Update

Wow...hard to believe it has been over a year since I had my implant surgery. Time marches on and we lose track. It has been a rough year. Went to our family reunion in June and though I had a wonderful time, it was bittersweet. My mother no longer knew who I was most of the time I was there and her health was deteriorating. Shortly after I returned home, my mother had to be put in a nursing home as my father could no longer take care of her. Between the end stage Parkinson's and dementia, he realized she would be safer and healthier there. Sadly, on Thanksgiving, mother slipped into a coma and passed away on December 1st. Although it was not unexpected, it has been very hard and I miss her a great deal.

My CI has been adjusted to and I have been tested and have 95% comprehension in a quiet room with 85% in noise..lab noise, not real world noise where it drops much lower. I returned to my ENT in November and much to my surprise he recommended having a second implant. I was referred to UNC Chapel Hill to the head of the implant team as I have ossification in the cochlea. My second implant surgery is scheduled for February 3rd. I am half excited half worried as due to the ossification, he might not be able to insert the entire array of electrodes. If that is the case, the surgery will end with no implant.

However, if all goes well, I will have the new N5 from Cochlear America and they will use the backup processor for my other ear. Pretty cool gadget with remote and blue tooth capability.

On the home front, my husband, who was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx in April, after mega radiation treatments, has been cancer free so far. (knock on wood).

My granddaughter, Gabi, is the light of my life and is a very active, intelligent 2 1/2 year old. Christmas was a fun time watching her open her gifts and assist her "Aunt Sissy" with hers as well. Unfortunately, her mother and father are no longer together and it is difficult for Gabi to adjust.

Enough for now..will try to keep this thing current as best I can. Happy New Year to all!!!