Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Super Success Story










We are so blessed.
Our love Dara is recovering now.
Dara was rolled into surgery today at 12:30 pm. 
She never lost her positive attitude,  her Dr's told me she went to sleep with the most serene expression on her face.  At 7:00pm I received a call from the O.R. that Willie was free and they were closing up. At 8:00 pm the Dr's came to the waiting room and discussed the details of the surgery with our family.  Dara's tumor was very vascular and was difficult to remove, it was stuck to her brain.  Her nerves that control her eye, tongue and face were also stuck to the tumor and had been kinda smashed, they were not broken.  After the removal the nerves were tested for conductivity and they all appear to be functioning,  the nerve for her right side of the face is weak but should recover over time.  After a long day we can all rest and know that Dara will be fine.  She is expected to make a full recovery.  Thanks to all for your thoughts, notes, posts and good vibes, we know it made a difference.
Art

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

You're a good man, hubby and daddy Art! Thanks for always taking care of my sister!
love you
julie

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear. Ernessa and I wishing you all the best.
C

Anonymous said...

It sounds like Ollie got his ass kicked!!

Marni and I look forward to more updates.

Jeff

Anonymous said...

That is wonderful news! Thank you for posting so quickly. You guys have been on my mind all day long. Lara

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad to hear the surgery went well. I'm thinking of you often and wishing you the best in your recovery. Take care, keep your wonderful positive attitude and be patient!

Heidi Y
(from tennis -- we've only met a couple times)

Anonymous said...

Dara,

It is funny that I have only played you two times and from that I could tell you were special and now through this I know how truly special you are. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I pray for you a speedy recovery.

Sheri S. (tennis)

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad to hear of your success. You have an amazing team of supporters, I can tell!
Holly

Kevin & Stephanie said...

Had to check before I could sleep tonight. Thanks for updating so quickly. So glad to hear that all our prayers have been answered.

Anonymous said...

Way to be Dara! You are strong, cool and of course an icon on the tennis courts. You are one of the most graceful, complimetary and positive people I have ever met.

On a lighter note, I also remember, you have that great little grey and white stripe tennis skirt, I admired so much.

If I remember correctly, your husband bought it for you! (He must be quite the guy!) Yet, I believe, true to form (that generous person you are), you told me I should get one too! And, just so you know, I did.

Nothing would honor me more than wearing it along side you, when you recooperate! Of couse, I will retire the skirt if you wish!

Miss Dara, you are the bomb! You should are admired for your courage, you spirit, and of course your amazing, on target and intimidating serve. Can't wait to see you out on the courts! Get well soon!

Love, Love,

Nancy Ullman

Anonymous said...

It is midnite and we have just left the hospital. Dara was still in recovery but they let Dara's Mom and I in to see her for a sec. She is doing well but of course in a lot of pain, I could see her face move a bit and she can stick out her tounge which is a big deal.
She is halusinating (sp) a bit and that is normal Carole is taking the first shift to keep an eye on her and I will see her in the am. There will be pictures soon.
Good night,

Art

Anne Hale said...

Congrats to a blessed ending to a long day. I know recovery will be long but from what I hear, Dara will be back to herself sooner than later. You all will remain in my prayers!

Anne - Julie's friend in Texas

Anonymous said...

Hip Hip Hooray!!!
Willy is gone!!!

Dara,
I am so glad the surgery went so well. You were constantly on my mind yesterday. I praying for you and your family, for a speedy recovery, so you can get back home to your kiddos!! Love ya, girl!!!

Charly Simpson

Anonymous said...

Dara & Art,
We have been thinking about you all night. Chris and Julie kept us updated with your surgery and we are so glad the tumor is now gone. We wish you the best in a speedy recovery. Art, you are a blessing and angel! We will continue to pray and check for updates.
Love,
Melissa

Andrea Himmelsehr said...

Praise God! Now the "fun" of recovery can begin. So much to look forward to- especially those cutie kids!

deb rice said...

God is great!!!! Thx for updates :)

Unknown said...

Well, thank God it is over for Willy. I wanted to stay home from school today in yout honor, but decided I best go since today is the last day before Spring Break. I love you sweet girl.
Aunt Cathy (TX)

Art,
God Bless You

Anonymous said...

Great news to hear! best wishes from Daisy and Dave

Anonymous said...

Speedy recovery Dara...You are in my thoughts daily....

Love you
Your old freind from Texas
Angie Killian Abner

Anonymous said...

So very glad to hear all went well with the surgery. Love and friendship is such a strong medicine. Wishing Dara a speedy recovery and you and the family a long and healthy life.

All the best,

John

tracie said...

You've been in my thoughts all day, I kept checking the blog...I will be out the end of March to visit. I love you! Tracie

Wendy said...

Thanks for letting us know so quickly. Did you keep ol'Willy? All my love,
Wendy

Anonymous said...

Absolutely wonderful... can't wait for your return home. Again, let me know if there is ANYTHING I can do for you guys. Thanks for the updates...will keep checking in. Take care.

Love,
Barb and Ian

Anonymous said...

So happy to hear the great news!! You are in my prayers!!
Kelli (Michelle's friend and old college roommate)

Anonymous said...

What a great cast of characters! From this blogsite that's very clear, and I don't think you can ask for a more wonderful group of folks. Amazing people spawn amazing people and that truly shows here. From the wonderful prayers and wishes of friends and family to the unwaivering love and dedication of a hard-working husband; and to the encouraging strength and good spirits of Dara herself. Let us all rejoice! Love conquers once again!

-Matt Matt

Anonymous said...

Dara and Family,

Can't wait to hear another update today. I have been checking this site about every 30 minutes or so. Hope all is well this morning. I also hope you had a restful night, and are as comfortable as possible. Hoping for a speedy recovery. Miss you bunches,

Charly

Anonymous said...

Art, thank you so much for updating!

Dara, we are really pulling for you down here! I had all of my girlfriends that live all over the country praying and sending you some good vibes. I guess you got them!

We love you so much and I know you are going to get through this like the champion you are. Kissy kissy!

Love,
Anna Hanson Garcia

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear the awesome news, looking forward to updates.

TB

Anonymous said...

Excellent News! Very glad to hear it went so well.
The Fotorny's

Anonymous said...

Michelle here - just talked to my dad and he just saw Dara. He said she seems to be funtioning great, but is in some pain. She is trying to sleep, but Dad said her facial expressions seemed fine. She had a little bit of a rough night coming out of the anesthesia and she is sore. Dad said she looks normal - just has a bandage around her head. They are going to try to get her up and moving this afternoon.

Anonymous said...

Michelle,

Thank you so much for the update. I know you all must be really busy and trying to coordinate with everyone. I have been anxiously waiting all day to hear from someone about Dara. I am so glad she is doing good today. I know yesterday was hard on her.

Dara,

Girl- your my hero!!! You are going to fly through this with flying colors, I just know it. Hang in there, you will be able to look back a year from now, and be amazed at how far you have come.

Julie,

Thanks so much for helping keep everyone updated! Its a joy to be able to follow along your sister's before and after surgery updates. I am really glad she has sisters like you and Michelle to keep her going, although, I know there are many people praying for her and thinking about her all day long. I am one of them. Please continue to keep us all updated!!

I love you guys,

Charly Simpson

Anonymous said...

Wonderful News! We're sooo relieved!

Woohoo!

Don and Elise