I spent Friday with my mother-in-law shopping in Rice Lake. We had lunch with my kids, their girls, my mom, and Mike Magana, who is home on leave from the Marines. He spent a large amount of time with my family while in high school. It was so good to see him before he goes to Afghanistan for a second tour. Mighty proud of that boy! It was a long day, running after an 81 year old who can go faster than me! Tomorrow we leave for Bloomington, MN to attend my dads retirement dinner from AMPI. Should be fun, my brothers will be there and my sister can't make it because she has all those 2nd graders to teach! On the downside of things, my lovely husband gave me his cold! My nose is so raw from blowing it!

Yesterday we had my family over to celebrate March birthdays. All together, there are 6 birthdays in March, plus Moms on February 28th. We had a great time, especially my nieces, Emma & Sarah. Last night, we went to the New Hideaway to celebrate Wes' 22nd birthday. It's hard to believe my little 6'3 boy is that old. Mike had to work at 11, so we came home early. I had a date with my pillow! My headaches aren't getting any better, so I scheduled my surgery for May 16th down in Milwaukee. I'm hoping for at least a 50% reduction in the pain. Maybe. Mike is very worried, but I have great faith that things will go good. There is no cure for Chiari, but surgery can halt the symptoms sometimes.

I am having some quiet time right now. Mike is out ice fishing, hoping for some crappies for supper tomorrow night! I finally called the Chiari Center in Milwaukee to tell them I am ready to have my surgery. It feels like a weight is off my shoulders. I just have to wait for the scheduler to call in the next few days. Dr. Heffez, my neurosurgeon, is great and I have faith in his ability to "redo" my previous decompression. It will require Mike to take two weeks off work, but we'll manage. I'm hoping Kenna can stay at our place to take care of the animals. I've been reading other Chiarians journeys and am feeling less alone with all of this. I know I have my family and husbands support, but unless you actually have the problem, it is hard to know how it really feels.