Quick update on Suzy's progress. She had a pretty restless night of sleep last night and today is probably the worst day of pain she will experience -- this is pretty normal according to the professionals.
Despite the pain, Suzy is in good spirits and she still makes me laugh. The doctors are giving her Dilaudid to help with the pain -- come to think of it, the Dilaudid is probably the key to her good spirits.
They removed her spinal tap this morning -- this was perhaps part of the reason her head hurt so bad. Our brains float in our skulls -- and when that brain fluid (cerbrospinal fluid) is drained from a tap, the brain tends to stretch....which causes the pain. Then again, a 1.5" hole in your skull hurts pretty bad too.
This was Suzy last night shortly after the surgery was completed -- her good friend Lori performed some ninja photo skills to briefly get a camera in and out of the ICU. As you can see, she is smiling and both sides of her smile are curving upward --- which is fantastic news. Hearing seems to be there, but we won't know for sure until that big old bandage comes off.
Thanks to everyone for their nice comments and support through this procedure; Suzy certainly has a lot of friends around the world that care about and love her.
Next stop, OUT of the ICU tonight!!! (hopefully)
Her zest for life comes through on her pages! i am glad that she is doing well and getting better
Posted by: sigrun | June 27, 2012 at 11:54 AM
I am so thrilled to see that smiling face! I will keep Suzy in my prayers!
Posted by: Jodi Amidei | June 27, 2012 at 11:58 AM
Glad to see her smiling! Praying for a quick recovery!
Posted by: Melinda T | June 27, 2012 at 12:55 PM
She must be doodling. Continuing my prayers.
Posted by: Sandra A | June 27, 2012 at 02:11 PM
I am sooo happy to hear she is doing so well! I love that pic of her! Continued prayers for healing..
Posted by: Yvonne | June 27, 2012 at 02:14 PM
So happy to see is smiling!!! Thinking of you, Suzy!
Posted by: Lilith | June 27, 2012 at 02:21 PM
Thank you so much for keeping us updated! Suzy looks incredible and such a beautiful smile on her face too! I am praying for her and a very speedy recovery! God Bless!
Tina
Posted by: Tina Hicks | June 27, 2012 at 02:34 PM
I'm so glad to see her smiling! Thanks for the updates and I'll keep praying for her.
Posted by: Brenda | June 27, 2012 at 03:03 PM
So happy you are on the road to recovery! Hang in there, the pain does go away eventually.
Posted by: Diana | June 27, 2012 at 03:17 PM
She looks so good! Prayers for the pain to lessen over the next few hours, days. My husband is facing this same surgery, different tumor ( base of skull near carotid ) in the future. Suzy gives us hope! I showed him Suzy's blog yesterday and he did a lot of reading. Thanks for sharing with us! You never know who you reach, so glad we were able to see her journey! Godspeed.
Posted by: Maureen R | June 27, 2012 at 03:46 PM
Suzy, your pages have provided me so much inspiration over the years. I feel grateful that the internet has made it possible for you to let your fans know of your health issues and to allow us to show our support and provide prayers for you. Such a small gift in return for all the inspiration you've given us.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery, including retention of your hearing.
Posted by: Wendy (a scrappy fan!) | June 27, 2012 at 04:11 PM
Prettiest smile I've ever seen Suzy! Praying for all of you :)
Posted by: Mary Ann Jenkins | June 27, 2012 at 04:39 PM
That is a beautiful sight to see!!! Even after everything she's going through, her smile shines on! Thank you for your updates--give Suzy our love. xxoo
Posted by: Denise Z | June 27, 2012 at 05:51 PM
Great news! Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Posted by: Rona | June 27, 2012 at 06:29 PM
no topsy turvy smile is a GOOD sign--thanks for the news update!
Posted by: Diana Waite | June 27, 2012 at 06:57 PM
Oh, Suzy -- I am so glad to see you smiling. Thanks for the great news!! Hugs going out to you
Posted by: Clesleenow | June 27, 2012 at 07:22 PM
Wishing you the very best and a speedy recovery!
Posted by: ArlaMo | June 27, 2012 at 08:12 PM
Ditto on all of the above :)
You are amazing.....best wishes for every moment of your recovery!
You are so inspiring!
Hugs to you...can't wait to see your smiling face soon!
Posted by: Victoria | June 27, 2012 at 08:56 PM
Now that's one beautiful smile! Take it easy and get well soon.
Posted by: ana roat | June 27, 2012 at 09:01 PM
I love you sweets. You are beautiful, even with a huge bandage on your head. XO
Posted by: Lisa VanderVeen | June 27, 2012 at 10:46 PM
Hey swee-tart! Great to see you are smiling, & on the mend. By the way, love the new indian swami vibe you have going on. I wonder if they come in different colors. Love you!!
Posted by: Kim Watson | June 28, 2012 at 01:20 AM
Only you can have brain surgery and be crackin that amazing grin the next day! Oh and I'm with Kim... The swami thing could be a new look for you... You are wearing it well!
Xoxo
Posted by: Wendy | June 28, 2012 at 04:26 AM
I am so happy to hear all is going well. Thanks for the updates and I will continue to keep Suzy in my prayers for a speedy recovery.
Posted by: Linda | June 28, 2012 at 04:34 AM
Thanks for the update, so glad she is smiling (even if she doesn't want to!). Praying for a speedy recovery.
Posted by: Erin S | June 28, 2012 at 06:45 AM
I'm honestly in awe of Suzy and you. You are handling a tough situation with such grace... my thoughs and mostly my prayers are being sent.
Posted by: Alina | June 28, 2012 at 07:22 AM