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AN Community => AN Community => Topic started by: LADavid on February 18, 2009, 06:26:53 pm

Title: Sonja Update
Post by: LADavid on February 18, 2009, 06:26:53 pm
I talked with Dexter, Sonja's husband -- and probably the happiest man alive.  Sonja's out of a successful translab -- and fitted for a Baja.  She went into surgery at 7:30 and was out by 2:00.  Dexter said she had a bit of a headache but was fine other than that.  He'll provide more updates that I'll post on this thread.

Lovin' good news
David
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: sgerrard on February 18, 2009, 08:27:53 pm
Lovin' it too. Hope she goes home soon.

Steve
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: Kaybo on February 18, 2009, 08:29:05 pm
David~
You're so good at delivering news - ever thought about being a newsman??   ;D

K
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: LADavid on February 18, 2009, 08:57:13 pm
Hmmm.  That is actually what I went to college for, Kay.  But through the twists and turns of fate, I ended up in Advertising -- which I spent most of my somewhat adult life doing.  Before I really got serious about things and started acting.  But looking back on it now -- it would have been fun being a Dave Barry -type columnist.
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: NL on February 18, 2009, 10:00:34 pm
Thanks for the update David. I'm glad Sonja's doing well - and Dexter, too! I think it's much harder for those sitting in the waiting room.

Looking forward to more good news,

Nancy
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: wendysig on February 18, 2009, 10:17:30 pm
David -
Thanks for the update. 

Sonja and Dexter -- I'm glad to hear things went well.  I hope you are both resting comfortably and that Sonja will soon be released.  Please keep us updated.

Wendy
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: Jim Scott on February 19, 2009, 02:20:41 pm
David ~

Thanks for the update on Sonja.  I'm so pleased to learn how well she's doing, post-op. 

Advertising man, actor, newsreader.  Pretty much all in the same ballpark, as it were.  Besides, I worked in positions peripheral to the broadcast news business (radio D.J.) and it isn't all that glamorous as some think it is, and, as you well know, 'show-biz' is loaded with strange people and a sea of gigantic egos.  Now, a Dave Barry-type column might be a lot more interesting.  I could go for that too, but, alas, I get no offers.  Must be my occasionally esoteric verbiage.  Oh, well.  :)

Jim
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: Kaybo on February 19, 2009, 04:56:43 pm
Weird that you mentioned Dave Barry - he is my new hero and I don't think I have ever seen or heard him!!  Addi has started reading the Peter and the Starcatchers series (it is a prequel to Peter Pan) and was co-authored by Dave Barry!  Addi has really never finished a book - even though we have started millions!  I think she is a bit dyslexic (as do her teachers) - she has compensated well and does EXTREMELY well in school but I think unless something is VERY interesting, it is too much work for her to read for pleasure.  Well, these were the books that kept her interest!!  The 1st was 400 pages (I think that is pretty good for her 1st major book to finish!) and the 2nd was 567!  She is now on the 3rd book - thus, my new hero!!  I can't get her to put them down - love it!!!

K - the happy mama!
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: LADavid on February 19, 2009, 05:13:53 pm
Kay -- Great to hear that about Addi.  Dave Barry is a good read.  He gained his fame in the 80's and 90's as a very witty and saterical columnist for the Miami Herald.  There was even a sit-com based on him called Dave's World staring Harry Anderson. He's written a bunch of books -- my favorite is Dave Barry's Greatest Hits -- published in 1988 -- back when you were a mere tyke ;).
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: mimoore on February 19, 2009, 06:57:18 pm
That is terrific news....sending healing vibes..... :-*
Michelle
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: LADavid on February 19, 2009, 07:06:14 pm
Thursday Update:  Sonja was moved from ICU (Ice Chip Hell) to a Private Room (Purgatory) this afternoon.  She still has a bit of a headache and slight palsy but is doing well.
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: LADavid on February 21, 2009, 08:13:05 pm
Just heard from Dexter.   Sonja is doing outstanding.  She's up and walking with little assistance and will be released tomorrow.
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: sgerrard on February 22, 2009, 02:08:51 am
David, if you are going to be a TV newsman, you will have to get into the mode:

"This is David Shannon, live at the world headquarters for Acoustic Neuroma Surgery, the House Ear Clinic here in Los Angeles, California. We have just learned in an exclusive interview with Dexter that Sonja is doing outstanding, and she is up and walking with little assistance. Our exclusive sources indicate that she will be released sometime tomorrow. We will continue to bring you live coverage of this breaking news story as it unfolds. This is David Shannon, live at the House Ear Clinic. Now back to you."

Steve  ;D
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: LADavid on February 22, 2009, 02:29:56 am
Steve -- I heard a bit of Geraldo in that.  I need to refresh my learnin'.  I'll try it out next week.
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: Lainie181818 on February 22, 2009, 03:33:30 pm
Hi David,
great news about Sonja. That is fantastic that she is being released tomorrow. When are they returning to DC ?
Lainie
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: NL on February 28, 2009, 03:22:41 pm
I just spoke to Sonja and she is doing great! She's had no nausea or dizziness, and no pain with the exception of a minor headache. She sounds like she has much more energy than I did at 10 days post-op - she even accompanied Dexter on a trip to the store!

They are flying home to Maryland tomorrow, and Sonja will be returning to the forum soon to fill everyone in on her experience first hand.

Here are some pics from our lunch two days before her surgery:

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3494/3317338058_eccba41a84.jpg)
David, Lainie, Sonja, & Nancy


(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3317337586_18dccf117c.jpg)
The group with Sonja's hubby Dexter

Sonja - Looking forward to hearing from you once you're back in the comfort of your own home. (And to your BAHA update in 90 days!)

Rest well and enjoy the naps!

Nancy



Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: Jim Scott on February 28, 2009, 04:46:11 pm
David/Nancy ~

Thanks so much for the photos - and the update.  Sonja looks wonderful and apparently had a very successful procedure.  I look forward to reading her account when she returns.

Jim
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: nancyann on February 28, 2009, 05:04:36 pm
Continued healing Sonja.   Keep a peaceful heart.
Always good thoughts,  Nancy
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: leapyrtwins on March 01, 2009, 09:20:50 am
Glad to hear Sonja's recovery is going so well.  There's no place like home  :)

Love the pictures - great hat, Sonja!

Jan
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: NL on March 01, 2009, 12:34:42 pm
Sonja is going to love reading everyone's well wishes when she gets home.  ;D

Cheri - Thanks for the reminder on the "pics" thread. I haven't seen it for a while - I think it's time for a bump, anyway.

Jan - Are you sporting a Steve Gerrard original in you new pic, too? You and Phyl are two lucky girls!  ;)
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: catlover on March 01, 2009, 06:51:34 pm
Hi Sonja,

I wish you a speedy recover and I'm looking forward to hearing from you when you feel up to that.

Best wishes,

Helene in Sweden  :)
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: leapyrtwins on March 05, 2009, 11:32:29 pm
Jan - Are you sporting a Steve Gerrard original in you new pic, too? You and Phyl are two lucky girls!  ;)

As a matter of fact, I am.  It's a one of a kind original  ;D
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: leapyrtwins on March 08, 2009, 01:21:07 am
Thank you, Cheri  ;D

Actually Phyl and I have both posted pictures on other threads. 

They're somewhere in the AN Community topics.

Jan


Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: Sonja on March 08, 2009, 07:08:33 am
Hi Everyone:
I wanted to give everyone an update of my surgery and recovery and especially thank all of you wonderful folks. I am so appreciative and thankful for all your sharing, caring, and wishes of wellness. You really make a person feel not alone. Words do not express adequately how grateful I am.

I want to also express my deep appreciation to the wonderful House Alumni group, NancyL, Lanie and LADave. They were very kind to take their time and meet with my husband and me before the big day. They will never know how helpful that meeting was. They answered questions, shared their experience and gave their support. You guys are truly my heroes.

Today is a little over two weeks since my surgery. Doctor’s John House, Swartz and Stefan from the House Ear Clinic were my team of doctors. I cannot say enough about these humble, experienced, doctors. I would have to agree with Jerseygirl2; in if I had to do it over again I would walk from Maryland to LA to have these wonderful doctors on my surgical team.

I had no vomiting, nausea, blurred vision or dizziness. I was awoken with no facial weakness but had a delayed 2 on the HB scale. I believe I am now back to a 1. My balance is good and I am stable. I believe I may have started compensating before surgery. My tumor was 2.2cm x 1.6cm. It had not grown since my last MRI in October 2008 but it was complicated because the facial nerve had wrapped around the tumor. In my case it’s a good thing I did not opt for radiation. The last few days I have been getting headaches, they aren’t too bad but annoying. I am of hopes that they are temporary. They almost feel like sinus headaches.

If I can answer any questions or help anyone please PM me. If anyone is considering the House Ear Clinic and wants to talk I am always available. No longer a lurker but a posrie.

Thanks again you guys.
Sonja

Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: NancyMc on March 08, 2009, 07:59:21 am
Great news, Sonja!
So many upbeat surgery outcomes lately, I know I and others will make that list in weeks to come.
Thank you for reporting.
Nancy
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: MAlegant on March 08, 2009, 09:24:40 am
Sonja,
That's awesome.  Take good care of yourself.
Best,
M
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: wendysig on March 08, 2009, 10:15:45 am
Sonja,

Congratulation on having such a wonderful surgical outcome.  We always love hearing good news from our new posties!  Rest and heal and most of all be patient.  Patience is a key ingredient in recovery.

Sending you continued welness wishes,
Wendy
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: JerseyGirl2 on March 08, 2009, 07:50:57 pm
Sonja,

It was wonderful to read about your outstanding surgical results! Sounds as though you're doing just great, and I'm so happy for you. Get lots of rest and continue your good recovery.

Catherine (JerseyGirl 2)

Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: cindyj on March 09, 2009, 06:06:25 am
Hey, Sonja!  Great to hear from you and SO glad things went so well for you in LA!  Yes, weren't those LA folks great?!?  They were a huge factor in my success story!

I too had a delayed facial weakness - very minor.  At about 2 1/2 months out, it was all but gone and now at four months out, it would be very difficult for anyone else to notice anything. 

Again, glad you're doing well - and glad you're not going to be a lurker any more! 

Cindy
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: Pooter on March 09, 2009, 10:40:40 am
Congrats Sonja!  I'm really happy that things are going well.. 

Regards,
Brian
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: Sonja on March 10, 2009, 01:29:09 pm
Hi All:

Just wanted to let you know the slight fever and annoying headaches have subsided. Not sure if this willl help others with headaches or not. I started drinking lots of water and put a wet paper towel in my nose. I believe ny nose was raw or open from the surgery and I may have been dehydrated.  My brother also prayed so that may have been a factor as well.

Sonja
Title: Re: Sonja Update
Post by: Jim Scott on March 10, 2009, 01:44:08 pm
Hi, Sonja:

I'm so glad to learn that you're feeling better and have been able to conquer the headaches.  Thanks for the positive update.  Now, let the healing continue!  :)

Jim