from the hospital, she will begin her recovery at home.
What can you do:
Pray - Susan has been in prayer since before this has begun. Prayers are always welcome and necessary. Please pray with Susan for strength during the time leading up to the surgery. Pray for the Doctors and nurses and hospital staff that will take care of Susan. Pray for Susan's mother who is worried about her only daughter. Pray for her family, and pray for her friends who love her.
Support - Susan's family does not live in this area. Most of them will not be able to come down for her surgery. As Susan recovers, her and her mother will need support.
Scarves - While Susan recovers and is able to travel and go places, she'll need scarves for her head. Because of the incision location, she won't be able to do anything to her hair for a while. If anyone knows of a place to find scarves, please let me know at melodybailey@gmail.com.
What's next:
I'll update this leading up to her surgery. You can leave your prayers for Susan here and she'll be able to see them as well.
A brief explanation of VHL:
The human body has lots of chromosomes and there is one in particular that is responsible for preventing random tumors from developing in the body. If a person has VHL, this chromosome is either damaged or completely missing. These tumors can develop just about anywhere, such as the kidneys, the liver, the pancreas, the spine or the brain. It can affect your eyesight or, even your hearing. A person with VHL can have a tumor in just one location or they can be in several places. Usually, only the tumors on the kidneys are cancerous, but that doesn't make the others any less serious.
Her experience with VHL:
She hasn't been genetically tested for VHL but it's really not necessary. She found out a little over two years ago that she has a tumor on her spine that is consistent with the manifestation of VHL. She goes to the doctor every 4-6 months to follow-up and for monitoring. While she has had some issues such as nerve sensitivity in her left hand or some discomfort around her spine area when overexerts herself, for the most part, she's done well and lived a normal life.
Recent Developments:
She noticed earlier this year that her neck and shoulders would get tense and hurt. For a long time, the pain would come and go. However, eventually, it got to the point where it was constant. She would hurt to some degree constantly...some days a little, others a lot. However, as stubborn as she is, she just thought it was stress and being overworked.
When she went to the doctor, she told him what had been going on. He told her to cut back on work for a month and come back and we'll see what happens. She did as instructed and the day she went back, she hadn’t gotten any better. He sent her the next week for a MRI and she went back the next day for the results.
The Results:
Her tumor has produced a cyst. The tumor and the cyst is on her cervical spine. The cyst has gone down her spine a little and it has gone into her brain stem. The cyst is interfering with the flow of fluid that comes off her brain and goes down her spine. The human brain has canals that this fluid flows through to get off the brain. The largest part of her cyst is at the last canal. With continued, and certain growth, the cyst will block the canal and the result will be fluid on the brain. This is not good!
Her doctor told her that the cyst and the tumor must be removed surgically. There is no medication or alternative treatment available, such as radiation. The tumor is not cancerous but the situation is serious.
Her Dilemma:
At first, she made the decision to wait for surgery. Her decision was based on timing and finances. Not her health. She figured that if she could make it to the first of the year, she would have time to pay some more things off and make some changes to her insurance. Over the next several weeks, she went back and forth about what she should do, wait or not wait. She couldn't help but to think of the financial burden this would have on her and her mom, who will be her caretaker during her recovery along with her best friend. She struggled with this burden and responsibility. She figured that as long as she wasn't getting worse, then she could wait, but the thought of the pending surgery and the affects the tumor/cyst have on her physically have been very overwhelming.
The Decision:
She finally made the decision (with the help of her mom and best friend) to not postpone the surgery for the beginning of the year and to make the appointment to schedule it. She made the appointment for Nov 2 to tell her doctor her decision.
The Doctor's appt:
She went to the doctor on Nov 2 with her mother. They scheduled the surgery for Nov 27th at 530am. This is a very serious surgery as the doctor will have to remove the cyst from her brain as well as the tumor from her spine. She'll be in the ICU after surgery for 2 days and then a regular room for 3 or 4 days. Once released from the hospital, she will begin her recovery at home.
What can you do:
Pray - Susan has been in prayer since before this has begun. Prayers are always welcome and necessary. Please pray with Susan for strength during the time leading up to the surgery. Pray for the Doctors and nurses and hospital staff that will take care of Susan. Pray for Susan's mother who is worried about her only daughter. Pray for her family, and pray for her friends who love her.
Support - Susan's family does not live in this area. Most of them will not be able to come down for her surgery. As Susan recovers, her and her mother will need support.
Scarves - While Susan recovers and is able to travel and go places, she'll need scarves for her head. Because of the incision location, she won't be able to do anything to her hair for a while. If anyone knows of a place to find scarves, please let me know at melodybailey@gmail.com.
What's next:
I'll update this leading up to her surgery. You can leave your prayers for Susan here and she'll be able to see them as well.
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