Looking Up (but not together)
Just over one month ago I had my craniotomy to de-bulk my skull base meningioma! It feels both like it was just yesterday and a lifetime ago. The healing steadily continues. Here's how things are going.
Return Home
We all made it back to Chico a few days before Labor Day. We split the 13 hour drive in to two days stopping in Santa Clarita, CA. When I first left the hospital, I felt like a bobble head when I was in the car. Thankfully, that improved significantly and had no issues with the trip home. Finnley was not pleased to be stuck in the car all day and he made sure to display his disapproval by landing a trick shot of bouncing his ball off his nose and straight in to Steve's beer when we eventually made it to the hotel. When we did made it home, we had little a surprise waiting for us to welcome us back (see main photo).
Sleep/Pain
Overall, both the pre-op headache pain and the surgical pain is gone! The area of my scalp that was numb is improving as well and has mostly changed from numbness to itchiness. Hopefully in a few more weeks it will fully resolve. My sleep has improved significantly as well. I've only needed one nap since coming home and at night I'm sleeping about six to seven hours continuously. Feels good to rest so well. I definitely missed my own bed!
Vision
My biggest issue by far is the continued double vision. This is an unfortunate but very common side effect for those of us who have gone through petroclival meningioma resection. Right now, when I look straight ahead, I see one image straight on then another slightly to the right, below, and rotated a bit counterclockwise. The alignment improves when I look left and up and worsens when I look to the right. If healing is possible, I may not see any changes for up to three months to a year. If no improvement occurs, then the next step will be strabismus surgery to realign my eyes. Currently, I am using translucent tape over my "bad" (right) eye in order for the eye to get light and so I can use peripheral vision. I also saw another optometrist in Chico who ordered me a prism sticker to go on my glasses which will help bring the images together when I look straight ahead. This patch will likely arrive in about 2 weeks and we will see if it makes a difference in my overall visual function.
Balance/Mobility
My overall mobility has improved so much! My last couple weeks in Arizona I was able to ditch the walker completely. Since returning home, and to a more moderate climate, Steve and I have been taking a few walks around the neighborhood or at the park daily. The extra activity is really helping me. I also started PT to help recalibrate my vestibular system. My PT and I found I have some degree of a vestibular hypofunction on my right side. Per the surgeon my vestibulocochlear (balance and hearing) nerve was super stretched out over the tumor. When they did the surgery, I'm sure the nerve was a bit shocked resulting in decreased function. In a normally functioning system, each ear has sensors to help you know where you are in space and work together in a push-pull fashion. Each side sends your brain signals along the vestibular nerves to the brain and your brain uses the information to send the appropriate output to your muscles keeping you from falling over. When one side (my right side) is not doing its job correctly the brain gets confused with the incoming signals and has a difficult time helping you keep your balance. Fortunately our brains are super amazing and with the right exercises, the brain can recalibrate the incoming signals from each side and the result is that you feel steadier and are better able to maintain your balance.
Free Time
One of the other tough parts of recovery has been figuring out what to do with all this free time! My puzzle books have been shown much love and my screen time on my phone has definitely gone up. However, since returning home I've entered my Bread Making Era. After spending an obscene amount of time on King Arthur's Baking YouTube channel, I tried my hand at several recipes including their Perfectly Pillowy Cinnamon Rolls, sandwich bread, and Chocolate Babka Buns. The cinnamon rolls were the best. You can find the recipe here. Definitely interested in hearing any of your bread making tips or favorite recipes!
Healing is a Process
Overall, I would say my healing is moving along well. I'm coping with the things I do not have control over (vision) and doing what I can to improve the things I can control (balance/activity). Some days are easier than others. I would be a liar if I said I haven't cried over the vision changes. However, talking about it with friends, family, and my support group helps a lot. I am not a patient patient but I am trying to give myself grace. I want to say thank you again to everyone who has reached out, mailed a card or sent an encouraging message! Your thoughtfulness has meant so much to me along the way.
