Krissy Sullivan's (KD) Brain Surgery
Donation protected
Here is my story:
About 10 years ago, I had been having pain in my head. I knew it wasn't a typical head ache. It would come back again and again, in the exact same place. When the pain continued to get worse, I went to my doctor for help. After several months of my complaints, May 2011, I went for my first MRI. They found I had a BENIGN meningioma tumor with measurements of 8.6mm X 4.4mm, or the size of a green pea.
I was referred to a neurosurgeon. He spent a total of 5 minutes with me. Told me what I had, said there is nothing we can do right now other than monitor it with yearly MRI's and left the room. I didn't have a chance to get one question in.
I then went on to see a neurologist for 3 years. He was able to explain things to me better. In treatment, he tried many different medications in pill form. Nothing seemed to work. Even the time the he tried Botox injections. That just made my face feel funny, Haha. In April 2013, I had another MRI, with results of the meningioma tumor being 11mm in circumference. The size of a grape. After seeing my doctor for 3 years, he and I both agreed there isn't anything he could do for me either, except the yearly MRI's. I stopped going to his office, feeling defeated. I had given up hope.
Over this time, I had spent some time in Colorado visiting family. While in CO, I came to the realization my head did not hurt! And I fell in love with this part of the country with the breathtaking mountains. With the combination of my new found love and really NO pain, my family decided to move to CO.
We have been here for over 5 years already! Sometimes the pain would come back, but nothing I couldn't handle. However, over the past year the pain has returned. Sometimes the worst I have ever felt before.
I did research and found a WONDERFUL neurosurgeon here. He is so kind, you know the type when they walk into the room, you can just feel it. After talking, he agreed it really needs to be removed. I also learned that the tumor is wrapped around a vein running through my brain! How scary is that? I had another MRI and waiting for results. I don't know the current size. He estimated perhaps the size of an egg. He has scheduled the surgery for April 18th 2019. That is just over a month away! I am excited and nervous.
The initial fee for the surgery is $2728.36! And yes, that is WITH insurance. This does not include the hospital fees or other doctor fees. (anesthesiologist) Anyone that knows me, knows it is very hard and unusual for me to ask for help of any kind.
I am not only asking for myself, but for my family too. I know having a help will set their minds at ease. Having this surgery will be a miracle for me. No more taking a day or two in bed because the pain is too much. No more tears falling from my eyes because I feel worthless, unable to be with my family whole heartedly. No more of my boys seeing me like this. Bobby, Matt, and Mikey are my life. Please help me get back to theirs!
Surgery and recovery:
Again surgery is set for April 18th. Surgery will take a few hours. One night is ICU is required. The day after surgery I will have another MRI to confirm they removed it completely, If everything is good, and I feel good, I can leave on the 19th. However, normally patients are there for 3 days. Overall recovery time is 2 weeks to 2 months depending on my own body. I can usually bounce back from surgeries rather quickly! I will have 2 follow up appointments. Then, yearly MRI's to make sure it does not grow back.
Please, take everything into consideration. I know this is long, but I need everyone to understand the importance of my surgery. ANYTHING will help. Thank you for taking the time to read and thank you for all the kind words, good vibes, and payers already send on my and my family's behalf. If you have any questions, please reach out to me anytime!
Link to understand this type of tumor:
https://www.webmd.com/cancer/brain-cancer/meningioma-causes-symptoms-treatment#1
Here is a REALLY good article on my Surgeon:
https://www.cuanschutztoday.org/endoscopic-neurosurgery-restores-life-patient-hydrocephalus/
About 10 years ago, I had been having pain in my head. I knew it wasn't a typical head ache. It would come back again and again, in the exact same place. When the pain continued to get worse, I went to my doctor for help. After several months of my complaints, May 2011, I went for my first MRI. They found I had a BENIGN meningioma tumor with measurements of 8.6mm X 4.4mm, or the size of a green pea.
I was referred to a neurosurgeon. He spent a total of 5 minutes with me. Told me what I had, said there is nothing we can do right now other than monitor it with yearly MRI's and left the room. I didn't have a chance to get one question in.
I then went on to see a neurologist for 3 years. He was able to explain things to me better. In treatment, he tried many different medications in pill form. Nothing seemed to work. Even the time the he tried Botox injections. That just made my face feel funny, Haha. In April 2013, I had another MRI, with results of the meningioma tumor being 11mm in circumference. The size of a grape. After seeing my doctor for 3 years, he and I both agreed there isn't anything he could do for me either, except the yearly MRI's. I stopped going to his office, feeling defeated. I had given up hope.
Over this time, I had spent some time in Colorado visiting family. While in CO, I came to the realization my head did not hurt! And I fell in love with this part of the country with the breathtaking mountains. With the combination of my new found love and really NO pain, my family decided to move to CO.
We have been here for over 5 years already! Sometimes the pain would come back, but nothing I couldn't handle. However, over the past year the pain has returned. Sometimes the worst I have ever felt before.
I did research and found a WONDERFUL neurosurgeon here. He is so kind, you know the type when they walk into the room, you can just feel it. After talking, he agreed it really needs to be removed. I also learned that the tumor is wrapped around a vein running through my brain! How scary is that? I had another MRI and waiting for results. I don't know the current size. He estimated perhaps the size of an egg. He has scheduled the surgery for April 18th 2019. That is just over a month away! I am excited and nervous.
The initial fee for the surgery is $2728.36! And yes, that is WITH insurance. This does not include the hospital fees or other doctor fees. (anesthesiologist) Anyone that knows me, knows it is very hard and unusual for me to ask for help of any kind.
I am not only asking for myself, but for my family too. I know having a help will set their minds at ease. Having this surgery will be a miracle for me. No more taking a day or two in bed because the pain is too much. No more tears falling from my eyes because I feel worthless, unable to be with my family whole heartedly. No more of my boys seeing me like this. Bobby, Matt, and Mikey are my life. Please help me get back to theirs!
Surgery and recovery:
Again surgery is set for April 18th. Surgery will take a few hours. One night is ICU is required. The day after surgery I will have another MRI to confirm they removed it completely, If everything is good, and I feel good, I can leave on the 19th. However, normally patients are there for 3 days. Overall recovery time is 2 weeks to 2 months depending on my own body. I can usually bounce back from surgeries rather quickly! I will have 2 follow up appointments. Then, yearly MRI's to make sure it does not grow back.
Please, take everything into consideration. I know this is long, but I need everyone to understand the importance of my surgery. ANYTHING will help. Thank you for taking the time to read and thank you for all the kind words, good vibes, and payers already send on my and my family's behalf. If you have any questions, please reach out to me anytime!
Link to understand this type of tumor:
https://www.webmd.com/cancer/brain-cancer/meningioma-causes-symptoms-treatment#1
Here is a REALLY good article on my Surgeon:
https://www.cuanschutztoday.org/endoscopic-neurosurgery-restores-life-patient-hydrocephalus/
Organizer
Krissy Sullivan
Organizer
Cotopaxi, CO
