Maddie and Mason

I forgot tell ya Madeline and Mason are holding up well.  They are really careful with my picc line and help mommy with her infusions.  Some cute stories -when I was in the hospital I spoke to Mason on the phone and he said "where you liven now mom"  I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.  Madeline was told I went to the doctors because I was afraid the word hospital would scare her.  She got on the phone and asked where I was sleeping because the doctors office didn't have beds.  Those two are to smart.  I am feeling better today.  The Home Health nurse was by for a dressing change and labs.  My Picc line was not extracting blood, so another needle stick for today.  I am trying to tackle the mound of mail and all the bills today yuck!  I am turning a corner I can tell. I am  feeling well enough to talk on the phone, which is an improvement.  I also got a phone call from Wyndham Resorts about a time share 90 presentation with a gift of a vegas trip and two flights.  That perked me up.  I am a presentation junkie.  I love going to those presentations and getting all the free gifts.  I have made an art out of it and that is how we travel so much. Its Great!  I am ready for an awesome summer its getting so hot already.

Menigittis-Not so much fun!!

It is good to be back in the world of the living.  I came home from my last visit to the hospital on last Wed. April 23.  It was a long stay of 8 days of unexpected pokes, prods, MRI's, CT's, PICC line and antibiotics.  I know Michelle was great in relaying my status, thanks girly!  I never imagined when we took off to San Diego that a couple of hours later I would have my doctor putting a syringe into my incision site and pulling out 3 syringes of fluid.  I kinda figured we were in trouble at that point.  I was told to get some lunch (Mexican of course) and then come back to get admitted to the hospital.  The lumbar drain was the hardest.  I was so sick.  I was in so much pain and could not keep any food down.  Vomiting while your head feels like 100 pounds gives all new meaning to the sport of throwing up.  My eyelids even hurt to open.  Art was a trooper staying by my side holding my vomit pan and stroking my hair.  I am sure it was tough on him to see me suffer.  He was an amazing advocate making sure I was taken care of while sleeping in a chair that barely reclined.  Mom Judi and Sylvan came for a visit although I barely remember seeing them I was so sick.  My friend Stephanie, who is also a nurse, came to relieve Art for a night.  She was like nighten Gail and was there to see some of the worst of it.  I was given a PICC line to administer IV antibiotics for 3 weeks at home after the doctors figured out which antibiotics were working.  I got the big guns Vancomycin and Merrem.  Two of the strongest out there.  I give my self 5 infusions a day which is old hat because of the nursing gig.  I kinda like doing my own IVs. Art learned for back up and is really good too.  A home health nurse came by the day after I got home.  He was a nice,  young male nurse which reminded me I will be BIG 40 in November.  So, I was home for three days and started to spike a fever of 102.1.  Which I found impossible on the antibiotics I was on.  So, off to the ER we go for a Saturday visit.  At this time I am pretty much besides myself and crying while we head to the hospital.  I get there and the Infectious disease doctor said that my white count was normal,  thank God,  and he thought I was having reactions to the heavy duty antibiotics.  That I could live with, although my incision site had a little increased fluid build up again.  I now take tylenol and benadryl before each dose, so I am basically a walking zombie all day.  But at least I am home and can smile.  My appetite is good, putting on more weight than I probably should.  But I need the nutrition to heal (sounds justifiable to me).  Fatigue of course is a battle and I am noticing a ringing in the deaf ear.  I may have to live with the irritating ringing-cant get that song "ring my bell" out of my friggin head.  The kids are great!  Mom Judi and Sylvan kept the kiddos on a minutes notice for 8 days.  Judi kept up with the laundry and cooked a homemade meat loaf when I got home.  What angels! Thank you everyone for the continued support.  Art read me all the blog responses while I was in the hospital and they really gave me strength.  I had beautiful flowers sent from the Haddad's, meals by mail (really cool and really good) from Lara B. and a darling little dress from Kim S.  I can not believe all the love that this whole experience has brought into my life.  I did not realize I meant so much.  I go back to San Diego on the 6th to see my surgeons and the infectious disease doctor.  I really hope to be able to close this chapter of my life soon and give back to my family and others.  All we really have is God, today, love, family and friends.  I am feeling an abundance of all 5 right now.

She's going home!

We received great news yesterday evening that Dara was being released and she sounded stronger than before she went in! She will be going home with a "pick" line in her arm that will administer antibiotics for the next 2 weeks. She said now she gets to practice "nursing" on herself!

We can't thank you enough for your prayers and kind words. She is on the road to recovery and we are grateful. I know she is ready to go home after being gone almost 10 days and hug and kiss those sweet babies!

Eatin Chicken!

Dara is still in the hospital and was able to get up and walk around and get down some chicken! They do not want to release her yet until they are sure she is on her way to recovery. (we are glad about this) They found a spot on her lung during the x-ray and think she may have pneumonia. She feels great though! They were waiting to hear the latest test results, they weren't sure if it was a great x-ray previously because she was so sick.

Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and messages! We are blessed to have such great friends! Thank you Stephanie for coming to the hospital to take care of her for the evening and so Art could get some shut-eye! It has been so great re-connecting with friends and hearing from everyone! Thank you!

Continue to pray for a complete healing!
-michelle and family

More Good News!!

Dara and Art received news that the cultures came back negative, she hasn't thrown up all day today, and she got herself up and around. I knew she was a fighter! Keep fighting the good fight! She still might be going home tomorrow. They will know more in the morning. Dara - I wish you the best night of sleep ever!
love you
Julie

Answered Prayers!

News from the MRI returned and her MRI was normal. Her white blood count is down and she will hopefully start to feel great because the took the spinal tap out of her spine. She will continue on the antibiotics and they believe they have found the med's that are working on her system! Thank you for your prayers and phone calls. We will continue to hear more and pass on the news! -michelle

Saturday Morning Update

Dara had a better night last night and was able to sleep. They did the MRI and are awaiting the results. They have her taking lots of different antibiotics to ensure that the infection will be obliterated. If the medicines don't work (which they will and are already working), I wouldn't be surprised if Dara does her own Kung Fu on the Meningitis. Our family can't thank everyone enough for your prayers and thoughts! I will try to update later today.
Julie

Pray, Pray!

We just go word from Art that Dara has taken a little downward turn for now. (I say for now, because I believe in God's healing power). She does have bacterial meningitis and the antibiotics they were giving her haven't been working. Her white blood count went back up and she started getting sick again everytime she moves. They have scheduled another MRI for this evening and hopefully we will know more soon.

We love you Dara! You are the best sister we could ever ask for!! Fight hard and know we are dreaming about the day we can all be together soon. We so wish we were there to hold your hand, but we know you are in the best hands ever with Art.

All our love, Michelle and Julie

Dara is still fighting!

Hello everyone! Michelle here - I just spoke with Art and he wanted me to post another update for Dara - our mighty and strong fighter! She had another really rough night last night. Her doctor looked at her CT from yesterday and said that he was pleased with the results because it looks like 90% of the area is drained and now the area/hole can begin to heal. Her white blood count is not as high and it seems the CSF level is down. The CSF is still being drained through the tube in her spine. But, it still looks like she may have meningitis. She may be going home with a pump inserted in her that will pump antibiotics for 3 weeks. (Hey, maybe she can leave it in and pump margaritas through it??) The cultures on the meningitis are still growing, but we have faith and pray it has stopped in her body. They may still have to insert a shunt in her head with a tube going to her intestines. As of now, she won't be going home until Monday.

Art - thank you for being by her side and for all of the updates!! You are a perfect match for Dara! We appreciate all of your love and energy and attention on Dara!

Much love and hugs and kisses to Cousin Misty and Gramma and Grandpa Freed! Thank you for holding down the Freed Fort and Dara's family is so grateful for your love and kindness towards Dara. We have always appreciated how you have accepted her as a true daughter of your own.

Shane - Art really appreciates all you are doing for his studio. Thank you for keeping the ball rolling while he is away!

Personally, I stand amazed at the wonderful friends she has made on her street! I always hear how yall are taking Maddie to school, having the kids over to play and giving her rides. Julie and I have so much comfort from the love and support yall have shown our sister. We so wish we lived closer so we could help, but we count you as a blessing that you are her neighbor. A big hug and kiss from Texas and Colorado!

Dara, this will all be a distant memory one day with a great story to inspire others. Phil 4:13 says "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength" and that even means a FULL RECOVERY! We love you so much! Your family!

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!