Michelle's Craniotomy Fund
Donation protected
I'd like to thank you for taking the time to read my story and let you know that I am grateful.
I will be getting a craniotomy on September 20th to repair a hole in my skull which has allowed brain into my left ear. I know this sounds a little crazy, and a even a little silly, but it's true.
Almost 8 years ago I had a surgery on my left ear/skull to remove a tumor called a Cholesteatoma. The tumor had likely been there for many years and had bore a hole through my skull, allowing the tumor to be against my brain. Unfortunately, the muscle they used to cover that hole did not hold. For now, the big risk is getting a cold or sinus infection as it has a straight shot into my brain and could cause meningitis.
This is a rare condintion and I am grateful to have an amazing surgical team on my side. To be sure this does not continue to happen, the surgeons will be performing a craniotomy to fill the hole with bone morter from above, rather than below. This precedure requires a large cut on the side of my head, removal of a large peice of skull, and displacement of my brain to allow room to move down to the hole. The skull will be reattached with plates and screws and the incision will be sewn up.
I will be spending a night in the ICU and likely two nights in a recovery room after that. Once I'm home, I'll be need lots of R and R as you can imagine. Because they'll cut a muscle that helps chew, soft foods for about a month. No driving for a few weeks. No work for a couple months..... And worst of all, if you know me you'll really understand this....no soccer for 6 months. :(
I've decided to do a gofundme to help reduce the financial stress. I will loose about two months of income which is vital to supporting my beautiful family of 6. I am commuting to lots of doctors appointments and tests. In addition to the wonderful medical care I am receiving, I am also doing my best to support my body in preparing for the procedure, and then healing and recovery, with more holistic means such as herbal suppliments, massage, meditaion, etc.
Many have offered to help with a food train and if you'd like to be added to that list please do let us know. In addition, we would appreciate any help offered to keep up with taking care of our large household, getting our 4 kids to/from three different schools, and afternoon evening support and care for the kids.
If you have not yet met my family, please allow me to make introductions ;) My beautiful and amazing partner is Stephanie. Our children are Pearl (11) and Liam(8); and Jaime (9) and Annika (7).
I will be getting a craniotomy on September 20th to repair a hole in my skull which has allowed brain into my left ear. I know this sounds a little crazy, and a even a little silly, but it's true.
Almost 8 years ago I had a surgery on my left ear/skull to remove a tumor called a Cholesteatoma. The tumor had likely been there for many years and had bore a hole through my skull, allowing the tumor to be against my brain. Unfortunately, the muscle they used to cover that hole did not hold. For now, the big risk is getting a cold or sinus infection as it has a straight shot into my brain and could cause meningitis.
This is a rare condintion and I am grateful to have an amazing surgical team on my side. To be sure this does not continue to happen, the surgeons will be performing a craniotomy to fill the hole with bone morter from above, rather than below. This precedure requires a large cut on the side of my head, removal of a large peice of skull, and displacement of my brain to allow room to move down to the hole. The skull will be reattached with plates and screws and the incision will be sewn up.
I will be spending a night in the ICU and likely two nights in a recovery room after that. Once I'm home, I'll be need lots of R and R as you can imagine. Because they'll cut a muscle that helps chew, soft foods for about a month. No driving for a few weeks. No work for a couple months..... And worst of all, if you know me you'll really understand this....no soccer for 6 months. :(
I've decided to do a gofundme to help reduce the financial stress. I will loose about two months of income which is vital to supporting my beautiful family of 6. I am commuting to lots of doctors appointments and tests. In addition to the wonderful medical care I am receiving, I am also doing my best to support my body in preparing for the procedure, and then healing and recovery, with more holistic means such as herbal suppliments, massage, meditaion, etc.
Many have offered to help with a food train and if you'd like to be added to that list please do let us know. In addition, we would appreciate any help offered to keep up with taking care of our large household, getting our 4 kids to/from three different schools, and afternoon evening support and care for the kids.
If you have not yet met my family, please allow me to make introductions ;) My beautiful and amazing partner is Stephanie. Our children are Pearl (11) and Liam(8); and Jaime (9) and Annika (7).
Organizer
Michelle McCausey
Organizer
Portland, OR
