Hi Kristi
I also had had brain surgery when my kids were little...wow 7 years ago!! Seems like yesterday.
Like another mom who posted, I also had a Chiari Malformation, I was not diagnosed until soon after I delivered my second baby. I had my surgery when my kids were 3 and 1.
The constant support of family around you is critical during the surgical and post-op time. If you are able to "plan" when you have the surgery, may I recommend that schedule your post-op help before your surgery.
My family lived out of state, so we had a different family member or friend come stay with us basically to "nanny", in different shifts....my husband was then in charge of making sure I was taken care of. (and the household stuff). We sent out a form letter (sounds cheesy, but when your sick, with little kids, you are desperate), explaining the seriousness of the surgery, the recovery period, and our serious need for help. Please accept all the help you can. Your recovery does not need to be challenged by the stress of every family matters.
My daughter, only 3 1/2 was vital to my recovery. At first, we thought we would not talk much about my surgery, etc...but then she had a horrible panic attack. I took her to a pediatric therapist who stressed the importance of keeping her very involved in my pre-surgical plans as well as my plans for recovery...and always be very honest, never trying to sugar coat anything. She said that the kids pick up on us trying to hide things from us, and then imagine the worst scenarios.
My daughter did great through all of it!!
I found it very important to have her in the hospital for both of us. I felt that if she was there, I must be okay...and for her, she knew I was okay, just recovering.
All of this said, I know that brain surgery is the scariest thing you can face...I have been there and through it. It is not super easy:) ...but hey, I am glad I am here with my kids...I actually got pregnant 8 months after my surgery...hee hee.
I had a great day playing tennis with my husband and 3 kids on Fathers day, and I do yoga...Yes, you will have a life after brain surgery! and one to celebrate!
God Bless you this day!
If you need to chat, please feel free to send me a private message
xoxoxo
K.