Miracles Do Happen!

I am going to share a story with all of you who have opened up your hearts to Caitlyn and our family. I finally feel at peace as her Mother. Even after getting the results of the tumor on Monday although I was overjoyed with happiness to hear it was benign…I still did not feel at peace. Part of me was still worried about the piece of tumor remaining and what that might mean for Caitlyn, part of me just still dealing with 5 months of emotion finally coming out, part of me overwhelmed by recovery. I can’t explain it I just still could not feel at ease.

I called one of the wonderful nurses in the ICU the next day to give our thanks and set up a time to drop some treats. She asked how Caitlyn was doing? I gave her a great report and she said well I have to tell you I am so happy because after 72 hours of what is considered to be normal brain swelling and surgery recovery were not improving. Caitlyn’s symptoms and struggle were no longer considered to be normal anymore. We felt such sorrow for your family that there would most likely be permanent damage. I knew that I said to the nurse, I could feel that after day 5 things were not looking good. However, I always stayed thankful that her heart was beating and she was with us! In that moment I knew that her miraculous turn around was a true miracle.

Her nurse then asked what the results of Caitlyn’s tumor were. I said benign and she started to cry. I was crying too, but was really touched by her tears. She then shared with me that prayers were defiantly answered. She said I also could not tell you that we were so sad because the neuro team had shared their disappointment with the nurses that Caitlyns tumor had every sign of cancer and very suspicious tissues. They felt such heartache for Caitlyn because they were pretty sure what road our family was headed down. That is why they moved us from the ICU to the cancer floor to prepare for the next step that next week. Instinctively as her mother I knew that. I am such a positive thinker but I had a bad feeling. With that being said…Miracles do happen. With so much prayer and positive thinking from sooooo many people 24 hours a day, situations can change. I am such a believer in the power of prayer and positive thinking. Never give up hope.

We of course are so overjoyed and thankful for Caitlyn’s recovery. Every day Caitlyn seems more and more back to her old self again. Yes, we will still have a road ahead with speech therapy, reading and writing, MRI's, and more but again that really is nothing compared to where we were 2 weeks ago or even 1 week ago for that matter. She continues to fight, and recover. Her strength amazes all of us and the way she expresses herself I am grateful for. I asked her if her head feels any different now? She said, “Yes Mama that pressure and that clicking time bomb in my head is deactivated.” For years that felt normal to her but now she realizes that wow my brain really feels better. Thank GOD! She will continue to get through this and what ever we have to do in the future we will conquer as well.

Thank you all for holding us up through this journey. We are so touched and grateful for all the wonderful human beings in our lives! BELIEVE and BE HOPEFUL because Miracles do happen!!!!


Love you all,
The Neely Family xo