It's Sunday night and I expect the next 3 days will be physically and mentally draining. My Anxiety has varied from having no appetite for a couple of days to feeling like everything is normal. In the next 2 days, I will be trying to tie up any loose ends at work. Our NYSSMA festival is approaching and it's hard for me to give up control for one of our largest events. Additionally, I have many teacher observations to complete and I worry about them getting finished. I've asked my colleagues for help, and I know it will get done, but I don't like giving my responsibilities to others. The truth is, the Music and Art Department will continue to function successfully without me and the work will be there when I get back. I have a wonderfully talented staff and secretary who will help keep everything running.
On Tuesday morning, I will be going to see the woman who has been cutting my hair since I was 9 years old. Lisa has known the family for a long time and she is a great person. I have asked her to shave my head for me in preparation for surgery. It is not necessary that I shave my head completely, however having experienced this surgery before, it would have been easier had I done this. Also, My Mother-in-law will be flying in to help us with the kids as well as for when I get home. We are so lucky that she is able to come and be with us.
On Wednesday morning, Sue and I will be driving (Sue does the driving!) to MSKCC for a functional MRI. This is an MRI which will include neurologists asking me to complete tasks during the test. For example, they might ask me to think of words that start with the letter "M". As I do this areas of the brain will "light up" on the scan which will tell them what area of the brain is being used. It basically creates a map of my brain (the location of certain functional areas varies from person to person). During the MRI, the neurologists will also place several round sticky things around my head, which will aid the surgeon with regard to the mapping. Mom and Dad will also be flying in from Florida to be with us. This is the 2nd time I've shortened their snow-bird time!
Finally, on Thursday, it will be time to head back into Manhattan for what we have all been waiting for. Although I do not have the exact time of the surgery yet, Dr. Gutin's nurse has told me that she is estimating that I will have to arrive around 9am. Following the surgery, I will be taken to the PACU, which is a post surgical intensive care-type of unit. I will have little contact with family while I am there. I will remain there overnight and if all goes as it did 6 years ago, I will be taken once again to the MRI machine for a follow up scan in the morning. I expect that soon after, I will be moved to a room. I will continue my recovery in the hospital, most likely until Monday, April 20.
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