ANA Discussion Forum
Pre-Treatment Options => Pre-Treatment Options => Topic started by: jaylogs on October 14, 2009, 06:33:56 pm
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Greetings fellow AN'ers! So, since my last post (where I was wrongly told I had an 8cm AN as opposed to 8mm) I've been getting different opinions. The first neuro otologist said translab lab was the way to go beings my hearing was pretty far gone. Then I got the famous Dr. Brackmann's advice to do middle fossa approach. Today I went to BNI (Barrow Neurological) with Dr. Weisskapf and he too suggest translab. I am about 96.3% for going translab at this point. I don't want to do FSR for various reasons. I've researched every treatment option to death (Like I am sure most people on here have :) ) and I think that's what I am going to do. I have an appointment next month with Dr. Spetzler (neurosurgeon) and we'll go from there. I feel pretty good about this decison, I really don't have a heartache about losing the hearing, I just want it all to be as complication-free as possible. I've read on these discussion forums that there is no more "right" decision than the one that you make for yourself regarding these AN's, and now I am starting to feel that way now. Thank you all for posting your positive comments on my other thread and while I take this next step I'll keep checking back from time to time. I've read a few posts about Barrow's experiences, but some were a bit dated, has anyone out there have either Weisskapf or Spetzler as their doctors in the last year? I'd be interested in hearing from you! Take care all and happy days ahead! :)
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Jay ~
I'm pleased to learn that these forums and the posts have been of use to you for that is the purpose of the message boards.
Although you're absolutely correct about the final decision on the precise treatment/type of surgery, doctor and facility all resting solely in the AN patient's hands, we're happy to help advise and guide you to the best of our collective ability. I'll look forward to your future updates and your final decision. Sorry, I don't have any information on BNI - but I'm sure others will be here soon to offer the kind of information you're seeking.
Jim
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Jay,
Sometimes you just have to go with what "feels" right to you. I'm glad you are pretty close to a decision - for many people, that's the hardest part!
I don't have any first hand experience on Barrow's but I know there have been some forum members that were there not too long ago, so hopefully they'll chime in here.
Keep us posted!
Lori
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And soon Jay you will move to Post treatment!
Erin
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Thanks again for all the support and I go through this process! So I did finally make a decision, I am going to get my Middle Fossi done at House in LA, by Dr. Brackmann! Now I just got to get the surgery scheduled, and they'll be calling me today about all that. As soon as I know, I'll let you all know...woohoo! :)
Jay
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Oh, well done Jay. All the best thought for you from Toronto! (really Brampton, but no one knows where that is!)
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I do!!! Do you know were Stoney Creek is?
Anne Marie
PS Is this a hi jack? ;D
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mmmm Stoney Creek Dairy ;D
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ok I'll play..
I know Toronto and Brampton and Stoney Creek...but do you know Beachburg????? (near Pembroke)(about 130kms west of Ottawa)
JO
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PS Is this a hi jack? ;D
first time you've been busted, m'dear! :o Back on topic, folks :)
Hi Jay
I know of some that have had radiation (Cyberknife) at BNI and one or 2 that had surgery there. I've heard nothing but good out of BNI and you should be in terrific hands there. Great facility from what others have shared with me. Best wishes during this process... and cheering you on!
Phyl
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ok I'll play..
I know Toronto and Brampton and Stoney Creek...but do you know Beachburg????? (near Pembroke)(about 130kms west of Ottawa)
JO
I was born in Pembroke, and then returned when I was in the Military in 1989 ;D
so yes...I do.
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Glad to hear you've made your decision. Now is the waiting until the surgery. I've got 2 1/2 weeks until my middle fossa.
Best Wishes,
Denise :)
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Thank you Phyl for policing this forum! :P Just so you all know, I've set the date for Dec 9th, at House in LA withe Dr. Brackmann and Dr. Schwartz. Now all I gotta do is wait! :D
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Congrats on your decision! It feels really good to get that one behind you, doesn't it? The waiting can be tough, but keep yourself busy, do what feels good, stay active, and surround yourself with positive people. Best of luck to you!! December will be here before you know it and then off you'll be to Postie-land. It's all good stuff.
Kathy
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Thank you Kathy! Good golly, I was reading all the crap you have had to go through there in your signature line...and you still say it's all good stuff? That's one thing I've noticed about this forum, it oozes positive thoughts! :)
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That's one thing I've noticed about this forum, it oozes positive thoughts! :)
we get paid the big bucks to make sure it does ooze good thoughts! ;D
Decision making process done. Now, onward to wellness! :)
Phyl
(you're welcome.... policing this site is what I *coff* live for!)
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Jay,
I think LA in December will be nice and warm. I have this noted and you are in my thoughts and prayers. I think you have a VERY good team picked there.
And for those hi jackers who got distracted on the Brampton thread within... hey I have been there too! I did some practice teaching at Oakville Trafalgar Secondary School and also within the Peel School Board District. I remember this time of year to be cold, damp ... the sort of weather that requires at knitted toque. Yup LA is a warmer place to be ... than Brampton. ;D
To tie the two threads together (those darn hi-jackers ;) ) I want to comment than when I met Dr. Brackmann I could not help notice the Canadian awards on his wall... I bet even HE knows where Brampton Ontario is! ;D
DHM
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So I've made a reservation at Seton House for my wife and in-laws while I get the "deluxe" accomodations at St. Vincents! :) My question is to those who have been there...any tips for staying there? What to bring? Things of that nature? I know it's not the Hilton but for a place to crash and rest up it should suffice. Thanks again to all who've responded!
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Hi, Jay,
If you do a search on Seton (and I would suggest using "Seton" rather than "Seton Hall") at the top of the forum page, you'll find lots of postings that will provide the information you're seeking. I had my translab procedure done at House in January 2008; my husband and I stayed at Seton Hall and found it to be just fine. It's convenient to both House (right across the street) and St. Vincent's (connected by an underground tunnel ... or a very short outside walk).
Best wishes for a successful surgery! You're going to a truly amazing place; I continue to be in awe of the entire experience almost two years later.
Catherine (JerseyGirl 2)
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Ohhhh Yeahhh Jersey Girl....Now why didn't I think of searching for that here in forums? duhhhhh...lol
Jay