ANA Discussion Forum

Post-Treatment => Post-Treatment => Topic started by: MissMolly on June 22, 2009, 05:56:53 am

Title: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: MissMolly on June 22, 2009, 05:56:53 am
Hi folks...
The nurses just rolled Molly in...She is keeping a good "game face" going...
She is definately looking foward to getting thru this...
As you all know...All one can do is just wait...
I will post updates...
Cheers all...
Steve

ps...I saw something in this thread about moving the discussion to another area...
I'm a rookie so just let me know if I should...
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: Lilan on June 22, 2009, 06:48:59 am
Prayers for Miss Molly and loved ones today!
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: NancyMc on June 22, 2009, 08:13:47 am
I say just leave it here, so us junkies can find the updates, but then I'm not in any position of authority.
Did the muffin basket go in with her?  If not, get them to the Grey surgical desk where the team take their breaks.
Good luck.
Nancy
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: ppearl214 on June 22, 2009, 09:54:57 am
Hi folks...
The nurses just rolled Molly in...She is keeping a good "game face" going...
She is definately looking foward to getting thru this...
As you all know...All one can do is just wait...
I will post updates...
Cheers all...
Steve

ps...I saw something in this thread about moving the discussion to another area...
I'm a rookie so just let me know if I should...

Hi Steve and thank you for keeping us updated on Molly. The wishes still coming through from the N. Shore towards MGH.  Since you are a "rookie", will give you a break since today is a wee bit stressful, but yes, we should continue this in "Post Treatment", hoping that the next time you post, Molly will be an official "postie"... I know she's been waiting to be called that! :)

Hang in there... and hoping next time you check in, it will be terrific post-surgery news. 

Phyl
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: MissMolly on June 22, 2009, 11:47:01 am
The Muffins got wheeled in with Molly...
She saw to it...
Right now just waiting...
Will post over in "Post Treatment" with any more news...
Cheers all...
Steve
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: jadeneonsiren on June 22, 2009, 12:48:32 pm
Hey Steve!  I've got my train tickets and all that and I'm heading up on the 26th to Worchester.  No worries, I've got a ride all set up so I don't need a pick up or anything.  Give me a call and let me know how mom's doing when you can OK?  Please?  ^_^  I left a message at home, but I wasn't sure how often you'll be checking them.

Mom, I love you and I hope your surgeons are more polite then my urologist was ha ha!

Love
Adrienne
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: CHD63 on June 22, 2009, 02:48:38 pm
Molly .....

My thoughts and prayers have been with you and Steve and Adrienne today!  I am anxious to hear that you are out of surgery and doing well.

Clarice
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: MissMolly on June 22, 2009, 03:00:58 pm
Just chatted with Dr. Martuza...Looks like the muffins did the trick!!!
Molly seems to have come through OK...Doc says the facial and auditory nerves
appear to be intact...We shall see...but it looks good so far...
Cheers all...
Steve
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: cin605 on June 22, 2009, 03:11:50 pm
Woo-hoo! ;DI am so glad the surgery went well.wishing a happy,speedy recoup.
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: stoneaxe on June 22, 2009, 03:25:38 pm
Great news!....all our best.
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: NancyMc on June 22, 2009, 05:08:25 pm
Yippee!  Another MGH/MEEI success story . . .
Tell her I hope she gets a window seat on the 12th floor and enjoys the great view for as long as necessary.
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: tenai98 on June 22, 2009, 05:17:23 pm
Great news...
JO ;D
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: Jim Scott on June 22, 2009, 05:34:57 pm
Great news, Steve - and just what everyone was hoping for! 

Jim
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: moe on June 22, 2009, 06:43:07 pm
Congratulations!
Another successful surgery.
Will stay tuned.  Now Steve and Adrienne get some rest ya hear?
Maureen
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: SML on June 22, 2009, 06:50:53 pm
That's wonderful news! A new postie is born! :D

Best wishes for Molly's recovery, and a big thank you Steve and Adrienne for keeping us updated.

Scarlett and Rich
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: RES on June 22, 2009, 07:41:22 pm
Great news regarding Molly's surgery  :D!

Ron
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: CHD63 on June 22, 2009, 08:15:44 pm
Super news!  So glad it is all over ...... on to an equally successful recovery now!

Clarice
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: wendysig on June 23, 2009, 05:32:20 am
Miss Molly,

Good golly (sorry -- I couldn't resist) -- glad to hear your surgery went well.  I'm looking forward to more updates.  Rest and heal.

Sending healing vibes your way,
Wendy
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: ppearl214 on June 23, 2009, 05:57:21 am
Molly, you "postie"! Congratulations!  Speedy recovery to you!

wellness wishes and hugglez!
Phyl
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: Keri on June 23, 2009, 07:56:05 am
Glad things are moving along, Molly, and hoping everyday will get better.


Keri
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: sgerrard on June 23, 2009, 09:16:27 am
Psyched that Molly appears to have retained her hearing. Hope it keeps going well and she can go home soon. Best wishes!

Steve
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: MissMolly on June 23, 2009, 09:20:05 am
Molly is now an official "Postie" and has the "scarf" to prove it...
She is feeling crummy this morning BUT...she has hearing!!!
Doc Martuza is happy with Molly's progress and is feeling confident in her prognosis...
She is expected to move into a regular recovery room today from the ICU...
and lose her very cool view from the 12th floor of he Ellison building...

Wednesday would be good for visitors...but we have to make sure to not overdo it...
Cheers all...
Steve
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: Keri on June 23, 2009, 02:08:21 pm
If she has the scarf, she needs to become a model now and post some pictures! (when she's feeling up to it)!

Keri
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: elliemae on June 23, 2009, 02:25:42 pm
I'm late (as usual) checking in - but very glad to hear all is well with Molly!
I'll think of her as I pass by MGH tonite on the T (this is getting to be a weekly event, first Stoneaxe and now Molly!  Who's next???)

Best wishes!
Elaine
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: CHD63 on June 23, 2009, 02:52:43 pm
Steve .....

Don't forget the F3D do not count rule .....  :-* so tell Molly to hang in there and it will be better by Thursday!  Also, don't forget to take care of yourself in the meantime!

So glad some hearing was preserved!  That's terrific!!!

Clarice
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: Jim Scott on June 23, 2009, 04:32:56 pm
A lady by the name of Cindy Landon - obviously a friend of Molly and Steve  - just sent me a PM.  She stated that she was unable to post this message on this thread and asked me to do it for her.  I'm happy to comply.

Hi all of Molly's Facebook friends:

I spoke with Steve last night around 8 PM. Molly is now in the ICU at least until 5 PM today. She is doing well. The docs were able to remove ALL of the tumor. Yeah!!! The neurologist was very happy with all of her responses to the post-op tests he performed. It is felt that she won't lose any more of her hearing in her left ear due to the surgery. I will let Molly update you all later when she gets back on her feet. The nurses told Steve that if folks do visit, they should only expect to stay for a very short period of time as it will be very taxing on her. Our thoughts are with you Molly...hoping for a speedy recovery!

Update:  6 PM:  She has been moved from the ICU to the 12th floor, room 26 (aka, room 1226)
at Mass Gen on Storrow, Drive in Boston.


Mission accomplished!  :)

Jim
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: sgerrard on June 23, 2009, 07:39:51 pm
Jim,

I moved Cindy's message into this thread this morning; it is about 7 posts up from the one you did. I have no idea why she would not be able to post directly in this thread if she can post in the other one.

Of course the main thing is that Molly is doing well!

Steve
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: NancyC on June 23, 2009, 08:04:50 pm
So glad the surgery is over.  Call me for lunch.
Nancy
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: stoneaxe on June 23, 2009, 09:50:43 pm
Great, great news! Congrats Molly.
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: Adrienne on June 23, 2009, 11:36:30 pm
Yay!  Congrats Molly.  Glad they got it all!  Hope your recovery goes smoothly as well!

Adrienne
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: Cindy Landon on June 24, 2009, 05:18:44 am
Hi Molly,

We are all so happy to hear that you are doing well.  Congrats! We are hoping you have a speedy recovery.  See you soon.

Love from the Landons.

Btw, thanks , Steve and Jim, for moving my post over to this thread.  Now that I have found the thread, I can post to it.  :) I am a newbie, too.
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: Helga on June 24, 2009, 01:21:34 pm
Oh Molly, I am so happy for you! Wishing you a painless recovery. Thanks to Steve for the updates. So looking forward to see the new and improved Miss Molly!
Helga
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: MissMolly on June 24, 2009, 02:07:53 pm
Molly just had her Lumbar drain out a couple of minutes ago...Gets to learn how to walk agin in about an hour...Yippee Skipee...Wish her luck...Cheers all...Steve
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: MissMolly on June 25, 2009, 11:16:34 am
Hi everybody...
Thanx for all the good wishes...I can still hear out of my left ear...Fabulous!!!
My physical therapist keeps giving me exercies to do that make me wonky headed...therefor I don't think we can be friends anymore...However...I shall be a good little soldier and do the wonky head exercises anyways...Who does the magic scarf go to next?
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: Lilan on June 25, 2009, 01:04:15 pm
Great going, Molly!
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: ppearl214 on June 25, 2009, 01:31:49 pm
Good Golly, Miss Molly!!!!!!!!!!  Welcome to "Postie-Land" and thrilled to hear you are doing well! Sending continued wellness wishes your way and looking forward to seeing you (I hope) in October at the brunch! 

I would check the AN Calendar for those that have upcoming treatment for the "Journey of the Magic Scarf".   Just a thought.

Hang in there and speedy recovery to you!

xo
Phyl
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: Jim Scott on June 25, 2009, 03:14:26 pm
Yo, Molly ~

Congratulations on your 'return' and the obvious success of your surgery.  The exercises will become easier over time and really are beneficial.  Keep up the great recovery!

Jim
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: Patti1958 on June 25, 2009, 04:18:51 pm
Great to hear from you....little pun there..eh?   keep us posted....don't overdo it!
hugs to you
Patti
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: cin605 on June 25, 2009, 08:06:34 pm
Hi everybody...
Thanx for all the good wishes...I can still hear out of my left ear...Fabulous!!!
My physical therapist keeps giving me exercies to do that make me wonky headed...therefor I don't think we can be friends anymore...However...I shall be a good little soldier and do the wonky head exercises anyways...Who does the magic scarf go to next?
Congrats!!!!The hardest part is behind you.The therapy does get better w/ every session ....baby steps.
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: moe on June 25, 2009, 10:00:21 pm
Great news, Molly.The wonky headedness will get better. Nice and slow and easy.
Maureen
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: LisaP on June 28, 2009, 05:15:52 pm
Miss Molly,

Best wishes for a speedy recovery

LisaP ;D
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: MissMolly on June 30, 2009, 03:39:39 pm
Hi Again to all,
I've been doing lots and lots of sleeping the last couple of days, since I got home.  Go figure!  Still pretty wonky headed but every day is getting better and better.  I have to say, the loss of my vestibular system as I had known it threw me for a loop!  Learning how everything feels again is veeeeeeeeery interesting.

Steve and I appreciated all the support from you guys during the hospitalization.  Brain surgery is definitely not a common experience you can share with your nearest and dearest.  You guys being a cheerleading squad was a great help.

I have a 'postie' question... I have a dry left eye (not closing all the way).  What was the drop/gel folks use to moisten it up?

Also, I'll get pictures on tomorrow.  My 23 year old daughter is here and she's the right one for the job!!

Love to you all,

MissMolly
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: Cheryl R on June 30, 2009, 03:56:29 pm
Molly, Good to hear you are home and now the road to real recovery.                 There are many kinds of drops and sometimes takes some experimenting what works best for you.              I love Refresh Liquigel for a heavier drop and doesn't bother the vision as bad as some heavier ones.             Heavier is a Celluvisc and does cause more of a blurred eye.              Use a gel at night and you may or may not need to put something over the eye like a Sarah wrap.  I used a dab of the gel around the edges to hold it in place.          Everyone has their own way if need to keep it covered at night.               Other brands work for some but Reefresh is my own favorite.       Drug and discount stores carry them.                     Some bottle types bother some people with the preservative in it.    It never has for me.   It is very important to keep the eye moist.          Good luck with this!
                                                            Cheryl R
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: MissMolly on July 01, 2009, 01:18:29 pm
Thanks, Cheryl,
I will take a look at these.  I have also discovered a sleep mask works pretty well for naps and such.  Look like a movie star with it on!!  ;)
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: MissMolly on July 05, 2009, 06:53:57 am
Hi all,
I've been quiet the past few days as I have had some increased swelling which has made my left eye kind of unusable.  Dr. Martuza put me back on steroids  - wheeeee !!  - and it seems to be improving so I can read again and look at a computer screen.

Other than this, recovery hasn't been too bad.  Still dealing with vestibular issues (aka wonky headdedness) and walking nicely with a cane.  In general, however, I feel pretty good.  Clear headed, energy increasing, no pain.  Getting out to walk every day, each day a little more.

My 23 year old daughter left yesterday after a week of being my "home health care aide".  It was great to have her here in the reversal of roles -- she as the caregiver.  I miss her already and it's not even 9:00 am today!.

Hope all is going well for everybody.

Have a great day.

Miss Molly
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: Helga on July 05, 2009, 11:30:57 am
Molly,
good to hear from you! Sounds like you are doing very well overall. How is the sleeping going, did you find good pillows to prop you up? Hope your eye keeps improving.
You're in my thoughts,
Helga
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: Jim Scott on July 05, 2009, 03:19:01 pm
Molly ~

Thanks for the update - and I'm pleased to learn that your recuperation is going rather well!  The swelling can be a hindrance to recovery but thankfully, steroids handle it.  I just hope you can wean off them as soon as possible and by doing so, manage to avoid their unpleasant side-effects.  I'll assume you're on a 5-day dosage, which shouldn't be a problem.  Getting out and, especially, walking, is good therapy.  I did that - with great success.  I hope you'll enjoy a similar experience.  :)  Please keep us updated on your progress.

Jim
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: MissMolly on July 05, 2009, 04:43:32 pm
Yes, Helga,
I'm getting good sleep and seem to not need the pillows as much any more.  Once the stitches came out (Thursday) I can get comfy on my regular pillows.  Every day I'm sleeping better.

Hi Jim,
Yes, I'm on the 5 day course of steroids.  Already seeing much progress with my blinking and smiling.  It seems this is just one of the little bumps in the road on recovery.  Thankfully the weather has been nice I got home and I'm able to at least sit outside comfortably and enjoy the day.  Tomorrow is the first day home with children (2 11 year olds) so we'll see how much quiet I get!!

Take care!!

Molly
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: moe on July 05, 2009, 06:52:52 pm
Hi Molly,
Sorry to hear about the eye issues, but like you said, just a bump in the road of recovery.
Really you are doing awesome for post op. 4-6 weeks is the norm for varied symptoms and setbacks.
It's like 2 steps forward, one step back and before you know it, you'll be back to your "norm."
Keep up the good work :)
Maureen
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: ppearl214 on July 05, 2009, 07:03:33 pm
MissyMolly! I'm still following along and sounds like things are coming along for you! I'm glad that each day is a little better (esp. now since the stitches are out) and sending those continued wellness wishes your way!  Hope you also enjoyed the sunshine..... about time is showed up around these parts, eh? :)

Phyl
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: MissMolly on July 06, 2009, 07:02:18 am
Thanks, Phyl.  The sunshine has helped recovery a lot!! 
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: Lilan on July 06, 2009, 07:07:18 am
4-6 weeks is the norm for varied symptoms and setbacks.

It is? Do I need to prepare myself for something?  :D  What happens at 4-6 weeks?

ETA: Hope that's not a hijack as Miss M needs to know too  ;)
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: NancyMc on July 06, 2009, 07:32:51 am
Lilan,
Don't worry.  I haven't had any setbacks and will be 3 months post-op on Wednesday.
Keep on truckin', Molly.  As with Bob (Stoneaxe) I wish the doctors had put you on a longer regimen of steroids as they did me from the start.  It made life much easier (except for the crazy person you all had to survive at the time).
Isn't the sun (and the moon as well) beautiful?  I missed them.
Off for a paddle on this glorious day,
Nancy
Title: Re: Miss Molly surgery updates
Post by: stoneaxe on July 08, 2009, 07:53:31 pm
Happy things are improving...I'm having a similar problem with my left eye. My face is still unmoving but the eye is getting better. The rest will follow.

You're making me jealous with the talk of paddling Nancy... ;D