”Whatever you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford
The day before surgery finally is here. Because I was going to be off work for a month I opted to work the day before. At 6pm on 11/29/2023 when I clocked out one of my brothers, his wife, and my mom were here at my home to pick me up to head to Columbus. We chose to spend the night before surgery in Columbus due to how early we needed to check in for surgery the next day. My other brother and sister in law from Tennessee also came up for the surgery. They met us in Columbus. I have had the best support for all of this. When mom and I got to our room I had an awesome poster board sign made from my niece and her family. It made me cry. I also had a text with a card made from one of my great nephews. I was also getting a lot of texts. I could feel the love pouring in. It definitely helped my mental state. While I was not scared at all, I was kinda nervous about how long I was going to be under anesthesia. It got real when I took my hibiclens shower and then climbed into my hotel bed. It really helped my mental state to have my siblings, their wives, and my mom here with me.
When morning came on 11/30/2023 we all got ready and headed to Ohio State Medical Center. After figuring out where to check in, because the place is so huge, we all headed up to the area where I’d get prepped for surgery. We all gathered in the waiting room for a qauick prayer before I went to my room. After I got settled in my bed they let my mom come back and sit with me. Then two people were allowed to be in my room at a time. So they all took turns until they took me to the OR. My Uncle and his friend also joined what I told the staff was my posse. Every single staff member at Ohio State was so super nice to both me and my family. I honestly couldn’t have been treated any better. The first funny of this day was when the anesthesia group came in to introduce themselves. The one guy says was Dr. (name I can’t remember) in here already? Never mind I am very sleepy because I didn’t sleep well the night before, and there have been a lot of people in and out of my room. I said well there was an anesthesiologist in here, but I couldn’t tell you his name as I didn’t pay attention to anything he said as I was staring at how good looking he was. They all giggled. So the last person in my room was the surgeon to go over what was being done and to mark the sides so everyone knew it was bilateral. During stage one he will be drilling two holes in my skull and placing the four leads two on each side. It wasn’t even ten minutes after he left my room that they came and wheeled me down that long hallway to the Operating Room. Second funny of the day was when they were helping me move from my bed to the OR bed. The one guy helping me was trying to keep me modest by tucking my hospital gown under me. I proceed to say “what don’t you want to see a full moon at 7:30 in the morning.” I hear some chuckles from the room. If you know me at all I love to laugh and enjoy making others laugh as well. Next thing I remember is waking up in my room much later in the day. When my family all came in my room they shared with me everything went well and the surgeon was pleased with the surgery. I was so tired and I knew they had been at the hospital all day so since I was being well taken care of I suggested they all headed back to the hotel and I’d see them in the morning. I was doing so well and only had to use Tylenol for pain which surprised me after having two holes drilled in my head. The pain was so minimal though. I just couldn’t seem to keep my eyes open. I was however under anesthesia for 6 hours so I guess that explains the tiredness. I’m pretty sure that I went to bed early that night.
The next morning I was feeling pretty good. I didn’t even feel like I had brain surgery. I had yet another awesome nurse in the morning. I can’t brag enough about the staff. They sure knew how to make me feel like I was at home. And I’m not exaggerating about that. My bandages were looking good so the nurse was able to remove them before I left. I just had to keep them covered when I went out. Once all the discharge paperwork was done I called my brother, gave him an updated report and let him know the nurse would wheel me down to meet them. So both brothers headed to the hospital to pick me up. We went back to the hotel where the women were waiting on us. I was feeling pretty good, just so so sleepy and thirsty. A dry throat from being tubed for so long. I gave hugs to my brother and sister in law from Tennessee then they headed back home. Then we got on the road as well. Once home I was settled in the recliner for some much needed rest.
RECIPES WITH GRANDMA JUDY
FRESH APPLE CAKE
Cake
2 c sugar 1 tsp salt
2 eggs. 1 tsp cloves
1 c oil. 1 tsp nutmeg
2 1/2 c flour. 1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp baking powder. 4 c finely diced apples
1 tsp baking soda. 1 c chopped nuts (optional)
1 tsp cinnamon
Carmel Icing
2 T brown sugar. 1 tsp vanilla
4 T cream. Powdered sugar
2 T butter
Combine all ingredients for the cake and spread in a 9×13 cake pan. The batter will be very thick, but when baked will be very moist. Bake at 350 for 50 minutes. Frost with Carmel icing. Boil brown sugar, cream and butter. Cool. Add 1 tsp vanilla and sifted powdered sugar until thick enough to spread.