Good grief, I am so sorry to hear what you are up against. Of course you are upset. Just know that your SH friends are here for you and wish you the best. I'll be thinking of you, Lisa

doesn't really seem to say very much. I am sorry for all your pain, for all your losses and all of your fear.

I hope nothing but goodness comes your way very very soon friend. I can't imagine how scared you must be, but I hope that you find peace and that God gives you some comfort in knowing you WILL comeback from ALL of this. You are in my prayers Robin, I hope you know you can ALWAYS find us here at SH. Don't lose hope-EVER!

Wishing a speedy recovery!!

Shannon

Get ready -- here comes Miss Touchy Feely!

Sending you lots of and many to watch over you.

You know I'm having a rotten day today but your post just gave me a reality check. Bless your heart, you need a big bunch of TLC from family and friends and certainly from all of us on SH.

By the way, Skunks are all the rage in fashion this fall season! Robin, I've got your back -- anything I can provide in the way of support via the internet -- you've got it. Are you making sure you'll have everything you need post op at the house to make you as comfy as possible. Do you have people who can make runs to pick up meds and someone to bring food over for a little while while your hubby takes care of you. I would do it in a heartbeat if I lived close by. I guess never having kids I tend to take care of all my friends when they're ailing.

Just know I'll be sending up some prayers to the BIG GUY in the sky to take extra care of you. Hey, I hate being scared (only on Halloween) -- you know, nothing is as scary as the fear of the unknown and if you look back on all you've been scared of before and how you made it thru and are still here -- that should bring you a little comfort for the upcoming surgery. Your doctor is well qualified to do this type of surgery so let thim do the worrying and you concentrate on getting well afterwards.

Sending you lots of encouragement , take care,

Judy

I'm sorry about the difficult times you're having right now. Like the others, it's hard to find the right words to help, so I just want to let you know I'm thinking about you and wishing you a speedy surgery and recovery.

We'll be here for you before, during and after all this. You're a very strong lady and have made it through so much already so I know you'll make it through all this too.

Take care, Robin. There are a lot of people who care about you and sending you hugs, love and prayers, me included.

Cath

I'm so sorry I've been MIA for a while. Won't go into my problems here. Will try to get another post in this weekend.

I cannot say how sorry I am to hear that you are facing another surgery. I would be terrified. I'm hoping this means that after the surgery you will be fine and the tumor will be completely gone. I'm going to be praying for you.

I know what you mean about the lost income and pain interferring all the time with life. It SUCKS big time. You have been so much. I hope that after this surgery that you will be turning that corner and be healthy, painfree, and back to normal soon.

BTW, I thought about you the other day at the grocery store. Jell-O came out with new flavors; one is margarita!! I'm thinking that changing the recipe from 1 cup of cold water to 1 cup of cold tequila would make it really good!! Probably shouldn't try it on the mountain of pain killers I'm on. Tempted to put the pills aside for a day and give Jell-O a try instead.

Thinking about you, sending lots of , and praying for you.

Hey Fellow Spineys,

Wouldn't it be great if we all lived near one another and could help each other out? (No, not some crazy commune), DeltaLady's post, saying if she was close to Robin she'd help, made me think the same, of course we would! I know, I know, I'm just day-dreaming (or sleep deprived), but I wish I had at least a few of you near that I could help, and vice-versa.

I tried to think of something profound to say that would really make a difference but I can't think of anything....no talent on my behalf!LOL!I sincerely wish you the best of luck! You have bravely fought enough battles for a lifetime.I hope this is your last surgery! Enough already! However, I realize this time is quite different and more worrisome....I just know you are going to come home with good news and feeling much better! Many blessings and good wishes coming your way!

Kathy

How are you?

Cath

I am fine. Just getting ready to face another surgery on Monday. This one has me more scared, as they dont know what kind of tumor. But,,I will be ok cause all my friends here are praying and thinking of me and thats the biggest help I can have right now. My back is status quo. Not much different, but I think I am seeing a little improvment. Not sure. But I will talk to ya after I get home. Hopefully my surgeon will give me a small facelift while I am at it. I figure after all I have been through, I deserve something!!!LOL Will have surgery at 11:15 on Monday and last 2-3 hours. Will be there until the drainage stops. Anywhere from 2-3 days if all goes well. Thanks everybody and see ya next week...

Hey! Are you eastern, central, mountain or pacific time? I need to know that I'm praying for you on the right time zone (LOL!) on Monday.

Yeah, tell that surgeon you want the holiday special! A 2 for 1 deal! No reason you can't get a little nip/tuck -- Of course, I always think they need to pull my skin from my toes all the way up to my head!

I know you're scared out of your mind about this surgery, so just close your eyes and think of all of your spiney friends laying our hands on you and sending you our strength and love and prayers -- so you'll know that you are not alone and a powerful force across the world is sending positive energy your way for a successful surgery and recovery.

Thinking of you -- got your back!

Judy

Thanks for the comforting words. I am in central time, and I know I will feel all the love. I did the last time! It helps to know all my friends are there thinking of me..Till We talk again, Love ya, Robin

Getting all the details on how the surgery will be done can definitely give you the heebie jeebies. I'm sure they'll give you something to relax you on the morning before your surgery. My prayers will be for you Monday morning. Know that your support here for all of us makes you such a valuable member here.

Best wishes to you,

Marianne

Dear Robin,

You have been on my mind all day today. I'm sure you are getting things ready to go for tomorrow and trying to keep your mind occupied. (I bet your phone is ringing off the hook... lol).

You have so many people who will be thinking of you and also saying prayers for you tomorrow. Take all of our warm thoughts and good wishes with you, on the drive to the hospital. When you are wheeled to your room, picture dozens of colorful flowers surrounding you... from your Spiney friends/family. (No sneezing, though!).

It will be such a relief to get this surgery taken care of and I truly hope your recovery goes well and you will have minimal pain.

I look forward to seeing your name pop up on Spine-Health, once you get home and are able to send a message.

Love ya bunches,

Tammy

Thinking of you for tomorrow. Sending you a prayer also. Hopefully the surgery will be the last one. You've been through so much. Take care. Charry

I am so sorry that you have this going on, on top of all that you've been through with your back. If anyone can get through this, that person is you because you are so strong and determined to get better. We're behind you all the way and pray that this surgery will take care of everything. Hang on sweetie, you'll be okay and everyone will be praying for you.

Hugs, Meydey

I am thinking of you and will say a special prayer. I did not know all of this was going on!
I lived in Ames, Iowa from age 2 to 7 And back for summer vac. with grand parents.
Good luck, Jim

Sending you many many many prayers, and a . I'm anxiously awaiting your next update. Praying that all goes well. If you here a raspy cheer, it's me. I have a sinus and ear infection and I always lose my voice. Sexy huh??? (Trying to get a smile)

Thinking about you and praying for you.

Robin,
Well, today is the day! Thinking about you today, hope all goes well! Looking forward to hearing an update when you're up to it!

Spiney hugs
Jay

Hi Guys,

Anyone knows an update on Robin's surgery?

Thank you all,

Well it is 3:45 AM on Weds and just thought I would give you a update. The surgery went well, about 3 hours. They took a sample of the tumor and it had some odd cells and fibrous cells. Not quite sure about all this, but they took out tumor and Dr said he took extra bone all the way around to make sure they got it all. Pathology wont have it back for a good week, but he felt it wasnt malignant.
My head throbbs from the staples. And also the drains. I am supposed to get one of the drains out today, and if it is down enough, the other one tomm. SO all is well so far. Kind of sick to stomache, and pain in head, but doing ok. WIll update you when I get home.

Robin, great news that the surgery went well!! I'm sure the pathology results will be good too. Thanks for the update, now go rest and heal up my friend!
Jay

So good to hear that your surgery is over. You must be so thrilled it is done. It sounds good that the doctor thought it was not malignant. Hope you feel better soon.

Best wishes,

Marianne

That is very good news. I hope you continue to do well and heal quickly. Your great attitude inspires me, you are a true warrior. Keep up the good fight Robin!

Faith M

Hi Robin

I am so glad your surgery went well, and the doctor thinks the tumor is not malignant, I will be thinking of you while you wait for the final results.
Looks like the doctor did a good job and soon you will be well enough to return home.

TC
Liz

That is good news. Rest up and post when you feel up to it. Thanks for letting us know that you are okay!

"C"

Sounds like good news -- God does answer prayers! -- You just get some rest and take your pain meds and we'll all be happy to chat with you when you're up to it.

Sending you several --

Take good care of yourself,

Judy

Glad you made it through surgery! Yeah! I was praying for you girl! Hope you get to feeling better real soon!!

Your spiney friends love ya!

Shannon~

Very happy to hear all went well and your on the road to a recovery

I can't imagine how difficult this has been for you. Many of us are wishing we could be there to give you a big, gentle hug. I don't post nearly as often as you do but I always look forward to hearing from you. You are a bright light. Keep us informed. You remain in our thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery.

Well I got home from hospital at 4 oo pm. Have a nice halloween costume and dont even have to dress up. But it is pretty much over now, just waiting for path report. I want to thank all of you for your warm wishes and prayers. I felt them all through out my stay. It was a scarey thing, and the wasnt real bad, except taking out the drains. I know taking out the 50 or so staples will be the next hurdle. But I am glad I cut my hair short, man,,the after effects of surgery are not pleasant, and having longer hair would have been a real mess. They did try to shampoo my hair in one of those portable bed things. It helped but it is gonna take time. The nurses were awesome and I felt very well cared for. Now, I have to heal from this and get my back healed up. Taking out the hardware has not done alot yet, still crossing my fingers. Weekend will be good, my kids and grandbabies will be home to make me feel better. I am feeling better, with the help of nausea pills, they say that this type of surgery and ear surgery generally makes you feel ill afterwards. Probably the balance thing. Anyway, Thanks to all of you, and I will update my progress as it goes on. Love ya all and I couldnt have faced it without ya!!!!

Yay, I'm so glad it went well and that you're finally home. Now, on to a successful recovery.

You've been so brave through all of this and I'm glad your family is going to be with you this weekend. You're a role model for so many of us.

Take care of yourself, Robin and thanks for the updates.

Cath

About the hair thing.
At least for most of us guys that is no big deal.
When I was stuck in the chest/back/neck brace nightmare I could not even think about getting my hair clean and combed.
So the day I came home from the hospital we stopped at our favorite hairdressers and she did a 1/2" buzz cut on everything she could reach! for free.

At the end of 15 weeks I had my usual pathetic beard (I have American Indian in my bloodline so beards don't do well} anyway, thin long scraggly beard and a MULLETT... A soon as that brace was gone I got a shave and a real haircut!

Go sit on the porch tomorrow, blue lights, a small fogmachine, black out a few teeth and scare the little darlings out of their wits!

I am happy to hear your home and doing well

I just was posting to another member how our grandchildren are the best medicine we can get - mine pull me through many of rough spots

be getting ready to go very well for you! It certainly looks like you have had way more than your fair share of troubles to last a lifetime. I am so glad that things seem to be looking up for you. I am so sorry that I did not read this before your surgery because I certainly would have been on of the folks praying for you. I know how much support can really mean to you when you are going through such a difficult time. I hope that you have an easy and quick recovery and I will be following your progress.

So glad to hear that you got home and things are going well. Fingers crossed for the pathology report to be benign. Rest up and enjoy the grandbabies! Keep us posted on how you're doing. We definitely miss you around here.

Well I got some great news yesterday. The Dr called from Iowa City called and told me there was no cancer in the tumor!!!!!! Which was very good news. I go back there in 3 weeks and he will explain the pathology report to me. So I did finally get some good news. My head doesnt feel to bad, but there is some soreness in the stitches. My hubby said that it is a little red, just like the stictches have been pulled a little. So I get them out on Friday and we will see then.

Yesterday I also went to my Ortho appointment and he said that I need to start walking alot, and pushing myself. Then next appt he will see about some harder work with PT. He still feels that my pain will leave. So I will do what the good Dr asks.

My kids were home over the weekend. Totally wore me out and then having Dr appt 2 hours away, wiped me out again. I am so tired of being tired...So I think I will take a nap my friends. Just wanted all to know that there is no cancer....Until later, Love,Robin

Awesome news and prayers answered! Thank you Jesus!

Robin, you are a very courageous woman to have held up under the burdens placed on you these past months.

I'm with you -- so tired of being tired -- some days I wake up ready to tackle the world and others I feel like I've been hit by a mac truck - GRRRR!

Anyway, your poor body has been through so much that you have a reason to be tired -- I know you will take more restful naps now that you mind is put at ease about the tumor.

Sending some loving feelings your way,

Yipee, hoorah!

Judy

all the best for a healthy and happy recovery.. it looks like you have all of SH behind you..and for very good reason.. you have certainly been through alot Robin. stay strong and most of all right now, get your rest. spiney hugsssss, Jenny

wonderful news !!!!!

Well I got my staples out on Thursday. My Dr thought there were around 40. I didnt feel a thing, thank goodness. I developed bronchitis, so got meds for that. On Wed I had a rush trip back to Iowa City. My vision was going kind of screwy on Weds night and they wanted me there that afternoon. I was examined by the head of Ophthalmology and she said everything was fine. They dilated my eyes and looked for a detached retina or a torn lens. I have to go back in 3 weeks and have it done all over again as it can show up later. On Weds night my vision in my right eye looked like a picture with waves. Anyway, so far so good.
Yesterday one part of my incision came apart and started gushing blood. I went back to clinic and it was part of incision that had not been done right. It was skin folded over and stapled. Instead of edge to edge. So now it has to heal from inside out.
Other than that, am doing well. Glad to get this all behind me. Hope to have a uneventful weekend and just rest. All the Dr visits wore me out..Take care all and have a good weekend. Love, Robin

Hi Robin

I also hope you have a weekend filled with R&R

I'm sorry that I missed all this and didn't have a chance to pray for you or send you my support, along with the other spineys. I'm so glad that things worked out for you and the tumor was not cancerous. Great things do happen to great people.