Dear Brandon and Alma -

I am so glad to hear that you are going to Stanford and that Dr. S will do your surgery, Alma.  He is wonderful!

Montana to California is a long drive.  You might check with Teresa and see what she thinks.  When Kate, our daughter, had bilateral surgery in Sept. '05, her left side was so bad that Dr. S felt she would not do well on a long car ride (Dallas, TX to Calif.)  We flew, but did not know about the special airline programs that Lore mentioned.

  We ended up being out there for four weeks instead of three, as Kate had swelling that had to go down before she could have her staples removed.  We were at the hospital a lot !!  So it might be very helpful if you could leave your son with family.

Also, the social worker told us about apartments that Stanford has for very little $$.  We couldn't use one because you can only have 1-2 people max stay there and when Kate was between tests, we had three.  So we stayed at the Skyranch Inn; they have a good rate if you are at Stanford. 

We also flew into San Jose and rented a car.  It was cheaper than San Francisco and much closer.

I am praying that all goes well for you, and that your Blue Cross/ Blue Shield will help out as much as ours did.  Again, you are on my heart and we will be thinking about you while you are in Calif.  Bless you all.

Hugs and prayers,

Cass, Kate and Jon in Dallas

Hi Brandon,

You've received great advice from several people.  I, too, will voice my opinion regarding bringing your son, as well as shed some more light about what you can expect as far as Alma's hospital stay.

First, MM surgeries are usually done on a Tuesday or a Wednesday.  Typically patients remain in the hospital until Saturday or Sunday, depending on surgery day and individual recovery.  Assuming that Alma will likely have her surgeries on consecutive Tuesdays or Wednesdays, it means that she'll be out of the hospital just 2 or 3 nights in between.  While she's in the hospital, I would guess that you'd like to be there with her during most of the days.  I know that when Tara was in the hospital, we stayed until about 10:00 pm each night following her first surgery.  We actually slept in her room after her second surgery, as she had some speech difficulties, and it was a bit frightening for a short time.  My point is that having a baby you are responsible for providing care to may be really difficult.  Stephanie made a good point - leaving him with relatives in Montana would probably be the hardest for you and Alma.  He won't understand the amount of time that has passed while you are gone.  Also, like she said, it's a different story if you have someone who comes to California with you to care for him.

The flying/driving issue is one you should discuss with Teresa.  Each patient's medical situation is different - one may be better able to handle a long road trip than another.  Again, I would ask the advice of Dr. Steinberg/Teresa on that one!

Have you been in touch with Social Services at Stanford?  Michael Thomas is usually assigned to MM patients, and he may be able to steer you in the right direction with flights.  He can also provide information about the Stanford apartments, but I know you're planning to stay with a friend.  Let me know if you need contact information for Michael.

Brandon, I'm sure all of this feels pretty overwhelming.  There are many logistical things to figure out, but if you try to address one thing at a time, hopefully it doesn't feel like too much of a burden.  Please let me know if I can help you out with any of it, o.k.?  You, Alma and your little guy will remain in my prayers. 

Warmly,
Jill

Hi everyone,

To anyone who has been following this thread, it is February 9th, and Alma is 2 days post-surgery.  She had her first surgery last week, the second this week.  She has had a fairly typical course, although she is experiencing a pretty significant amount of nausea.  She actually looks great, the incisions look healthy, and her spirits are good.  Dr. Steinberg gave very positive post-surgery reports, so that's awesome news for them! 

As Brandon posted, they decided to leave 10-month old Randy at home with family friends.  Alma gets teary when she speaks of Randy, as she misses her baby a whole bunch.  Pictures of him went into surgery with her, and she now has them taped to the rails of her hospital bed.  Please keep the prayers and good thoughts coming for these very, very nice people from Missoula, Montana.  I know Brandon and Alma both appreciate them, and I'm sure they'll be making a post when they can!

Hugs to my MM family,
Jill

Thank you Jill for the update. I’m so happy to hear Alma’s doing better—our prayers were answered. What better hands could she be in!?!

Please send them my best and tell Brandon he deserves a big “atta boy” as well.  His part through all this isn’t an easy one either. God love ‘em both! Tell Alma we’re proud of her and to keep smiling!

My continued prayers are with them always.

Mar

Tell Alma I'm glad to here the news thats so wonderful. The worst is over and no were to go but foward our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
                                     Nancy

Hi Brandon & Alma,

I'm so happy to hear that Alma's surgery went well.  I'll be at Stanford in April for my surgeries.  I'm looking forward to it.  I can feel for you.  I recenty caught the "bug" and trying to shake it off before surgery.  It's pretty difficult because I bring it home, give it to my boyfriend, and he gives it back to me.  It's just a vicious cycle, I'm afraid  to take any kinds of meds in case it causes another bleed.  I live with a constant headache.  Hopefully the surgeries will help alleviate them.

Will keep in touch....

Jan

Hi Brandon,
I am so thankful that Alma's surgeries went well.   Following your thread has been such an encouragement to me. My surgery is sked for March 8th.  We are looking forward to the surgery and meeting Jill, as well as Dr. S and his staff.   I for one can't wait to get rid of these headaches, I'm also looking forward to getting on with life! 

I pray that the flu will pass quickly from your household.  Please keep us posted on Alma's recovery.  God bless your precious family.
Lee

Hi Brandon and Alma -

I've been quite busy with my dad (nursing home) lately and just now read your last post (although I do talk to Jill regularly, so I know you are doing well, Alma.)  

Kate got a bad cold and bronchitus after her surgery and was limited in what she could take.  She has now discovered Coricidin that does not affect blood pressure and says it works well with colds. Maybe with flu also? Along with Tylonol for the aches?  Anyway, I know she is careful about taking a lot of anything.  The first month or so after we were home, it seems like we were e-mailing Theresa everyother day to check on meds or something !!  She never did mind, though - Such an angel.

I am glad you are home with Randy, and rest assured that you will progressively feel better.  Just do not try to do too many things at once - take it slowly.  Kate's surgery was middle of Sept; she started back to school in Jan (junior in college) and is doing well, but still fatigues some.  Takes a while to build up stamina from two major brain surgeries. Duh!!  

We will be going to Stanford in March for 6month check!
Time really flies.  Wishing y'all the very best!

Love and hugs,

Cass in Texas