ANA Discussion Forum
Post-Treatment => Post-Treatment => Topic started by: cyrmom2 on October 09, 2009, 01:36:07 pm
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After months of lurking I'm finally around to posting. I had a 12 hour translab August 25, 2009 for a 4 cm CPA AN at OSU/The James. A very small amount of the tumor remains on my brain stem. No headaches or balance issues but I had complete left-sided facial paralysis although the facial nerves were working during surgery and when I was in ICU. I went back to work (swim coach) and driving September 25. Facial paralysis is around a grade 3 now (6 weeks post-op). My eye lid closes almost all of the way but I can not blink effectively. I have a gold weight consult on October 14 with Dr Smith at OSU.
Happy to be a part of the post-treatment group!
Cyndi
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Hi and welcome, Cyndi ~
Although I'm sorry you had to go through the AN experience, I'm pleased to see you found us and decided to post on the forum. You're definitely among friends, here. :)
You seem to be making an excellent recovery and your work as a swim coach is probably a plus in many ways, including helping keep you fit. Resuming driving is an important goal and I'm glad to learn that you've conquered that, too. The gold weight should help with your eye closure and at a Grade 3 for facility mobility, you're doing quite well after only 6 weeks, post-surgery, just one grade away from 'slight'.
I'm delighted that you're doing well and more so, that you've chosen to register and post. I look forward to reading more from you, Cyndi, in future messages.
Jim
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Hello Cyndi - I'm so glad you're doing great! You got absolutely amazing results considering the size of your AN. Keep us informed about your next appointment, I'm also seeing an opthalmologist next week, I'm 90 days past my surgery and I can't blink yet.
Good luck!
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Hello Ciyndi and welcome to our little family..Wow, four weeks and back to work...I took six months because I teach driver ed and I didnt want to jeopardize the precious cargo I carry....It sounds like you are doing fantastic. I've learned for me anyhow that exercise is the key to my wellness...Again welcome
Jo
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Hi Cyndi: I'm also amazed you got back to work after 4 weeks ! The gold weight will help your eye close more - & it can be removed if/when you don't need it anymore.
Continued healing, always good thoughts, Nancy
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Cyndi .....
Adding my welcome to this auspicious group. You sound like you are doing amazingly well for six weeks post-op!
As I am sure you have been reading on this Forum, many AN patients with post-op facial paralysis have experienced nearly complete, if not totally complete recovery (if the facial nerve was working at the end of surgery) but sometimes it takes months for this to occur. As others will tell you, it takes great patience during this process.
Thoughts and prayers.
Let us know how you are doing.
Clarice
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Hi Cyndi!
I"m so glad you checked in and you're doing so well! I am just an hour south of you and work in Columbus. My surgery was in January (went to Cincinnati, but had a consult at OSU last December). If you ever want to chat, pm me!!! There is also a support group in Columbus, if you haven't found it yet. I've attended one last winter but missed the one they held last month. I have found it to be so helpful to talk to folks who have been through this (whether talking through cyberspace or in person).
You'll find lots of support here with this distinguished group of folks - stay in touch.
Kathy
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Cyndi, you sound great! I am two weeks post surgery and I can't imagine driving in another two weeks much less getting back on the gravy train! Truly impressive with your size AN and the facial issues. Keep letting us know how you progress as it is always great to hear when people bounce back so quickly...
Cheryl
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Thanks for the warm welcome guys. I too am surprised that I feel normal after only 6 weeks - probably because I felt so rotten before surgery.
Kathy, it is nice to hear from another Ohioan! I was able to attend the Columbus AN group meeting which was three weeks after my surgery. I loved meeting everyone and look forward to the next one.
Cyndi
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Hi, Cyndi welcome to this wonderful group I to am new and found so many answers to so many questions that at first I could not explain in words as to how I was feeling... I guess we just have to take one day at a time..