The hardest part has past us, Ryan's surgery. Ryan is now on his way to recovering from the monster that couldn't stand a chance, the brain tumor. Yesterday morning he had surgery to remove the tumor in his left frontal lobe of his brain. Dr. Chen was Ryan's neurosurgeon here at Kaiser Hospital in Los Angeles. His surgery started at 7:30am and was predicted to last about 3 to 6 hours including prep and surgery time. I have to tell you all how amazed I was with Ryan yesterday, he didn't seem like he had one nervous bone in his body. He was actually trying to relax me (Natashia his girlfriend) than I was him, it was pretty funny. They called him back to prep him at about 7:30am. The nurses got him in his gown and hooked him all up. They called for his sisters and I to come hang with him before we was pulled into surgery. As we walked back into the hospital, the nurses open a curtain and there was Ryan kicking back watching football. He greeted us with high fives, kisses and a big smile. He was so relaxed I was in shock. I couldn't believe that here was this man in front of me that was heading into brain surgery and wasn't the least bit of scared. He came in yesterday morning with his game face on. He was ready to kick this tumors ass, there was no doubt about it. I am so proud of him.
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While Ryan was in surgery his family and I waited patiently for about 5 hours. As we saw Dr. Chen come around the corner to talk to us, we all jumped out of our chairs and crowed him. We definitely invaded Dr. Chen's personal space while he was trying to give us the news. Dr. Chen began to tell us how pleased he was with the surgery. He said he was able to go in and remove all the tumor that was visible to him. He said he thinks he was pretty successful with removing most of it, if not all of it. Today or tomorrow Ryan will have an another MRI directed by his oncologist to see if and any tumor was left behind. Dr. Chen began to tell us that Ryan was responding well after the surgery with moving his arms and hands. Dr. Chen told us to wait another hour for Ryan to fully wake before we went up to see him.
Visiting Ryan in the ICU was probably the hardest thing I have ever gone through. I have never had someone so close to me be hospitalized. I know it's some times a part of life, but man does it suck. I was lucky enough to walk into the room yesterday and have my boyfriend smiling at me. It made the situation a lot easier. As I walked up to Ryan my knees felt weak and my head felt dizzy. If any of you know me, you know how bad I am with needles. Seeing ryan hooked up with needles in his arms made me feel weak, and sick to my stomach. All I wanted to do was make him feel better, not have him in pain. As we greeted each other we held hands and told each other we loved one another. He made me instantly laugh cause he grabbed my hands and asked me how my nails were. Before Ryan went into his surgery I told him I wasn't going to have any finger nails cause I would be bitting them off, stressing while he was in surgery. So for him to remember that conversation post surgery, I was so relieved. Obviously his memory was okay. As his family and I visited him yesterday he was alert and aware. He was joking and laughing with us which made us all happy. Throughout the day his headaches started to progress and it was hard for him to keep any liquids down. The nurses on staff were more than helpful and are continuing to make Ryan feel comfortable.
Today is a new day, Tuesday December 18th, 2012. Ryan is feeling little better than yesterday and is looking forward to the doctor coming in to help him sit up in a chair and maybe take his first steps since the surgery. One day at a time one step at a time. I have prayed to Ryans mom in heaven for giving Ryan the strength to get through this. Please continue to show your love and support for Ryan. All your prayers, love, and mental hugs have gotten Ryan this far. Thank you!
and a note to Ryan from me :)
I love you for all that you are. All that you have been, and all you're yet to be. I love you Ryan Coffelt.
Much love- Natashia Tomek
Pre-surgery picture!
I have been referring to him as ET with his bright red lite up finger.
Sleeping beauty!
Ryan's sister Lindsay and him
Ryan and I <3
Yours aren't the only nails gone. It is so nice to follow your story because I know how you are in the hospital. I am surprised you did not faint. But that just goes to show you that Ryan is your equal, your rock and your luf. I know how he feels about you so I can only imagine when he saw you and his sisters and his dad, he was just as relieved. English can't wait to see you and Ryan and give you big hugs. Give love to Lindsey and John for us too.
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