First Post-Op Appointment

So today I saw the ENT to take the packing out of my schnauzzzz & boy was THAT a titillating experience! It's VERY tender up there & at times the pain has brought me to tears, but this doc is amazing & quick. The packing was out in no time & now I can enjoy the delicious aromas and the beautiful smell of FOOD!!! Here's me 3 days post-surgery...goajus I know!

I am 9 days out & doing well. I have 2 more post-op appts with 2 more specialists and then I should be good for a few weeks. The majority of my issues are with me doing more than I really should be. I realize I do have to take it easy. Although my vision is so much better this time around,

I'm finding that it's still taking me a while to focus. Which in turn causes me to get dizzy, then nauseous, then.... ugghhh! No swelling except a little in my nose area. And although headaches are pretty much daily, they're NOTHING like the headaches & migraines I had before. Here's me today! Woohooooo!!!

Again, I want to take this opportunity to thank each & every one of you for all your love & support throughout this journey and although it's not quite over yet, you have managed to ease our hearts & minds on so many levels allowing for proper recovery. I'm definitely looking forward to going back to work! ....and that's not a lie! ~ Melia & Kamy

New Surgery Date FINALLY Scheduled

Hey all. The time has finally come...the long-awaited date of my next surgery. It will be on Mon, Jan 11. Yes, the Mon in 2 days. Yikes!!! Yes, of course, I do have some reservations, but mostly positive vibes going into this 2nd one. This past week was very exhausting for me. Several Dr appt's , CAT scan, pre-ops & getting stuck with several needles. Everyone, including myself, is hopeful it will go much smoother this time around. We somewhat know what we're dealing with now & it should go well. This surgery, my neurosurgeon has invited a nose specialist to partake in the festivities. Basically, he will be the one going thru the nose, breaking thru the septums & sinuses up to the tumor & that's when the neurosurgeon will take over from there, removing the tumor. Both of my brothers will be there this time & to me, THAT makes all the difference in the world. Ryan flies in tonite & Jeri & Chuck are driving in from AZ as we speak (or as I type). I know that my family & friends are again 100% behind me & with me every step of the way. That's what got me thru this last time & that's what's gonna get me thru it this time.

Last night, my Uncle Jimmy & Aunty Debbie stopped by to visit me & surprise me! My uncle is an artist & I've been giving him a hard time for years as to why everyone else possesses some form of his art, but I don't. Well, he surprised me with 2 beautiful watercolor paintings. One of me doing the hula & my cousin's wedding. And the other of a gorgeous tropical flower. I am so touched. They are so beautiful & I am so thankful. Especially since they spent 1/2 knocking on various doors to find me. Thank you uncle & aunty. I love you! And tonight, my family's gathering at my grandma's house & I'm so excited to spend time with everyone before the big day. It's gonna be a great weekend!

Happy Birthday, Kyle!

Hugs & kisses go out to my nephew, Kyle Kauanoe, who turns 18 today! Ugghhhhh! Can THAT be right? OMG! That's ridiculous! That's him in the middle. This was taken towards the end of our trip to Hawai'i back in July '09. Gary decided to take the kids on a banana boat ride (as you can see). They had a blast! Especially the little ones!

Here's Kyle & I at Big Bear back when he was 3 yrs old. Ain't he a cutie?! Love you baby! Hope you have a GREAT day today!

~ Me Ke Aloha, Melia & Aunty Kamy

Mele Kalikimaka to our Family & Friends! Happy Birthday to our Friend, Lizzie!

Christmas 2009 is coming to an end. Melia & I spent last Saturday night with the Okabe family at Papa & Nana's house. Of course, it was great fun with lots of making fun! Games, good food & family...what more can you ask for? Thank you, Nana & Papa, for welcoming us as part of the family...we love you ridiculously! Today, we had a wonderful day with my mom & Anna. My dad came by for a visit, too. We opened gifts, had a great breakfast, went to the movies, enjoyed prime rib & watched the victorious Chargers. No, not a fan, but happy for my family & friends who are. We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

I am still awaiting a phone call from the neurosurgeon to schedule the next surgery. It's nerve-wrecking, really. I'm anxious to get it over with & at the same time, dreading having to go thru the same process. Ugghhhhh! I'm actually hoping for the week after the New Yr. Melia being occupied in school for most of her days would be the ideal situation. We shall see & I will keep you updated.

Our dear friend, Lizzie, is celebrating a birthday today & we want to wish her a FABULOUS day! She is pregnant with her first child (boy) & is looking as beautiful as ever! Happy Birthday, Liz! We love you!

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!