Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Evening

I guess the second time's the charm; Mark received his shunt today. He was in the OR over six hours. Although they found more inocculations and scar tissue today, they were able to see from one side of the brain to the other. I guess this was something they couldn't do on Monday. They said if he develops fluid in the back ventricles, they can run a tube from there to the existing shunt, without adding another shunt. When they brought him back to his room around 6 I was able to see him for a few minutes. His doctors were in and they put him through the "open your eyes", "wiggle your toes" routine which he did well and he even squeezed my hand. He was much more alert so shortly after surgery than I have seen him in a couple of days.

I went out to Bryn Mawr Rehab today for a tour. It's a beautiful place and has a great reputation for brain trauma. More about that later.

Being back to work is exhausting so I've been getting to bed early. Not making too many phone calls, sorry.

9 comments:

ben_okopnik said...

Christine, I'm sorry that you're having to pull double-duty, both working and having to take care of that big galoot that we all know and love. At least it looks like things are progressing pretty quickly - it looks like this party is going to be shifting to rehab fairly shortly.

As to the big galoot - nice to hear you're steadying down, guy. There's still a bunch of dragons to slay, a lot of ocean to explore, a lot of islands to visit. Rehab's tough, but you're tougher - and we're all cheering for you.

-- Ben and Kat

Anonymous said...

Christine,

Keeping you and Mark in our prayers. Rehab will be a great Christmas gift to all of us.
Get going Mark!

Love,
Ozden

Anonymous said...

Hey Mark and Chris, the holiday is a bit blue this year since you're not up to partying. But, I have an idea...

All you bloggers out there, how about we hold "The Holiday You Missed Party" when Mark gets to rehab? He'll be bored out there after the novelty wears off. That way, we can do the food and drink all over again. You'll owe us a story or two, Mark, so get thinking.

Chris, will need you to advise date and time (when you are both ready) and we'll do the rest. Everyone stay tuned.

Thanks for the blog and keep your comments coming. We all know what a special guy Mark is. It's great to meet you over the wires and learn how you all know Mark.

Love to you, Mark and Chris, we are all praying and sending positive wishes

Joyce

Anonymous said...

I'm reading all the updates from the past days that I have missed. Thanks for posting them faithfully Christine.

Looking forward to the rehab party at Brynmawr. I'm IN ! Let us know when you're up for visitors Mark. Keep getting better each day.

Hugs--- Tracy

Anonymous said...

Chris, I'm sorry I haven't been able to call you back, we were in Tucson when you called and I just finished up the last business obligation, so I'm hoping soon to place that call...

Mark, you seem to be slowly turning a corner and we're sending healing vibes for your safe return to all who love you. It's been fun reading descriptions of you; so far my favorites are lovable grouchy guy (I'm paraphrasing - couldn't find the original post) and big galoot.
We all want to see you in rehab.
Love
Celeste and David
Some of these posts leave me weak in the knees

LO'N said...

MWS, I asked God to please stablilize you so you can get better. I think I owe you one anyway, but when you get "out" we'll all do it up and then we'll do it up again with your entourage. However, you must learn to drink more so you can celebrate like the rest of us sots.

You are so lucky to have that angel, Chris, watching over you. Merry Christmas, Bud.

Anonymous said...

Hi Chris and Mark,
Hey I'm in South Philly and if you want a visitor on short notice, call me. I can't guarantee but it's worth a try if u want...
I hope Mark pulls out of this most recent surgery and post-op issues well. Let's hope the shunt will work!!
Tina N. 215-271-5860

Anonymous said...

I sit here quietly, pondering and praying. My heart is heavy. I need you to get better...now. I have been crying inside so much that I need water pills. I love you.

Kelley said...

Since I still can't talk to you, I did the next best thing: I re-read 'The Chinese Bandit'.