Nieces & Nephews praying for you!

IN A GRATITUDE MODE!

Michelle here - Dara's sister! She wanted me to post a new posting to update you on her stay in San Diego. Yes, she is in San Diego and has been admitted to the hospital. She is surfing and eating Mexican food everyday..well, we wish. She had a spinal tap inserted yesterday in her lower spine and will have it in for about 3 days. It is supposed to help drain fluid out of the site of her brain. They extracted fluid from her incision site to test for meningitis. We are still waiting for results! Last night was a really rough night as she was very sick and started to spike a temp close to 104 degrees. Also her white count was up and her body is fighting something! They have ran a CT, culture test and more blood test. I guess it is not too common to have these symptoms - but they are guessing she popped the plug! There is talk of her being in the hospital until maybe Sunday or Monday. She may have to have a shunt put in that will go from the "air head" site, down to her intestines?? Anyway - I loved Dara's story that she loved her night nurse (who was fairly a new nurse) and Dara was telling her the next steps to take. She went into nursing gear for herself - even telling her nurse now was the time to increase the morphine. Love it!! Dara always makes friends with all of the staff. She has also enjoyed seeing both of her surgeons as they have been checking in.
As I look at this situation and how I try to go about my day - Dara is an amazingly strong women who has blessed us all. She just kept saying her and Art are staying in a "gratitude mode" remembering that they have already been past the worst of the surgery! Now she will take one day at a time she said. I personally know God will not give her more than she can handle and I put my trust in him for complete healing. We thank everyone for their continued support and prayers!

On another note - if you haven't heard - we are planning a 40th bday celebration for Dara in San Antonio the weekend of November 15th. Several of us are running the San Antonio 1/2 or full marathon in honor of Dara and Acoustic Neuroma Awareness! You too are invited to enjoy us. We have been in conversation with the Executive Director at the Acoustic Neuroma Association and asking how we can raise funds for AWARENESS! Please join our campaign in hopes we can spread information/awareness for other families. If you are up for some spring/summer goals - how about a little fitness at the San Antonio Rock-n-Roll Marathon. It will be our first annual "Free Willy" run for AN awareness!!

Art, thanks for being the husband Dara has always dreamed of! I am so glad you are with her now.

We are anxiously awaiting all of her test results. If it is Meningitis - she will continue to fight. We will keep you posted! All of our love - Dara's family!