Hi All...

I guess my wait is finally over.  All I have to do is confirm my surgery date with Joli (Dr. Steinberg's nurse).  It looks like my surgeries are scheduled for April 12th and April 19th.  I'm actually looking forward to having the surgery done.  Hopefully it will help alleviate the headaches.    [smiley=headbanger.gif]

Thank you all for the support!!

That's wonderful news Jan!  Hopefully it will be easier knowing your surgery dates than playing the waiting game.  We're ready for you here, and can't wait to meet you, your mom, brother-in-law and (maybe) your boyfriend!

Hang in there, knowing that you'll be in the best of hands, and keep asking questions, o.k.?  There are so many here who have traveled this road, and you'll have your MM family to lean on for support and experience.

Until we talk again . . .  [smiley=hug.gif] from California,
Jill  

Aloha Jan,

Well, I'm so glad that you have finally received confimation of your diagnosis.  I know the not-knowing and waiting wasn't easy.  Is Alan going up with you?  I wish I could fly up with you to see you through this, as I know you must feel very anxious.  Did you let your sister know?  Please Jan, call/email me and let me know if there is ANYTHING, absolutely anything, that I can for you and your family!  I'm just a phone call away!!!

I know you have the fighting spirit and will get through this....you are in good hands.

Me Ke Aloha Pumehana,
Shan

I can't believe I'm actually excited about having surgery.  [smiley=sayyes.gif] I guess it's going to be better than the hell I'm going through now.  When I go to Stanford, it might be just my mom and I, my brother-in-law may not be able to make it with us after all.  I'll be really happy if Alan (my boyfriend) will be able to join me during the last week of my stay.  Unfortunately, he will not be able to make the trip with me due to school and work.  I know I'll be in good hands.  Of course, more than anything, I have to trust the "Man Upstairs" I know he will pull me through with flying colors.  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Aloha,
Jan

I made an error on the dates of my surgeries.  I thought it was going to be on April 12th and 19th.  I received a call from Stanford this afternoon to confirm the dates.  It it now set for April 19th and 26th.  I can't wait.  

Good luck Jan,

Good Luck, my prayers are with you.

Hi All....

I guess all my tests have been scheduled before my surgeries.  I have a Xenon scan on 4/14, and MRI on 4/16, and a SPECT on 4/17 & 4/18.  I have another test on 4/18 not sure what kind.  I couldn't hear what Maria said.  Will find out when she sends my schedule.  I'm still looking forward to the surgeries, but I think some anxiety has set in.  I still feel really good about what's going to happen.  I know I am in very good hands.

[smiley=hug.gif] Aloha,
Jan

Hi Jan,

I'm glad to hear that your tests are scheduled.  It puts you one step closer to getting here and taking care of the whole thing!

That last test is probably the neuropsych test.  It's a 2 - 3 hour test where you sit with someone and they ask you a battery of questions.  You also have one at your 6-month post-surgery follow-up, and they compare the two tests.  Nothing invasive, but I understand it's a barrel of monkeys (not!).  I'm sure that those who have been through it will share their insight with you.

Hang in there, my friend.  The hardest thing now will be the waiting.  I'm sure anxiety is a factor, but try to keep yourself at peace.  You're doing the right thing, and a few weeks from now, you'll be on the road to recovery, and not worried about your risk of stroke.

Talk to you soon!

[smiley=heart.gif] Jill  

Hi Jill,

The last test is the nuero-psych test.  I wasn't sure what she told me.  It was rather muffled.  All I know was
Maria told me it was going to last approx 3 hours.  I guess now that I'm actually counting down my days, I'm getting a bit excited.

My sister comes home from Maryland this weekend.  She is going to take a look at the DVD that Stanford is sending on the surgery.  She works for St. Mary's Hospital in Maryland.  I'm so happy she's coming home.  It's her first trip home since moving to Maryland two years ago.

Thank you for talking with me earlier.  It helped to calm my nerves.

Me Ke Aloha Pumehana,   [smiley=hug.gif]
Jan

Hey Jan:

So glad to hear that everything is finalized for you.  I know getting everything organized before your surgeries is tolling, and the waiting is hard, but you're gonna do great.  

I am sure everything will work out for you - let us know if you have questions or want to calm nerves beforehand.  Keep us updated and know that we'll be thinking of you.

Oh! And the neuropsych test - have never wanted to tear my hair out more, but if you antagonize the testers like I did, it can be quite enjoyable.  ;)  

Hugs,
Trina

Hi All,

Can anyone please explain what the nuero-psych test is?   [smiley=huh.gif]

Thank you...

Aloha,
Shan

Hi Shan,

Dont know if its any different in States but Lydia has just come back from London after having a full range of MM tests,inc another MRI  and a full catheter Angio etc, the next test she is due to have is important for children with MM who may have cognitive problems in school.This will be a neuropsychological assessment: this looks at learning and thinking skills, which may be affected in some children who do not have more obvious problems.

As to its role in adults I am unclear

Just a little thought from the Uk

Lou