Marianna's updates

[CHD63]

Way to go, Marianna!

So glad all went well and you will soon be home and continuing on a good recovery path!  Home is good!!!

Thoughts and prayers continue.

Clarice

[moe]

Congratulations on a successful surgery, Marianna!
Hope you are home now, resting, being pampered, and taking nice gentle walks, and long slow rests in between.
Maureen

[windy]

Marianna, I have been following along with the updates from Vas with extreme interest.  I could not be happier for you Marianna for the recovery you are making.  I sent out a big group e-mail for you prior to your surgery for prayer request for a successful surgery and post op.  Many people that you don't know have asked of you and are concerned about your condition.  I pray that your recovery continues to go well!  Take care!!

Windy

[Jim Scott]

Marianna ~

I was delighted to read your husband's last update (5/2) and learn that (a) you're being released from the hospital and (b) your issues are relatively mild - and improving, daily.  Your recovery reminds me of my own, and it was quite rapid - as I trust yours will be.  Thank Vas for us - and please take it easy.  Recovery isn't a contest and there is no prize involved.   As we often advise:'listen to your body'.  Meanwhile, we're all cheering you on and jubilant in the knowledge that you did so well. 

Jim

[mk]

Hi everyone!

I am back! Thank you so much for your kind thoughts and wishes.Thank you for supporting Vas and for all your advice.

Everything went really well. drs. Akagami/Westerberg and their team did a miracle. Dr. A. left a tiny bit that was stuck on the facial nerve, inside the IAC, but he is not worried that it will cause any problems. He said that I only have very mild weakness, which will fully recover (I can't even tell). The nerve was badly wrapped around the tumor.
Worse was the nausea, and yes, Nikki you are right about the Gravol.
Clarice if I remember well your big day is coming up too. You will be in my thoughts.
I will post a more detailed update once the lines stop jumping up and down 

Marianna

[Tumbleweed]

Hi, Marianna:

I can't express how happy I am that you came through your surgery with flying colors! You give so much to this forum, we all consider you to be family and were worried for you (even while staying positive). It sounds like you had a remarkably successful surgery.

Please get some rest and heal quickly.

Warm regards,
TW

[CHD63]

Ahhhhhhh, so good to see your own post, Marianna!  It sounds like you are doing amazingly well.  I plan on following your lead!     My surgery is a week from tomorrow.

How well I remember the jumping lines from my surgery three years ago.  In fact, it took me quite awhile before reading a small print book was very comfortable.  Wonder if that will happen again this time!

Thoughts and prayers continue that your recovery is "textbook."

Clarice

[opp2]

Yay Marianna...onward and upward Girlfriend, onward and upward!

[leapyrtwins]

Good news!!!

Jan

[Kaybo]

You get 'em, girl!! 

Now rest and listen to your body!

K   

[MARAKI]

Marianna I can't believe that! The recovery is amazing! I am so glad to read from you!
I wish you the best!
Maraki

[mk]

Hi everyone,

thank you for all the advice. I still feel a bit off, but went for a nice walk in the sun this morning - a bit at a time. Today half of my skull feels totally numb, but I remember reading this on the forum.

Here are some more technical details, in case anyone is interested. I asked Dr. Akagami specifically if he thought that removal was more difficult because the tumor had been radiated. He felt it was easy to peel off in some areas and sticky in others. He said that it is easy for surgeons to blame radiation when they have difficulty but he doesn't think this was the case.
Facial nerve was wrapped the wrong way (above the tumor instead of below). It was thinned and stretched, but obviously the team did a terrific job monitoring it and stimulating it.

This experience has confirmed everything that has been said on this board: Researching the treatment team is the most important part of this journey. I was given terrible stats and most of my consults were very depressing. One doc gave me 100% chance of paralysis. The rest were giving 30-50%. Plus all sorts of very scary stuff (tracheotomies, swallowing problems etc). With the help of my friends here I learned that you have to be your own advocate - this is why I am so grateful for this forum and I hope that I will be able to help as much as possible, since now I am a part of the elite group with graduates of both treatment methods -

Marianna

[ppearl214]

Marianna,

I just had to come and give you MASSIVE healing hugglez!!!!!!!! So good to hear from you and sending wellness wishes right atcha!     

xo
Phyl

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Marianna ~

Like everyone here, I'm delighted with your obviously excellent surgical outcome.  I'm also very appreciative of your kind words for the ANA forums and it's members.  I look forward to your continued improvement as you recover and your continued presence on the forums as you use your knowledge and experience to help other AN patients, especially the newly diagnosed who are often scared and confused and can use the guidance and comfort of another person who has been where they are now worried about having to go.    I know you'll be a huge asset to us all.

Jim

[Keeping Up]

Marianna

Awesome update - congratulations.  You certainly did your homework for both treatments and got a tremendous result from the surgery notwithstanding some very dire predictions from some of the other specialists.  Dr. Akagami has certainly shown ability on these boards - I think we have three great outcomes for board members here. 

So happy for you.

Ann