ANA Discussion Forum

Post-Treatment => Post-Treatment => Topic started by: MissMolly on June 12, 2009, 02:33:53 pm

Title: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: MissMolly on June 12, 2009, 02:33:53 pm
Hi all,
I've set up this topic to keep my AN discussion and other friends in the loop of my surgery.  My husband, Steve, will take over on the actual surgery date as I am quite sure the anesthesia will prohibit any postings by me at that time. 

Sunday at 6:30 I have my last MRI prior to surgery.
Wednesday from 9:00- whenever I have pre admissions, chest x ray, audiological evals, consultations and blood work.  Nancy Mc. suggested bringing a good book for the long waits.  Should be fun.
Monday the 22nd is "The Big Day".  Since my vertigo has been so horrific, I'm actually looking forward to it.  Sort of.  Kind of.  OK, not really. Just hopeful that I won't be dizzy all the time after surgery. 

So stay tuned as the fun begins!!

Molly
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: CHD63 on June 12, 2009, 05:48:27 pm
Molly .....

10 days and counting ..... soon you will be a postie and on your way to recovery from surgery.  My thoughts and prayers!

Clarice
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 12, 2009, 05:56:12 pm
Molly -

you're well on your way.  I was anxious for my "big date" also - not because I had a lot of dizziness, but because I just wanted to get it over with and I'm very impatient!

Like you, I hope your dizziness will be resolved by the surgery.

Good luck on the 22nd; I'll keep you in my prayers.  And thank your husband, in advance, for taking on the task of scribe.  We'll all want to know how things turn out, so we'll be waiting for his updates. 

Jan

Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: Kate B on June 12, 2009, 06:50:36 pm
Molly,

At first I got all excited thinking your time in Boston might have crossed paths with my time in Boston...until I realized you are talking June and I will be there in July for a workshop!

The countdown is on and the time will be here before you know it.

All the best,
Kate
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: sgerrard on June 12, 2009, 08:30:54 pm
Hi Molly,

Best wishes on the surgery.

Can I move this topic to Post Treatment? We are going to try and keep surgery updates in one place there, instead of in the boards for discussing treatment options. I don't want anyone to get lost, though...

Steve
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: Vivian B. on June 12, 2009, 08:58:36 pm
Hi Molly,

Good luck on your surgery. Soon you will be on the road to recovery.

Vivian
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: cin605 on June 13, 2009, 01:20:00 pm
Best of luck w/ a smooth sugery & quick recoup! :)
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: Jim Scott on June 13, 2009, 01:33:11 pm
Hi, Molly ~

I recall being equally excited and apprehensive as my surgery date drew closer and closer as I underwent the pre-op testing, so I can empathize with your conflicting emotions.  I suggest you try - as much as possible - to focus on the ultimate benefits of the surgery and less on the 'what-if's'.  As you noted, not being constantly dizzy is one of those benefits...think about that

Remember that many people will be thinking of and praying for you, not only on the 22nd but every day from now until then, so please take some solace from that pleasant reality.  :)

Jim
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: moe on June 13, 2009, 03:34:12 pm
.  Sort of.  Kind of.  OK, not really. Just hopeful that I won't be dizzy all the time after surgery. 
Understand completely! Ambivalence and apprehension about upcoming  surgery, but want to get er done.
I'm sure you'll feel tons better after this is behind you.
Hang in there,
Maureen
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: stoneaxe on June 14, 2009, 10:28:10 am
Hi Molly,

I'll be snoozing with a hole in my head when you come in on Wednesday but feel free to stop by and say hi to Sue and the girls.

I fully understand the feelings. Kind of a whirlwind of emotions at the moment.

I hope the dizziness goes away for you.

Best of luck fellow soon to be postie... ;D

Bob
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: elliemae on June 15, 2009, 12:08:34 pm
Hi, Molly
best of luck with the surgery! We'll all be following your Steve's postings.

Elaine
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: NancyMc on June 15, 2009, 03:09:02 pm
Molly,
The Gray family waiting room is just a stoneaxe's throw from the pre-op screening room.  When you enter the waiting room, there will be a volunteer at the desk who can direct you to Sue and the girls for a group hug (Oh, maybe not, Sue has a cold or something.).
Good luck.  It seems like a hundred years ago for me now.  It wasn't a breeze at the time, but it's a fog now.
Nancy
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: stoneaxe on June 15, 2009, 04:18:59 pm
LOL...actually Sue is huggable. She's not contagious. Lime disease.....when it rains it pours.
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: MissMolly on June 16, 2009, 09:50:02 am
Bob I know yours will go smoothly.  I will try and wander down to the Grey room for some hugs for your family. 

Had my pre-op MRI sunday night at 6:30pm.  How convenient.  Not.  Tremendous headache afterwards, but can't take any asprin or tylenol until post op so I just went home and went to bed.  Weather is still wreaking havoc on my vertigo.  I think my family has forgotten what I look like when I'm feeling normal. 

I have my official 'preop' day tomorrow.  Hope it goes smoothly.  Per many recommendations, Steve and I are bringing good books!!

Laurie messaged me, she will be sending the magic scarf.  Can't wait!  Bob do you want to wear it Wednesday? 

Molly
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: SML on June 16, 2009, 04:11:30 pm
Hi Molly,

I just wanted to wish you well with pre-op tomorrow and surgery Monday.

Rich and I will be thinking of you and sending prayers you way.

Scarlett
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: stoneaxe on June 16, 2009, 07:34:06 pm
Molly...hope your pre-op goes as smoothly as mine. In at 7:00 out by 11:00... ;D. Like a well oiled machine. My appointment was at 8:00. We we're there early and they said to go down and see if I could get my chest x-ray done early. Got that done and back by 7:50. Went in quick...didn't even have much time to read. Testing, interviews and bloodwork went quickly.

I have to be in there at 6:00am...early start. Don't worry about the scarf. It would clash with my tiger stripe hat... ;D
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: MissMolly on June 16, 2009, 07:44:12 pm
Don't worry about the scarf. It would clash with my tiger stripe hat... ;D

Yes, Bob, but the scarf would frame your face so nicely.

I have to be at preop at 9:00 with audio stuff scheduled at 1:15 ish and then consult with Martuza at 3:00.  I think I'll be there for the long haul.  When do you actually do your surgery?

Molly
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: MissMolly on June 18, 2009, 08:52:05 am
Had a reeeeeaaaaaaaallllllly long day at Mass General.  Preadmissions was 'short staffed' yesterday so the waiting area was crammed full of people.  Went fairly quickly though.  Had to wait quite a while for the nurse practitioner to come in and explain the surgical procedure stuff to me and my husband.  Grabbed a quick lunch at noon and went to audiology at 1:00.  Had a hearing eval (lost 10 Db since March!) and an ABR (Auditory Brainstem Response) which showed a .2 millisecond delay from my left ear when compared to my right. This makes it hard to localized.   Stopped by the Grey Family Waiting room and gave Stonaxe's wife a big hug and good wishes.  Met his awfully nice daughters.  Waited FOREVER for Dr. Martuza consult so I sneaked down and got a quick chest Xray which took only 15 minutes stem to stern.  Had consult with Dr. Martuza and his minions (clinical fellows) and left the hospital after 6:30 exhausted.  Home by 7:30 ish. 

My results show that my hearing continues to decline and the tumor continues to grow.  Was 1.1 Cm and is now 1.2 cm and I could definitely see a change in shape since the last MRI.  The first one looked like a good'n plenty candy.  This one looked like a good'n plenty candy with a foot on it stepping into my cranium. 

Sooooo, looks like the decision to move ahead with surgery was appropriate, for me anyway. 

I'll keep folks posted as I get ready for my surgery Monday Morning.  Early. 

Miss Molly
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: Jeepers on June 18, 2009, 09:42:23 am

My results show that my hearing continues to decline and the tumor continues to grow.  Was 1.1 Cm and is now 1.2 cm and I could definitely see a change in shape since the last MRI.  The first one looked like a good'n plenty candy.  This one looked like a good'n plenty candy with a foot on it stepping into my cranium. 


 ;D


Good luck, Molly!
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: NancyMc on June 18, 2009, 09:55:30 am
Molly,
Glad you survived pre-op, not the most pleasant experience, and the wait times can be ridiculous.
Like my surgery, my three month follow-up with McKenna was bumped.  Not sure why I need one anyway, so I'll wait until fall.
Just think of all the huge successes that have preceded you and know that you will be one, too.  But remember to take a basket of goodies to the OR.   ;)  Can't hurt!
Good luck.
Nancy
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: MissMolly on June 18, 2009, 03:23:39 pm
Bought a basket today.  Will fill it over the weekend!!   ;D
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: moe on June 19, 2009, 12:22:46 am
Miss Molly,
Hope the weekend goes by quickly and know that you are in good hands.
Soon it'll be all over.
Maureen
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: LisaP on June 19, 2009, 02:08:05 pm
Miss Molly,

My thouhts and prayer will be with you, best of luck and keep us posted.


Best wishes

LisaP ;D
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: Helga on June 19, 2009, 03:12:17 pm
Molly,
I wish you the very best and will be thinking of you Monday! My date is coming up faster and faster, next brunch we'll both be laughing (symmetrically!!!).
Helga
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: MissMolly on June 19, 2009, 03:24:14 pm
Yes, Helga.  Symmetrical laughs.  hee hee
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: Rich56 on June 21, 2009, 09:18:05 am
Hi Molly,

Scarlett and I want to wish you all the best for a sucessful surgery tomorrow.

You are in our thoughts and prayers,

Rich & Scarlett
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: MissMolly on June 21, 2009, 09:56:05 am
Thanks Rich and Scarlett.  I'm getting anxious and the pre surgery steroids are giving me far too much energy.  I've already baked two batches of muffins for my surgical team!!!!
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: ppearl214 on June 21, 2009, 10:00:10 am
Molly

I can't believe the time is already here!  The bloke and I send our very best wellness wishes to you... and we'll be cheering you on.  Wishes for a speedy recovery... and know you are in fab hands! Go rawk it! :)

Healing hugglez and hope to see you serving up (again) dumplins in October.

Good luck tomorrow!
Phyl
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: MissMolly on June 21, 2009, 02:27:27 pm
Thanks Phyl!  We'll keep you posted as I become a postie.

A friend on Facebook sent me a well wish this morning regarding my surgery.  I thought it was cute...

"vertigo, vertigoing, vertigone!"

Clever, huh?

Miss Molly
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: Keri on June 21, 2009, 05:36:33 pm
"....and the pre surgery steroids are giving me far too much energy.  I've already baked two batches of muffins for my surgical team!!!!"

so is that why they prescribe steroids??!!

MissMolly, I wish you the best tomorrow. I hope and pray all goes really well and you will be joining us soon in postie land.

take care,
keri
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: MissMolly on June 21, 2009, 09:24:00 pm
Having my final snack before Midnight.   :P
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 21, 2009, 09:24:41 pm
Good luck, Molly  ;D

Jan
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: sgerrard on June 21, 2009, 09:50:07 pm
Hope it was a tasty snack. Best wishes for tomorrow, Molly.

Steve
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: MissMolly on June 22, 2009, 02:52:50 am
Thanks everybody.  See you in my dreams!!!   :-*

Miss M.
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: ppearl214 on June 22, 2009, 05:56:09 am
Thanks Phyl!  We'll keep you posted as I become a postie.

A friend on Facebook sent me a well wish this morning regarding my surgery.  I thought it was cute...

"vertigo, vertigoing, vertigone!"

Clever, huh?

Miss Molly

Your friends are VERY clever! Make sure that they trademark that... as I have a feeling this will now show up around here just as much as the term "wonky head".

Best wishes today, Molly! I'm cheering you on BIG time and will look for the updates! You're in FAB hands!

Healing vibes coming your way! Hang tough!
Phyl
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: krbonner on June 22, 2009, 04:25:09 pm
Thinking of you today!!

Katie
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: LisaP on June 22, 2009, 04:39:13 pm
Miss Molly,

continue to think of you today and hoping all goes well.


LisaP ;D
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: Jim Scott on June 22, 2009, 05:37:35 pm
NOTE:  There is now a separate thread titled 'Miss Molly's Surgery Updates' for those wishing to respond to Molly about her surgery outcome.

Jim
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: Cindy Landon on June 23, 2009, 05:12:42 pm
 Hi all of Molly's Facebook friends: I spoke with Steve last night around 8 PM. Molly is now in the ICU at least until 5 PM today. She is doing well. The docs were able to remove ALL of the tumor. Yeah!!! The neurologist was very happy with all of her responses to the post-op tests he performed. It is felt that she won't lose any more of her hearing in her left ear due to the surgery. I will let Molly update you all later when she gets back on her feet. The nurses told Steve that if folks do visit, they should only expect to stay for a very short period of time as it will be very taxing on her. Our thoughts are with you Molly...hoping for a speedy recovery!

Update:  I spoke with Steve today around 2 PM. Molly was moved from the ICU to Room 1226 in the White Building of Mass Gen.  She is doing well.
Title: Re: Miss Molly's Week In Boston
Post by: sgerrard on June 23, 2009, 07:41:30 pm
I am posting a link here to the surgery update thread for Molly:

http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=9921.0

Steve