Happy Birthday, Jeri & Kyland!

Today is my cousin, Jeri's, birthday & her son, Kyland's, too. We love you both & hope you have a FANTASTIC day!

Kamy Update

Can you believe it's already been 4 wks today that I underwent that damn surgery. Who woulda thought the outcome would turn out the way it did. But I'm still pluggin' away everyday with the amazing help of my loving & loyal family & friends. As you all know, this past Thurs was Thanksgiving & of course I spent it with my family. We all gathered at my grandma's house in Cypress. The Resor's were in town & so was my Aunty Arlene. We had another family dinner on Saturday night where more family members were able to come - my Uncle Jimmy's family & my brother, Gary's, family (we missed you, Ilan!) Of course, I was soakin' up ALL the love! I have the best family!

As far as where I'm at? I am walking everyday at least 30 min. I am unable to drive. My right eye is still a little swollen shut, but I'm doing my strengthening exercises everyday to get it back to somewhat normal. When both eyes are open, I have double-vision. I get exhausted pretty easily after any type of activity so I try to take naps where my mind will let me. Even being on the computer is too much. That's why it's been so long for a K&M update. I am still at home, not working, but I was able to visit last week for a short amount of time. I really do miss work & all my great co-peeps! I am still monitored closely by the endocrinologist (they're the pituitary specialists) thru my blood being drawn & urine testing on a regular basis. I see the neurosurgeon again on Dec 11 & at that time he will determine if I am strong enough & healed appropriately for the next surgery which could possibly be scheduled just before Christmas. <Big sigh> A difficult decision, but I just want to get it over with. With the constant assistance of Jeri, Lisa, Sara & Amber, I've been able to live a somewhat normal life. I can't do it without you girls & I will NEVER forget all you do & have done for my daughter & I.

Melia is doing great, however has had her share of moments. As a mother, it is so difficult to not be able to do the normal things we do together, although I'm trying hard everyday. It's a mind-trip, though, and it can really get you down if you let it. Fortunately, I surround myself with tough people who DON'T let me have the opportunity to do that. Melia had her Thanksgiving recital last Tues & my cousin, Jeri, took me to it. It was so adorable & it meant the world to me that I was able to make it. Her soccer season is over. Her last game was a wk ago Sat & she scored a goal. Hmm...she seems to only score when her Aunty Jeri is in town. We may have to get aunty to move here from AZ.

I would like to again, thank you all for your constant love & support. It means so much to me to have you in my life, but the fact that you give so much to Melia & I REALLY makes me speechless. Thank you, thank you, thank you! We hope you had a great Thanksgiving & we look forward to the countdown to Christmas!

Gettin' Some Rest

Well, it's almost 11 p.m. & I'm about to call it a night before my big procedure. I've experienced so many emotions since I found out my surgery date...it's pretty overwhelming. Last night, I had one of the worst migraines I've had since this whole thing started & unfortunately, I was unable to take Melia out trick-or-treating. That was horrible for me, but her Aunty Jeri didn't disappoint & she took her out. Knowing she had a great time eased the heartache a bit. Here's a cute pic of them before they headed out.

I want you all to know how much I appreciate & love each & every one of you. Sometimes you really don't know how much you're loved until something like this happens. I've always been uncomfortable with the "center of attention" thing, but I have no choice in this matter. I'm quickly learning. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your positive vibes, wonderful thoughts, and your unending love & support. Words can't describe how much it means to me...I love you!

Surgery Scheduled

Well, I finally received the call from my dr yesterday & the surgery is on Monday, Nov 2. Yep, in 3 days. I had my pre-op visit this morning. It was pretty routine...paperwork, EKG & bloodwork. Everything looks good so he gave the thumbs up. I will get to the hospital before 930a.m. on Monday & should be in the operating room by 11a.m. It's about a 4 hr procedure & I should remain in the hospital til the end of the week.

I'm really gonna miss my baby girl....

There's a reason why I haven't posted...

...anything for quite sometime. As some of you may already know, I have been going through some health issues as of late. I started noticing back in early August, headaches & severe thirst. In Sept, the headaches turned into migraines & then my vision was getting bad. I actually thought I had diabetes, but that was ruled out by blood tests. Pretty much everything was ruled out. The Dr finally ordered a CAT scan & that's when I found out I had a tumor in my head - pituitary gland to be exact. Shortly after, an MRI confirmed the size, placement & its NON-CANCEROUS status. THAT was a relief! After seeing a few specialists, ophthalmologists & an endocrinologist, I finally met w/a neurosurgeon. Unfortunately, it was determined by the endocrinologist that I cannot get rid of this thing by taking medication. I will have to undergo brain surgery. I really liked the surgeon & I felt comfortable w/him. He took his time to examine me, listen to me, answer my questions & explain to me how this would all go down.

So there you have it in a nutshell. A bit shocking I know...to me, too. As of right now, I'm waiting to be scheduled for the surgery & am crossing my fingers it will happen soon...in the next wk or 2. I expect to be in the hospital for 4 to 5 days & the recovery period will be from 4 to 8 wks. Yikes!!! That puts me into December. I have told Melia (of course, not details) & she's starting to come around. I have made sure that she will be surrounded w/love & care while we go thru this together. We both are so lucky to have great family & friends...thank you all for everything! Melia's new soccer family...these parents are a-FREAKING-mazing & have been there for us at the drop of a hat! You know who you are. And my co-workers, I can't even begin to express my thanks for all they've done & continue to do for me on a daily basis. From providing rides to & from work (because the vision is shot) to donating their vacation time to me to providing an ear or a shoulder to lean on. And of course, my family...my awesome family! You truly show the unconditional love. I am speechless & amazed of all the generosity, love & support we have received from countless people...how do I even begin to thank everyone?! It truly brings tears to my eyes.

We love you all & ask you to keep us in your thoughts & prayers during this difficult time. I know that we will be just fine & we continue to draw from your strength.

Thanks so much,

Mahalo nui loa,

Me Ke Aloha...