ANA Discussion Forum
Watch and Wait => For those in the 'watch and wait' status => Topic started by: Donna R on April 22, 2009, 11:34:15 am
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Well, I just got back from a consultation with a neurosurgeon who does surgery along with my otolaryngologist, I made the decision for surgery, so now I just wait until they call with a date..I am still so nervous, but I am sure I am making the right decision...having an AN of 3cm, I think this is the best thing to do....I guess I do feel better finallly making the decision.....
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Hi Donna.
I'm truly happy for you :) Making a decision for active treatment is a major milestone in the AN journey. It is of course very normal to feel nervous about the decision, but now you just have to lean back and trust the skilled professionals. You can still get all the advice you need from people at this forum.
I wish you all the best,
Kenneth
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Hi, Donna ~
Congratulations on making that big decision. Choosing a treatment is always difficult and often comes with much anxiety but now that you've crossed that Rubicon, you've finished one of the hardest parts of your AN 'journey'. Try to be at peace with your decision and know that (a) it has to be done, and, (b) you have many people you've never met thinking of you and praying for you. I think you'll be O.K. :)
Please let us know when you have a firm date for your surgery and post it on the 'AN Treatment Calendar' - http://my.calendars.net/AN_Treatments (http://my.calendars.net/AN_Treatments).
If you have any difficulty doing that, just send a moderator a PM and ask them to post it for you. We're happy to do so. :)
Jim
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Hi Donna,
You've just completed one of the toughest parts of your AN journey. You have made the decision to get it treated. Another tough part of the journey is waiting for surgery day to come :). We will be praying for a successful surgery and quick recovery! Let us know when you have a date!
Ernie
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I think thats a great decision. With a AN of 3cm probably best thing to do and move on. With technology today eveyrthing will be fine. Its normal to be nervous but the hard part of making a decision is done. Prayers are with you, Mickey
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Thanks so much...I just had to stop agonizing about it and just schedule it...everyone at this forum has been so helpful! I will let you know when the date is.
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Hi, Donna R ;D
Based on the size of your AN, surgery is probably the best decision you could make. Lots of docs wouldn't radiate an AN of 3 cm
I had surgery and I know how nervous you feel, but I want to stress to you that you'll get through this and you'll be fine.
Please don't hesitate to lean on us for support; that's what we're here for.
BTW, where are you having your surgery?
Jan
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Hi Jan..thanks so much for your support!
Jefferson University Hospital in Phila.
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Donna -
I've heard only good things about Jefferson; you're in good hands.
Jan
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Jan...that is really good to know..thanks!
--Donna
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Hi Donna,
There are so many on the forum who recently had surgery and are doing well. It's so helpful to read everyone's stories.
Keep us posted on your pre op info and how you're doing.
Keri
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Donna,
I had a 2.5Cm tumor removed using retrosig surgery in January and now (3 months later) I am completely back to life as usual. I am glad to have that bugger out of my head and being SSD, though takes some getting used to, is really no big deal.
Neal
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Hey Neal! What a great recovery. It seems like yesterday we all met for a lunch in NYC. (Jan.) Keep up the good work. Best Wishes Mickey
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Congratulations on making this difficult decision. Keep a positive attitude as you continue on your journey. Will be praying for you.
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Hi Donna,
I had surgery last June for a 3cm CPA tumor. Did have some issues (but felt it went well overall and was happy with decision), most of which have either resolved, or are resolving.
The decision was the toughest part... try not too stress and do what you can to prepare.
Good luck!
Trish
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Thanks Trish! Glad things are going well with you!
--Donna
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Hi Donna,
So glad you have made your treatment decision!
I also believe you are in good hands at Jefferson in Phila.
Keep us posted on the date.
We are with you all the way!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sue
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Hi Donna,
Best of luck on your upcoming surgery, which kind are you having? Keep us posted on any development. I'm still watching and waiting for another year.
best wishes
LisaP ;D
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Glad you made the decision to get the bugger out.
On to the next pre op phase.
We are here all the way for you!!
Keep posting,
Maureen
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Hi Donna,
one of the key things we tout around here is never to 2nd guess a decision... to go with your gut... to have faith in your decision as you are doing what is best for you and your personal situation. I have to agree about the decision-making process. Once you make your decision, a total monkey off your back (or is it an elephant? I never remember which! :D )
You are in fab hands at Jefferson! Top notch facility! Please keep us updated on how things are progressing... and as always, wellness wishes to you!
Phyl
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one of the key things we tout around here is never to 2nd guess a decision... to go with your gut... to have faith in your decision as you are doing what is best for you and your personal situation.
I am one of the "touters" that Phyl mentioned. I'm not sure if "touter" is a word though ???
Anyway, I found that "going with my gut" and not looking back - both in my choice of treatment options and my choice of doctors was a great thing. I've never regretted my decision and would make the same one today if I had to do it all over again.
You're going to be fine, Donna.
Jan
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Thank you so much everyone! I will keep you posted! LisaP, the type of surgery is retrosigmoid, they go in behind the ear.
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They just gave me a date for surgery today...Monday, June 22nd...I am very nervous, but also kind of glad because I am starting to get a little off balance when I walk, and a headache usually when I get up in the morning, although Tylenol or Advil usually takes care of that...I figure it's time to get this taken care of...so, here goes.
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I agree with not looking back but I am having my moments of abject terror now that I'm within a month of surgery! I think, too, I react to whatever posts I'm reading that day -- if they are positive, I'm good, but when people report worse outcomes, I start asking myself why on earth I'm "voluntarily" having this crazy surgery!
Then I realize that just because it's not emergency surgery, it's not exactly voluntary. The problem is very real, I have a ton of symptoms and I agree with the thinking on here that when they are interfering with life, it's time to act.
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Lilan
Yes, I feel exactly the same way,,not thrilled at all about surgery, but I don't like the way I am feeling now either, I figure while it's still not too bad, it's better than waiting until it gets worse... I think I am ready to have this treated...
--Donna
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I agree with not looking back but I am having my moments of abject terror now that I'm within a month of surgery! I think, too, I react to whatever posts I'm reading that day -- if they are positive, I'm good, but when people report worse outcomes, I start asking myself why on earth I'm "voluntarily" having this crazy surgery!
Then I realize that just because it's not emergency surgery, it's not exactly voluntary. The problem is very real, I have a ton of symptoms and I agree with the thinking on here that when they are interfering with life, it's time to act.
Lilan,
I understand exactly! I remember thinking that I wouldn't read posts around my surgery.
You are going to a world renown (House Ear)to have your surgery. Your tumor is small and the statistics are fantastic for a tumor your size.
Donna,
I went through a time where I thought I might wait and watch. Then one day I decided that the tumor was right at the small/medium range and that the statistics were in my favor. Not everyone has the ability to be a candidate for every form of treatment because of circumstances surrounding their tumor. Because of the size and location, I could have chosen any of the radiation protocals or surgery. I prefered to get it out of my head.
I looked for the patterns in the data and the outcomes related to the various doctors. We all get to our decisions in our own unique way based on the tumor's size, location, and our lifestyle.
I wish you the best.
Kate