A picture says a thousand words
This past Saturday was my four month anniversary. I don't know why this seems like the right time, but I'm including a link to some pictures taken during the four days following my surgery. They're not bad at all, but if you're particularly squeamish, don't look. I have already shown them to a lot of folks - I've been surprised by how genuinely curious people are about this whole thing, and the pictures seem to answer some questions.
I never felt like sharing them more publicly before. But now I have some distance, and frankly, when I look at these today, I feel proud.
This is my brag book.
6 comments:
purple chai (oldewoman)
Hey, I got me a scar like that! Same place, too!
Here'a question: did they leave a hole in your skill covered by the skin, muscle, etc., or did they "patch" the hole in the bone? I have what amounts to a soft spot back there. Mostly not as issue, but sometimes annoying. My doctor said that the skull is thin back there, and they don't replace it when they have to take a piece out.
Hi Joan and Puple Chai, I also have a scar back there. I was told that they put the bone back using "bone cement". Plus, they didn't take any fat out of my abdomen to fill it in. And, they put a piece of titanium mesh over where they cut the hole in my skull. Very impressive scar Joan! I don't think that I have any pictures of me in the hospital, except the one of the scar.
Carmen
WOW Joan - you should brag! That's a hell of a scar, and the fact that you (and Purple Chai & Carmen) have not just lived thru that type of invasion into your skull, but thrived, is a testament to the strength & fortitude you 3 share. AND to the skills of your surgeons!
As for the squeamish, somehow I found the photo of the hospital food more disturbing than the scar ;-)
Isn't this a crazy conversation!? They did put my bone back - they first framed it with titanium and then screwed it in. One of the surgeons I consulted with, but ultimately didn't choose, was not going to put the bone back for the reason you noted, PC. That's not why I didn't choose him, but I guess there are different philosophies. And they did take fat out of my stomach to pack around the spot where the tumor was and I think to fill in some of the hole in my skull base. Nutso.
Helen - the funniest thing I find about that hospital food pic is the apple!? What the hell? I was in the NEURO ICU! I couldn't open my jaw. Do they think anyone in the neuro ICU can eat an apple?
you go girl.....nik
Nik - did you look?! I'm proud of you...
xo
PS: even if you didn't, thanks ;)
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