Hello family, friends and patients!
It has now been 4 weeks since my craniotomy. I have had many ups and downs since surgery, but overall I am making great improvements. I have started to regain energy levels and although I need lots of rest still, my waking time is more energy-filled. I began being able to take care of our 8 month old for short periods of time last week. This week I was able to feed her and put her down for naps, carry her up and down the stairs and I even changed her cloth diaper, even though it took a long time, I am making good progress. My husband is able to work a few days a week as we are both now comfortable with me being alone with the baby. I'm working very hard at getting my motor skills back during my occupational therapy sessions and I have graduated out of physical therapy because I have regained all my body strength, balance and endurance.
The most recent pathology report states that the brain tumor is a Grade 2 Astrocytoma, which is a type of glioma. This is good news because grade 2 means less aggressive and less cancer treatment needed overall. We will not know until I have the baby and more tests can be administered to determine if there is any tumor remaining. At that time additional treatment will be decided on. But as of today, I have been completely seizure-free since surgery (before surgery I was having occasional partial seizures, along with the initial grand mal seizure on March 12).
My neurosurgeon and my other doctors are very hopeful about my recovery. My surgeon says that the craniotomy will not effect labor in any way, so a normal birth is achievable for me and Baby #2. I am 20 weeks pregnant and the baby is looking good and kicking all the time. We are choosing to be surprised about the gender, like we did with our first.
We are still unsure when I will be able to return to work, but as long as I keep progressing, you should be seeing me in the office sooner than later.
Thank you to all my supporters, our family, our friends and patients sending over food, donations, cards, love and prayers. We are very grateful for all of you! I am looking forward to seeing you all very soon,
Love
Dr. Christina Coxon-Floyd
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