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Author Topic: Big Surprise  (Read 3973 times)

Cheryl R

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Big Surprise
« on: July 28, 2008, 03:17:09 pm »
Some of you may remember my mention of our Michigan daughter back the last several days to visit.   We found out yesterday the real reason why.                  We thought we were to meet our other daughter and family at an Arborteum very near us for a family picture.          We had a big shock when arrived but had to go inside their building and found a very large surprise party for us.    We had a June 35th wedding anniv and my husbands birthday is this Weds.      We had no clue what so ever that this was going to happen.     There were around 80 people waiting for us.    My husband and I were very overwhelmed.              It was wonderful and am so thankful for the work our daughters did,esp the local one.   
We did get a family pic finally.      That part isn't the most thrilling as as don't think I look normal yet from the April surgery with some face swelling and the hair still not quite right.    I am grateful though just for the chance for a family picture.
Our daughter had to fly back today and will miss her.                          Just had to pass this on as still can't quite believe it happened.
                                                    Cheryl R
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Right mid fossa 11-01-01
  left tumor found 5-03,so have NF2
  trans lab for right facial nerve tumor
  with nerve graft 3-23-06
   CSF leak revision surgery 4-07-06
   left mid fossa 4-17-08
   near deaf on left before surgery
   with hearing much improved .
    Univ of Iowa for all care

lori67

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Re: Big Surprise
« Reply #1 on: July 28, 2008, 03:35:23 pm »
Cheryl,

What a wonderful surprise!  Belated Happy Anniversary to you and a happy birthday to your husband!  That was so sweet of your family to surprise you like that!  And I'm sure it was no easy task with that many people involved!  It must have made you feel very special and loved!

I hope you had a wonderful time and I don't think anyone there cared that your hair isn't quite right!  I'm sure they were thrilled to just be able to celebrate with you.

Congratulations again and I hope your husband enjoys an extra slice of birthday cake for me on Wednesday!   ;D

Lori
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Right 3cm AN diagnosed 1/2007.  Translab resection 2/20/07 by Dr. David Kaylie and Dr. Karl Hampf at Baptist Hospital in Nashville.  R side deafness, facial nerve paralysis.  Tarsorraphy and tear duct cauterization 5/2007.  BAHA implant 11/8/07. 7-12 nerve jump 9/26/08.

Debbi

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Re: Big Surprise
« Reply #2 on: July 28, 2008, 03:46:43 pm »
Cheryl-

What a wonderful gift from your daughters!!  And, happy belated anniversary to you. 

Well, I was wondering what you were up to this weekend - now I don't have to wonder anymore.   ;D

Hope the week continues to be great.

Debbi
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Debbi - diagnosed March 4, 2008 
2.4 cm Right Side AN
Translab April 30, 2008 at NYU with Drs. Golfinos and Roland
SSD Right ear, Mild synkinesis and facial nerve damage
BAHA "installed" Feb 2011 by Dr. Cosetti @ NYU

http://debsanadventure.blogspot.com

Cheryl R

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Re: Big Surprise
« Reply #3 on: July 28, 2008, 06:34:10 pm »
I  am just wishing could have looked more normal for our family picture we finally did get taken.    I will look better in time.      I had some facial swelling after my 2006 surgery and was 6 months before went away.    This time it is that same right  side which has a bit more swelling as that is the side with the 3 surgeries and nerve graft but this last spring surgery was on the left.              My hair has been much finer since the surgeries and in time will get a perm again.               I am just more sensitive how I look for pictures it seems but don't get too shook for who I am around just normally.                             Things sure change in time after all this!
                                Cheryl R
Logged
Right mid fossa 11-01-01
  left tumor found 5-03,so have NF2
  trans lab for right facial nerve tumor
  with nerve graft 3-23-06
   CSF leak revision surgery 4-07-06
   left mid fossa 4-17-08
   near deaf on left before surgery
   with hearing much improved .
    Univ of Iowa for all care

ppearl214

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Re: Big Surprise
« Reply #4 on: July 28, 2008, 06:55:06 pm »
Cheryl, based on this pic... you look marvelous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  What a terrific surprise and what a great time you all had!  Thrilled to hear something so very special was waiting on you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a lovely surprise!  Happy belated Anniversary!

Phyl
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"Gentlemen, I wash my hands of this weirdness", Capt Jack Sparrow - Davy Jones Locker, "Pirates of the Carribbean - At World's End"

Cheryl R

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Re: Big Surprise
« Reply #5 on: July 28, 2008, 07:50:30 pm »
There is a reason that I gave the pic I did for my profile as that was 2 days before the April surgery and was a good one of me.
I am not quite as good now but will improve in time.             Flat hair and puffy face at times.   LOL!
                                           Cheryl R
Logged
Right mid fossa 11-01-01
  left tumor found 5-03,so have NF2
  trans lab for right facial nerve tumor
  with nerve graft 3-23-06
   CSF leak revision surgery 4-07-06
   left mid fossa 4-17-08
   near deaf on left before surgery
   with hearing much improved .
    Univ of Iowa for all care

Kaybo

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Re: Big Surprise
« Reply #6 on: July 28, 2008, 08:07:53 pm »
Cheryl~
What a wonderful blessing for you and your husband!!  Trust me, no one cared about the way you looked but you, but I know it is important to you.  What incredible memories and how sweet of your girlies to plan that!!
K
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Translab 12/95@Houston Methodist(Baylor College of Medicine)for "HUGE" tumor-no size specified
25 yrs then-14 hour surgery-stroke
12/7 Graft 1/97
Gold Weight x 5
SSD
Facial Paralysis-R(no movement or feelings in face,mouth,eye)
T3-3/08
Great life!

Kate B

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Re: Big Surprise
« Reply #7 on: July 28, 2008, 08:51:30 pm »
Cheryl,

What a wonderful surprise. And to think they got you there for a family picture!

To be surrounded by 80 people is quite a group.  Are there photos you could share in a link? 35 years is quite a milestone! Congrats.

Kate

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Kate
Middle Fossa Surgery
@ House Ear Institute with
Dr. Brackmann, Dr. Hitselberger
November 2001
1.5 right sided AN

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leapyrtwins

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Re: Big Surprise
« Reply #8 on: July 28, 2008, 10:28:05 pm »
Cheryl -

what an awesome surprise!  And 35 years!  I only made it to almost 22 - and believe me that wasn't easy  ;)

Congratulations to both you and your husband.  I hope you have many more happy years together.

As K said, although you are sensitive to the way you looked, I'm sure no one else thought twice about it.  They were all probably just overjoyed to share your special day with you and I'm sure they love you just the way you are.

You're lucky to have such caring, thoughtful daughters.  Sounds like you and your husband raised them right  :)

Jan


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Retrosig 5/31/07 Drs. Battista & Kazan (Hinsdale, Illinois)
Left AN 3.0 cm (1.5 cm @ diagnosis 6 wks prior) SSD. BAHA implant 3/4/08 (Dr. Battista) Divino 6/4/08  BP100 4/2010 BAHA 5 8/2015

I don't actually "make" trouble..just kind of attract it, fine tune it, and apply it in new and exciting ways

Omaschwannoma

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Re: Big Surprise
« Reply #9 on: July 29, 2008, 07:51:24 am »
Happy 35th Anniversary!  We are one year behind you and we still can't believe it's been that many.  Reading your account of your "surprise" brought a smile to my face and a warm sensation in my heart--what a great family you have!  You know Cheryl whenever I get together with my siblings and we rehash old days, we are always talking about how mom and dad reacted to this or that or how we reacted to one another's attempt at scaring the bejeezes out of us, never do we talk how mom, dad or frankly each of us looked.  Okay, maybe we do laugh histerically at how they/we dressed, wondering what was up with that!  So, even though you look in the mirror or pictures and SEE your face that doesn't look familiar to you, try to now SEE what has been and continues to be familiar to everyone else--YOU!  I raise a glass in celebration to you both and here's to looking beyond the looking glass!
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1/05 Retrosigmoid 1.5cm AN left ear, SSD
2/08 Labyrinthectomy left ear 
Dr. Patrick Antonelli Shands at University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
12/09 diagnosis of semicircular canal dehiscence right ear

Cheryl R

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Re: Big Surprise
« Reply #10 on: July 29, 2008, 08:14:04 am »
Thank you!        I still just can not believe how it was all pulled off with no clue what so ever.    My husband is manager of a small grain elevator and sees several farmers who have to all sit and jabber for a while and that none of them spilled the beans.               My husbands co worker was help in letting our daughter know who to invite.                 My female friends too sure were good about not saying a word.                        My sister came from SE Iowa and I had talked to her that am even on her cell.   Couldn't figure out why she didn't answer her home phone.
   I don't mind looking not quite like my usual as know in time I will improve except for the family pic.  That is where I want to look better!                  I have enough others during my paralysis time.
    Our daughters did such wonderful organization and then decorating.         Very,very nice!          Yes hard to believe it has been 35 years and also 35 yrs since I graduated from nursing school.     I married a patient by the way and got married 2 weeks after my graduation.      One friend got married the next day.
         Ok back to AN business.    LOL!                   Cheryl R
Logged
Right mid fossa 11-01-01
  left tumor found 5-03,so have NF2
  trans lab for right facial nerve tumor
  with nerve graft 3-23-06
   CSF leak revision surgery 4-07-06
   left mid fossa 4-17-08
   near deaf on left before surgery
   with hearing much improved .
    Univ of Iowa for all care

Pooter

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Re: Big Surprise
« Reply #11 on: July 29, 2008, 10:29:09 am »
What a great surprise!  Congrats on your anniversary and hubby's birthday!

Brian
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Diagnosed 4/10/08 - 3cm Right AN
12hr retrosig 5/8/08 w/Drs Vrabec and Trask in Houston, Tx
Some facial paralysis post-op but most movement is back, some tinitus.  SSD on right.
Story documented here:  http://briansbrainbooger.blogspot.com/

"I must be having fun all wrong!"  - Roger Creager

Jim Scott

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Re: Big Surprise
« Reply #12 on: July 29, 2008, 01:44:21 pm »
Cheryl:

What a wonderful story!  Thanks for sharing your 'surprise party' experience with us and congratulations on your 35th anniversary and your husbands birthday, too.  Your daughters seem like very thoughtful ladies and positively reflect their upbringing to have made the effort to do this for you and your husband.  :) 

I seriously doubt your appearance was much of a factor in anyone else's enjoyment of the celebration so I hope you didn't allow it to mar yours.  The family picture is likely just fine.  Please accept my congratulations on your 35-year marriage, fine family and good friends who all turned out for the anniversary/birthday celebration.    Despite your misgivings regarding your appearance, you're blessed, as I expect you already know.   

Jim
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4.5 cm AN diagnosed 5/06.  Retrosigmoid surgery 6/06.  Follow-up FSR completed 10/06.  Tumor shrinkage & necrosis noted on last MRI.  Life is good. 

Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is.  The way we cope with it is what makes the difference.

yardtick

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Re: Big Surprise
« Reply #13 on: July 29, 2008, 05:19:16 pm »
Cheryl,

BEAUTIFUL!!!  Congratulations and a healthy 35 more!

Anne Marie
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Sept 8/06 Translab
Post surgical headaches, hemifacial spasms and a scar neuroma. 
Our we having fun YET!!! 
Watch & Wait for more fun & games

Jeanlea

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Re: Big Surprise
« Reply #14 on: July 29, 2008, 08:12:41 pm »
Cheryl,

Congratulations on your 35th wedding anniversary.  How nice of your children to plan a party for you.  And how many grandchildren were there?  If I remember correctly there is a small one around.  Now next year, for your 36th anniversary you should take another family picture.  That will give your face time to recover.  Heck, it could become an annual event.  Good reason to get together with your family.   :)

Jean

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translab on 3.5+ cm tumor
September 6, 2005
Drs. Friedland and Meyer
Milwaukee, WI
left-side facial paralysis and numbness
TransEar for SSD
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