Brain Surgery: A Year in Review

It has been a year since my life changed forever. On March 21,2017 I underwent a very dangerous brain stem biopsy. The odds were high that I’d die on the table, but I just wanted to know what was happening in my brain, as no doctor was able to diagnose me.

By the time I had surgery, I had already lost the ability to swallow food and walk.

The days afterwards were quite miserable, as has this whole experience.

I stayed in ICU for about 2 weeks after the biopsy. I then moved to the acute brain injury and stroke floor #7 for another two weeks.

Then I moved to the rehab floor #8 for another month.

I spent about 2.5 months total in the hospital.

Fast forward to today! After about a year of therapy, I was able to eat a plate of pancakes and I’m able to walk in an aluminum walker. I have the MOST AMAZING support system, including my truly awesome boyfriend, Robert and his family. My mom and aunt and my family and friends have all been doing so much for me! I am eternally grateful ๐Ÿ™โค๏ธ

After months of being undiagnosed, I was finally given the diagnosis of Tumefactive Multiple Sclerosis. I’m doing everything I can to manage and heal.

6 Comments

  1. Jim Darnell

    Hey Steph! I am so glad you are doing this…it will do a world of good all around, and wide spread. I want to be sure a lot of folks at church know about this and have a chance to read it. It is amazing how many people we meet and know at church who have similar situations themselves or have friends or relatives who do. I am gonna guide them to your blog and see how many sign up. Personally, I hope even if you have a complete recovery you will consider continuing with this effort. You will do a world of good! As always, I love you mucho!!!

  2. Jim Darnell (Pops)

    Will do…it is amazing how great minds run alike sometimes! This is pretty much exactly what I thought you should do for several months now. You will do great, and help a lot of people, I believe. Let me know if I can help you in any way!

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