My Avm Buddy, Shalon!

Hi Family and Friends!

I really, really want to share this with you - I know everyone's time is limited (mine sure is!) but I think all of you can get so much out of this entry in Shalons website! So, that you won't have to go hunt it down, I have brought it to you! Please keep her in your prayers as well - she is going through a lot and has been so inspirational to me! She's always happy to see me and very encouraging to all AVM patients! Like me, she has an amazing husband named Josh that reminds me a lot of Mark! The "warthog" is what she named this area on her face that developed from the embolizations that is dark and scabby I believe! You can always keep up w/Shalon by clicking on to her blog from my main page! She is a doll!



Surgery is scheduled to remove the coils. August 18th I go back in for an embolization with Yakes. And then on the 19th I have surgery with Dr. Hepworth, Dr. Campagna, and Dr. Cote to remove all of my inner bling. Those platinum coils that are now what you see as the “bulk,” what has caused the warthog, and which are trying to escape on their own are coming out. I still really am going to tell them I want the platinum to melt down into a keepsake bracelet. For reals! I’m thinking I’ll have a little charm made of a warthog to remember him by.

I’m super scared, absolutely nervous, but very hopeful. Trying with everything I have to focus on that last part. But it’s hard. We’ve all prepared the best we can and I know the docs are capable, cautious, and without any Superman complex. I feel good about that. But they couldn’t get any of the images they wanted to be able to prepare. They can’t “see” anything in an MRI or any other films because the coils ruin the image. So they are going in somewhat blind. But it’s necessary and they have prepared the best they can. They are confident in what they can do while absolutely aware of what they don’t want to do or don’t want to get involved with. And that’s the best we can go with.

That's the scoop! Phase 1.5 is under way. This surgery isn’t meant to be reconstructive or leave me as the Super Model that I’m anticipating ;) It is just to get the junk out and to let Dr. Yakes continue with the embolizations until he feels that he has gotten everything. When he says we are done, then I’ll go back with Hep & Cote to work on more debulking and ultimately the aesthetic part of this entire journey.

Wish me luck for next month and keep your fingers crossed that my new docs prove to be just as very awesome as I think they are!

Shalon