. . . . . . . Tumor & Medical Update

Today I had an appointment with Dr. William Couldwell, my neurosurgeon extraordinare. This man is amazing in so many ways. I continue to feel blessed that I am under his care throughout my brain tumor challenges.

As I waited for my appointment, I read some literature about the Clinical Neurosciences Dept. It reads:

"William T. Couldweel, MD, PhD serves as Professor and Chair of the Dept of Neurosurgery at the University of Utah. He also serves as Director for the American Board of Neurological Surgery and Secretary for the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Dr. Couldwell has over 230 peer-reviews publications..."

This man is literally one of the best in the WORLD at what he does. Yet, he is humble, kind, patient, warm and loving. I am truly grateful for him!

As he came in to talk to us, he had MRI scans from pre and post-surgery. He brought them up side by side on the computer and showed us the small tumor in my brain that caused so many problems, followed by the current scan without any sign of a tumor. The only thing he sees now are pools of blood, which are OK at this stage. That one small mass had smashed my nerves and was responsible for so many terrible, debilitating symptoms. Now it is gone.

My emotions were so strong as I heard him talk. My scans look "great" with no concerns at this time. He recommends yearly MRIs to keep things in check, as tumors can be "Chronic" and recur at later times.

Next he looked at the scans which showed the inside of my ear and noted that there is no fluid in the ear canal, which means my spinal fluid leak has stopped!!! Even a few months ago when I visited Dr. Shelton, he could still "hear" fluid, meaning it was still leaking inside my brain, but there was no way for the fluid to leak out, as it did through my nose and throat when I was in the hospital.

Again, my emotions nearly overpowered me. Why am I so blessed?

With the CSF leak "gone", I will continue to regain some hearing in my right ear. This will actually cause symptoms, such as tinnitus, or ringing in the ear. I have been experiencing this for months, and it will continue as there are still changes and improvements within my ear.

As for my facial paralysis, Dr. Couldwell says most of my facial "tone" has returned. Again, those who have seen me know this, because it is visible. I am not as "Crooked" as I once was. :) The mouth, eye, forehead nerves and such may still take quite some time to repair, but we are definitely going in the right direction.

As he left the room, Dr. Couldwell looked at me and shook my hand, then reassured me that I am doing "very well" and that he will continue to be "here" for me whenever a need arises.

I truly believe God blesses us with specific gifts and talents. I am so grateful that this man used the gifts he was given and has pushed himself to become a person who can truly help save lives.

I am still reeling with emotion. Thought I am not totally "healed", I know I am blessed. I will still need appointments, rest, down time and medication, but it is truly miraculous to be where I am today!