First and foremost: CT scan shows all clear on the infection and no unusual scar tissue buildup!!!! We also agreed that Judi is ready to have her prosthesis installed ASAP. We completed the scans necessary to have it fabricated and once we have it, the surgery can be scheduled. This one will also involve a plastic surgeon to ensure that we get the best fit possible and to manage the areas where her skin is very thin around the bone structure of her skull. Judi has lost a lot of ground since the surgery this summer and I can"t possibly describe what a relief it will be to have this behind us. She should only be in the hospital a couple of days if all goes well here. Judi had picked up a lot of momentum before the infection set us back and I am banking on that momentum returning following this surgery.
There is one issue that we will have to continue monitoring. Her brain on the right side is significantly depressed towards the rear of her skull. Hopefully it will correct itself when the prosthesis is installed. If it does not, we may have to change her shunt to a different type that can be adjusted externally. I pray we don't have to go through that. That would be another significant surgery and it involves the left side of her brain which is the side that is currently functioning reasonably well. The surgeons cautioned me not to expect too much from the surgery and reminded me that trauma patients typically get a little worse with time. I rogered that and once again reiterated my belief that God will ultimately make that decision. I still have faith that God did not send all of the help the day of her accident to leave her in this state of semi-consciousness for the rest of her life.
This has been a month full of ups and downs. I have seen Judi at her best and at her worst since the surgery this summer in the span of just a few days. One of the most difficult parts of my day is coming in the door after work not knowing which Judi I will find on the other side. The "up" days are always a joy because she seems so connected and we have an opportunity to laugh and share some fun time together. The "down" days drain all the energy I have trying to remain positive as we have to battle through every little activity. I have to constantly remind myself that she doesn't understand what she is doing and not let my breaking heart show through. Judi's strength and tenacity are wonderful things when they focused on what you want her to do, but they are a royal pain when she is working against you. Pray for both of us and if I start showing up to work with patches of hair missing from pulling it out all night, you'll know I am losing the battle!
We did get the opportunity to attend the Pops concert at the Bell Auditorium. The music of the evening was Queen and we had a great time. Judi and I both love Queen and thanx to Joel and Rebecca Cantrell for allowing us to share the evening with them. Judi is a social gal by nature and Rebecca went out of her way to keep Judi engaged and she responded well to it. I keep looking for these types of things to take her to so if you ever have any ideas, please let me know.
I'll do another update once we have the surgery all lined up. I expect it will be 2-3 weeks away. Don't hesitate to stop by if you have a chance and as always, I would greatly appreciate your prayers as we take the next step along the road to Judi's ultimate recovery.
Steve
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