ANA Discussion Forum
Post-Treatment => Cognitive/Emotional Issues => Topic started by: Nani on September 24, 2009, 08:29:10 am
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I am so mad and scared right now. I have been through hell. My mother diagnosed with breast cancer, having to put my childhood dog down, having the blasted tumor and surgery and losing my Independence. Feeling alone through recovery. Now my 17 month old son is having tremors and I have to take him to get EEGs next week and see a neurologist to test for seizure activity.
I am angry at life. Why? Did I really have to get AN now? 23 years old, finally getting on with life, active and a new mom. My husband tries, but he doesn't know how to help. A Dr. put me on Lexapro but really? Is a little pill supposed to make it all better?
Speaking of Dr.s, I have seen an ER Dr, a neurologist, a neurosurgeon, a cranial specialist, an ENT, another neurosurgeon, an opthamologist, plus my family Dr. Aside from 1 of the neurosurgeons and the cranial specialist, the Dr.s ask me questions. I have been so scared and in such a state of shock, I never remember the questions I want to ask around the right people.
To top it off, my baby has to go see a neurologist. He is displaying no signs of AN. Just epilepsy. Plus, you will have to excuse me if I don't associate good things with neurologists.
Right now I feel as if everyday of my life has been an uphill battle lately.
EDIT: The tumor grew rapidly to a 1.5 by 2cm size. I started showing symptoms late in my pregnancy. The specialist suspects pregnancy hormones as the culprit for causing the tumor to grow like that. Therefore he strongly advises against me getting pregnant again. His thing on that is "we'll see". I told the people closest to me and they said "at least you have one wonderful baby boy" all cheerful. As if that will stop me from crying at night thinking of the family my husband and I wanted, but will never have. Yes, there is adoption. It's just not the same. I am so sick of people telling me it's not that bad. My single, childless friends. I get it, they don't get it. But my mom and mil? It still tears me up inside everyday. I still look at Gabriel's newborn pictures and cry because I will never hear a first cry again. Never get another fist look into innocent eyes. I will never get the special feeling of bringing a life into this world again. Never feel the closeness and bonding of pregnancy.
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I'm with you today Nani. I don't have the answers and every time I make a decision lately it seems to backfire right in my face. I'm having a good cry this morning, first once since finding out about this blessed tumour. I really would just like to go back to bed. For a week.
But...
I'm going to put on my running shoes and head out. Maybe a little exercise will help the day go by faster.
I can't change anything for you Nani, but I can tell you that you are definitely not alone in your frustrations.
Come for a virtual walk with me. I heard exercise releases good endorphins.
Nikki
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I am right there with you. I feel like I am close to being able to handle walks again. As soon as I can I am going to stick DS in the stroller for daily walks. For now, I'll join you on virtual walks.
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Nani,
I'm no doctor, but unless you have NF2, the chance of getting another AN is really tiny. There have been several members on the forum who had an AN removed, and then went on to have children. Kay had surgery in her twenties and then had 3 girls (all with curly hair); Trish just had twins a few months ago, after surgery last year. You may need to wait a year or two, but I think you should be optimistic that you can have more children in the future. If you get some opinions from other doctors who are experts in acoustic neuromas, I think you would find they say "go ahead."
Steve
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I'm back Nani. You?
I can't say it's solved my dilemmas, but I'm not bawling my eyes out anymore. ;)
Come out again tomorrow...one day at a time, we'll lick this!
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Nani,
Ok I have now read through all 4 of your posts. I replied to the “hi†post before reading this one.
You have a lot on your plate right now… HUGE hug. Ok Ok you have WAY too much on you plate for someone so young. Mothering HUG here…
There is evidence that possibly meningiomas can grow with pregnancy… and possibly acoustic neuroma. But there is no know cause of acoustic neuroma and as far as I know a pregnancy is NOT going to “cause†another one to grow.
I know of a world renown Neurtologist who is based out of Pittsburg but also sees patients down there in Louisiana. He may be worth talking to… and can hopefully also answer questions – yes even future pregnancies and new tumors. (NOTE "If" there is still residual tumor left behind, to preserve the facial nerve, this may be why you are having MRI’s every 3 months in case there is re-growth. As mentioned in the “hi†post you need to get a copy of the radiology reports AND also the surgical notes. If there is residual tumor left behind- this MAY be why pregnancy is not adviced. :-\)
If you have the insurance to cover him- I suggest you see him .Gee I wish you had seen him before surgery. Nevertheless here he is
Dr. Moisés A. Arriaga
http://moisesarriagamd.com/home
What ever you do – do not go there with anger. I have heard from many sources that he is an absolute sweet heart of a man with much compassion- and expertise. This comes from my ENT … and other patients who had him. One was a young as you and is now doing well… busy and active in life and no longer posting on the forum.
I have a sister-in -law who is in leadership on faculty at Baton Rouge community college- in the counseling dept. Gee maybe it would help just to have someone to talk to. You have way too much on your shoulders. Anger is not going to help. You need to clarify all that is happening and to set some goals… and talk this through with a good listener.
Also here are the support group contacts
http://www.anausa.org/support_groups_by_state.shtml
Sadly there is not one for Louisiana (yet) … perhaps see if you can make a day trip and go to a meeting in a neighboring state and make a fun field trip out of it. WE just had a handful of people from Washington State come to our support group meeting – in Oregon. We were glad to have them and we welcomed them with open arms.
One thing I tell people is what the Stewarts and stewardess tell people on airplanes. You must put you oxygen mask on first- before your child’s. As if you are not functioning – you cannot help your child. Know that epilepsy is very treatable. If you are not comfortable with your neurologist than see if you can find a neurologist that also offers pediatric care- so you feel better about your care for both you and your child.
Hang in there… until you have someone there to talk to. Know that you have us and it is totally ok to vent your frustrations. Know that you are not alone. Instead of crying alone at night- log on and talk to us. We do not care if you are having a bad hair day or that you are still in PJ’s.
Another cyber HUG
DHM
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They were only able to remove 80% of the tumor.
The more I read, the more cheated I feel. I know so little about my own condition. I feel like none of my doctors have really talked to me about it. If I am still not happy after my Dec check-up, I think we'll contact that other doctor.
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Opp2:
Thanks for the walk. I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I could actually imagine the fresh air and feel of freedom.
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Hi Nani and welcome. Well, I see you have been getting terrific support from the gang here, including our very own Dazy Hazy Mazy (DHM) :-* :-* :-*.
Nothing I say will be of help. Many of us here, young and older alike, are dealing with a vast array of issues... some medical, some financial, some emotional, far too many to name. Many here that have met me face to face (far too many for me to count) will share that even though I am older than you, I definately have a host of issues as well. So, for me... I live by my mantra (which many here have heard far too many times).... "day by day, inch by inch.....". We have to take each day as it comes, whether its a good day or a not-so-good day. In my case, "not so good" tend to outweigh the "good" in my world, but I try to take each step, even baby steps, as they come. I came, I conquer as best as possible and I try to forge forward. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but I can look at myself in the mirror and know I tried my best (as no one can ask any further of that... to at least try my best).
I am not a mom so I cannot understand the mom's anquish when a child is not well. But, know that I send healing hugglez to your son and send wishes that the dr's get things under control for him soon. For you..... I can see and "hear" the difficulties you endure post AN treatment, but know that all of us are here with shoulders, good ears and hearts to try to help you along.
Know that many of us endure daily struggles that we try our best to get through. Although everyone's struggles may be different in nature, the one thing we all (collectively) have learned.... regardless of what is going on in each one's life.... we are certainly here for each other. Please remember that.
So, with that said.... again, welcome to you.... please hang in there... and all the bad jokes and commentaries are in the "AN Community" forum. :) Yes, we all try to laugh as well. :)
Phyl
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Hi Nani~
Sounds like we have gone thru a lot of the same things and I am here to tell you that it WILL get better. I had a "Huge" tumor when I was 25 and a stroke on the table. I had to relearn how to walk, write, talk - everything. I didn't even start therapy until after 3 months - when i had gone back to work. Can you imagine working everyday right now? I didn't have any choice so I just had to do the best I could - I taught 1st grade - kind of physically demanding...like having to care for a baby!! I also had my eye sewn shut for 3 months - not because it was some archaic method to protect the cornea but b/c the cornea was so incredibly scratched that they didn't have any choice if they were to save the eye. Of course, I don't see very well out of that eye and am SSD on the right side along with residual balance problems and exhaustion, but i have a great life now! Check out our blog or PM me your # - I'd love to chat with you! Must run to basketball, soccer x 2 and then another basketball practice!
K ;D
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Hi, Nani ~
No wonder you feel angry at 'life'. However, you've certainly received some useful and truly caring replies to your heartrending post. I just wanted to offer you my 'welcome' and express my sorrow in learning about your troubles. Admittedly, I'm not a doctor but I must state that I have my doubts concerning your doctor's claim that you can't ever consider another pregnancy, based on the possibility that your previous pregnancy-induced hormone release 'triggered' growth of the AN. That's an interesting theory but hardly a fact. Although it's not scientific, I think Kay's experience ('Kaybo'), including 3 very successful post-op pregnancies is most informative. You might want to consider giving her a call.
I'm not a woman and so I won't pretend to fully understand your feelings about being denied having more children, but, as a parent, I can understand your anger at family and friends who fail to grasp the depth of your sorrow and sense of loss when dealing with this possibility. Unfortunately, as we've discussed in this forum numerous times, that lack of sensitivity from friends and family is extremely common. I believe that, while their support is wonderful and helpful, in many instances, we have to learn to emotionally support ourselves. Others won't - or are simply unable. As I often point out, everybody has their own set of issues they're dealing with - sometimes its things we know nothing about because they refuse to talk about them - and as individuals, we have only so much empathy and emotional support to give to others while dealing with our own problems. In biblical terms, each of us carries his/her own 'cross'.
Your baby's tremor's are certainly upsetting. I recall my son being an infant and developing Pyloric stenosis (projectile vomiting) at just 3 weeks of age. My wife and I were very worried but we had an excellent pediatrician and the problem was surgically repaired with no further issues. I can only hope and pray that your son, Gabriel, will not be found to have a serious problem and that he can be easily treated. Considering your experiences, I can sympathize with your wariness about dealing with neurologists. I wouldn't be hostile toward the neurologist. I might suggest that before visiting the doctor, you write down the questions you wish to ask. That way, you won't have to depend on your memory and can answer the doctor's questions but still have your questions answered, thus making the consultation more useful for both of you.
If you have a spiritual faith, this would be a good time to call on it. If not, you would probably do well to turn your anger into a steely determination to overcome the obstacles you face; your own recovery, the threat of not being able to bear more children, your baby's tremors, your mother's breast cancer diagnosis and even the death of your pet, which can all add up to a daunting array of obstacles to conquer. Take them one at a time, especially your own recovery. You're already dealing with your son's problem and will be consulting other doctors about the possibility of another pregnancy relating to a tumor re-growth. You can support your mother and certainly mourn the loss of your dog.
At 23, you have your youth to help you cope as well as a very young child to raise, which is a serious task in itself but one that is a joy, as many can tell you. I hope your husband will continue to try to help you. I'm sure he wants to but if you tell him or infer that as a man, he simply can't understand what you're going through, you've basically shut him out and said that he can't help. This isn't the best way to deal with your frustration and sorrow. I think you realize that and I hope you'll be able to work with your husband as a 'team', as you fight the battles you face, both physical and emotional. My wife and I have been married for 39 years and have always worked that way. She was my 'rock' during my AN surgery and subsequent recovery. I tried to be there for her during back surgeries she endured a few years earlier. We've both lost our parents and we both went through the usual stresses of raising our son. We've weathered job losses, financial problems, health problems - and more. It's all part of living and we always worked as a team to get through it all. Not to pretend that that we didn't have our times of angry, raised voices and slammed doors - because we did. But we never gave up on each other, no matter what. We also enjoyed and intend to enjoy lots of good times, too, just as you and your husband will. I always remind folks struggling with problems that it won't always be this way. Nothing stays the same, forever. You'll eventually recover, you'll deal with your son's medical issues and I bet you have another baby some day. That isn't to pretend that the way it is right now doesn't suck. It does. No sugar coatings here, Nani. I'm just making the point that you should consider trying to focus on the future and not allow yourself to be mired in anger and resentment, which can cloud your judgment. However, venting is good for the psyche and this forum is a great place to do it, so feel free. We understand and support you and we hope you'll be able to feel better, soon - and that maybe we've helped just a little bit.
Jim
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Nani -
I'm sorry things are so hard right now, but you will get through this - and we'll help you in any way we can.
Do you know if there is a local ANA support group in your area? You can check the link on the main page of the ANA's website.
You can also contact the ANA about their WTT (willing to talk) list - there might be another AN patient in your area who could give you some one-on-one support.
As others have said, there are several patients on this forum who have had children after an AN - so don't give up hope just yet in that area.
Have faith. We are here for you.
Jan
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Hi Nani,
I read your other posts, including your first "hi" thread, and quite honestly, took a while to jump in since I didn't even know where to begin. My heart goes out to you, and I certainly don't want to pretend that I have even an inkling of what it's like to be in your shoes right now. To have all that on your plate at once would be enough to drive anyone batty.
Please know that we are here for you, and between all of us, I'm sure we can piece together enough life experiences to at least relate to some of what you are going through, and although your crises seem to have piled up on you all at once, we can try to help you muddle through...even if it's only one crisis or even one day at a time.
As for myself, I have not yet been through treatment for my AN, and have not recently suffered the loss of a loved one such as your grandmother or had a troubling diagnosis of a parent, such as with your mother, so the most I can offer are kind words, and might completely miss the mark on being helpful. However, I know all too well the frustrations of loss of insurance, frustrating and inadequate doctors, the loss of a dear pet and, as recently as last year, had my world temporarily turn upside-down as we went through a life-threatening and life-changing diagnosis with my oldest son, now 12. With my AN diagnosis, I was fine after a few hours of research. With my son's diagnosis...I cried off and on for days. Still get a little choked up sometimes. Darn kids.
Please hang in there. You have every right to be sad, mad, scared, overwhelmed, and any other emotion you can conjure up. Wallow in it, for a liitle bit, if need be. Just make sure you take a deep breath, dust yourself off, and start again tomorrow. (and repeat as necessary ;))
we're pulling for you --
Michelle
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Nani .....
Want to add my welcome and say how sorry I am that you are having to deal with all of these issues.
Regarding the no further pregnancies, I would certainly obtain a second opinion, and third or more, if necessary. To my admittedly limited knowledge, meningiomas or acoustic neuromas are not hormone related tumors, like malignant ones can be. I had a rare rapidly growing AN and at my tender age, I definitely was not pregnant (my youngest child is 35!). No one knows why some ANs can grow fast, while most grow very slowly. Even some ANs can grow slowly and then have a sudden growth spurt and then go back to slow growing again.
Thoughts and prayers.
Clarice
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I'm so sorry you're having to go through this all at once. My kids were 3 1/2 years and 6 weeks old when I was diagnosed with a "ginormous" AN needing surgery asap. Through it all, I held on to the thought that at least my kids were healthy. I'm a big girl and can handle whatever comes my way (some days better than others!), but if it was one of my kids it would have broken my heart. BTW, my mom had breast cancer when I was 20 years old and is now a 15 year survivor. Hugs to you...
On the subject of having more kids. I started showing AN symptoms halfway through my first pregnancy and lost a lot of my hearing when my son was about 10 weeks old. I avoided going to the dr until things got really bad right after the birth of my daughter. Although I regret not going to the dr when my tumor was smaller and would have been easier to deal with, I can't regret the set of circumstances that led to Lilly happening. If I had done what I should have, she might not be here (the timing would most likely have been different). At 23, I don't think you should completely write off having another child in the future. I can understand not wanting to get pregnant until after the tumor has been dealt with, but I don't see why you couldn't later on. I had my kids when I was 30 and 34--nothing wrong with being an "older" parent!!! ;-)
Vonda
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Hi Nani,
I have seen your other posts. I know that there is no easy answers to any of your issues. Anger is normal to feel, but just know that the issues will resolve overtime, and slowly you will find peace in all the doubts that you have. Although it is understood it won't be easy, as it never is. If you deal with it one day at a time, it won't be so overwhelming. I don't know how to explain this, but during a lot of issues of my own such as loss of father, teenage issues, other medical issues, including this meningioma that took the nobel prize, I came to realize that everything needs to be kept in perspective and you almost need to live life moment by moment as the big picture is too overwhelming. Walks are extremely good when you feel anxious, a good comedy show sometimes does the trick. It doesn't resolve the issues but your mind needs that moment of distraction to keep on going. Things will get better.
Vivian
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Hi Nani,
Wow just hang in there one day at a time. I love the prayer of Serenity even if it is for AA meetings! I say it every day or a couple of times.. ;)
Some days it seems like there are a million worries and I feel discombobulated/anxious/tired/depressed.
And then other days I feel OK! Seize the good days.
You do feel cheated because you are young and all you really want to do is just be normal mom and enjoy your baby and life ??? Like Kaybo said -don't give up.
Life will continue to happen and you will be blessed with many happy times and hopefully a happy healthy baby in the future. It just seems like soooo much, but you will become ever stronger.
Remember whatever doesn 't kill you only makes you stronger......
The Serenity Prayer goes like this --
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next. Amen.
Hang in there ;)
Maureen
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Nani, I'm really late jumping in here but I just wanted to say you have every right to be upset.
However, as others have said - there is no real substantiated evidence that pregnancy hormones cause AN growth. I saw my ENT surgeon 2 days ago for my 8 month MRI. My husband and I had wanted to start a family this time last year, but I was diagnosed with the AN, which of course put everything on hold.
My 8 month post-op MRI showed "something", either scar tissue or tumor - the doc is not sure which. He gave me the official "OK" to get pregnant and made it clear that while they do see pregnant women with large ANs, there is nothing to prove that pregnancy will always cause the AN to go crazy. I cannot even imagine not having children, it's the only thing I've ever really been sure of in my life!
THings just have a way of working out, you are still very young and no way should you give up on any of your dreams b/c of what one surgeon told you.
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Maureen, thank you for posting the entire text of the Serenity prayer. So often it is truncated after the first two lines, and bandied about as a platitude. I especially like the line "accepting hardships as the pathway to peace."
Sara
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Your welcome, Sara :)
Hope others can benefit from it.
Maureen
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Hi Nani,
I'm way late reading your original post and those that followed. You've got every right to be mad as hell. I'm still really pissed at 11 weeks post-op. I'm not gonna try and tell you what to do only what I do that makes me feel a little more at peace with my new normal. I write whatever come's to mind, mean, nasty, sarcastic, funny, not so funny, it doesn't matter, I just write. I also eat cookies, lots of cookies, mostly Chocolate Chip, the big soft ones. That's what works for me, writing and cookies. Almost forgot my dog, Freddie the Wonder Pug, he makes it all feel better too.
You take care, have a box of cookies and give the people that mean the most to you and love you a big hug!
;)
Doc
PS: Read this blog entry and you'll see what I wrote on the subject less than a month ago (no bad language or nothing, just my really scary picture...boo!): http://www.docbreger.com/TWAT-D/Tumor_Talk/Entries/2009/10/1_I_Get_So_Angry.html
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Sorry, just have to interject here... Freddie is adorable!! I have two pugs, Reggie and Eleanor Giselle. Getting to stay home w/ them for a few months post-op was awesome :D
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Sorry, just have to interject here... Freddie is adorable!! I have two pugs, Reggie and Eleanor Giselle. Getting to stay home w/ them for a few months post-op was awesome :D
Thanks Lyssa, he's a great dog and has been a really good friend in my post-op world too!
Doc
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Have to note that my Queenie Beanie (pug) stayed by my side (as a new appendage) during my treatment. Watched me like a Pug-hawk that she is, was very under foot and never left my side. Her unconditional love post-treatment was truly something.
My Beanie:
(http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd186/ppearlbaxter/Oct09fallfoilage021.jpg)
Phyl
Sorry, just have to interject here... Freddie is adorable!! I have two pugs, Reggie and Eleanor Giselle. Getting to stay home w/ them for a few months post-op was awesome :D
Thanks Lyssa, he's a great dog and has been a really good friend in my post-op world too!
Doc
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I just knew the morning wouldn't be complete until Dr. Phyl posted a big Beanie picture for all to see...Good Morning Phyl & Beanie...Freddie and I just finished our breakfast, we had French Toast! Have a Fun Day!
:)
Doc
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Hi, Nani,
I can't offer much more than what people have already said - that your anger is COMPLETELY understandable and normal, that you will impove day by day, inch by inch, that you will get through this tremendously horrible time of your life, and that this is a great place to VENT. Your circumstances are incredibly stressful right now. A month after I was diagnosed, I ended up in ER with a roaring case of mastistis, except I am 47 non-nursing. So while I was spending all my time seeing neurologists, I also had to see a breast surgeon, have mammograms, sonograms, etc to rule out a very scary type of breast cancer. In the end, it turned out to be truly a very odd case of mastistis. I didn't fit in any of the categories for getting this, but I did and it was probably due to the stress. Then my mother-in-law had two strokes, had to have her leg amputated, and finally passed after a month struggle and my husband also lost one of his dearest friends at age 58. I kept thinking, "are you kidding me, isn't a brain tumor enough?!?!!???"
You also have a sick child which is the most stressful thing I think a mother can go through. Truly, deeply, scary. So all I can offer you is my prayers and support and a vitual hug and hand holding. Please keep us posted. You do need to take care of yourself which I know probably seems like an impossible thing with both your child and your mother needing you too. But you really need to heal. Journaling might be a great way to get all those mixed-up feelings out. I hope Lexapro helps take the edge off of all of this for you.
I am thinking of you...check in often
Cheryl
PS I also would add that I have read several threads of people going on to have second or more children post AN and did not get another AN or have regrowth. Someone had their An diagnosed during their first pregnancy and was afraid, but did not have any issues. I would get a second opinion on this. Each pregnancy is different also hormone-wise. While the pregnancy might possibly have caused your AN to spurt grow, I doubt that the pregnancy caused the AN.
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I'm so sorry, Nani.
You have every right to be angry. The things you have gone through aren't fair and as a mother I can certainly understand how very upset you are that your son is having medical problems. That is the ultimate pain for a mother.
Nothing I could ever say would make things better, but just know that I do understand and I think you have every right to be mad, sad, angry, or whatever it is you are feeling. I'm glad you felt that you could share that here.
Lyn
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Nani,
I would like to say that your not alone, we are in an odd sense a huge family. I can relate to your story. I have a daughter who was born with a spinal cord defect called Spina bifinda. She is 32 years old now but has had 48 operations in her lifetime so far. My husband died 18 years ago and my Mom commented suicded just 30 days later. We really have no family to speak of or would offer to help us if we needed it and not in a money kinda of way. It has always been just Pooh and I. In 2007, Pooh got sick again with a serious kidney problem that took 1 1/2 years to fix and I basically went in debit above my head to get her what she needed. BUT IT SAVED HER KIDNEYS. 4 months later, I found out about my tumor. Life has been hard and I think at times that is what got to recovery so fast. I didn't have a choice.
In this lifetime, I have had people ask me " Don't you think she would be better off dead?" Of course, I don't ever think about it. Do I get mad, upset - of course! But I always try to find a postive thoughts to get me threw. It is so easy to get angry, mad afterall- who said life was fair? I can truly say since coming home from the hosptial - the ONLY help that I had was someone to pull Pooh into her wheelchair and into her bed. From the time I came home from the hosptial, I fixed our own meals, showered without a shower chair, did the clothes washing and so on.
Do I sit around thinking just how much more weight on my shoulders can I take? No, I do alot of walking which I learned early on that helps with stress and actually clears my head.
I do hope things get better for you and I hope my story helped to let you know your not alone on this board. We are all here willing to lend you support and understanding when needed. Debi
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Know that many of us endure daily struggles that we try our best to get through. Although everyone's struggles may be different in nature, the one thing we all (collectively) have learned.... regardless of what is going on in each one's life.... we are certainly here for each other. Please remember that.
So, with that said.... again, welcome to you.... please hang in there... and all the bad jokes and commentaries are in the "AN Community" forum. :) Yes, we all try to laugh as well. :)
Phyl
I hope it's accepted Forum Etiquette to quote another, but I love what Phyl said in her post to you, and want to echo it again to you
This has truly been a journey of ups and ups and down down down downest then up a little and then a little bit more up. It's because of this forum that I can drag out of bed on some days. There really are people out here who care, and who are sending all kinds of good thoughts and support. While none of us can walk others' exact road,s we are all certainly standing along the way, cheering each other on, and enjoying each other's bad jokes!!!
All the best,
Tricia (horsekayak)
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there is folk on the site who have went on too have 2 or more kids after the removal of a AN
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Nani,
In October I was diagnosed with Acoustic Neuroma. I can relate to the fear, anger, and alienation that you are going through. In early November a friend of mine sent me an e-mail about a meeting in Houston, Texas. It turned out that this meeting was a support group and they had brought in a specialist from MD Anderson to discuss treatment options and to answer questions. I decided to take a two hour road trip from Austin (where I live) to Houston and was pleasantly surprised to find out how therapeutic attending the group was. I am not sure if you have had any success in finding a AN support group; however I know that this one was helpful for me. It would be about a 3 1/2- 4 hour drive from Baton Rouge to Houston. If you are interested, here is contact information for the group:
Visit www.yahoo.com and search groups for
houstonanasupport
If you would like a direct contact for the group, write me back and I can give you more information.
Hang in there.
Best regards,
Robert Johnson
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Greetings Robert!
I lived in Austin when I was diagnosed with my AN - that was a LONG time ago (even though I was only 25 then!) - I went to Houston to have surgery! Glad you found this site - make yourself at home!
K ;D
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Hi, Robert and welcome to the Forum.
Nani hasn't logged on since December 8th, so you may want to PM or email her this information.
Just a thought,
Jan