08/03/2026
Next Monday, on 8/10, I will be having brain decompression surgery. The last four months have been a blur of specialist appointments I never saw coming, but here we are, officially one week away.
Earlier this year I went to the ER after experiencing stroke-like symptoms. That’s when I found out it wasn’t a stroke, but severe brain compression from a condition called Chiari malformation.
Chiari malformation occurs when the lower part of the cerebellum (the back of the brain) extends down into the upper spinal canal.
By compressing the area and blocking the normal flow of spinal fluid, it causes severe head pressure (increased intracranial pressure), dizziness and vertigo, papilledema (swelling of the optic nerves), tinnitus, increased heart rate and many other symptoms.
Essentially the back of my brain is blocking the flow of cerebral spinal fluid because it’s falling into my spinal cord and this can eventually cause permanent vision and hearing loss due to prolonged increased head pressure.
The only way to relieve these symptoms and stop the progression is through brain surgery. Unfortunately no amount of lifestyle changes or meds can open up space at the base of the skull so my cerebellum isn’t compressed and my spinal fluid can flow freely again.
Surgery will be 4-6 hours long and recovery is 9-12 weeks. I’ll start physical therapy around the 8 week mark. Because of this I am pausing all of my photography sessions.
I’m grateful for my husband who will be taking time off of work to care for me. And while he’s focused on me I’m thankful for my Mom, Juli, Alicia, Hector, Mama Lupe and Aunt Al who are all helping with the kids.
I would love prayers for
• peace, understanding, and extra grace for the kids
• strength and endurance for Isaias
• pain management post-op
Thank you ❤️
