ANA Discussion Forum
Archive => Archives => Topic started by: superrmaren on June 25, 2006, 06:22:17 pm
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hi all
i have my first appointment at johns hopkins on friday
i am beyond nervous!
my MRI revealed a 4cm AN. i know i have to have surgery. no two ways about it...
i am currently directing a musical with my community theatre...if i have the sugery soon, i will be missing out on that (which i realize is trivial compared to the AN/surgery) but ya know, it's what i do. and i am already so invested it seems like the end of the world to me.
i have an interview on wednesday for a high school teaching job and i am incredibly excited and have my hopes sooooo high -- if i dont have the surgery soon enough and i get the job, what if i miss the first days of school???
i am so stressed and angry and nervous and sad all at the same time -- this is the worst
and to top it off, i've never had any sugergy!! (well, i had my wisdom teeth out - lol)
i don't know what to expect at all -- could you shed any light on the actual sugery/post surgery experiences you had??
thanks
>:( :o ??? :'( :-\
maren
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Hi Maren,
Try to calm down! You will be ok. Talk to your doctors and see what they say about your surgery. They may let you wait awhile. You have to take care of yourself first before you can try to help others. Maybe you can get someone to fill in for you and direct the musical for you. As far as the new job, I would say to be as honest as you can and explain the situation with them. If it was meant to be, you will still get the job. If not, then there are better plans for you in the future. Keep a postive attitude and hang in there. Ann
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Hi Maren,I know that it feels like the worst thing ever but you will be ok.It is hard not to think about the what ifs but things will unfold how they are meant to and your health is the most important!Having something/someone to focus your energy on will help you get through this and they will be there after your surgery as well.
I think that everyone's surgery experiences are different so it's hard to say how you will be affected.I know that I didn't feel like myself for the first month and now,two months post op I still don't feel quite altogether "there" I think now it has shifted more from the physical changes to coping mentally to the changes my body has gone through and again I think that everyone has different experiences.
Hope things go well on wednesday,as Desilu said : be honest with them.A positive mindset goes a long way in the time leading up to surgery. Take care,Jacobs
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Maren I agree with Desilu and Jacobs! Be honest with your future employer. They will either make the concessions needed and hire you or something better will come along!
Everyone's post surgical experience is different but you must give yourself time to heal! I was told if all went according to plan I could conceivably be back to work in 3 to 6 weeks. Things did not go according to plan and I'm still out of work and will be for another 6 mos. So it's really hard to predict the future and outcomes.
Keep us posted on your appointment. You sound like someone who is high energy! That will go along way in your recovery process :o) Best of Luck to you...or do we say "break a leg?"
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Hello... I'm sure you are nervous. It's hard doing the waiting game. My daughter, Chelsea, just went through the first part of and unexpected 2 part surgery to remove her 4.5cm AN. She had the surgery last Sunday and is still in the ICU. They are just keeping a really close eye on her which makes me feel good. The next part of her surgery is on 6/30/06. As everyone has said, you along with my daughter and some of the others here have youth on your side. The doctors are pleased with here progress. I would make sure you talk to the Doctors about the posibility of a 2 part surgery. Chris (chrissmom) is also going through the same thing. All large tumors. I know you'll do great. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Chelsmom.
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superrmaren:
Hi!
AN - while serious - is far from the horror some seem to think. It's not malignant and it's operable, all positive aspects you should focus on. It can be removed -and your life can go on, if you let it.
I'm 63 and following a positive MRI diagnosis for AN on May 4th, I had a 4.5cm AN tumor removed on June 7th, 2006. To put it mildly: all went well. I I was out of the hospital within 5 days and after 3 weeks, my overall recovery is progressing rapidly - and smoothly. I see my surgeon for a follow-up visit in 3 weeks and I expect to be given the O.K. to resume most normal activities , as well as permission to drive, again. I can't wait!
If you are in good general health, as I was/am, have a competent surgeon and a positive attitude, you'll be fine.
Jim
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Hi supermarren,
I can totally relate. I don't meet with a surgeon until next week. I had to tell my boss yesterday that I may be out for a while if I need surgery...and I cried! I was so embarrased :'( He was very supportive, but I did not intend to be so emotional. I think that not knowing when/if I need surgery is the worst part. Maybe once we have a plan we will feel better. ;) I hope!