Mum's recovery...

Since the post about my Mum's brain tumour diagnosis, a lot has happened. The past two weeks have felt more like two months, which always seems to be the case in these sort of situations. 

I write with positive news about my Mum. Thankfully. Today we had confirmation that her tumour was benign. This is the best news possible. She still has a few tests to undergo to identify the cause (sporadic or genetic related) but that's less important right now. I want to embrace the positive news and never let it go.

My Mum has made quite an astonishing recovery; both psychologically and physically. After many hours on life support after surgery, she regained consciousness, sat up, started on some banter with the nurses and wolfed down a massive portion of lasagne. In the words of mother "well, I haven't eaten in months" (which was not too far from the truth). It was all a little baffling to be honest, but we embraced mother's fighting spirit and ignorance towards what she had just endured. She was back with us and that was all that mattered right there and then. 

She was quickly moved out of ICU and transitioned through a high observation ward and back into the original ward she was admitted into. Each and every day there was some improvement either to her walking ability, memory, or concentration. Four days post surgery was when I recognised the mum I have always known and loved - she was back!

I feel like we are one of the very lucky families. Everything has worked out for the best. What are the odds of that? It's testament to the Neurosurgery team in Hull Royal Infirmary - they were truly fantastic; from the surgeons to the tea ladies. I think my mum secretly enjoyed her stay in hospital but she would never admit that... Who would?

My mum is now home and continuing well with her recovery. I feel a little sad that I won't see my mum every day, but I just have to accept that. I know she's only a phone call away and that will be enough to alleviate any pangs of worry I may experience. 

Many people have asked how we all coped during that time and it's something I'm still working out. Initial thoughts center around resilience, focusing only on the present (and not what might happen), being positive, retaining a sense of humour and drinking wine! As a psychologist I recognise it's much more complex than that and plan to look into this in more detail (that's the geek in me).

For now I leave you with the only physical reminder of mum's surgery. Look away if you're at all squeamish... Apologies in advance!

S

xoxo

20 staples (and a bit of bruising)