"There's No Place Like Home"

Thank you for all of your thoughts, notes, phone calls and mostly prayers! Dara got home Wednesday from the hospital and Aunt Cathy and Uncle Bill have been holding down the fort! Thanks to her great neighbors for having the kids over. j

She feels good - some pain from head dressing - and some discomfort. She will hopefully be able to take the beautiful head piece off on Saturday. She is taking it VERY slow and easy. She has been able to eat and it was so great to hear her voice!

Julie and Bella are on their way on the plane right now! Bella just gradutated "Kindergarten" and lost her first tooth and gets to go to California to see her cousins. It's a big week for her.

I am sure Dara will be blogging soon - her notes are so much more fun.
love, michelle

Round 10...Goes to Dara!!

As of this morning she is out of ICU and recovering without near as much sickness as last time. The doctor said it was a mess in her head when he went in. We are confident he has removed all that is needed and she has come out a champ! Best news of all....she has a SMILE!

There is talk of her going home tomorrow, Amazing! She will be home and need to really take it easy and build her immunity for recovery. They think she got the meningitis bc Dara doesn't have a spleen and has a "naturally" low immunity. Please pray for her body to recover without any more problems.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Michelle and Family

Out of surgery!

It took 3 hours and right after I posted the last note, my Dad called to say she was out! She is in ICU and we will see how she is tomorrow. THank you.

She's in surgery!

Hi there! Dara went in to surgery about 6pm California time. Art said she was in the "zone" which means she was ready to go and fight for her recovery! She is such a strong and amazing person. So far she has been in the surgery for almost 3 hours and we are anxiously awaiting her arrival to ICU. We will let everyone know when she is out of surgery. All our love, michelle

Back in for Surgery!

Hello dear friends and family! Today is declared a "DARA prayer DAY!" The doctors (her original surgeons from San Diego) came in to tell her this morning they are going to get her in surgery this evening/early morning for another surgery. They are going into the same incision site and she will come out with the head dressing and will be in ICU. There is another chance for facial paralysis. Please join in prayer for her today and for the Lord's hand to be upon the doctors during surgery. Here is the scoop:

The initital "fatty deposit" from her hip was inserted in her skull area after the tumor was removed so that it would replace the matter. They said that when she first "sprang a leak" of CSF after the first surgery, it caused the meningitis and for the fatty deposit to break down. From the last MRI taken this week - it showed the fat deposit has doubled in size bc it is breaking down and is causing the "chemical meningitis" and swelling and sickness. They are going to go into her same incision, remove the fat, take some from her other hip and replace it again.

Art is heading down to San Diego today and will be with her during surgery. Other family is with the kids and Aunt cathy comes to help wed/thur before Jules gets there on Friday. Mom will be out of school and will be heading that way soon, followed by me!

Thank you for your prayers and thoughts! We are blessed by your friendship.
michelle

"On The Road Again"

Dara had swelling at the incision site and her San Diego surgeon told her to come on down. She was admitted to the hospital last night and there is talk of going back in at the site of her incision and cleaning it out. Jules is making plans to go out to California to help with the kids and then Mom is done with school this week and will be out there for as long as there is a need! I am hoping to go within the next 3 weeks. Please pray for the infection to go down so she can have the surgery and be done with this. She is feeling ok as of now. More details to follow....michelle

Blowfish Break Free!!

Michelle here and I am on the phone with Dara! Dara says..." we are at the 5 star local resort named El Kaiser Permanete/Hospital. Believe it or not another miracle! I woke up with no headache, no nausea or throwing up all over the bed (I bet they are happy about that). We are actually trying to break free tomorrow if I remain with no fever tonight. They think I had chemical meningitis form the fat inserted after surgery in the hole in my head. I will be sent home with NO antibiotics, only steroids. New name for me - Blowfish with air holes in my head - She will be on attraction in Houston in July! $5.00 a kiss! (all donations toward my favorite ice-cream) The rash is going away and I am ready to hop on a plane to Colorado next week! I am determined to go!!"

Prayers are answered! xoxox michelle
ps. Thanks Aunt Cathy for the song - you are the best!

Continue to pray!

Well, Dara has been back in the hospital since Monday and has progressively gotten worst. She is very sick and is also seeing double vision. They can't figure out the problem and Art is getting very fustrated (as we all are). He is fighting for her care and they are running more tests. There was talk of sending her back to San Diego, but as of now not sure. Her white blood cell is back up, excrutiating head aches and has trouble moving or she gets very sick. We are believing for a miracle in this hic-cup of recovery. Please also pray for mental/emotional strength as I know she is very tired of feeling so bad. They did up her pain meds and she is able to sleep a lot. She is also still having quite a bit of head pressure. No "Big Bear" this week and it is looking like no sister reunion, but we are being optimistic. Thanks for your prayers, thoughts and notes. If you think about it, please feel free to drop a note of encouragement in the mail. As of now she could use some up-lifting! (oh - the rash is also back....yuck!!!)

Love to all,
Michelle

THANK YOU!

**I am not Done yet, ran out of time-several more to thank

**The next blog is new

I almost did not do this for fear of forgetting anyone.  I want to apologize up front if I did not include your name.  You know who you are and I whole heartily thank you for your thoughts and gestures.  I want to Thank everyone from the bottom of my heart, even those sweet souls that I have never met.  This journey would of been so much harder without all the love. Forgive the misspellings.

Family:

Art, Mommy, Daddy & Di, Michelle & Canon Family, Jules & Garcia family, Pop Syl and Mom Judi, Sis Vanessa, Cliff & Grandpa Holbrook, Aunt Fran and Uncle Arnold, Baker Family, Sis's Teri, Tina, Debbie and their Families,  Cathy & Bill Holbrook, Shane Holbrook, Jarrod Holbrook, Aunt Nancy & Uncle Arthur Kahn, Misty & Trent Khan, Chad Kahn, Aunt Terry, Misty &  Zach, Aunt Cathy Hanson & Family,  Anna & Garcia Family, Charly & Simpson Family, Joanie Simpson & Family, Uncle Chucky, Labella Family, Aunt Janet & Uncle Kenny, Don & Elise Mogill, Bob Mogill, Marlyn & Hester Family, Aunt Clydene, Uncle Marvin, Aunt Edith, Gina &  Christy Calabro, The C's,  Aunt Janet & Uncle Kenny, Malcolm & Rosie, Melissa Rozas & Family, EJ & Pete, Aunt Catherine Bennet & Family, Aunt Stephanie & Family, Dennis & Carolyn Canon, Tommy & Sheila & Family, Trudy & Ken Rozas, 

Friends:   

Michelle Foteh & Family, Carol Woodhouse & Family, Arthur & Leah, Matt Matt, Stephanie & D'Nelly Family, Tracie Janaska, Chris Gill, Donna & Pat Elliott, Shannon Ralph & Family, Debbie Sue Rice, Michelle Zagorski & Family, Johnelle & Harry Locher, Nicole Andrews & Family, D'Laine & Family, Michelle Thompson & Family, Judy & Glenn Lilie, KK Jenkins & Family, Cameron Gallagher & Family, Courtney Martin & Family, Gloria & Larry Lowe, Kim Sweeny & Family, CPI Crew, Janet & Frers Family,  Christy & Bart Lafever Family,  Mr & Mrs. Canon, Ger & Diana Beastom, Dana Johnson & Family, Peter Zasuly, Kay & Family, Ernessa & Christian Hibbard, Daryl Blaugnad & Family,  Vonnie Moden & Family, Koochie & Jack Hardig & Family, Jackie Migdal, Lisa Greve & Family. Shelly Lang & Family, Frank & Kim Corredor, Stephanie Spangle & Family, Holly Thompson, Wendy, Tamara Dowling, Cook Family, Norbert Gegner, Nancy Ullman, Paige Royse, Marin & Jeff, Dee Dee, Laura Barbude, Shari-tennis, Anne Hale, Daisy & Dave, LaraB, Kelly Gonzales & Family, Andrea Himmelsehr, Jen, Everyone at Paseo Club, Lori Foster, Lynn Honeycutt, Elizabeth, Kim Molausen, Amy L'Herault, Kelli, Anna Garcia, Kristina Haynes, M. Andrus, Leanna Santos, Teague Family, Jeff, Kelli & Family, John, Kristina Haynes, Allysa, Bates & Family, Jennifer  Garza, Peter Freyer, Elizabeth S, Michelle C, Cathy Clyde, Polaris, Heidi Y, 

Friends from my past & High school:

Vanessa & Garrison Family, Billy & Linda Shaw, Renee & Hale Family, Joe Griffen, David Arbaugh, Brooke Swoboda & Family (loved the pics), Fotorny Family, Tiffany Sharlow & Family, Jamie Lowe & Family, Tommy, his wife &  Zoey Beer,  Deanna Baggett & Family, Keri DeBorde & Family, Shari Curtis-Brown, Melissa & rust Burkett, Karen Riley, Dawn Incerta, Jodi Briand, Kirk Dressendorfer & Family, Sonya Young, Kevin Dorris, 

My wonderful, Bestest Ever Neighbors:

Barbara & Ian Cook, Thompson Family, Dan & Carol Merrill, Perez Family, Haddad Family, Mike and Darlene, Erzulmy Family!

NO more spots, I FEEL GOOD Nana nana nana na!!!

Leah and Arthur-Newly engaged!

She kept her eye!

   

We attended a charity dog festival May 18, 2008 run by our dear friends, Leah and Arthur, that are our producers/employers too.  Leah is about 4 years out from surviving eye cancer.  She had to work hard to keep her eye and finally found a doctor that would attempt to save her eye.  She has a great spirit, courage and strength.  She is always so sweet and calm in a zen way.  She is an inspiration. We had a blast and dogs where everywhere!! Everyone remained breathing with no asthma attacks from the dog dander.  I wanted to adopt about 15 dogs even though were not able to have one.  The  kids and Art have severe allergies and asthma, so no pooches in the Freed casa.  Plus I hate cleaning up the poop.

Hi everyone the itchy rash is gone and I am a happy camper.  I feel good!  I still have the fatigue that may last up to a year, but I am getting stronger every day.  I am also having close to migraine headaches all day.  I have to stay on top of taking my prescription Motrin, then I am fully functional.  I hear (pun intended) that the headaches may or may not improve with time.  I am gonna manifest a headache free life.  A new symptom just started today-I am having intermittent tingling to my right hand.  I will call the doctors on that one. Art is still amazing as always helping with laundry and cooking.  He is working from home again and we get to see each other all day.  His emotional support is priceless and he is constantly reminding me to slow down. Reminding me that I just had my head drilled and Willy scooped out a couple of months ago.  It really feels like it all  happened a year ago.  I still feel so much love and support from everyone.

I can really see that my life has changed:  I am taking my time and enjoying my children more, instead of keeping a perfect house and rushing.  I am not sweating the small stuff realizing what a waste of energy and head space it takes up.  Willy already took up to much space for many years.  My kids, Art and family are healthy and that is truly all that matters.  Together were strong and will get through anything, as I have just experienced.  I have a new found compassion for those with hearing disabilities and want to learn sign language.  I try hard everyday to have an upbeat attitude filled with humor.  I am not so concerned with what others think as long as I know I am being true to my heart and family.  I have a stronger personal relationship with GOD and a stronger faith in prayer.

As far as home life goes we are slowly picking up where we left off.  We plan on trying to tent camp this summer.  California has amazing camping grounds all over the place.  For a test run we camped in the backyard one night.  Right down to somores using the fire pit. The kiddos really got a kick out of it and we got to practice putting up the tent.  I did cheat and used the restroom inside.  Mason flooded the kitchen.  I came downstairs to find him on his stool at the sink in the bathroom.  He had taken an outdoor hose that we have for the kids to play with that has multiple spouts all over the hose.  He so brilliantly put one end of the hose up to the sink spout  and ran water all over our kitchen and laundry room.  20 towels later and a long time out, all was well.  Mason is almost  potty trained.  Thought we were there until he pooped in his Cars undies in T- Mobile today and we had just left from the bathroom.  Now that was fun.  Madeline is doing great!  She is our love child with not an intentional mean bone in her body.  She is out of school for the summer as of today. I got a big surprise when I picked her up from school this week.  Dad had taken her and she dressed herself.  I should of taken a pic of the mismatched outfit, right down to the flip flops she is not allowed to wear.  I couldn't help from laughing.  We are going up to the mountains, Big Bear, next T, W and Th.  We plan on chilling out in the cabin and cooking some great meals.  We were suppose to take the trip when I was in the hospital with meningitis. I will probably have a better trip now that I am feeling stronger. We are craigslist demons putting everything in the garage up for cheap sell.  We want to declutter our lives and keep it simple.  We are going to Colorado June 7th to visit Michelle and the Canon crew.  Jules and her kiddos are coming too and we plan on living it up with all the kids together.  We are going to a resort in long beach that we scored from a timeshare presentation (love those).  In July we are still planning on heading to Texas.  The airfare is outrageous right now and I have to wait for the prices to lower.   I guess it is the gas prices.  Along with some local camping trips (we'll see how that goes) and trips to Sea World, 

that pretty much sums up our summer.  I am just glad to be feeling better.  All those antibiotics really threw me for a loop.  I know all the good vibes and prayers have a huge part in my recovery, keep it coming.  I like to feel the LOVE, even from the sweet families I have never met.  It means a the world.  Love to all, Dara

ITCHY SCRATCHY!!!!!!!!

I found a picture on the web of what my rash looks like.  I couldn't bring myself to be the model.

Hi everyone!  I am up to my old ways of being a sleepless wonder.  This rash is killing me.  I am trying  really hard not to go there, but even with the decadron, claritan, motrin and tons on calamine lotion  I am still itchy.  It is every where-face, neck, chest, arms, back, legs, hands, feet-EVERYWHERE.  Not feeling real sexy right now.  I let loose in the shower last night scratching with one of those puff pads.  10 Minutes of pure Heaven to be followed by a night time of rawness, not a bright idea (pun intended). Art is really great at lathering me down three times a day.  I enjoy it cause he rubs in the lotion and kinda feels like scratching.   I found a great way to itch my butt at the store.  I just put my hands in my back pockets and itched away.  I am sure nobody notices.  I feel like a three year old with Art yelling across the room STOP itching-I think he is psychic cause I am really good at disguising the art of  scratching.  He thinks I may get a staff infection if I break the skin and possibly croak.  I am trying really hard to cut it out, if not for myself, but to relief Arty of any further anxiety.  He deserves that and has been through enough!  My daddy is here and I am enjoying him immensely.  He is throwing a Texas style barbecue on Sat. to celebrate me being out of the hospital.  He started preparing Thur. when he got into town.  He is handy around the house and I am putting him to work on repairs.  I like hanging with him cause he doesn't catch my scratching.  Other than the r***, I feel really really good.  My energy is improving, my speech is clearing, my walking is improving, my mind feels clearer and I am DRIVING!  I feel like a million bucks compared to last week.  My body just did not handle all those IV heavy duty antibiotics.  I will happily take the rash over feeling terrible.  Happy scratching-I mean sleeping!  Love, Dara

HEAR today gone tomorrow!

I came home last night from a 5 day stint at the hospital and I am here to stay.  I feel really good except for the entire body rash that itches like hell.  I put about 10 layers calamine lotion on at a time and I feel like a pink taco (One of our fav mex. food rest.).  My doc called me his little lobster.  So,  for the third and final round this is how it went down.  Art took me to the ER Fri.  afternoon.  I was spiking a fever through the current big gun antibiotics that I  was giving myself Iv and my neck was swollen with rock hard lymph nodes.  The ER doc took me a little more seriously than last Fri trip to the ER.  In his eyes I was somewhat a rock star for all that I had endured the past couple of months.  This I liked!  They pulled my beloved PICC line ( I was sad to see it go cause I knew it was not the source of infection), took labs, started three IVS (kept missing-unheard of in ER-my luck), stuck a needle in my back to take out some more spinal fluid to test, stabbed me in the neck about 6 times to try and extract fluid they could test,  and another CT of my smart noggin.  Maybe I shouldn't have been so excited about my rock star status-look what it got me.  They admitted me and changed up my antibiotics.  I had an infectious disease doc, a med doc, a neurosurgeon doc,  an ENT doc and great nurses trying to figure me out (few have).  I spiked through the new antibiotics with fever, but my neck swelling of the lymph nodes got smaller by the day.  All the blood, picc, and spinal fluid cultures were coming back negative for bacteria growth.  So they discontinued everything and observed me for 24 hours.  In this  period I had no fever-must of been having reaction to antibiotics.  They chalked up the neck swelling to a viral something.  The radiant rash blessed me on the day I was leaving (again antibiotic reaction).  So basically no real answers, a medical mystery, but I am feeling more like myself since post surgery.  I came home on no medications with a new attitude- Feisty, sexy and sassy!  I was very Zen  at first, letting God and prayers heal me with a real peace about the whole scenario.  That really got me through the surgery wonderfully and I was blessed a million times over. I am now pissed and in fight mode to get myself back.  My energy and spirits are high.   Don't get me wrong.   I am still pulling the brain tumor card now that I am paying the late bills to get the late fee waived.  I earned it!  I am a fighter that is looking forward to Mother's Day.  Happy Mothers Day to all the wonderful mothers I know and love.  To all the husbands out there remember how special your wives are and how one's health could change on a dime-treat each other amazing every day.  My Dad is coming today for 4 days and I am hooking up with my sisters very soon.  Mom is almost done with school and she will be here for a few weeks.  Life is Good!  God is Good!