Y'all Made Such a Difference....

... in my recovery 🏨! I went back to work 💻 this week. It was challenging as my 🧠 is not functioning at 💯 yet.

From the ample food deliveries 🍕🍝🍲🍪🍜 to the texts of encouragement and ALL OF THE SNAIL 🐌 MAIL 📬, I felt the 💜! My mail person wasn't sure what was going on, but is grateful for the efforts to keep her employed, too! 

Here is a photo of the over 50 pieces of mail I received! (Can you find yours?) 

You'll never truly understand how much I appreciate your efforts, especially to my cousin Dale who searched for a postcard in several cities. (Apparently Washington State is not big on postcards.) I hope this wasn't as hard for the rest of you. 😃

Making progress!

Everyone is doing well. My head is numb but getting better with each passing day. My cousin, Alex took great care of me  🥰

Barley is thinking about staying with Rose and his new pack. 🐶🐶🐶🐶

My mom is being well attended to by my Cousin Kaori, Neice Kanna and may other visitors. 

Plus! I’m not going hungry thanks to you all! 

Heading HOME!

I’ll be going home today! I woke up to this encouraging note from my doctor. ☺️

Overall this has been a very positive experience. Great care. I can’t say enough about my surgical team. Experienced. Compassionate. Communicative. Kind. Team oriented. Everything you want when undertaking complicated procedures. 

Now I’m looking forward to rest. And Mail. And eventually visitors. I need to figure out my new normal first. 

Thank you to everyone for your support  I’m so grateful for my village! 🥰🧠❣️

Day Three!

My recovery is exceeding all expectations!

 When I left the ICU I walked the entire length to my room which was considerable. I've been eating healthy, walking every day several times, and resting.

My mom and Barley have settled in.

My surgeon and his team are incredible. If you're planning to have Brain surgery, you want my doc!

Everyone is getting good care. I expect to be going home tomorrow. Still a little shaky on my feet so being cautious. Plus they saved my hair!

Thanks for all the support village! I couldn't have done this without you all!

 FEBRUARY 25 UPDATE:

Surgery went really well as did the first night.  Ingrid is both talkative and engaged, keeping the doctors nursing staff amused and on their toes.  

She is expected to remain at the hospital for 3-5 days in total, first in the ICU and then on a step-down unit.  If you want to come visit, short visits are welcome but she gets tired.  Will let you know when first visits can happen.

Surgery Update Process & Info

I have been asked to provide details about the day of surgery which is Monday February 24th.

• 5:45 am - check in 😑
• 7 am - surgery start*
• 3pm to 5 pm - surgery finish (my friend Kirsten will update this page for those wanting up to date news)
• I will be in the recovery room for a while, then transferred to the ICU unit on the first night.
• For days 2, 3 and 4 I will be transferred to a regular hospital room. (Come visit!)
• I expect to be released on Thursday February 28th at or around 11 am.

Home to recover until my next doctor appointment on March 10th at 10 am. I cannot drive to this appointment and will need a ride there and back. I expect this appointment to last 2 hours with drive time. If you want to celebrate my staple removal, let me know. By celebrate I mean hang out and get me to and from. 😉 Thanks to Donna for offering to celebrate with me!

* For those interested in the technical aspect of my procedure, I am having an Acoustic Neuroma Resection with a Suboccipital Approach with Auditory Brainstem Response Test to monitor my cranial nerves 8 and 9. These nerves control hearing in my left ear and facial muscles on the left side of my face. They are being very careful to not damage these are I may loose hearing or fascial muscle control.

Snail... mail!

I've had penpals my entire life. There is nothing more that I love than finding a hand written piece of mail in my mail box! 

Not your thing? How about a postcard? That's simple. Just throwing this out in case you have an interest in sending me something.

2531 Meade Ct, Ann Arbor Mi 48105

I can't wait to open my mailbox!