Phoenix - Part 4 - Home

After getting the good news from the doctor on Monday that Katie's incision was healing nicely, we were all more than ready to pack our bags and head home. We all left Phoenix on Tuesday.

The people at the Phoenix airport were so helpful in getting Katie a wheelchair to take her to her gate and upgrading their seats so that Mom, Dad and Katie could all sit together. As Katie's luck would have it, they boarded the plane and were then told that there was an hour and 40 minute delay. Mom and Dad were able to get off the plane to get them something to eat and Katie stayed aboard to rest.

They had an uneventful flight and arrived at JFK at 8:30pm. Aunt Sue was there waiting and ready to take them home. Mom and Dad said that Katie did great on the flight and was able to lay her head on Mom's lap for most of the way.

Wednesday and Thursday were rough days for Katie. She said she felt lousy and slept most of the time. She had a headache and was nauseous. We think it was because of the traveling as she seems to be doing better.

Yesterday was her appointment with the neuro ophthalmologist. She is still having severe double vision and we were hoping the doctor could give us an idea of when it might go away. The doctor told her that although there was no damage to the optical nerve, it was very close to where they operated on her brain stem and it could take nine months to a year before her vision is back to normal. Obviously, this is not what we were hoping to hear. If it does not correct itself they will have to do another surgery to repair it.

Katie's spirit's are good. It's been amazing for me to watch my sister go through this. She is so brave and so determined to not let it get the best of her. I admire her strength and am so proud to call her my sister. I miss her and can't wait to see her again.