ANA Discussion Forum
Post-Treatment => Post-Treatment => Topic started by: sues1953 on May 20, 2010, 01:31:47 pm
-
This is Susan's daughter posting on her behalf. She is out of surgery 2 hours early for a total of 6 hours. The doctors are very pleased. The were able to do a total resection of the tumor. A very successful day. She is awake and was asked to smile and did very proudly. SHe has full function and mobility of her face. We are a very happy and relievedfamily on this beauiful long day. More to come soon. They say it is up to her as to how long she will stay here depending on her dizziness and nausia.
-
Thats wonderful news and such a speedy surgery too.....wow!
Give her my best wishes and I hope she has a complication free speedy recovery.
Jacqui (Kiwi)
-
This is the kind of report we like to hear! Great news. Keep up the good work.
Prayers for a continued uneventful recovery!
Clarice
-
Hi, Susan's daughter ~
Thanks for posting the fabulous news about your mom's successful AN surgery. Prayers have been answered. Tell her we're applauding her, even if she can't hear it. ;)
Jim
-
Yeah Sue!!! I'm so relieved, I can't even begin to tell you. We were all praying for you. Even me!!! (You'll know what that means when you read it.) Woo hoo! --Carol Ann
-
That is great news :), and thank you for updating us on your Mom's progress.
Please don't forget to get some food and rest yourself, we all know what a long day you and your family have had.
Rich & Scarlett
P.S. Thanks Carol Ann for your update over on the "Weekly" thread ;)
-
Thanks SO MUCH for posting this! I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO glad to hear what sounds as if things went good. Getting the whole tumor of that size is excellent news too! I am so HAPPY! Please tell your mom I said Hello and will keep her in my prayers and I will be following your posts! Hopefully she is comfortable and gets her rest.
Will be checking back soon :) Denise (from MI)
-
Great news. Hope your mom has a speedy recovery.
Kenneth
-
That is awesome news!!! Just be there for her and pamper her all you can! :) And of course, take careyourselves too...we AN'ers (at least myself) can get a lil cranky post op, so be patient with the patient!
Jay
-
Fantastic news, so happy you must all be so relieved. Yay, no facial weakness!!!
Take care,
Liz
-
Wow great news,give your mom all our love and best wishes and heres to a speedy recovery.Steve&Tracey.
-
Sue and Family ---
Great news!!! Thoughts and prayers are with all of you for a speedy recovery. Thanks for the update --- when you can, let us know how she is doing. Sue, once you are up to it ---- post and visit with us!!
Patt from Minnesota
-
Wow! Great news for Sue...and not a long surgery at that. I'm so glad that her facial nerve wasn't involved. Please send her my best wishes as I've been following her for months.
Love,
Mei Mei
-
Hi. I just got back from visiting Sue in the hospital. She looks WONDERFUL!!! She's doing really really well. Just wanted to let everyone know. --Carol Ann
-
Thanks, Carol Ann for letting us know. We all care so much about her and keep waiting for news. I am especially waiting for that first Post from her in person when she gets home and has the energy to sit at a computer.
Take care, Carol Ann and Susan!!!
Mei Mei
-
Excellent top off the line outcome !! cheers ;D a toast to Sue!!
-
I'm so glad to hear that she's doing so well
-
Woooohooooo! Prayers for all things to keep going so well!
-
Hi. I just got back from visiting Sue in the hospital. She looks WONDERFUL!!! She's doing really really well. Just wanted to let everyone know. --Carol Ann
Thanks for posting Carol Ann! Glad you got to see her & visit and to her she looks wonderful, that's awesome!
(Now Carol Ann, wishing you the best too this week. At least you got to visit the area you will be...take care!0
:) Denise :)
-
Thanks Denise! Yes, it was good to get to see where I'll be later this week.
-
So happy to hear Sue is doing well.
I know how much she struggled with her treatment decision and her choice of doctors.
Good to see everything turned out so wonderfully.
Jan
-
That is wonderful your mom is doing so great!!! And it went quick and completely removed. Hopefully she will have a picture perfect recovery :)
Carol Ann--are you having surgery later this week? Hope it will be a repeat of Sue's!
Jennifer
-
So glad to hear that Susan is doing well! We've been so blessed lately.
-
Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes. I am doing well and am so grateful for the good outcome. Thsi is the first tije I have been on the forum but I will be psting more and more. Sue
-
So glad to hear from you, Sue. Try to rest and no more than 15 mins. on the computer or you'll get neck strain. Get lots of beauty sleep!!!
I'm so happy for you!
Mei Mei
-
Thanks all again. I am doing well. My husband took me to the grocery store yesterday, Whew that was alot. I am taking walks and trying to get lots of rest. It is going to take awhile
With love and appreciation,
Sue
-
A very successful day. She is awake and was asked to smile and did very proudly. SHe has full function and mobility of her face. We are a very happy and relievedfamily on this beauiful long day.
Wahooo!!! :)
DHM
-
Sue, did you go to the grocery store after we talked? Be sure to take it easy! I know it is hard for some, but it's the internal part of the body we need to think about ;)
Forgot to ask though, when did you get released to go home? How many nights stay?
Take care......enjoy this lovely weather, sounds like Michigan having some fronts come through and cooling it off. Beautiful today!!
Denise
-
HI All,
Well my incision is infected I think, at least that's all it is I hope. I noticed some swelling and redness at the bottom half of the incision and called the Dr. I am back on antibiotic and will see him tomorrow so he can make sure it is nothing serious. It is not leaking but is quite red and swollen. I am being very careful.
Yes Denise I did go to Meijers after we spoke on the phone. Wow just being in that place was a bit overwhelming and it was not crowded at all. I was released from the hospital Monday morning, spent four nights. I would have come home on Sunday but my sugar was testing high due to the steroids I was taking.
I will post after seeing the DR. tomorrow. Wish me luck :)
Sue
-
Hi Sue,
So glad to hear the surgery was a success, and sorry about the possible infection. Happens sometimes.
Let us know what the doc says, and congratulations!
Maureen
-
Sorry about the infection, Sue. Keep resting. I know it's hard for you.
Mei Mei
-
Susan ~
I'm glad that you're home and your recovery seems to be coming right along. Unfortunately, incision infections can happen. I had a minor one that cleared up easily, as I hope yours will.
Jim
-
Sue, where are you? ;)
I have been thinking of you all day & wondering what the doctor said & how you are feeling! I hope if it's an infection the antibiotic is all you need and you will be back on that good road to recovery!
Take Care,
Thinking of You!!
-
Hi
I posted last night but my computer froze up for whatever reason and I gave up. Anyway I saw Dr. Kartush yesterday and he told me that I was having a reatction to the material in the stitches. That was good news, everything looks fine. I will stay on the antibioti until I have the stitches removed next Tuesday.
I had quite a day yesterday, after visiting the Dr. my wonderful sister took me to a nursery so I could look at all the flowers :). What fun! I didn't last too long but it sure was great. Then we went out to lunch and home. It was so good to get out and the day was georgous. I have so much to be grateful for.
Sue
-
Sue,
Keep up that positive attitude I'm loving it!!!!
Try not to over do it, but enjoy the little outings they are important....I was so happy to go to the grocery store, and I can't stand to go grocery shopping normally :)
Take care,
Liz
-
Sue ~
I was relieved to read that the incision issue isn't really an infection. Your nursery visit and lunch with your sister seem to have buoyed your spirits a bit and as your recovery progresses, I'm certain you'll continue to find much to be grateful for. I did...and still do. :)
Jim
-
Sue, glad to hear from you! Sounds interesting and glad you are staying on the antibiotics. Sure glad you were able to get in & all will be great one the stitches are out.
You mentioned on post for Carol Ann you are not tired....that should get better after you are completely off the steroids. Also, bummed to hear they left a little residual of your own. That does seem more common with the larger tumors. But, yep...time to move on for now and live life & enjoy. Hopefully that wont' change at all and not have to worry about it ??
AND glad that it still sounds like you are doing good overall! Take care of yourself.
Still will be thinking & praying for you!!
Denise {Hugs!!}
-
Thank you all for the positive thoughts and comments. I continue to do well, I spent the first day alone yesterday and I actually napped for an hour and a half ;D. I don't know why I can't sleep, I do feel tired. I noticed that my eye is getting better and I hope to be abe to read soon, it will help pass the time. The computer screen is getting easier too.
My incision is still quite swollen and I'm thinking that it should look better by now ( 4 days ) I am having mild headachs and pain around the incision but nothing major. I may call the Dr. before the weekend just to check in. I do see him again on Tuesday to have the stitches out. (Denise, he wouldn't take them out when I was there on Tuesday, he wants to make sure everything is holding OK).
I will update tomorrow. Sue
-
I don't know why I can't sleep, I do feel tired.
I'm not sure if you're on steroids or not, but that would definitely affect your ability to sleep.
Glad to hear you don't have an infection and that your eye is getting better. AN surgery is known to affect the eyes. I had double vision for the first couple days post op, but then it went away. I remember it was very annoying at the time though, since I couldn't read or watch TV.
Hope tomorrow is a better day for you,
Jan
-
Dear Sue,
Just as an FYI, my incision at 6 months Post Op is still swollen. And of course you know I've been having headaches, but I went to an accupuncturist on Monday and great news...NO MORE headaches. She gave me accupuncture and ended with a half hour massage that was marvelous. Wish I had done this sooner. I don't know how long it takes for the swelling to go down. I go to Hopkins on June 14th for the six month check up and will have them look at it. It is itchy which is a sign of healing.
Rest well and try no more than 15 mins. on the computer. It is not good for your neck.
Take care,
Mei Mei
-
Thank you all for the positive thoughts and comments. I continue to do well, I spent the first day alone yesterday and I actually napped for an hour and a half ;D. I don't know why I can't sleep, I do feel tired.
Sue,
You are part of our XL club. Which means it is very likely the brain stem was squished over by the tumor.
Brain-stem and sleep
Now the tumor is out the brain-stem is taking back its original shape and there is a good chance with the brain also reshaping to fill the gap where the tumor was. There be MAY be temporary pooling of dura fluid- where the tumor once was also.
I was dealing with weird sleep patterns both before and after the surgery. Eventually I healed and settled down to a normal sleep pattern. But the year after surgery my sleep was all over the place.
Here is a link that explains the function of the brain stem
Simple definition
http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain_stem
More detail (than you probably want to know ;) but it helps to be informed of physiology)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brainstem
Our clubs
Just so you know - now that you are a postie that also brings you into the "neuroscience as a hobby" club. ;D
Welcome to our "good bye XL" club, our sleep deprived club and the neuro science club :)
Weird healing stuff with XL tumor removals
If you start getting pings and body jolts... and zaps... do not freak... it is all part of everything going back to shape now the brain booger is out. Things are going to move around to fill up that old tumor space- for a while.
Expect flakes of dead ski around the incision too... to be found on your pillow (with some mild hair loss that grows back) in the morning. It is all part of the healing.
If there is any eye irritation be sure to apply eye drops (or the famous goop- "lacrilube") until this too settles down ...as to not let the cornea of your eye dry out.
Healing Happens
Know that healing happens (at a different pace for each of us) and we are all here for you - to answer ANY questions.
If you need to nap in the afternoon- DO what you body tells you.
Dr. Kartush
I think with Dr. Kartush you are good hands. I thought of going there but it was just too far from Oregon... I also was not up to multiple surgeries at that time... but given how so many in the XL club came out with NO facial nerve damage (and I DID have facial never damage)... I no longer think his multi-step approach is "too WAY- OUT :-\ ;) there"- as I intially did. Truth is I am not going to worry about you too much (as I have done with some others who went elsewhere) as I think with Dr. Kartush you are in VERY capable hands. I spoke with a woman who he did surgery on, well over a decade ago, and she is today is doing very well today... He has been at this a long time. Did you know that he developed the facial nerve probe used in AN surgeries and holds the patent on it? He is not just a surgeon but an inventor. I would love for him to chat with our little nerdy neuroscience club- someday. Truth is I would just like to see the nerve probe devise he invented- in action. 8)
I have a T shirt that says "I love my GEEK" (know that this is a positive acronym for Good Electrical Engineer Keener ;) :D) as I married an engineer. GEEKS and NERDS - I gotta love them and their genius minds. (But some days mine drives me crazy ::) too)
I love the video of this total "GEEK dad" (d*** Van Dyke in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang... the kitchen is a mess!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thJOfavJLeA
...who is totally my husband's character... to a tee...
I bet Kartush's wife could relate to this one. I just asked my husband to finally clean off his totally chaotic work bench in the garage... and it took him ::) forever... and it is still a clutter mess >:(... but that is the way geniuses are. :D You should have seen what my house (and kitchen) looked like while I was was 1st recovering from my AN surgery ...and not able to cook etc. !!!
My youngest daughter told me that she thought Dr Kartush and his facial nerve probe machine would be cool to have at a school science fair.
She wants to be in this science fair http://www.nwse.org/... she also thinks that Meet the Robinsons movie is a family like ours (A good fun movie to see while you are recovering -with a positive message about promoting child geniuses... and some good laughs.)
Here is the trailer for it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S396-fnLldk
Take this time to lay low, watch fun positive movies, read comic books, stick to only positive thoughts during recovery time ... and have afternoon naps (maybe ask someone to buy you a lazy afternoon hammock to suspend between two shady trees on a sunny day.)
Wellness wishes,
DHM
-
Sue,
I am so happy to hear how well you are doing!!! I have thought about you and Tracy so much the past two and a half weeks while we are all going through this. You have both been in my prayers.
Take care,
Kim
-
Thank you all so much.
I really do feel that all of my issues are part of the normal healing process. DHM, thank you for the information about the brainstem and sleep. I actually did have a big ole dent in my brain, I am so grateful that it is gone now I guess its worth the lost sleep :)
I am doing more and more each day and it actually is very excieting
I know that most of you know what a difficult time I had choosing a Dr. and to think Dr. Kartush was right in my backyard. He is truely a remarkable man, personable, funny, and a darn good surgeon.
Mei Mei, I am so glad that the acupuncture worked for your headachs, what a reflef :). Good Luck with the 6 month MRI, I am praying that all is good.
Sue
-
Sue,
What do you do when you have problems sleeping? I've found that if I wake up at night, and can't get back to sleep, if I plug in my ipod on low, it makes it easier for me to relax my mind to fall asleep. If I'm listening to more than 30 mins, I try reading until my eyes are tired, then I try the music again.
Do you normally sleep on your AN side?
-
Tracy Lynn,
I think many people have trouble with sleep especially after steroids from surgery that linger in your system, but I'm really commenting because I always slept on my left side before surgery and due to a deviated septum its hard for me to breathe on the right. It was terribly tough to get used to sleeping on the other side or my back. I still don't really sleep on it because it still doesn't feel right. I try to make a point to sleep on it in the morning after my alarm goes off and I press snooze, just to try and get used to it again and that its OK that it feels different.
Keep on healing :)
Liz
-
Hi Tracy,
Yes I can't even fall asleep without Ambion even though I feel very tired. I do listen to my ipod and that does help relax me but I cannot fall back to sleep. I take the Ambion about 11pm, fall asleep about 30 minutes later and wake up between 3:30 and 4:00, its frustrating. Yes I do sleep on my AN side, I'm trying not to but I am always there when I wake up.
Stitches come out today so I will ask the Dr. again, I am sure he will tell me again that the steriods have to get out of my system. I wonder how long it takes, I have been off them for 2 weeks.
Anyway I am improving everyday and am looking forward to driving this week ;D
Sue