ANA Discussion Forum
Pre-Treatment Options => Pre-Treatment Options => Topic started by: Tod on January 22, 2010, 02:06:18 pm
-
I have now met with the neurotolgist and neurosurgeon at VCU's Medical College of Virginia. I feel I am in good hands with both. The surgery is scheduled for Friday, Feb 12th and at this point the plan is both trans-lab and retro-sigmoid because of the size and location of the tumor.
I am much relieved to have surgery scheduled. I have had a rough week waiting for this. Now I can focus on getting things in order before hand.
It is a good day.
-
Tod ~ Congratulations on securing a surgery date and, most importantly, feeling confident with your decision.
I've added your surgery date to our AN Treatment Calendar. http://my.calendars.net/an_treatments/d12/02/2010?authenticate=&display=M&style=B (http://my.calendars.net/an_treatments/d12/02/2010?authenticate=&display=M&style=B) Feel free to add to it, if necessary.
Jim
-
Congratulations, Tod.
Treatment decisions are tough to make, but I'm confident you made the right one for you.
I've never heard of someone having translab & retrosigmoid in the same surgery. Are you able to elaborate a little on that? I always thought you had to have one or the other; obviously I'm wrong ;D
Thanks for putting Tod's big day on the calendar, Jim.
Jan
-
Thanks, Jim.
Jan, the neurosurgeon feels he will need more space to work to get a the tumor around the brainstem and the neurotologist needs to also clear the tumor from the acoustic nerve canal. The pictures of Bob really are not pretty.
Tod
-
Hey congrats Tod...I know that was the hardest part of this...the deciding and waiting. I am glad Jan asked that question because I was surprised to see you were getting two approaches...I hope that goes well for you. The main thing is that you are feeling really good about who and where you are doing this and that makes all the difference in the world! Good luck and keep us posted!
Jay
-
I do feel good about it. The neurosurgeon says he is open to convincing from the neurotologist to do trans-lab only, but he has 20 years experience, including significant experience with tumors this size. All reports is that these two guys work well together, and feel I have connected well with both. I don't know about others, but I look at what is going on with my brainstem and I am happy to trust the experts.
I still ask lots of questions though....
-
Tod,
You're getting a two-for-one deal, huh? You may win in the Most Impressive Scar contest. ;)
I'm glad you were able to find a good doctor. I've heard good things about VCU and I'm sure you'll be in good hands. Sounds like your doctor is well prepared to kick Bob to the curb!
Make sure to keep us posted!
Lori
-
The main thing is that you are feeling really good about who and where you are doing this and that makes all the difference in the world!
I wish I would have said this in my post! I totally agree with Jay.
Thanks for the explanation about the need for two surgical approaches. I'm having a hard time visualizing this, but then again I'm not doing your surgery - so that isn't an issue at all ;)
Comfort with, and confidence in, your doctors and you treatment choice IMO go a very long way. A positive attitude is also helpful - so you've got that going for you also, Tod.
Jan
-
wow,
Two approach surgery. Sounds like you will be in many great hands, and glad you have come to the decision. Will be here before you know it.
Getting things ready and try and stay active, exercise when you can. It will help with recovery.
Best wishes,
Maureen
-
You've got a Big tumor and you've got to go in fighting. I guess they know what they are doing with two approaches. You'll have a road map on your skull. Good thing you're a man and don't have the long hair to grow back like me. You'll be fine in no time. Remember: the first three days post op are the worst. Hang in there...
Mei Mei
-
Good Luck Tod...I'll be thinking of you!
Take Care!
;)
Doc
Always Blogging: www.wonkyhead.com (http://www.wonkyhead.com)
-
Thanks all. Although Mei Mei, you assume that I have short hair because I am guy...well, iit's true. And I have struggled with just shaving my head before my last day of work, if only for the attention.
The three days post surgery are the worst? Good to know. I am planning to spoil myself and take advantage of certain amenities at the hospital, just to try and make it more bearable.
So tell me, what do folks do in the weeks leading up to surgery to prepare, apart from the standard pre-op appointments and the like? Yesterday I went to the mountains with a buddy for good hike on an ice-covered section of the Appalachian Trail.
-
Hiking up an ice covered mountain? Sounds like brain surgery will be a real blast for you! :D I hate the cold, so I think I'd rather be in the warm hospital. :D
I cleaned my house. A lot. Which was pointless because by the time I got back home from the hospital, it was a mess again anyway. Other than that, I just tried to spend some quality time with my family - we went to the park and the playground, took the kids to a movie, stuff like that. I only had about 5 weeks between my diagnosis and surgery so I didn't have too much time to kill.
Be careful on those icy mountains or you'll wind up in the hospital in traction sooner than planned!
Lori
-
Yesterday I went to the mountains with a buddy for good hike on an ice-covered section of the Appalachian Trail.
Perfect! Good exercise and balance exercise there.
Keep exercising! I personally stayed with my step aerobic routine, can't compete with yours. ;) May as well indulge in some good food too, what the heck.....
Maureen
-
Tod, I will keep you in my prayers for your upcoming surgery.
We had a vacation planned and we left the day after I found out I had a brain tumor. We went to the Keys and relaxed. Also, I went fishing the Saturday before my Monday surgery with my brother. I wasn't feeling well but getting out on a boat on the river on a beautiful sunny day was perfect to relax. Of course I didn't catch any fish that day (typical for me) but I had a great day to spend with my brother. But most important for me and my piece of mind was we got our Will done and that was a big relief knowing that if something happened to me or my husband that my daughter would be taken care of. Oh yes, I cleaned my house....Whatever you do, please make sure you are plenty rested prior to your surgery. We will be thinking of you.
-
Tod,
Best wishes for a successful surgery on the 12th at MCV and an easy and complete recovery afterward! I do have one little tip: Bring good eye lubricant drops to the hospital with you - just in case. The drops my hospital used had a preservative that made my eye feel worse.
Cyndi
-
Good idea, Cyndi as mine would just give you tears for day time use and the right gel for night. The Refresh Liquigel or similar brand is better and some even use the heavier Celluvisc in the day too. One can sometimes even have dry eye for a while even with no facial paralysis. That happened with my last surgery for about 3 weeks. Plus lip balm is good to have with you.
Cheryl R
-
I spent the week before the surgery in Charlottesville, VA near you. My daughter had a baby girl at UVA hospital. That was a real distraction. We had a lot of Christmas and New Year Family time together and then there was a week of shopping to store up at Costco and the Giant because I knew when I got home I woulnd't be able to lift anything and drive for two week and lift for a long time. You have to start hording stuff now for two months.
The intubation from the anesthesia gives you a sore throat. A real nice nurse brought me several servings of ice cream once I was approved for a soft liquid diet (day 2) . They let me have solids on day three because they wanted to make sure I could swallow OK after the surgery.
You also get double vision and a stiff neck and feel like people are horizontal when they are really vertical. It's alot to look forward to
but the nurses are great and cheerful and you've got the TV and the MEDS .... You'll get through it. The days will pass. They are passing for me.
I'm punching for you!!!!
Mei Mei
-
Cyndi. Cheryl, and Mei Mei, this is all very helpful. I do appreciate the suggestions and insight into what to expect.
Best,
Tod
-
Well, Tod...It's Monday and countdown week to your surgery on Friday and we're thinking good thoughts and prayers for you. Looking forward to that coming out party for Bob!
Sincerely,
Mei Mei
-
Thanks Mei Mei. It is indeed countdown week. I've done about all I can do, and now I am just waiting. I have some maintenance errands scheduled for Thursday with my sister's help who is flying in for the event.
I am irritable, tired, and after giving two units of blood, very weak comparatively speaking.
Soon it will be over though..I swear though Bob has been growing. I've started having headaches and slowing down other ways...of course it may just be stress. I just don't know why... ;-)
-Tod
-
Good luck with your surgery this week the only thing I did before my surgery was ate at different places that I loved I figured I probably will lose the weight after the surgery anyways, but I was fooled I did not lose that much so now I have the extra weight I should have went hiking instead...
My prayers and thought are with you.
Best Wishes,
Pat
-
Keep up the spirits. It doesn't pay to get irritable. Think positive and try to eat good vegetables. I remember I was constipated the week after surgery and they had to give me all kinds of stuff to empty me out.
Stock up on Extra Strenth Tylenol or the CVS brand since they've pulled the Tylenol brand. I'm already running out of it with the post surgical head aches and the neck and shoulder aches. They stretch you out and immobilze you for so long on the table that your neck and shoulder gets really stiff. My primary care gave me four free samples of "Flector Patch" that you can cut up and put on the spot where it hurts. It has Flexeril in it. He also gave me a RX for more. Get a neck shaped heating pad that you can microwave. They sell them at natural food stores and on the internet. It's a life saver for when you come home.
Remember to ask for ice cream as soon as they approve you for a liquid diet. It'll go down easy on your throat. Your throat will magically feel better on day three.
My tumor grew in the last week and I started to get eye symptoms the weekend before the surgery as well as the original hearing loss and facial symptoms. The surgeon called me on my cell and asked me how I was doing and I told him this and he said it was time to take it out. After the surgery one of the residents said he was having a hard time pulling on it...it was sticky. I guess because it grew wider and bigger. So the sooner you say good bye to Bob, the better.
I'll be thinking of you all week, on Friday and during your recovery. My best to you!!!
Mei Mei
-
Mei Mei, thanks for the advice - it is much appreciated.
I really try to stay calm...but sometimes people push the wrong buttons and then I cut loose. And it sometimes is a good thing.
I am concerned about my neck since I already suffer from degenerative cervical disc disease. I made a point of that in the pre-ops last week to make sure they got the pictures and radiologist report to consider while positioning my neck and head. Right now everything seems to be in place. Tomorrow is the last day of work. My staff took me to lunch today for some marvelous sushi and tomorrow night my senior colleagues are taking me to the pub to say goodbye to Bob before I get home for grandelf's 8th birthday. Thursday is vet appointments for the dogs and some errands with my sister.
Oh, and today I showed up at work Cue Ball style...had my entire head shaved. I want to wear my stitches proudly.
-
Best wishes for Friday, Tod. Bye bye Bob! 8)
Steve
-
Dear Tod,
I've got degenerative disc disease too so get a heating pad for the shoulders and some kind of heating pad for the neck when you come home. I can't tell you how much you're gonna need it.
Yes, and good riddance to Bob. Sounds like you have a great family and staff down there to support you!!!
They should've shaved Valentine decorations on your head!
You're going to get through this week fine!
Best of Luck!
Mei Mei
-
And we are off in just a few hours. The start time has moved up and they requested a last minute MRI yesterday. Everything is in place, and just a few hours of sleep stand between me and the beginning of a new life.
Thanks for all I've learned here..talk to y'all next week.
Tod
-
Hey,
I'll be thinking of you and wishing for a positive outcome. I had mine done on Nov 23rd 2009, just 2-1/2 months ago and now I go in on Feb 17th for implanting of a gold weight in my right (tumor side) eyelid. So I'm working through the recovery process. You'll make it. You just have to take one day at a time and keep your faith.
God be with you.
Michael
-
Tod,
Thinking of you-tomorrow is the big day.
Prayers for a successful surgery :) :)
Maureen
-
Thinking of you today and cannot wait to hear from you next week first 3 days are the roughest.
Prayers and thoughts are with you,
Pat
-
I thought of you and your surgery shortly after I woke up this morning...its marked on the calendar on the refrigerator door. I've got a headache right now, so you must be in surgery as I type this...sympathy pains I guess...thank goodness you're not giving birth, I couldn't handle those pains...say cheese!
All my best Tod...wishing you a speedy trip back to a healthy you!
Take Care!
;)
Doc
Always Blogging at www.wonkyhead.com (http://www.wonkyhead.com)
-
Hi Todd
I remember reading your post here and wishing I had a definite date for my surgery. I imagine that your pretty busy right about now, or at least the Dr's are. I'm sending.. up a special coming out prayer for Bob. When you read this it will be all over and I hope that you are doing fine. I know they say the first 3 days are hard but with any luck you will sleep through most of it, That's what I'm gonna do ( I hope).
Send us a line as soon as you can, your a POSTIE now and we wanna hear all about it.
Sue
-
It's the end of the day and yes your a Postie now and Bob is somewhere in a Path lab where he belongs. Congratulations, Tod. Rest, well and write to us when you can!
Sincerely,
Mei Mei
-
10n days later I am a survivor. 32hours of surgery and a long way to workthth0ugh ahead.
thanks all,
Tod
-
Tod
My jaw dropped when I read that you had 32 hours of surgery!! Gets lots of rest Tod. Update us on how you are doing when you feel up to it!
Erin
-
Thanks Erin. Bill Boadduss has been awarded ""Rock star" status by my familiy for his dogged pursuit of Bob and saving my life.
Best to all,
Tod
-
Seriously, Tod?
32 hours of surgery?
You deserve a special award for this!
Where is Steve?? He should knit you a hat. I'd do it myself, but I can barely sew on a button ;D
Great to hear from you.
Jan
-
You are so right Jan-Tod deserves a hat!
Erin
-
OMG ! ! 32 hours ??!!!! Gotta be a new record - I can't even imagine this, how you must have felt when you (finally) came to ! !
Hope you are doing well; & as you've probly been told a zillion times: REST, REST, eat, walk, REST, REST... recovery takes ALOT of time.
Always good thoughts, Nancy
-
God Bless You, Tod...32 hours of Surgery. Your neck must feel awful. I can't believe you're home and typing already!!!
Take care and keep in touch!!! Congratulations and good riddance to Bob!
Mei Mei
-
Tod ~
Congratulations on 'surviving' your AN surgery. Like everyone else that has posted, I'm absolutely astonished at the thought of a 32-hour surgery. Please elaborate when you're feeling up to it. For now, get all the rest you need. We'll still be here to cheer you on when your recovery has progressed.
Jim
-
Thanks all. Started pureed foods today. Still early into recovery...however, prognosis is good.
-
Tod,
I'm speechless. All I can say is God Bless You!!!! Pureed food is good, you are chewing and swallowing. Keep up the baby steps!
Maureen
-
Hi Tod, I'm so glad to hear from you and know that you came through surgery and have a good prognosis. But 32 hours :o. Holy cow I had to wait a day to respond just to let it sink in. Please take good care and send more details as soon as you are up to it.
God Bless You :-*
Sue in Michigan
-
Not really sure how many days post-op i am, but things continue to improve.
Bob was sticky and entangled badly about my brain stem. The docs simply weren't going to walk away, so it was a very long day and a half for my family. As expected, Bob was benign, so with about 95% removal rate, we move to wait and watch for the future.
I had severe bedsores and surgically-related wounds. However, I have received top care of professionals all across the hospital and med schools. I have healed nicely thus far. I hope to have my ventric valve removed today. Would be good to move out of ICU finally.
i have had a life-altering experience thus far, and it is sure to continue as I look at rehab therapy and continued healing.
I am still limited to thick liquids and purees. Staying hydrated is a challenge without an IV. Speech therapy is certainly in my future.
Today and tomorrow should bring other news....
-
My goodness, Tod, You're still in the ICU and you're sending us emails from the ICU!!! You ARE a super guy and a survivor...
God Bless You and keep up the healing.
Let us know when you get on to solid food like steak and potatoes.
Mei Mei
-
Hi Tod
So good to hear from you :). I didn't realize that you were still in ICU but not surprised after such an ordeal. It's a good sign that you are able to post. You are now 13 days post opp ;D
Rest and heal we are blessed to have you here!
Sue in Michigan
-
Saturday, 16 days post op.
I too am truly amazed how you are able to correspond with your lap top in the ICU after a 32 hour surgery. Sounds like the brain is intact, except wondering if the swallowing issues are related to stroke during surgery? Keep up the small steps to a full recovery. You will have quite the story to tell when all is said and done. Are you keeping a simple journal on your lap top through all this?
Amazing - keep it up, send more info when you can.
Maureen :)