Friday in the ICU, part 2

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. -- C.C. Scott

Mom had a long but good first day in the ICU. She ate a little more at every meal, drank a good amount of water and tea (no coffee or wine yet -- poor Mom!), and gamely put up with all the tests and breathing treatments. She struggled with some tasks initially (like raising one finger at a time) and got better with practice, which is exactly what the doctor said would happen. She told the occupational therapist that she was a hard worker, and the OT agreed. She recognizes everyone and is heartened by pictures of her grandchildren as well as by all the notes she's received on Facebook and on her blog, and of course by all the wonderful cards she has received. It will just take some healing and therapy before all her words flow as easily and smoothly as they did before.

We are so proud of her for finding the strength to make it through the surgery and come out fighting on the other side. She has a strong spirit, and her sense of humor is still as sharp as ever.

Mom received a good report from her neurosurgeon, Dr. Singel, this afternoon, and he told her the tumor was a glioma, which is the most common form of primary brain tumor ("primary" meaning that it originated in the brain rather than from metastasized cells that came from elsewhere in the body). That's a broad category with a lot of different types, and we'll know in a few days what type we're dealing with specifically. He was pleased with the surgery results and said he took out as much of the tumor as he could without incurring too much risk. The tumor was about the size of a large plum.

He reminded her that they call her a patient because that's what she needs to be: patient. Her recovery of verbal and motor skills will take some time, and she'll need a few days in acute rehab before heading home.

She nodded, looked him in the eye, and said, "I'll do it. I'll be fine. I'll do it."