05/13/2024 Smaller lines

There's always a bigger line than you can draw- something my mom says often. Her philosophy has always been the same- any problem you are dealing with, someone out there's dealing with something worse. I am thinking of those words of wisdom as I am headed out to deal with some of my smaller lines.

I have already dealt with the worst of it- the anxiety surrounding the surgery, the procedure itself, and the excruciating first few days, post op. Now it is time to head to the surgeon's office to get the stitches and staples removed. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared. I am, in fact, terrified; the trauma of getting  the two drain openings on my scalp plugged still fresh on my mind. But then, it is a smaller line than the bigger ones, some of which I had experienced myself. I should be able to handle it. For everything else, there is the Lord Rama card, read like mastercard commercial :).

There are some other things that are also on my mind-Radiation session(s) to get rid of the remaining tumor cells. Fatigue from the said sessions. Would I need the Shunt in my brain permanently? What does my life look like, five weeks or five years from now? Would I ever get back to 'normal'? 

Back to mom's words for comfort: You would only be presented with challenges you can handle. For any bigger lines, simply surrender to Him. 

Happy Mother's Day!


The girls that make me feel like a celebrity every Mother's day and every day!

Look at the excitement on their cute faces as they share their Mother's day creations with me!

Three generations of Mother's day love!

Visit from (tall) friends!

Almost 20yrs ago, Satish gave me a ride from Columbus OH airport to surprise Bhaskar on his birthday. For the past week, he's helped Bhaskar pick up the pieces at home

The geomagnetic show for my entertainment, right on our backyard!

Siblings from another mom, keeping me company 

First time since surgery, walking the kindergartener out of the house to school 

Sun God, lighting up the house, showering his colorful blessings 

Visit from one of my (student) babies on Mother's day!

Update: 
Doctor appointment done. No more stitches or staples anywhere in my head! There was pain but the PA was very gentle, the prayers were powerful, and all the positivity coming my way kept me upbeat! I am cleared for short walks around the neighborhood. Those of you around here that's able to take a few minutes during lunch- join me on a walk!

Trigger warning: Stitch removal video
Hanuman chalisa in my ears and husband's hand in mine, as the doctor's gentle hands worked through removing the stitches

Can't thank these doctors enough! I truly feel blessed, being in their care

Timeline:
02/15/2024: First ER visit
02/16/2024: Meningioma diagnosis
04/11/2024: Angiogram
04/30/2024: Surgery
05/13/2024: Stitches removal
05/22/2024: Radiation Oncologist Appt
05/24/2024: Raaga’s team dance in Seattle
06/08/2024: Parents arrive
06/20/2024: 6-week appt with Dr. Gore
07/14/2024: Raaga’s Rangapravesam 



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