Rachel's weird migraine

Dear friends & family,

Where to begin? About a month ago, Rachel had a series of strange symptoms, ultimately leading to a supposedly 'routine' migraine. While at school, she experienced some numbness in her right arm, her voice slurred, and her vision wavered. Suddenly, she was hit by a splitting headache and lost her lunch. The health center at Boston University diagnosed her with a migraine, but also referred her to a neurologist.

The neurologist ordered a series of tests, which Rachel flew through with flying colors. For insurance reasons, she waited until returning to Minnesota for the MRI. During the MRI, technicians discovered a tumor (5 cm) on the left side of her brain. Although the neurosurgeon believes that the tumor is benign, it still must be removed as it is interfering with her life now. Rachel's brain surgery is scheduled for June 1st, 2006.

I've created this blog so that you all can check in on Rachel's progress post-surgery. Family members will post on the blog until Rachel is well enough take over herself. While she appreciates all of your calls, she may not be up for phone conversations during the initial recovery period. Messages of support, however, will speed her way to recovery. Please leave her some love, which we will communicate to her in the hospital.

Colleen