Shirley Tate’s Brain Surgery Recovery
Our mom is not one to post about her health, but our parents have so many friends who are unaware of what they are dealing with at this time.
Shirley has fought breast cancer so bravely for almost 10 years!! We learned it had metastasized two years ago and she has continued to fight bravely against brain tumors. On Nov. 6, 2019, Shirley had brain surgery to remove a tumor. The surgery was a success, but unfortunately a massive hemorrhage was discovered hours after surgery. This bleeding caused more swelling in the brain and required a second brain surgery. Shirley went into surgery anticipating a brief hospital stay with a couple weeks of rest at home. She woke up from surgery with a much more difficult recovery than she or any of us ever imagined. After a week at the hospital, Shirley spent 24 days at a rehabilitation hospital. She currently has no use of her left side which greatly limits her mobility. We continue to pray she will regain movement with time. However, because of that left-side neglect, it’s impossible for her to move without help. We have a wheelchair and have been able to make necessary modifications to their home. A week before discharge from the rehabilitation hospital, we discovered she had a compressed fracture in her back which causes her a lot of pain. We brought her home on Dec. 6, 2019, exactly one month after her initial brain surgery.
In addition to being her full-time caregiver, our dad is now dealing with added stress due to medical bills as well as new monthly medications and medical supplies needed for her care. We are taking turns as a family to support our dad as he cares for her at home.
Shirley is incredibly strong, resilient, and determined. She is our hero! She has spent her life always caring for her husband, her four children and their spouses, and her 15, soon-to-be 16 grandchildren. This is the first time she is really relying on us to care for her.
We know so many of you love Shirley and have asked how you can help our family. We are asking that visits are kept brief so she can rest as she is often tired and in pain. A card in the mail is a thoughtful surprise! We have created some ways to help contribute for those who have asked. Anything you can donate will be used for medical bills, monthly prescriptions, and medical supplies now required to care for her. We know the holidays are upon everyone, but we also know this is a great way we can help support our parents right now.
