Our unexpected challenge this month has been a medical one. When Charmaine’s doctor sent her the notes from Auckland Hospital about her brain scan, she was relieved to find that there weren’t significant signs of Alzheimer’s plaques or vascular deterioration- her brain was pretty normal for her age, nearly 79. But she was also shocked to learn she had a rather large aneurysm (16mm) on the left side of her brain. She has no symptoms related to this, but there is a risk of its rupturing at any time and causing significant brain damage. So, serious stuff. We gasped, grieved, and were glad it had been identified, and could apparently be treated.
So on Monday 5 July we went to Auckland Hospital to meet Dr Shane Lee, Neuroradiologist, for what proved to be a very positive and informative session. Dr Lee is a young New Zealand-born and trained specialist, of Korean ancestry, very warm and and helpful in explaining their suggested intervention. This involves a 3- night hospital stay. The procedure takes two surgeons 2-3 hour surgery (under full anaesthetic) during which they push a tube inserted in an artery from groin to brain into the aneurysm, and insert a fine platinum filament through the tube, coiling it to form a net inside the aneurysm which enables the blood to clot slowly and stabilise there, preventing any potential leaking or haemorraging into surrounding brain cells. They then isolate the aneurysm with a stent in the artery.
Highly skilled staff – and magical stuff like the platinum filament – apparently give this procedure a very high success rate, and low risk of problems. Untreated, the aneurysm could rupture at any time, and the survival rate from rupture outside a hospital setting is very low.
Needless to say we are shocked, and grieving, because of the dangers – but also very relieved and grateful that there are fine surgeons and procedures available for potentially preventing untimely death. And thankful the aneurysm was identified, somewhat by chance, during the general brain scan.
Tanya, and family and friends, here and in Australia, are hopeful for a full recovery for ” our warrior woman – a wahine toa with a big heart, ” says Tanya…..
ps- we’ve just received a phone call from Auckland Hospital to say that Charmaine will be admitted for her 3 night stay on 27 July- even earlier than we had hoped- with her op at 8am on Wednesday 28 July.
In the spirit of Matariki, ( as depicted in the image above by Te Haunui Tuna)
our whanau and friends are all reflecting on the past
celebrating the present,
including Charmaine’s 79th birthday on Sunday 11 July
and wishing for a positive future…
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Lots of love and strength beaming your way for a successful surgery. What a clever procedure it sounds to be, and what good luck to discover the aneurysm, shocking as that has been.
As Bette Midler said ‘old age ain’t for sissies!’ You are wahine toa, both of you, and will come through this.
PS Mustn’t overlook the good news about no signs of significant deterioration. That must be a relief.
Best wishes for a a great recovery . Great news they found it lurking there and it is treatable.Happy Birthday Charmaine you caught up with me for 13 days!. We will light a candle for you on the 28th and send ethereal best wishes. xx
Hugs to you guys. Good luck from the Chapman-Myhill whanauxxxx
We send you our VERY BEST wishes Charmaine, for a successful proceedure on the 28th.
You have so much more life to live and share….
As you each share of your age related issues, we warmly acknowledge the learning you continue to offer us.
The discovery of your Selwyn Village unit was a timely Matariki birthday blessing.
All the very best for this procedure, amazing what modern medicine can do these days, I’m sure you’ll come through with all guns blazing. Tanya look after yourself too, it’s stressful when your life partner is unwell.
What a big challenge!!
I was a bit scared when I first read the news. But as you have said, Chamaine (and of course Taya as well!) is really really lucky to discover the aneurysm. It is a magic.
Takashi and I am sure you will come through and will be more powerful after the treatment.
Please be relaxed.
Everything is gonna be alright !!
with heaps of LOVE and RESPECT!!
Sending love and thoughts of healing on all levels
You will be in very good hands tomorrow. I recently had brain surgury and the worst part is recovering from the general anisthetic. You will be up and about in no time. Lots of love to you both