ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: alicia on April 29, 2009, 09:12:06 pm
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I am now officially more official with my date. I was May 14 in Nebraska, but now I am May 19 at House! I never knew my brain could make so many decisions and I am sure it is not running at full capacity these days!
Let me give lots of thanks to
Donnalynn
NL
Chocolate truffle
Garzap
Firewalker
Lisa Peele
Christine D
and many more that have PM'd me about all these choices. I so appreciate the time you take from your personal lives to help us Newbies during these confusing times.
I too am shopping for button up pj's - did I actually just say that? I buy those for my grandma!!
Myself, husband, and 2 kids are flying in on May 14. Spending Fri, Sat, and Sun, playing tourist. Our close friends are coming as well(with their 3 kids) and then will fly home with our kids on Monday before surgery. Swimming with the dolphins is in our future!!
We are booked at Seton for May 17-31. Did I mention my folks are driving from Wyoming to be close during surgery? Oh yea, they will bring the kitchen sink!
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Congrats on making a decision Alicia. I hope as each day passes you get more and more comfortable with it. Very cool that all of you get to spend a few days together having fun before you go in!!
May 14th is coming up so quick!! I'm sure I don't need to tell you that! I hope to be not that far behind you........
Best wishes for a smooth procedure and recovery!
Adrienne
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Hi Alicia,
Look at you! A vacation in sunny California, with a side excursion to House for brain surgery.
Don't forget to update the AN Calendar. We want to be sure and wish you all the best when the day arrives.
Congratulations on making your decision. Now go do some shopping.
Steve
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Alicia
Congratulations on making a decision. If you need us, there is a support group of House alums here in LA that can get together with you pre-surgery for advice and support -- or to give you tips on what to see while here in LA. Just let us know.
David
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That's great news. I know how good it feels to get a date. ( I know I felt like I had won the lottery.) Shows you how much your perspective can change. I love your plan--vacation with friends and kids, then friends take kids home! I wish you all the best with your surgery; you're certainly in good hands. May 19 is my next hearing test, so I will be thinking of you.
Best,
Marci
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With 5 kids, 4 adults, and 3 days in LA, I'm thinking the OR team will be able to save a bunch of money on the anethesia costs...you'll be out from sheer exhaustion.
Congratualtions on having been able to take a step out of limbo. The whole decision making, arranging, and scheduling process is one of the tough parts of this whole journey. It sounds like you have a great plan and good support from friends and family.
Here's to 100% positive outcomes.
..take care... tim b
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Hi, Alicia,
Congratulations on your decision and best wishes on your surgery!
I heartily endorse your "vacation with surgery" concept! I did the very same thing when I went out to House for my translab in January 2008. My only symptom had been hearing loss, so I was feeling wonderful and looking forward to several days of fun in L.A. prior to my surgery. My husband and I arrived in L.A. the Saturday before my Wednesday surgery and packed in lots of activities -- it was a wonderful distraction from the upcoming surgery. I had booked reservations for the Jeopardy teen-tournament finals taping six days after my surgery -- I was tired, but we made it. We did additional touring around following surgery, albeit at a slower pace than before, but still had a wonderful time. Returned home to N.J. ten days after surgery, tired but relieved and full of good memories from the entire House experience and the good time in L.A.
Hope that all goes well with you.
Catherine (JerseyGirl 2)
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What GREAT friends - going with you and then taking the kids home. Sounds like they will be in GREAT hands!! We'll be keeping you & your in our prayers!
K
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Alicia, congrats on your decision and date! We'll just miss each other at House/Seton. I hope we all have as successful a vacation/surgery experience as JerseyGirl! :D
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Good luck, Alicia ;D I'm sure things will turn out well for you.
You should take David up on his suggestion of connecting with the "LA Gang". They've met lots of HEI patients and are kind of like AN ambassadors; they do a great job.
Jan
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Alicia,
A girl after my own heart - get that beach vacation in there any way you can! :D
Good luck, have a safe trip, say hi to Mickey and Minnie if you go to Disney - and in case you've never been swimming in the Pacific - it's COLD! :o
Lori
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Alicia,
Ditto on everything. Try and have LOTS of fun before your surgery, which I'm sure you will.
You will be in good hands there.
Maureen
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I can't wait to lay out on the beach with hair I haven't washed in a week. I have a feeling I really won't care!
I already feel sorry for the person next to me on the plane ride home! We'll see if the hubby has enough upgrades to get me into first class!!
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So glad you've got things worked out and settled! Now you can "relax" or try to til time to go.
Give Nancy and David a big hug for me!
(You should be able to wash your hair before you get on that plane...have to watch the incision, but it can be done!)
Cindy
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Hi Alicia,
You have such a positive outlook on the whole ordeal, which goes a long way to helping with recovery! We'll be saying a prayer for you during your "vacation" :).
Ernie
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I am curious to know what you guys know about the amount of surgery a "fellow" performs at House? I realize they have to have practice and it is the end of the year for them, but I would not trade my local surgeon for a learning surgeon. Please offer info!
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I am curious to know what you guys know about the amount of surgery a "fellow" performs at House? I realize they have to have practice and it is the end of the year for them, but I would not trade my local surgeon for a learning surgeon. Please offer info!
Alicia,
I specifically asked Dr. Brackmann about this ahead of time. He told me that the person helped to close. I had the same concern and ferreted this out ahead of time.
I enjoyed driving up (Okay, I was the passenger) the Pacific Highway 1 along the coast about a week afterword and remember finding a mesmerizing calmness from the water.
All the best,
Kate
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A Fellow is a little more than a learning surgeon. The residents are more that. They have 5 years of being a resident and then the Fellow is 2 years beyond the resident. The Fellow does the open and shut in most cases at Univ of Iowa and Gantz does the tumor. I have now been thru several Fellows and all have been very good and very interested in making sure you get your questions answered. Ravi Samy was one who is now at Cincinnati and another was Pamela Roehm who is at NYU. Sam Guebbel is at Univ of Wisc.
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Well, you can look at it a few ways - all positive, if you ask me...the Fellow has probably had his nose in the book more recently than the doctor that's been doing this a long time - meaning it's fresh in his mind. Also, the Fellow won't be doing anything without someone watching over his shoulder - so you have 2 sets of eyes on your brain, rather than just one.
I'm sure you'll be in good hands.
Lori
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Alicia,
A Fellow -- Dr. Wilkinson -- assisted Dr. House with my translab at House/St. Vincent's in January 2008. He's now a regular staff member. He strictly watched and may have done the abdominal incision. Trust me, you will be in excellent hands at House.
Catherine (JerseyGirl 2)
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Hi Alicia,
I had Dr. Bessim, a fellow, assist Dr. Friedman and Dr. Schwartz in the "closing" - and he did a beautiful job. (I can send you a pic of his work if you want. ;)) He also came to check up on me every day in the hospital, in addition to my other doctors. (Most of my questions pre-op were in regards to the closing procedure, since I had a retro approach and was concerned with post-op headaches - and they have not been a problem.)
One of the things that made me feel so confident with my surgeons was the way they responded to all my "last minute" questions, like yours, in the weeks leading up to my surgery. Every time I emailed them a new set of questions (and I had a lot!), they responded either with a phone call or an email within a day.
Please don't hesitate to ask Dr. Friedman (or Dr. Schwartz) about this - he/they will take the time to address this and any other concerns you may have, and will set your mind at ease.
As Catherine and others have said, you will be in excellent hands at House.
All the best,
Nancy
P.S. - Glad to see you'll be making the most out of your trip out west. I think you'll end up with more memories of the vacation than the surgery. ;D
.
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Ok...I think you are all right and I am ready to put all these questions to rest.
Let's talk about things to do. I have 3 days. One will be in San Diego at Sea World. My kids are not real "ride" fanatics, so I am not sure Disney ranks high on the list. What about Universal Studios. Was there when I was a kid, but no memories other than Jaws being pretty cool. Of course beach time is a must - we are very much lake people, but being from the midwest, the ocean is a whole new experience for my kids. My son would think the world of me if I could get him into Pet Star or American Gladiators! TV taping is really not happening this time of year from what I can tell. I can do w/o Wheel of Fortune!
What else?
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Alicia, if you all are very used to lakes..please, please be very careful at the beach. Moving water has a LOT more power than most people realize.
Have fun...
..take care... tim b
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Alicia,
All your ideas sound great. If you're in San Diego you might want to see the zoo as well. We did things that would probably be less exciting for your kids -- Paul Getty museum, college campus tours (UCLA, etc.), Reagan Museum in Simi Valley (no political endorsement intended whatsoever, but I had remembered seeing that place when Reagan's funeral was televised and thinking it was absolutely gorgeous -- which it is -- and we were also interested in going aboard the Air Force One that's located there in an amazing pavillion area), driving/walking around Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and all the other little "neighborhoods." L.A. is an interesting place and I hope you and your family will have a good visit!
Catherine (JerseyGirl 2)
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Looks like you've answered your question and filled up your 3 days! Sea World should be a lot of fun. It's so great that you're building your trip into a family experience with lots of good memories and all that; I think that will be good for you and your kids. By the time you have your surgery you may be craving the 'rest' (looking on the bright side).
Best wishes to you.
Keri
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If you are going toward San Diego, take the drive to Coronado Island.
How old are your kids?
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Alicia -
definitely try to make it to the San Diego zoo, it's fabulous. Coronado Island is absolutely beautiful.
Jan
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Alicia,
We just did the whole southern Cali trip in late Feb. (actually, we left 3 days after finding out about the AN. Obviously it was a pre-planned trip, but in the end the timing was GREAT to get our minds off of it for a bit and have fun). We did Disney for 3 days, San Diego zoo, Universal, and Seaworld. Our kids are 5 and 9. They loved everything, but probably their least favorite was the zoo. Not because it wasn't fun or interesting, but because it is kind of 'slow moving' after having done the active things every other day. Universal was a huge surprise b/c we thought they would be bored after finding out there aren't many rides and our youngest wasn't big enough for a lot of them. Turn out they thought it was totally interesting and loved it! There is a train 'tour' (free with admission) that takes you through some sets and explains lots of stuff and even though the kids had no idea about any of the shows/movies ("mom, who's Jaws?" LOL) they still were fascinated with learning about the behind the scenes 'tricks'. Highly recommend that tour if you go there (bit of a line up for it though... :-( )
I don't think you can go wrong. We had a fabulous time doing everything and wished we had more time there after 8 days. Next time 2 weeks! I'm sure you'll have no problem keeping them entertained no matter what you end up doing.
Enjoy the time together! Best wishes for your surgery.
Adrienne
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I am still very excited about the fun times in LA, but I have major butterflies in my stomach yesterday and today. The trip really poses no concerns. I travel quite a bit and don't give that a second thought.
I think I have tried to accept everything and just hope for the best, but the fear has set in again. I am scared of all the complications again. I thought I had put that behind me. I know I can't go into surgery with a bunch of stress so I am hoping this emotional setback is only temporary!
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Hi, Alicia,
It's certainly normal to be experiencing some fear as your surgery date approaches. I'm betting that when you start with your pre-op process -- meeting the doctors, having the tests, etc. -- you will begin to feel much calmer. I know that a real sense of peace and calm came to me at that point; I was totally convinced that I was dealing with people who definitely knew what they were doing. You are going to be in excellent hands at House -- and even though these procedures are quite routine for all of them I think you will be impressed with the compassion and understanding you encounter. And you can rest assured that everyone on this Forum will be cheering you on from around the country!
Concentrate on the fun you're going to have with your family; everything else will fall into place at the right time, and before you know it your surgery will be over and you can look ahead to a positive future!
Best wishes!
Catherine (JerseyGirl 2)
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Alicia, I am going through the same ups and downs. I think we'd be crazy NOT to worry a little and have our downs -- totally natural to resist a stranger entering your skull after all. :o
We just have to ride through those feelings, I think, and get 'er done.
PM'd you also.
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So after 6 days of feeling sorry for myself I have snapped out of it and feel much better today. Leaving day after tomorrow for LA and hoping and praying all this works out. California - here I come! 8)
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Good luck, Alicia ;D
Lots of us are praying right along with you. Everything will work out fine.
Keep the faith,
Jan
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So after 6 days of feeling sorry for myself I have snapped out of it and feel much better today. Leaving day after tomorrow for LA and hoping and praying all this works out. California - here I come! 8)
Alicia,
I am glad you "snapped out of it" and feel better today. You are going to a world class AN facility and being operated on by some of the best.
I look forward to hearing from you as a "postie".
Kate
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Alicia,
The waiting is the second hardest part (the first being the decision of how to deal with the tumor). Now you have entered the acceptance and "just get this thing out of me" stage, congratulations! Even the morning of my surgery, I was upbeat and not a bit nervous! (Don't ask my wife though, she'll say I was ;) ).
You know we'll all be praying for you! I am looking forward to "seeing" you on the other side!
Ernie
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your surgery is coming up!! good luck and you are in great hands at HEI, keep us posted and we are all keeping you in our thoughts.
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Best wishes for a great trip and a great surgery, Alicia. I was going to call you a fraidy cat, but I guess you are over that now. Lilan is right, it is normal to be a little nervous; brain surgery is not something you do every day. It will work out fine, and one day you may even get a new hat in the mail. :)
Steve
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Alicia, wishing you great times in L.A. pre-surgery, then some nice "rest and pampering" afterward! I have a good feeling about all this. You need to get that thing outta there and move on!
And the date you'll be back home in your own bed, with all this behind you and some cool vacation pictures, is ever nearer, too! :)
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It will work out fine, and one day you may even get a new hat in the mail. :)
Steve
I would be honored Steve! ;)
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Hi Alicia,
I hope you and your family are having a great time in California. I'll be praying for you on surgery day.
Keri
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Alicia, in 24 hours you'll be a postie!! Will be praying and sending good thoughts your way from this moment on!
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I am now officially more official with my date. I was May 14 in Nebraska, but now I am May 19 at House!
Right about now you are probably finishing the "blood clotting" test! You've been through all the pre-op battery of tests.
All the best tomorrow, and I look forward to hearing from you as a postie.
Kate
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Hi All,
David, Lainie, and I had the pleasure of meeting Alicia and her family today (Monday - I'm posting late!). She seemed very relaxed, well-informed, and ready to be a postie. :)
Here are some pics from today:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3542/3545377440_8c4aab7db4.jpg)
Lainie, Alicia, & David, 5-18-09
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2163/3544569737_6a282bcd0a.jpg)
Alicia, David, & Nancy, 5-18-09
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3613/3545378588_ae87d36f7c.jpg)
Alicia & family, 5-18-09
Lilan, who'll be following Alicia to House next month, will be providing us with updates from Alicia's husband Todd. (Thanks, Lilan!)
Alicia - you know we'll all be thinking of you and sending tons of positive vibes your way tomorrow!
Nancy
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Love the pics (as usual), Nancy! Great to see Alicia with the LA Gang! Best to you today, Alicia...will be glad to see you as a postie very soon now!
Cindy
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Wow, you all look fantastic and Alicia looks so relaxed and tan ;) The-vacation was a great idea.
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Today is the day, prayers going your way, Alicia.
Maureen
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WHOOP-WHOOP!
Alicia rocked her surgery despite the earthquake aftershock in the middle of it in L.A. this afternoon!
Here is the first update from her husband:
It is 9:05 central. We just spoke with the surgeon and everything went Excellent. The tumor is 98% removed and the facial nerve is working well. Dr. Friedman is confident Alicia will not have any facial issues and said she went through surgery very well. This is even with the 4.1 magnitude earth quake that hit the area around 4:00 central. They are now doing the closing and we expect to see Alicia in the next hour. Keep praying for Alicia during recovery and I will send everyone an update tomorrow.
Thank you for your prayers
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I am just -- WOW -- the story of a lifetime for Alicia -- an earthquake during her brain surgery!!!
;D ;D ;D
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Wow! Alicia had the earth move under her feet! (Isn't that a line in a song?) It was Mother Nature's way of saying Welcome to California.
Thank you for the update. It sounds like the surgery itself went well. I await future updates.
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Lilan,
Thanks so much for the update! I spoke to David about 10 minutes after the earthquake. (I didn't feel it, but he did, and he's on the same side of the hill as St. Vincent's.) He said Alicia is the first person we know to be in the OR during an earthquake!
I actually asked Dr. Friedman about what they do in this situation prior to my surgery (one of my 1000+ questions for him). He explained to me that the way they are positioned and touching the patient's head, everything would move as one in the event of any shaking, so it's not like anything is moving around inside your head. I also asked Dr. Schwartz - he also said it was not something I should worry about, and that he had been in the OR during an earthquake a few weeks before my surgery.
Alicia - You'll be getting those refreshing ice chips before you know it! In the meantime, we're still sending lots of prayers and good vibes your way!
Nancy
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Yay, happy it went well!!!!
Can't wait to see how you're doing in the next few days........
Adrienne
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Alicia, Speedy recovery to you! What a great story - surgery and an earthquake!
Lilian - thank you for the update!
Thoughts and prayers,
Sue
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Welcome to Postie Land, Alicia!
Now you can relax and take care of yourself.
Nancy
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Congratulations, Alicia! Great to have you here in 'postie-land'. :)
Jim
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Just a quick update to Lilan's update.
When David & I were leaving Seton Hall today after visiting Beth & Joseph, we thought we'd give Alicia's husband a call to see how she was doing. We were SO surprised when he said Alicia would love a quick visit! She'd just been moved to a private room, and the ride made her somewhat dizzy, but I was happy to walk in and see the same smiling face I saw on Monday. If she didn't have the bandage around her head, I would not have known she had brain surgery 24 hours earlier!
We stayed long enough to hear about her night in ICU, and then she drifted off to sleep as we were saying goodbye to her parents. I hope someone told her the first 3 days don't count, because I didn't get a chance to! Though we were only there a few minutes, it was really nice to see her safely on the other side of her surgery.
Congrats, Alicia! We'll be anxiously awaiting Lilan's next update!
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That is so great to hear.
It is a wonderful gift you all give to us travelers to be there. There is a feeling of "the unknown" to travel so far for surgery and having you all as ambassadors sure helps alleviate it.
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When David & I were leaving Seton Hall today after visiting Beth & Joseph, we thought we'd give Alicia's husband a call to see how she was doing.
Nancy,
I agree with Lilan -- the L.A. "welcoming committee" has become an outstanding support group -- you all are great! It's good to hear that Alicia is doing well. How are Beth and Joseph? Forum readers may recall that they're the young couple (Beth is an NF2 patient) from southern Louisiana who've made several trips to House -- their first one occurred in January 2008, just as I was leaving after my surgery.
Catherine (JerseyGirl 2)
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Nancy,
Well, I just answered my own question! After posting my previous message I continued looking through "recent posts" and saw your good news about Beth in the "community" section -- that is wonderful news! Thanks for keeping us updated.
Catherine (JerseyGirl 2)
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More this a.m. from Todd, Alicia's hub:
Alicia is still doing well and out of the ICU. The doctors have had a difficult
time managing the pain but it was significantly better last night. The goal for
today is to get her up and walking. As difficult as that will be I think she is
ready to get out of bed and move around. Her facial nerve is showing some
weakness but the doctors believe that is due to swelling from surgery and should
only be temporary. They tested the nerve shortly after surgery and it was
working perfectly so we expect it to get back there.
Keep Alicia in your prayers
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Lilan,
Thanks for the updates, very much appreciated.
And Alicia sounds like she is a trooper. Do tell her that the first 3 days don't count and not to sweat the facial symptoms-most likely post op swelling.
Maureen
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More news from Alicia's hub: Like clockwork, things start to look better the minute the First Three DaysTM aka F3D are ending!
Everything is going good. We now have the pain and nausea under control. Alicia is still sleeping a lot but walked to the restroom yesterday and was able to walk with help around the nurse’s station this morning. She also sat up in a chair and fed herself this afternoon. She is still very tired and sore but is doing great overall.
Everyone have a great Memorial Day weekend and keep Alicia in your prayers
Todd
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Thanks for the updates, it's always encouraging to hear about people coming out of surgery this well. You are in my prayers for your recovery, physically and mentally.
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I'm glad she's feeling a bit better. We are praying for you! Take care... one of these days you'll look back and it will seem like the time flew by.
Keri
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Another update from Todd. Alicia's tumor turned out to be enormous, evidently. She was saying they thought it was 4cm but it was actually, Todd says, the "size of a tangerine or small orange." Which, looking at my ruler here, sounds more like a minimum of 6cm to me!
:o :o :o
Alicia is doing well and is finally starting to feel human again. She is off most of her medication and is tying to control the pain with Tylenol. She was released from the hospital on Tuesday and moved to a care center on the hospital campus. While it is not home it is significantly more quiet and peaceful. Alicia still sleeps a lot and is very bothered by dizziness and motion. We hope this will start to get better in the weeks to come.
We met with the Dr. Friedman yesterday afternoon which was very interesting. As we were talking, Alicia became pale and passed out right in the chair. She was a little dehydrated but will be fine. A few minutes later we had a good laugh about who was more shocked, Dr. Friedman or me. Alicia just thought it was funny to wake up having no idea what had happened with her head on the chair, me holding her butt and Dr. Friedman with her legs over his shoulders.
After the excitement we sat done and had several of our questions answered so here are a few highlights:
· We get the stitches out on Friday morning
· We are good to come home on Sunday
· Alicia’s facial nerve is very strong and he does not expect complications
· The actual size of the tumor was about the same a tangerine or small orange
· The dizziness will start to get better and it is not going to be a permanent issue
· The earthquake was really not a big deal and just happened so we Nebraskans could as we were here for one
· Dr Friedman wants Alicia in Beaver lake by early July
So all things considered Alicia and I feel very blessed and want to thank all of you who have kept us in your prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. I would especially like to thank the wonderful doctors at House Clinic specifically Dr Friedman and Dr Swartz who not only saved Alicia’s quality of life but did so great passion and caring.
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I must say I am now praying for a much less interesting story than Alicia's.
No eArTHquAKe
No size of orange
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Lilan, well, you know, it is LA! It seems there's always something - for me, it was a bomb scare (at the hotel, not the hospital!) and fires...know others had interesting things going on out there for their surgeries as well. Seems to be taken in stride out there, though! We'll hope it's a dull week for you, however, when it's your turn...
So glad to hear that Alicia is progressing in her recovery. That was one huge tumor! And, I'm sure that the post-op episode was quite something for all concerned. Let's hope it's the only one! Give her our best and we look forward to hearing from her when she's up to it - tell her to take her time, though!
Cindy
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Oh My.....
Well, for me the first 6 or 7 days didn't count! It was miserable. Today - Wed. - I am feeling able to function and partcipate in life again - 1 hour at a time! If you are interested in more info, I am happy to share. PM me. For everyone else that knows the drill...yadda, yadda, yadda...here I am today :)
I am hoping for reduced fluid behind my "flap" which is why I did not have stitches out yesterday. Fainting spoiled the day yesterday somewhat, but I did get to lay in an exam room watching Dr. Friedman for 3 hours.
I am so thankful for the great support and wonderful thoughts. I am just hoping each day and night get better than the previous.
To all the people getting ready for this journey - it's not fun, but you will make it. Hang in there ;)
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Hi Alicia,
So glad to see you on here. I'm so happy that the worst of it is behind you and you're improving.
Thank you, Lilan for your great updates.
Take care,
Keri
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Hey Alicia,
Great to see you back at last. :)
It will get better as the days and then the weeks go by, don't worry. As you said, it's not fun, but you will make it. It sounds to me like you have done very well, considering you had a very large AN, and even an earthquake. Just take it easy for a while.
Steve
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Alicia herself! Great to see you and thank you so much for including us in your updates!
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Welcome back postie Alicia ;D
I almost missed this update - based on the subject line, I thought you were still on that beach vacation and I was tuning in to read about all the fun you were having. Guess I have to pay more attention to the AN Calendar ::)
Anyway, it sounds like you've been through a lot - but are coming out of it very well; thankfully.
Best wishes for a continued recovery. Please keep us updated.
Jan
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Alicia,
So glad to hear the hardest part is behind you. I'm sure you have lots of other "stories" about your surgery experience.
We would love to hear more :)
I think the earthquake and the fainting in front of the doctor are 2 very unusual stories.
Let us know how your dizziness goes. That was one humongous tumor and here you are, facial nerve intact. Yea ;D
Baby steps. Rest, sleep, walk, eat, driink. Repeat cycle.
Maureen
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Hi Alicia,
How are you doing?
Keri
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I am doing well, thanks. I am 3 weeks post op today! I can't believe it. Recap... Week 1 - hospital. Week 2 - Seton. Week 3 - home. The past few days seem the same. No major improvements day to day, but I feel pretty good.
::) I still have dizziness when I turn my head side to side, so no driving in the near future for me.
8) My eyes can focus much better - still sensative to sunlight. I have a nystagmus - eyes jumping or staggering from side to side right after surgery and still currently. I think my issues after surgery were really related to this, rather than my balance.
;) My AN side is weaker than my other, but no one really notices. I can tell my bad eye does not get done blinking by the time my good eye is done and when I am tired, my bad eye is larger than my good eye. But I can shut it when I blink slowly - so I am extremely grateful!
:o My balance is good. I occassionally find myself unsteady, but I would say I am in control 95% of the time. No major problems in the dark. I actually rode my daughter's bike the other day for a very short distance! I am so excited to say that! I was very concerned about having to give up an active lifestyle of bike riding, snow skiing, water skiing, wakeboarding, horses...so the fact I could ride a bike in week 3 is thrilling!
:-\ I am having trouble sleeping all night. I am restless at times. I do not stay awake for long periods, but wake up often. I do not take anything to help because I am just so happy to be off all the drugs - I really do not want to reintroduce something else.
:D I am not taking any pain medication - not even Tylenol or Advil anymore! I still feel weird in the head, full ear, tons of ringing, but no pain. Still have tape on the belly incision - too afraid of pulling it off!
??? I do have a very sore vein in my hand where the IV blew. It is bruised and raised, so I am watching that. I was told as long as it is not red, I am good.
Everyone that sees me is schocked that I "look" normal. No one can tell I have endured this journey! I, honestly, still can't believe it either!
Remember my first post... "I took a nap and when I woke up, I was thinking this may be a bad dream." Maybe it was ;D
With all my gratitude...Alicia
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:)Great update, Alicia. You sound wonderful and I'm sure that bike ride at 3 weeks post op was a real treat. ;D
Way to go girl! ;D
Keep walking for the balance, and I would imagine biking is good for balance exercise.
Give the other symptoms time to dissipate. Patience and perseverance while you work through those pesky side effects of brain surgery.
You are doing awesome!!!!
Maureen
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Alicia ~
Thanks for your informative and basically positive update. Has it been 3 weeks, already? Ah, how time flies when you're having fun....or even if you're not, I guess. ;)
I trust that whatever problems you have now will resolve soon and that your recovery will be both rapid and complete. :)
Jim
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Great to hear, Alicia! I too was surprised at how much the IV's hurt during this process. It was something I would have never thought of. But, that parts all over now.
Anyway, we're so glad to hear you are doing well and upbeat and active and all that!
Keri
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Hi Alicia,
I have been worried about you and wondering how you ended up. My computer has been acting up and I haven't been online much. I am so happy to see that everything turned out okay. I was also happy that you met up with Laine, Dave and Nancy, they were awesome!!! As for me I am at 8 weeks post op, and still having some headaches, but I really think it's my own fault, I am a work alcholic and I want to get things done around home before I have to go back to work!! And, I hope you were happy with Friedman and his crew. Your tumor was huge!! Probably one of the larger ones they have done!! Take care, and take it easy...really.
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Before I forget, one final comment for Newbies on the "beach vacation" with side trip for brain surgery...
I left Seton early and spent my last 2 days in CA in Manhattan Beach. I did walk the beach while I was there! The sand on my feet and sound of the ocean almost made me forget the previous 10 days ;D
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Hi Alicia,
It is hard to believe you are now a month out from surgery. I hope you find yourself feeling "pretty good" every day, and better and better as the weeks go by. I hope you succeed in returning to that active lifestyle, too. All the best.
Steve
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Alicia, you sound great. So glad.
Garzap! So glad to hear from you too. I hope your headaches resolved. I was so happy to see your name in the Seton Guestbook, it was like seeing a celebrity was here (who I knew)! :D
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Well...time sure does fly by! I am almost to my 1 year diagnosis and 10 months post op. I am doing great. Still have mild ringing in the deaf ear and some weird noises occasionally when I lay down, but all in all, I am completely recovered!
I have just returned from 2 ski trips - Colorado and Utah! It was great. I was very hesitant and prepared everyone I was with that I may fall when I get off the lift - Get out of my way!!
I skied better this year than I ever have in my entire life! No exaggeration!
I just want the newbies to realize things can be OK after all is said and done. You can endure! Alicia
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Alicia ~
Fabulous news! Thanks for sharing your splendid recovery story with us. You've likely encouraged more people than you realize.
Jim