surgery in the morning

[lrobie]

Karen,

Welcome to the other side.  I'm so glad to hear from you, but sorry they couldn't get all of the tumor.  I told the doctors that if mine was sticky and attached that I wanted them to leave some there.  I wish you well on your road to recovery and can't wait to compare notes.

Lisa

[It is what it is]

Hi Lisa, 

Yes, they did what they needed to do in order to decrease facial paralysis.  I am grateful and I totally trust these surgeons. 

How are you and everyone else on this side of treatment?  My respect for you has only increased.  Life is good. 

Karen   

[It is what it is]

Hi Kathy and all,

I posted a response and then shut down my phone when a nurse came to the room.  It doesn't look like the reply was entered. 

My respect for all you posties has increased.  The support to each other and those new to the list is invaluable. 

With warmth and caring to all.

Karen

[New girl]

Congrats on making it through surgery!     I, like Lisa, also had an understanding with my surgeons that they would leave behind tumor to preserve the facial nerve.  I was told without the blood supply from the larger tumor mass the cells should die.  Take care of yourself.  Best wishes.

[It is what it is]

Thanks!  That's very encouraging information for me to hear right now!   

Karen

[It is what it is]

We are back in Seton Hall waiting for the appointment on Friday to remove staples and stitches and have followup exams.  It was great to go for a walk outside balancing on my husband's arm as we smelled the fragrant flowers in sunny California.  Life is good.  Hope all of you are doing well.

Karen

[mindyandy]

Hi Karen
Glad to hear your doing great. You take it easy and rest walk rest walk. LOL The House team & St Vincent team are wonderful and I'm thankful for having such wonderful surgeons and care there.

Mindy

[It is what it is]

I agree with you Mindy? 

[BlueSky]

Glad you made it through surgery ok and your on the other side of this! Congrats and keep staying positive.

[It is what it is]

Thanks and the same to all of you who have paved the way for those of us who are following.

Karen

[lrobie]

Karen,

How is your balance?  Mine hasn't been the greatest.  I feel like I'm under the influence all the time and I'm not sure if this is what people describe as wonky-head. 

Lisa

[It is what it is]

Hi Lisa,  my balance is also strange.  I keep reading other's words to try to describe this sensation to my family. Thanks for sharing you are still experiencing it.  It helps me not to have unrealistic expectations that this will soon pass.  Do you still have to hold on to someone or something for safety?

I loved reading your Caring Bridge.  It helped me a lot.

I care

Karen     

[MDemisay]

Dear Karen,

Welcome to the other side! It is much brighter here! Your balance problems would be much reduced if you walked around with a cane. (Just a suggestion!!!)

I sometimes forget mine when I get out of bed to go to the bathroom. I should talk!

 Luckily, I have a four poster bed which reduces my wobbliness when I grab it.

Good luck with your balance, as you know there is a lot of information on the balance forum.

Mike

[lrobie]

Karen,

At first, I was holding on to my husband's beltloop.  I walk on my own now, but it isn't always easy.  I thought about a cane, but I didn't want to rely on it.  I went to physical therapy yesterday.  I'm not sure if they are focusing on my balance as it was more strengthening exercises.  I did get a copy of balance exercises from Clarice which I have found to be helpful.  I can't remember her forum name off hand...it's something like CHD63.  If you PM her, she will email them to you for when you're up to it.

Thanks for caring and for reading my CaringBridge messages.  You've been through a lot as well and I think about you often.

Lisa

[It is what it is]

Terms like bobble head make sooooo much more sense to me now. 
I had to go on an antibiotic today due to bacteria but I'm practicing my balance exercises and walking on and off.  It feels great to get outside.  Others seem bothered by the heat in southern California. I'm enjoying it.  Friday staples come out. 

How are all of you?

Karen