John and I went to see Dr. Oro (my neurosurgeon) this morning. I had an MRI this week and couldn't wait for him to tell me that he saw the improvements that I already felt.

I first passed my basic neurologic tests (the silly things like following his finger and sticking out my tongue) and then we went into the film room. He pulled up my MRI and instantly there was improvement that even I could see. My syrinx (which is the cyst in my spinal cord) had dramatically shrunk. There is grey matter on both sides which is showing healthy flow of spinal fluid. YIPPEE!! Exactly what needed to happen! My brain is also in a better position (I will take his word for it since I am not sure what "normal" looks like)

He told me to continue my positive attitude, going to physical therapy (at least another month), and reiterated the importance of taking care of myself. 1. sleep 2. diet (reduced grain) 3. exercise 4. doing what makes me happy (which i will say is sewing & my art). I think that is great doctorly advice. He reminded me that days of playing contact sports are over and that I can not ride high speed roller coasters any more. (My SixFlags days are over before they even started) I can ride a stationary bike for now and it sounded like I could take some cues from my physical therapist when I would be ready to balance and ride a real bike. That may mean the trails of Cherry Creek when the weather is (much) nicer.

I told him how grateful I was for him - and just as we were done with my appointment my happy, thankful tears started flowing. He gave me a hug and told me that it was his pleasure to work with me. I kept him a little longer and continued telling him that he had given me so much back, and so much hope for the future. He shook John's hand, gave me another hug and left quickly. I am positive that was not out of disrespect, but I think he may have been moved to tears as well. It was very emotional. (maybe doctors or neurosurgeons DON't cry, but i know his soul could feel my gratitude.)

John and I left Dr. Oro's office teary eyed and as soon as I made it out the office doors I was in near hysterics. I was crying so hard sound wasn't coming out and by the time I made it to the car I was wailing. It was such a release of the happiest tears I have had in such a long time. I did something that I didn't think I could do. This was my first ever surgery -and I started with a big one. All the anxieties that I had pent up since September 1st when I first learned I had to have surgery to now - All of them were released. I sat in the car and cried for 20 minutes, reminding John every few that they were purely HAPPY tears. The BEST kind.

Now is when I have to thank ALL OF YOU who played such a big part getting me to the place I am right now - which is pretty damm good for being 8 wks out of MAJOR surgery! I needed a specialist to do my decompression surgery, but I needed ALL of you equally as much.

I was told two years ago that I should consider this surgery and I did not go ahead with it. The first reason was because I didn't have the cyst yet (even though I knew I eventually probably would), but I also didn't have a huge community of people willing to lend a hand. To my friends and my mom who are here locally - You all have been the reason my recovery has been so much easier then expected. The meals, the rides, taking my girls, walking my dogs, giving me rides, lifting my spirits, the starbucks delivery, helping with girl scouts, shoveling our snow, taking out my trash/recycle, helping John, dropping by lunch - I mean the list goes on. We are lucky to be surrounded by such a supportive community and group of friends. You all are so amazing and we feel so blessed.

And to those of you who I don't get to see everyday but still played such a big part. My Dad, Pam and Kimberly coming the weekend after my surgery to help was such a great diversion for my girls. (thank you) And to my Dad for the hours spent on the phone talking me out of a negative mind set and being the factual potomist when i wanted to be the emotional pesimist. And while my Iowa family wished they were there sitting in the waiting room that tuesday morning I knew their minds and prayers and hearts were there. Then all my friends from a distance - the Rivers from the other side of the world hooking me up with a cleaning lady(with the help of Cindy & Alice), facebook well wishes, prayer chains, uplifting text messages, emails that kept me company, offers to come help, fed ex packages with goodies and beautiful flowers. I am not used to such spoiling! BUT am SO THANKFUL.

I hope this blog can continue to bring more news of healing and getting back to life as usual around here. I will give myself a year (if possible) but the celebrating starts now for me. The positive attitude of healing continues.....