Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am sorry to post this here, but I remember we had some nurses on this board and since we are all like a "big happy family" here, I wanted some help, advice and information.

Sorry to all others, but this is the only place I could think of to go and "vent" and get some answers.

My father still lives in VA. I got a phone call at 2 am this morning that he was yet again in the hospital. Long story short.. he went to the ER a month ago with a migraine. He has not been headache free since. Well......... they have found two tumors on his brain. One the size of a peanut and the other is quite large. They are operating today and say he will be in the hospital for 4 - 5 days. I am planning on leaving either late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning and driving from Florida to VA. I need to know what to expect? What I can do to help? How I can convince him to return to Florida with me? He has wanted to come down here for some time and now this...... I feel he NEEDS to be here where I can care for him properly. How long is the average recovery time, etc? The doctors are Navy doctors and are not very "free" with giving out information to me.

Please help?!?!?!?!

If I do get him to return with me, I may have to sell ALL my dragons in order to empty a room for him to live in. Arrrrrrrrrggggg

I don't know if I am ready for this. Not only that, but this is going to cost me an arm and a leg and I am practically broke right now (Like most mother's this time of year)

Thanks in advance to any and all who offer advice and help
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Lisa
www.beginnersbasics.com

Cricket FREE babies!

He is also diabetic and has a heart attack in the past and I was wondering if this could cause any complications?
-----
Lisa
www.beginnersbasics.com

Cricket FREE babies!

>>I am sorry to post this here, but I remember we had some nurses on this board and since we are all like a "big happy family" here, I wanted some help, advice and information.
>>
>>Sorry to all others, but this is the only place I could think of to go and "vent" and get some answers.
>>
>>
>>My father still lives in VA. I got a phone call at 2 am this morning that he was yet again in the hospital. Long story short.. he went to the ER a month ago with a migraine. He has not been headache free since. Well......... they have found two tumors on his brain. One the size of a peanut and the other is quite large. They are operating today and say he will be in the hospital for 4 - 5 days. I am planning on leaving either late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning and driving from Florida to VA. I need to know what to expect? What I can do to help? How I can convince him to return to Florida with me? He has wanted to come down here for some time and now this...... I feel he NEEDS to be here where I can care for him properly. How long is the average recovery time, etc? The doctors are Navy doctors and are not very "free" with giving out information to me.
>>
>>Please help?!?!?!?!
>>
>>If I do get him to return with me, I may have to sell ALL my dragons in order to empty a room for him to live in. Arrrrrrrrrggggg
>>
>>I don't know if I am ready for this. Not only that, but this is going to cost me an arm and a leg and I am practically broke right now (Like most mother's this time of year)
>>
>>Thanks in advance to any and all who offer advice and help
>>-----
>>Lisa
>>www.beginnersbasics.com
>>
>>
>>
>>Cricket FREE babies!

Lisa,

I hope everything turns out ok. Try not to worry too much right now about things that may not even become a problem. Everything probably seems pretty overwhelming but do your best to take it day by day. Also take some comfort in knowing a lot of us will be praying for you and your dad. God bless.
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Rob

I'm sure you know, any surgery on the brain is risky. The best case scenerio is that he will come through with flying colors, recovering totally in 1-2 mo.

The worst is that he could have a stroke and/or slight to severe memory loss, injury to vessels and brain tissue. There's always a chance of infection and bleeding.

The results depend alot on the general health of your Dad and the extent of the surgery.

Perhaps when you get there you can speak to his Dr's better. I'd ask them what they think recovery time is, how many times have they done this surgery, what were the results? How long will he be in the hospital?
In my experience, you will get a "we'll have to wait and see" type answer, and it's an honest statement when it comes to the brain.. They will be able to tell you the seriousness of the procedure, depending where the tumors are located.

Now, for the Mommy in me: Don't jump to make sacrifices that that aren't needed. Think everything through. It's very traumatic when someone you love goes through something like this and thinking clearly isn't always at the top of the list.
I'd hate to see you give up what you love (dragons) and 6 weeks later wish you hadn't.
Depending on the severity of the surgery, your Dad may or may not need a lot of help. Does he live alone? Do you have sisters/brothers? Many insurances will pay for home health.

Take a deep breath...
Prayers are with your Dad and you....
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TheClassyLizard

Yes he lives alone and has had a lot of problems over the past few years. As I said he is diabetic and is also roughly 400 pounds. He recently had to have his toe nails removed (yuck) and has had other things go wrong like infections here and there.
I am waiting on a call from my ex husband as we speak. The surgery was scheduled at 9 am est and my ex is going to go by the hospital around noon. It was also my ex who took him to the hospital early this morning.... funny thing how AFTER you divorce someone, you get along so much better with them

I have found an alternative to selling my dragons, so if it comes to him moving down here I don't have that to figure out straight away.

Thank you all for your prayers, concern and good wishes.

And your right.... anything "on the brain" is scary as #$%^!!!!
-----
Lisa
www.beginnersbasics.com

Cricket FREE babies!