Blessed

This is my other amazing neurologist at Mayo Clinic Hospital...in Phoenix, AZ.... Dr. Bert B. Vargas. This man rocks not just how he does his work, but his attitude is like a real friendship, caring soul who pushes all cards to make EVERYTHING happen for his patients. 

I flew into Phoenix in the middle of my vacation in FLORIDA, to see him for my normal injections. But the scheduler didn't have me set up for both, just the Botox one. Which has ALMOST always done great work on my surgical site on my head from all 3 of my brain surgeries. But I've had a couple mighty failures when this DOC wasn't the one able to do it. And price was paid. So we had hilarious stories to share starting with my drama or the last one I had by someone else that made me visit the ER at least 5 times from however she did it wrong. This doc knows my surgical area, where to put more and less, and gentleness. Then when found out I was not scheduled for the nerve block, he told me to hang tight in the waiting area, see what cancellations come up, or short appointments! I was more then willing, otherwise he had me booked pronto for the next morning at 7:30. 

He came running out to bring me back, excited he could do it all in one day, little time. We both are just so humbled and honored by the other-which makes it all so much more amazing. The docs I have there that care like that-Him and Dr. Joseph F Drazkowski, I will never part with until both retire- no matter which Mayo I live closest to! 

These are the types of neurologists of all types you should have. The caring ones that know you by name, and history. These people are people that matter and receive more than 5 stars in my life!!!

Blessings to you all....any questions....I am always open!

Blessings,

Hetty Siebens 

Heather's Journey - Day 7

It's Superbowl Sunday! Not that Heather could care less...but I think there is some symbolism and irony in today. Congratulations to the Saints for winning their first Superbowl...job well done.
As exciting as the Super Bowl is I know there are many more important things in life than football. As Heather sits in her hospital bed she continues to remain upbeat about her present situation and positive about her future. Last night was a difficult night..so much so that Heather now has a dedicated nurse on call 24/7 for her pain issues. The Dr's want to help control her pain so they can begin to analyze her brain activity. Nothing further can be done until she has more seizure activity so a surgical gameplan can be developed. So as difficult as this is to write..please pray for seizures. Pray that they will identify the exact location that can be removed and pray that section is resectable without negative effects for Heather. With God all things are possible...we are confident in that.
As I was watching the Superbowl tonight..I contemplated about what a "Saint" really means...According to Websters Dictionary a "saint" is: "A person of great holiness". Although many of us have "holy" moments... The only person I know who of great holiness was Jesus Christ. As earthly sinners we are far from saints...however, through the amazing power, grace and mercy of our Lord we have the ability to put on Christ and be His hands and feet on this side of heaven. Our "gameplan" should be that of a saint. I know neither Heather nor I are a saint..boy do we have stories...:), but it is our goal to be more "saint-like" and that is only possible through the power of our Lord. Saints also usually have to go through pain and suffering in their life. Jesus said we must "take up our cross daily and follow Him"..Heather talks about the Apostle Paul and the fact that he had a "thorn" that he had to deal with daily in his life. That "thorn" is never really identified..but despite his thorn, he impacted the world for his Savior. Heather wants to be a Paul...and she is willing to live with a thorn if that is the will of God.
I know that Heather truly appreciates the amazing encouragement and outpouring of love from so many across the world. Please continue your encouragement. It means the world to both Heather and I...But also please join us in playing the game...develop your gameplan...join the team and do your best to become a saint. Individually we can make some good plays, but together we can win the SuperBowl!


Until tomorrow...Blessings from Heather and I. We love you.

New Year- New Focus for ALL

It is now a whole New Year-- WOW!! It has been one crazy year for me... but still, very blessed. Back when my ex still had "our" daughter finally visiting him in the summer- this year it was a disaster. He has a new wife that is so controlling and jealous- so eight days I went without hearing back from my daughter-- mind you- who also has epilepsy. But I yes, was aggressive-- and talked directly to him about that. Led him to asking me and my husband (who has raised her) -to have him adopt her. That stress always causes seizures with me. More than I already have. We also decided in February to go forth with my third brain surgery-- to control seizures on perhaps one medication, not six. So we waited on the MEG test- it finally came up in November- in the same state where I had my baby girl- and my ex and his new wife live. So seizures they needed came on easily and quick-- that was an AMAZING test! Helps them see, after you've had brain surgery a couple times- or if it is a first even and it might be close to something important-- where seizures hit- how close to certain areas it shows-- helps map what they can and cannot take out. I then blissfully came back from AL with H1N1--- and was down for about a month. And that led to my B12, iron, and Vitamin D going low again. When I got better-- just in time for my birthday-- I had a great birthday. I also was able to finally go visit my dear friend @jasonmitchener --who had a rare neuromuscular disease and was paralyzed from shoulders down, on a ventilator. Would always visit and be inspired by his amazing stories-- even thru his illness-- while living in this tiny room-- of two, with a curtain. I went up on the 17th, he had passed away late the 16th-- made it thru my birthday he always remembered on the 15th. My heart was wrenched. But I know he is in a Better Place-- with Jesus. 
Now we are still waiting on the surgery date for me-- but I am excited. Gotta get thru the New Year-- and have all neurologists back in offices here, MN, and FL-- for conference. Then we will see what way is the best way. Half awake brain surgery-- or just subdural in many areas again. Mayo is one amazing hospital.
I have been thru all old and brand new medications... looking for any advice or feedback, I can sure help with that... and just know, if brain  surgery isn't an option- there are amazing devices to come, not the VNS or RNS. But more. So keep the faith. New Year is always a New beginning. As is every new day!! Reach for every star you wish to-- you can do it!


Blessings to you all!!


Heather Siebens  @EpilepsyCures and @AliveinMe


http://www.causes.com/epilepsycures
http://epilepsycures.ning.com


Psalm 116:1-2    I love the LORD because He hears and answers my prayers. Because He bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath!!


Happy New Year!!!!!