ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => Inquiries => Topic started by: lawmama on October 18, 2009, 08:40:49 am
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Hello everyone. I'm brand new to this diagnosis and to this board. I'm a 31-year old mother of two small children, and I'm in my next-to-last year of law school. I was suffering from severe dizziness, vertigo, and headaches (no hearing loss that I can tell). My symptoms were making it difficult for me to concentrate and focus. When I first went to see my doctor, I had already "diagnosed" myself with either blood-sugar issues or possible anemia. I was a little put off when my Dr immediately sent me for an MRI just to "rule out the bad stuff first." Within just a few days of my first appointment, I was diagnosed with a 9mm by 6mm acoustic neuroma on my left side. I will see an ENT on Tuesday, but I'm assuming I'll just be referred to a neurologist. I'm still doing research and emotionally processing this.
I think my main concerns are the possible effects this will have on my life. I've gone through 8 years of college, and since law is a very service-oriented profession, I'm terrified that facial paralysis will end the career that I've fought and sacrificed for before it even begins. Hearing loss is a real possibility, but not as scary for me because I know that I will still have hearing in one good ear. Still, to be honest, I'm feeling pretty sorry for myself right now. :-\
At this point, the dizziness is severe and is causing a lot of problems in my life. I've gone from being a straight-A student to straight-B's because I can't focus and the hours of reading are making me literally sick every day. I'm trying to slow down and consider my options, but at this point I just want this all to go away. My symptoms have developed over just a few short months, and the dizziness has gone from mild to severe within just 3-4 weeks. At this point, I feel unsafe driving a car.
I look forward to getting to know all of you. I'm so thankful I found this board. Right now I just feel very alone and scared, and I'm thankful I've found a place where I can meet some people who can relate. I've been reading your stories for hours this morning, and I am so impressed by the strength and support here.
Thanks in advance!!
Lyn
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Lyn .....
So sorry you had to have an AN to find us, but so glad you did find us! You will find this a very caring, supportive group of friends! We are here for you through this whole ordeal.
First of all, take a deep breath and realize you have several options for an AN of your size. With your symptoms being quite troublesome, you will undoubtedly want to seek treatment soon, rather than waiting and watching very long. However, I would urge you to continue the research you have been doing and then seek out the most experienced medical physicians you can find, whether you opt to go the radiation or surgical route. You want a doctor who has dealt with hundreds of ANs, not just one who has seen an occasional one.
You did not say in what part of the country (or world) you live, but we have active members on this Forum who will be happy to share their positive experiences at various medical sites.
Please keep us up to date on how you are doing and ask away with any questions you may have.
My best thoughts. Clarice
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Clarice,
I'm very fortunate to live in the Gainsville, Florida area, therefore I will almost certainly be going through Shands for my care. Thus far, I am leaning towards Dr. Friedman, but I'm very open to suggestions.
Thank you for your response and kind words!
Lyn
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Welcome to the family, Lyn!
It's completely normal to feel alone and scared at this point - you're probably still feeling scared, but now you're not alone. ;)
As someone who has had facial paralysis since my surgery 2 1/2 years ago, I can tell you that it's definitely not a career ender. Of course, at the moment, I'm a stay at home mom to my little ones, but once the youngest is in school full time, I plan to go back to work (I'm a nurse and a PT). I don't think my facial issues will affect my ability to do either of these jobs. I really think the only difficulty would come from being self-conscious, but I have actually gotten over most of that already.
I volunteer at the school library and also doing budget counseling for military service members as well as other community activities, so I am face to face with people I don't know all the time. No one has treated me any differently.
I will mention that your AN is relatively small, so you may be jumping the gun a bit. It's probably a good idea to get all your treatment options first. You may not even have to deal with any facial paralysis problems and you may not lose your hearing.
Take a deep breath, talk to your doctors about your concerns and get as many medical opinions as you need until you feel comfortable. You'll get through this!
Lori
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Lyn
Welcome to our family of aners....I too feared facial paralysis as I work with 16yr olds teaching them to drive. But I was lucky in coming our of surgery with no paralysis whatsoever...Ask questions and do ur research.
JO
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Lyn, Clarice is right. Take a deep breath. You're a smart woman. Do your research and gather your data as you gear up to speak to a surgeon so that you can get your questions answered. There are many, many talented surgeons in the country who do miraculous work with AN surgery. I had the exact same fears as you about facial paralysis and my career as a department chair in science teaching. My attitude was to approach the surgery with nothing but optimism and positive thoughts that I would return to my profession with a new normal. I did just that, and you will find many others on the AN site who will say the same thing. I know of a young woman who was diagnosed in her final semester of law school last spring, and her surgery lead to a diagnosis of NF2 with multiple tumors. She is doing great and is now doing her internship. You are going to do great as well. Think positive and take charge of your destiny. Knowledge is power.
Bless you in your journey.
SUE :)
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Hi Lyn
I completely understand all of your fears and concerns. While all are very real concerns, there is also the very real possiblilty that treatment will not result in all that you fear. I had surgery and while I did have temporary facial paralysis, I not longer have any. I did loose most but not all of my hearing in my AN ear. The good thing about the size of your AN is that you are able to pick from all of the treatment options and you have the time to make that choice. My best suggestion is to seek treatment from someone who is very expirenced with treating AN's. I wish you the best of luck while you decide what type of treatment you want. Give it some time to absorb the enormity of the diagnosis that you have just received.
Erin
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Welcome! ;D
I'm new the to forums as well, but am post-treatment.
I can identify with a lot of what you're going through as I'm also young (24 now, 23 when diagnosed), the mother of two young kids (aged 1 and 3), and in a service profession (I'm a nurse). Fortunately for me, my pre-treatment issues were not as severe as yours. Unfortunately for me, that meant my tumor got pretty big before it was discovered, and was already "stuck" on my facial nerve, so I do have facial paralysis now (only 3.5 weeks postop, so there is still plenty of hope for recovery). I do have a lot of fears of returning to work with facial paralysis (afterall, do *you* want the nurse who looks like she's just had a stroke or something?), but we'll see how it is when the time comes to return to work.
Having a big tumor also limited my treatment options, but you have a wide variety of options, which of course can be both good and bad. Take your time to consult a number of doctors and reserach your options - with lots of rest breaks in between. ;)
Squeeze your kids tight and don't worry about school. I know what it's like to suffer through a tough school program and be afraid something will stand in your way (nursing school is no picnic either, and my husband and I got pregnant with our son in my second to last year!). But school will always be there and if you have the drive and desire to finish, you certainly will!
Keep your chin up! We're here when you need support!
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Hello - and welcome, Lyn ~
As always, I'm sorry to learn of another person receiving the dreaded AN diagnosis but, since you have, I'm pleased you decided to visit the ANA website, read the messages on the forums, register and post here. As you noted, there is a host of very caring, knowledgeable folks populating these forums and as you can see, many are eager to reach out and help, via the internet (or phone, in some cases). We're not doctors and cannot diagnose or dispense medical opinions but we have a lot of practical experience dealing with an acoustic neuroma; from handling the initial diagnosis, researching options (surgery and/or irradiation) and then, post-op healing and recovery as well as regaining normalcy. As normal as your emotions are for a newly-diagnosed AN patient, there isn't any need for you to feel lonely and scared anymore.
Clearly, you have a lot on your 'plate'. The trick is to tackle it in small 'bites'. For now, you'll do well to follow the advice given in previous posts and research your possibilities. I can guarantee that when you finally arrive at a decision on treatment (surgery or radiation) as well as a doctor and facility, we'll collectively support that decision because it's usually hard-won, emotionally draining and something that all AN patients have to make, so we can empathize with you in a way few others can. Our Floridian members can help with suggestions on doctors and hospitals but you're probably on the right track, already.
As a young mother and law school student, you may have to be willing to make some temporary changes and compromises as you go through whatever treatment you chose. Law school may have to be put on hold for a semester and you might require some help with your kids. Unfortunately, surgery and/or radiation outcomes cannot be guaranteed. There are simply too many variables . As we often say (in unison) 'every AN patient is unique' - so what happens to one (good or not-so-good) doesn't mean another AN patient will have the same experience. I believe that attitude (and good health 'going in') can make a difference in the outcome and recovery for any AN patient. With your youth, acumen, obvious ambition and resolve, you're well-equipped for the challleges ahead. I can guarantee that they're all surmountable, as the stories from other AN patients you've read can attest.
An acoustic neuroma may well be benign (non-malignant) but it does pose it's own set of obstacles that have to be conquered. You'll do that, I'm certain. We're now your 'AN family' and we want to help. Please use these forums as a resource to inquire and comment as needed. We'll be here for you, Lyn.
Jim
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Hi Lyn,
Welcome to our special group! I am sure your diagnosis came as quite a shock to you and right now you are thinking about all the worst that could happen but I want to reassure you that your tumor is considered small and the likelihood of severed facial nerve is small too, probably in single digits! Chances are, you might experience some temporary facial weakness and fatigue and then go on with your life. Nowadays they can even save your hearing.
As far as your severe symptoms go, consider it a blessing in disguise. If you did not have them, the tumor would have been discovered much later, say 10 year from now, when it would have been much bigger and odds of it complete removal (if you choose surgery) and no morbidity much less. To relieve some of the dizziness, vestibular retraining might be worth a try. Best of luck to you and remind yourself that all treatment options are open to you and with a small tumor like yours chances of success are generally excellent!
Eve
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Lyn~
Hi and Welcome!
You have already received a wonderful welcome & lots of advice. I would be more than happy to talk to you on the phone if you would like - PM me your number and what a good time to call is. I had surgery when I was 25 - 13 years ago. I also had a stroke on the operating table, probably b/c I was there so long. THIS IS NOT A COMMON THING! I tell you that not to scare you, but to let you know that I have a VERY active, great life now. I have gone on to have 3 beautiful girlies, am on 2 PTA boards, was a Children's Minister, and a whole host of other things - oh yeah, I taught school everyday for 6 years after I had surgery (1st & 3rd grades) - all with a face that was COMPLETELY PARALYZED on one side!! Even though I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy (the AN or the effects of surgery), it still isn't the end of the world. Like everyone has said, take a deep breath & know that everything is going to be OK - if you have gotten this far thru law school, you obviously are one TOUGH MAMA!! ;)
K ;D
PS - click on the world icon on left if you want to check out my blog!
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Thank you, thank you, thank you all. You're right, I'm still very much in shock, but I can't tell you how much better I feel after the warm and supportive welcome. I look forward to getting to know all of you better.
Lyn
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Hi, Lyn -
welcome to the forum. Here's a link that might interest you http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=7364.0
Not sure how far Gainesville is from Tampa, but you might want to check out Dr. Bartels.
Best,
Jan
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Lyn - I am so glad that you found this forum! I have to say, I am crying all over again when I read Donnalynn's post! What she and all the others have said is so true. This is going to steer you in a direction you did not anticipate, but you will get back to what you want. My surgery was in May for a very large tumor and by August, I was feeling 100%. No facial paralysis!
We understand the sadness, scariness, and anger that goes along with this diagnosis. Hang in there, try to relax, this is just another thing added to your "To Do" List. We are here for you. ;) Alicia
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Hey Lyn,
Welcome to the forum. I am also a newbie here as I was diagnosed less than a month ago with my AN. Like you, I thought I was going to die and I imagined the worst until I found this site where I have met so many kind people who have shared their stories and given me great support. For the past month I've been a bit obsessive with my desire to learn about this type of tumor and to educate myself about what the treatment and recovery will be like. I am also young, 34, and I just had my first baby, a beautiful 3 month old boy. It didn't take me long to decide that I wanted surgery and to get with on my life as quickly as possible. I've witnessed great success stories here and I've armed myself with lots of knowledge about what I should expect while I'm in the hospital and afterward during recovery. I am having middle fossa at House in a little over a week and I will post a journal sharing my story with everyone on this forum. I hope it helps you and others who have been recently diagnosed and gives you confidence knowing that you're going to get through this.
Take Care,
Amy
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Hi Lyn and welcome. I see I am late to the party but did want to extend a hearty welcome to you. there really isn't much more I can add to this but I do know of many that had AN's treated at Shands and know of Dr. Friedman, so you are in good hands there, as well as Tampa (as noted by Jan/leapyrtwins). My AN was exact same size as your's...... and I'm doing ok :) Please hang in there. Know we are cheering you on and again, welcome.
Phyl
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Thanks again. I've been reading all of the blogs linked in your signatures. All I can say is "WOW!" I've come away with terrific information and a lot of inspiring stories. I'm feeling much better today. I'm back to class today to give myself something else to obsess over. We'll see what the ENT says tomorrow.
My husband has been cracking a few jokes and it feels good to laugh about it. Life goes on!
Also, I started a blog. It seems like good therapy. :D
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Glad things are better today - keep laughing - I contribute that & my strong faith to my incredible healing!
K ;D
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Glad things are better today - keep laughing - I contribute that & my strong faith to my incredible healing!
K ;D
Your girls are gorgeous! Who wouldn't love that hair? I can see that you are very blessed indeed. :)
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I was diagnosed with a Ginormous AN in Oct 2008 (4.5+cm) when I was 34 and my children were 3 years old and 6 weeks. I had surgery at House in Los Angeles in November, resulting in a successful tumor removal, but I was also in the small % where the facial nerve could not be saved--it was cut and grafted. First off, facial paralysis is not the end of the world. It is VERY rarely a permanent condition. In less than a year, I have improved to the point that most people wouldn't notice there was anything "off" with my face, and everything is working well enough that I don't feel physically limited by it anymore. My smile is a little bit crooked, and my eye is slower to blink, but not a big deal at all. Secondly, with a good experienced surgeon and a small tumor, your chances of experiencing facial paralysis are very small. Thirdly, as scary as surgery was going into it, I suffered zero complications from it and recovered quickly. I was riding a horse again in January, and was able to scout cotton all summer (very physically demanding), as well as caring for my kids all this time.
Through it all, it was my kids that kept me going. As difficult as it was to go through the surgery and facial paralysis, I knew that as long as I was here and able to be a mother to them, that the rest of it would be Ok. And it was. Is. :-)
Vonda
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Hi Lyn,
As a law student, I TOTALLY understand your concerns. I had a significant amount of paralysis after my surgery, and I was terrified that it would last. Amazingly, it didn't. It's been seven months since my surgery, and my only side effect is the permanent hearing loss (my tumor had essentially swallowed up the acoustic nerve). I ended up one semester behind, which was frustrating at the time, though much less disastrous than it could have been, to be sure.
I know you're getting tons of support from everyone on here (HOORAY!), but if you ever want to talk about the specifics of dealing with the surgery and managing law school, don't hesitate to let me know!
Remember to breathe. Deeply, and a lot.
Liz
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Hello there, welcome to the club...I am yet another newbie like yourself, and am in the same situation...I am about 99% decided what I am going to do with mine, translab....but this time of asking yourself...what to do, what to do? is enough to drive anyone crazy. But hang in there, we are all with you. Oh, I have to tell you...that humor thing IS indeed the way to go. I have managed to keep my whole family a little more relaxed by making jokes about it. See, for years and years I've been doing that silly line Arnold Scwarzeneggar did in his movie Kindergarten Cop, where he's hold his head wearily after a long day in class, and one of the little kids asks him what is wrong, and he replies, in true Ahnuld fashion, "I just have a headache" to which replies another kid "It might be a tumor", then he replies back "It's not a tumor, it's just a headache!" Anyways, so I've used that line for YEARSSS and my daughter once said she'd laugh if I ended up with one...well, I did..hehe...yes, we have a warped sense of humor but it just goes to show you how much better things can be because of it! Sorry for the long post, but I just wanted to share that with everyone! Keep us posted on how it goes! Take care!
Jay
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Hi Lyn,
Welcome to The Club, it seems us "Newbies" are becoming more common than the Statistics suggest.
Anyway you will find a lot of info that will aid in the decision making here, just remember to take a break and take a breath, it's not all doom and gloom.
Here it is all positive support from a great bunch of folks.
Well wishes for your journey.
Don
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Hijack alert....
Jay, welcome! My family has the same warped sense of humor and it has helped more than I ever expected! Who knew it would come in so handy? And I've heard the Ahnold line a lot in the past few years too! :D
We now return you to your regularly scheduled topic....halo just a little tipped - not on the floor.
Lori
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Hijack alert....
Jay, welcome! My family has the same warped sense of humor and it has helped more than I ever expected! Who knew it would come in so handy? And I've heard the Ahnold line a lot in the past few years too! :D
We now return you to your regularly scheduled topic....halo just a little tipped - not on the floor.
Lori
you also forgot to say "welcome" to Liz/GoldiesMom (her first post in this thread).... keep the halo on.... looks better in its proper place :) Hi Liz and Jay and welcome! Phyl
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See, for years and years I've been doing that silly line Arnold Scwarzeneggar did in his movie Kindergarten Cop, where he's hold his head wearily after a long day in class, and one of the little kids asks him what is wrong, and he replies, in true Ahnuld fashion, "I just have a headache" to which replies another kid "It might be a tumor", then he replies back "It's not a tumor, it's just a headache!" Anyways, so I've used that line for YEARSSS and my daughter once said she'd laugh if I ended up with one...well, I did..hehe...yes, we have a warped sense of humor but it just goes to show you how much better things can be because of it! Sorry for the long post, but I just wanted to share that with everyone! Keep us posted on how it goes! Take care!
Jay
Haha, Jay, while I was in the ER where my AN was discovered we were doing the same "It's not a tumah!", and then when they told us the news my husband said "We were wrong, it is a tumah." :P
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Hi Lyn
A big welcome to the club you may not have wanted to join.
I would suggest you try tracking down AmyE (or something akin) - your age and symptoms, tumor size, and route to diagnosis sounds familiar. I honestly can't remember what she did - I think her dizziness/unbalance corrected itself after many weeks/months (maybe meds?) and she went back to horseback riding. I can't remember if she was pursuing treatment or not.
I am also in the small tumor club, have a few years on you (37) with four little ones (should fix my siggie - they are all one year older now, 7, 5, 3 and 2).
Since I am asymptomatic (other than hearing loss which is slowly progressing, and tinnitus), I have decided to wait it out. It helps I am with a team of surgeons that don't mind the conservative route. They think I have a very good chance to make 10 years without any treatment (surgery or radiation). Only time will tell. My next MRI is in late January (or early February but I need to change the date).
Welcome, do your research - small tumors are generally much easier to treat so you have that on your side for sure.
Ann
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Hi Lyn,
A belated hello! By now you are probably feeling much better with all these wonderful posts.
Your tumor is small and shouldn't be too hard to get rid of, depending on the location of course.
You are a busy momma/student. I don't know how you ladies do it!
Stay positive, things will work out OK for you.
Your can do attitude will get you far.
We're here for you :)
Maureen
I was another unfortunate one who had to have my facial nerve cut. My symptoms were slow and insidious over so many years. By the time I finally TOOK the time to go to ENT for hearing loss (which had just manifested itself over the previous year), I was in for quite the surprise. It was a medium-large AN. You are on track.
So yes, it's good you got your symptoms while the tumor is small. Weird how everyone has such different symptoms. Some are noticeable at warped speed, others just are kind of there with no real concern.
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Today I'm headed for another MRI (this time with contrast) to get a better look at the unwanted visitor in my ear. The ENT seems pretty confident that the only thing this could be is an AN, so I'm really only expecting to get a better look and maybe a slightly more accurate measurement.
Also, they're gently pushing me in the surgical direction, although after my own research I was already leaning that way. I think with my age, the size of my AN, and after weighing the risks/rewards this might be the way to go. I'd say I'm 90% sure at this time, but trying not to make a solid decision until I speak with a few more people.
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good vibes... good vibes... good vibes...... :)
Since it is currently "small", you have time to do all of your homework and no one should be pressing you in one direction or another. You're already doing your homework, so do what it takes to make the best, well-informed decision you can for you and your particular, unique situation as each AN journey is unique unto itself.
Let us know how today goes! :)
Phyl
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Good luck with the MRI!
And WELCOME TO LIZ! ;D
Lori
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Welcome to the group!. I think you will find lots of support, encouragement and information from the wonderrful people on this forum. Know that you are not alone and when you have questions or concerns or just need some cheering up we are here for you. Good luck.
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Lyn
You have fetched up in the best possible place to be right now in your situation! You can ask questions, cry, ponder, whine, and anything else that seems to fit the moment you are in. People here have been through what you are facing and have come out on the other side with a new perspective. Life will be different in some way. For some, it is a lot different, and others have been a little less affected.
Do your homework first. Read, study, ask a million questions. I sent my MRI to anyone and everyone until I seemed to get a consensus on the diagnosis. Then I made my decision.
Yes it is a shock to hear the words "brain tumor." I still marvel that I have had brain surgery! It was the last thing I expected my ENT to say. After falling apart, I got busy and lived on the internet. And then I found all these wonderful people to hold my hand and cheer me on. Keep us posted on your progress. We can help support you on your journey.
Priscilla
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The MRI with contrast was. . . interesting. They had to stick me twice to get a vein, but that is normal for me. I'm a tough stick. :)
I told the tech that I was there to get a better look at an acoustic neuroma, and then when he stopped to inject the contrast I asked him if he could see it. At that point he was vague. However, as he was walking me out he smiled and said, "I saw it."
So, now I'm pretty sure that there is at least something there (not that I wasn't before, it was pretty clear there was something there on the first MRI). I go see Dr. Antonelli on Wednesday and I'm anxious to see the MRI at his office and hear what he has to say.
Otherwise, I think I'm emotionally processing this very well! I'm feeling very blessed that this is very, very likely benign and that modern medicine is so advanced.
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Lyn ~
Congratulations on getting through the MRI scanning procedure, often referred to here as the 'Tube O' Doom'. As you noted, acoustic neuromas are almost always benign and with modern technology, they can be addressed successfully by irradiation or surgery. Many of our post-op members are participating in fairly strenuous physical activities (i.e. half-marathons) within weeks and months of their surgery or radiation treatment. I'm certain Dr. Antonelli will provide you with all the information you'll need to consider how to proceed. Wishing you a good consult - and please let us know the results. Thanks.
Jim
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Welcome Lawmama :)
I have read this entire thread and no matter how many threads I read, I always learn something different! This group is great!!
You have changed from scared and alone to being confident with much support. That is a healing in itself. I too was like you and I read and read and educate myself using this board, it is very invaluable.
Keep your humour going and your chin up! My bit of humour is that I tell my family it is just a giant HAIRBALL stuck in my throat from years of dog grooming. I also am going to have a "name my tumour" time. AND, last but not least, I did post this to another section on the ana but I have to put it here... it is both humorous and realistic at the same time. What we all go through when we are first dealt the tumour card. http://www.digyourowngrave.com/the-five-stages-of-a-giraffe-in-quicksand/ (has some bleeped out words... :) )
You did ask about doctors and I wanted to also mention a Dr. and give you his stats from his website.
Dr. Fukushima -
**Acoustic neuromas - 1200 cases, excellent Facial Nerve preservation (98% success) and hearing preservation (70-80% success).
**Specializes in pathology of Cranial Nerves, over 6000 cases.
**Skull Base Tumors over 4500 operated cases
www.carolinaneuroscience.com
Now, some of these stats may be over lapping eachother and stats can make someone look great.
There are many doctors out there, such as Dr. Friedman also. I have heard many many great things about him also. With so many people you have contact with now, you will have your choice of Dr.'s to attend and find which you feel comfy with.
I will keep an on eye this thread so please keep us posted as we all learn from eachother :)
Rhonda
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Hi, Lyn...I, too, am a newbie (still finding my way around the forum...trying not to make posting mistakes :-\ )...and live near Tampa. I did enormous amounts of research upon diagnosis in May /09..and vascillated back and forth between W & W, conventional surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery. My neuro is an excellent surgeon, and believed he could remove it safely. However, at my age (70+), I was not "shot up" at the thought of invasive surgery. My AN is 1.4 x .09. I just completed 3 days of CK treatments in Tampa, and I'm trusting that they "did their thing". You are absolutely right to do as much research as possible. I was on the computer every day checking every site I could find, and searching for as much information as I could glean. When it was all said and done...I made the decision that was right for me...and I think that's the key...what is right for YOU. My biggest regret is that I didn't join the forum prior to my treatments. But I'm so happy to be here NOW. I wish you the very best, and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barbara
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Barbara -
not sure if I've welcomed you to the forum yet or not, but if not, welcome ;D
I'm glad you found us. I, too, didn't discover the ANA until my treatment (surgery in my case) was over.
CK is a great choice for those who don't want surgery and I'm glad you just completed your treatments.
I'll keep my fingers crossed that your AN dies very soon.
Best,
Jan
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Barbara .....
Welcome to the Forum! I have to join the ranks of those who did know about the Forum until after my surgery. However, it has been a wonderful source of support ever since. Only those of us on here can really understand the whole process ...... shock with the diagnosis, treatment options, treatments, initial recovery, long-term effects, etc., etc. You have come to the right place.
Clarice
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Clarice & Jan....thank you so much for your kind thoughts! SOOO very encouraging to a "newbie"!
Barbara
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Hi Barbara!
I can certainly relate to your research experiences. I feel like I have already read everything ever written about AN's...twice! Still, I've found that what everyone on here told me from the start is true: there is no "right" answer, only what is right for me. I'm glad you found what was right for you, too!
Pleasure to meet you and I am very glad you are here now.
Lyn
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Welcome you are so lucky you found this site before you make any decisions I wished I had I found this site before but am still very lucky to have found this wonderful group of people post-op. I had the same size AN and was very lucky I did not have any facial paralysis just a simple feeling of numbness that no one can even tell. I did lose some hearing but your chances are very good when diagnosed with a small AN and it is slow growing tumor but the sooner a decision is made I believe your chances are better than when it becomes much larger... Good Luck with whatever choice you make..
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Welcome to the family, Lyn!
It's completely normal to feel alone and scared at this point - you're probably still feeling scared, but now you're not alone. ;)
As someone who has had facial paralysis since my surgery 2 1/2 years ago, I can tell you that it's definitely not a career ender. Of course, at the moment, I'm a stay at home mom to my little ones, but once the youngest is in school full time, I plan to go back to work (I'm a nurse and a PT). I don't think my facial issues will affect my ability to do either of these jobs. I really think the only difficulty would come from being self-conscious, but I have actually gotten over most of that already.
I volunteer at the school library and also doing budget counseling for military service members as well as other community activities, so I am face to face with people I don't know all the time. No one has treated me any differently.
I will mention that your AN is relatively small, so you may be jumping the gun a bit. It's probably a good idea to get all your treatment options first. You may not even have to deal with any facial paralysis problems and you may not lose your hearing.
Take a deep breath, talk to your doctors about your concerns and get as many medical opinions as you need until you feel comfortable. You'll get through this!
Lori
Hi Barbara,
Welcome to the forum. Although the AN diagnosis is enough to scare anyone, please know that you are not alone. I think you'll find the people in our group to be knowledgable and compasstionate and caring. We are here to help however we can so ask any questions and feel free to vent when necessary.
As Lori said, having an AN doesn't automatically mean you will have facial issues or lose your hearing. The damage your AN causes (or doesn't cause) depend on size, location and whether your AN is sticky. My AN was not at all sticky and although I had some minor eye issues after surgery, they resolved in less than a month. My only rlasting problems have been losing my hearing on my right side, which my BAHA (bone anchored hearing aid) has been a huge help with, and minor balance issues that don't seem to want to go away. All in all, I count myself very fortunate. I hope you will be at least as fortunate or even better off than me.
Wendy
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Hi Lyn,
Jumping in late as well..... I was 29 when I was diagnosed. Like you, I had a very small son (18 months at time of surgery) and had been an RN for 9 years. I work in open heart surgery and kept thinking of all the what-ifs and how it would affect my profession. For me, I finally had to come to terms with the fact that I had the tumor, and it wasn't going anywhere. My hearing was shot in the left, and my balance was OK, but a little off. I knew that, for me, getting surgery was my best option before something worse happened.
This forum is a wonderful place. It is full with people who understand exactly what you are going through, and things you will still experience. We've all had many different treatment approches, and outcomes, but we are all here as a support group for whatever path you choose for yourself.
Best of luck with your upcoming surgery and wishes for a speedy recovery.
-Amy