ANA Discussion Forum
Treatment Options => Radiation / Radiosurgery => Topic started by: MDemisay on June 10, 2012, 06:07:06 am
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My Dear Friends, supporters,ANgels, and newbies,
I am starting this journal the day before my treatment day because I wanted to give you a chance to see what a long journey looked like! Indeed, this has been a long journey for me.
I intended this to be a gift to all that will follow me on this Gamma Knife road. Certainly, compared to Cyber Knife it is easier( in that it only involves one day). I must confess I like to play Texas Holdem Poker (I am quite good actually) and I am All In!
I also am Roman Catholic, and am extremely faithful to God, I know there is nothing without HIS Devine Intervention. I also have been praying to God and meditating very hard in preparation for tomorrow, I want to give you a secret, I have been following Dr. Wayne Dyer's " I AM Wishes Fulfilled Meditation . I will take a CD player into treatment tomorrow. I see my future, I AM Healed!
As I go to Church today, I will pray that I have made the right choice in my treatment team that will deliver the death blow to my AN "Irv". I know that without a doubt I have made the right choice in my membership with the ANA. Comparatively speaking, 2012 has been a much easier "ride" for me than 2004 was. This journey has not been easy but it has been easier because of all of you! I would encourage all Newbies to join in on the healing power of the group!
I will keep all of you updated, I promise!
Mike
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I will be thinking of you tomorrow. It has been three months since I had GK and other then a few small glitches, I feel great and don't regret my decision to have GK for one minute.
You will be so relieved to have all of this behind you.
Bonnie
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Mike,
Wayne Dyer is great! He wrote the forward to Anita Moorjani's book, "Dying to Be Me." I actually found out about her book through Wayne's website. I bought the audio version and have been listening to it over and over on my commute to work for the last couple of weeks. The story is about Anita's battle with cancer, her near death experience, and her complete and miraculous healing. It is a very powerful story!
Good luck tomorrow. The forces of heaven will be with you. You ARE already healed!
Liz
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To all,
Treatment day was a breeze! It helps so much to spend a little extra on yourself and be driven into NYC. If you seer that up ahead of time then there are no worries. The most difficult thing to do was to get 3 people leaving at once. Then if you remember your phone(which I did not) making calls or designate a person who has a remote friend to telegraph information.
It was easy once the decision was made, on which form of radiation to go with. What was difficult was selecting a time to be treated, and knowing it was right not only for me but for my family as well. A tremendous amount of relief goes into today, not only that all the anxiety is finally over, but that I can finally get back to enjoying the little things!
The colors seem brighter, the smells seem more fragrant, the sounds seem more crisp. Today seems to be the first day of the rest of my life.
I'm looking forward to what tomorrow brings as my tumor swells and begins necrosis!
It's a new day, this story is NOT over! I bring hope to all AN survivors, there is a bright future out there, you just have to slow down, change your life a little, learn to adapt and go on.......
A little headache and a few holes aren't such bad life changers, are they?
I'll keep you posted as to the side effects as promised. Dr. Sisti said that I would be having further CT scans at a year and 2 out and that 99% of his patients didn' t have reoccurrence in 10 to 15 years.
Good night it's been a long day for me!
Thank you for your prayers on my behalf, today I felt lifted by prayer!
Mike
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Glad it went well, Mike! Take it easy for a bit, and keep us posted.
Liz
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Mike,
I'm so glad your GK is over and done with. Isn't it a great feeling to have it over. Keep us posted.
Bonnie
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Great news Mike! Hope to see you again at one of the NYC meetings in the future... Mike, Mickey
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Dear LizAN and Bonnie,
Day 2 I woke this morning with no throbbing nor persistent pain or facial twitches that I was having intermitently just before undergoing 12 gy for 40 minutes.
I must say that the Doctor's attitude about the whole procedure literally exuded confidence he was so sure, his confidence gave me the final push.
Which my friends is why I say you must choose wisely your final team, listen to your gut and go with it, trust your gut!
It is God directing you! Then relax and know that you are in HIS HANDS. HE is carrying you.
This is not my final post, I will be updating you all to show you that you have nothing to fear. True, it is challenging to step forward but with a little preparation and active meditation and support from us here, you all will do fine. The GK machine was silent, as I was in my meditation, I didn't notice after what seemed like only a few moments, I said out loud when do I start Dr. Sisti came on the loud speaker and said that I had been in for 20 minutes and that I had 20 more to go! I slid back easily into my "I AM HEALED" meditation in moments it was over!
Before the attachment of the frame, they gave me Ativan to help with my mood, instantly I became fearless! In fact my family said it made me cheerful!
When they recommend drugs for the alievation of anxiety, I recommend taking them. Do not be afraid! Trust your gut!
Mike
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Mike,
I couldn't have said it better myself. Peace!
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Mike ~
I've accompanied you most of the way on this journey and I'm delighted to learn that prayers were answered and the GK procedure was executed with no problems. Your attitude tells us that you are both relieved and excited about the future, as you should be. Congratulations! :)
Jim
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Mike -
glad things went well for you ;D
Jan
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Mike
Thank you for the positive posts! Wishing you well in your recovery. If I had not already had CK your posts would have pushed me to GK.
Karen
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I have your name on a sticky note on my desk, when I look at it I pray for you. I'm glad all has gone well for you.
Becky
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Dear ANgels and newbies,
Day 3 not a lot new relatives from Florida came up and spent the night as a way of telling me that they were in my corner and praying for me just as you guys were and some of you still are it seems!
When I told them that a group of ANA forum members were praying for me, they seemed to notice how much more at peace I am. In 2004, I was a wreck comparatively speaking and I owe it all to you and the 3 Docs I chose from this time (2012) in comparison with the 14 Docs opinions I had filled my own head with(2004).
What a vast difference, though I did have a minor headache in the mid afternoon after my relatives left, I suffered no ill effects for the rest of the day.
Now, it's back to work in the morning to see how much I can endure there before returning to full time.
Wish me luck, I don't intend to push it, I will go easy on myself!
Mike
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Day 4 I have been at work since 9 this morning, I am getting tired I will go home now before exhaustion sets in! I have to make a showing at a collegues farewell dinner tonight. I hope I can make it!
Mike
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Day 5----No new headaches just old headaches! Let me explain.....Last night was not as pleasant as a going away party for a long time employee who had given 34 years of herself to the organization.
All this around the time I first decided to postpone the original date of GK treatment from before my daughters graduation to after the mother daughter trip to London on June 11th. Next week I found out that the Administrator's last day was June 15th(today).
To make a long story short this week was challenging for me physically and organizationally! The new Administrator steps up Monday at 8:00 am and begins a challenging chapter of cooperative leadership with me. The day after Fathers Day! Happy Father's Day to one and all!
For me it has been a long day!
Mike
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Congrats Mike... positive attitude is half the battle.
On April 3rd, I underwent GK myself and had my first MRI post treatment this week. Not much to report, except the tumor does not seem to have grown further. My balance issue has stayed constant, mostly good, but definitely not 100% like pre AN slapped me across the face on 3/3 this year. Tinnitus has gotten a bit worse, but it's not as bad as my wife's nagging LOL. Hearing loss has gotten a bit worse, again, helps with my wife's nagging. So life is good. The best part of finding out I have an AN, was gaining my faith back in God. Although I was brought up Catholic, and I am in the process of converting to Islam.
Everytime I come to this forum I learn something new. It looks as though your AN grew back? Is it in the same side?
Take care,
Franck
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Franc,
Yes it is on my left side it grew from 1.3 to 1.7 mm But now, "Irv" is dead!
And I AM HEALED!
Mike
PS. Happy Fathers Day!
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Mike!
You are an inspiration!
I am praying along with you and the others on this forum.
You are making me think of other options besides surgery. I am still learning, of course.
Thanks for your strength and your sharing.
Also, be sure to get enough rest. You've been through a lot.
Millie
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Day 6--Visible pin sites are not black and blue any longer, scabs have formed.Facial numbness is no different since before GK, smile appears the same. Now that "Irv" is dead. It is difficult to feel when swelling begins. I shall keep you posted as to when the pin sites fade. So far, so good!
Mike
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Millie,
Over the few months that I have been posting on the ANA Forum (you the forum members have been encouraging me). It is you who inspire ME! Back at ya! We have a wondreful opportunity here to be thankful for our fellowship and thankful to God that HE has brought us all together!
Mike
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Day 7--I am thanking God today for the little things in life that HE let's me enjoy; the family that surrounds me (my wife and daughter) the fact that I am a Father, my friends that I have made over the years, my extended family and all of you here on the forum.
I don't seem to have developed any symptoms yet from my GK and I know that when and if I do that you all will be there to support me through them.
I, After all, do realize that to be able to talk about it with you and to show you that it can be gone through and that there is light at the end of the tunnel!!
It is up to us to slow down, adapt and readjust to the chances that we've been given!
Happy Father's Day everybody! Grill em, if you've got em! Enjoy each others company! Smile! God loves you!
Mike
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Dear ANgels,
Day 8---No headaches, facial twitches or tinnitus yet. Although early this morning (6:15 am)I did hear a ringing in my unaffected right ear for about 30 seconds. Other than that everything including my mood has changed for the better? How long does this euphoria last? It's a good thing, I don't want it to stop!
Mike
P.S. Did everyone have a Happy Father's Day? I got a very coveted Jimi Hendrix T-shirt from my daughter!
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Hi Mike,
Your story is very inspiring. I like the author myself. I bought some books actually for my son to read as well. Your inspiration comes at a great time for me. I have my two year MRI next Tuesday post GK two years ago in Toronto. I am not as nervous as I used to be, thanks to everyone on this forum. I will keep you all posted.
Vivian
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Vivian and all,
I really feel thrilled to have come this far....I really thought (in February) when I first considered the Gamma Knife that the symptoms were much worse....I thought at that time, with all the uneducated fear of a terrifying nightmare that I would be writhing in pain from tinnitus and looking into the mirror and seeing a relaxed left side of my face....No way did I expect to be in the good shape that I am presently! I feel great and am back to work full time with only a slight headache and two rapidly fading pinhole scars!
All this a week out! I couldn't believe just how easy it was! Despite the testing(blood tests and last minute mix up with an MRI being ordered instead of the routine CT with contrast). A far cry from what I thought would happen.
Of course nobody had told me that the machine was soundless or that it was not uncomfortable in the least. After they gave me the Ativan, injected me with 4 different needles and fit me with the ring it was over in a flash! 40 minutes!
Mike
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Life Does Go On,
As an example, in my struggle to document every day, I almost missed my daughter's 4 wisdom tooth removal yesterday as well as being present for the High School Graduation of my niece! I made both though! I almost flew into a panic as I was travelling on Route 287 (in NJ) ,however. I just slipped in a CD of calming wave sounds and settled in to the slow traffic pattern of rush hour. I made it with minutes to spare before hearing her name called out.
That was my day yesterday no pain to report nor facial ticks or side effects. None today as well. Keep you posted!
Mike
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Nothing to report.......Have a nice weekend all, I will be doing yard work ie. pulling weeds and getting sunburned on my back! And thinking about things NOT related to my DEAD AN!
Mike
Will get back to posting up lifting things and back to the gym on Monday!
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Mike,
Glad things are going so well for you, post-treatment!
Liz
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Thanks to your supportive updates, I am going to #1 go to church this Sunday morning (have not been a lot recently due to my husband's surgery and we are resting and catching up to normal life) and #2 work in my garden! I am also contacting three doctors this week (Roland, NYU; Sisti ? and Post/Smouha at Mt. Sinai. I am going to get a new MRI and send all MRI 's (Feb and this next one) to each one and get an idea of what to do. (I have been busy with doctors for my husband and my mom and I also hope if I ignore things they will go away.) I think my symptoms are intensifying and my hearing is gone now in the left ear and everyone says "listen to your body." This week I will make appts. and write letters. My husband is wary of surgery so I am now thinking seriously of gamma knife-and who may be best in NYC. (We are on eastern LI.) Your updates calm me down when I get really anxious. (Usually when I get the full-lightheadedness etc) So thanks for the gamma info and keep it coming.
Enjoy the sunshine!
Millie
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Millie,
It is good that you have chosen for yourself the path which you will be following, I am truly happy for you. It is my hope that by being prayerful and by paying attention to the cues that our bodies give each one of us that we can correct any missteps that we may have made in the past by not paying attention.
Gamma Knife is but one way, all in all, I have given up on my left sided hearing and left sided balance issues but I have definitely not given up my attitude or my smile or determination that together we will persevere. This is a strong group (the ANA Forum) each of us was chosen to come here, I believe for a purpose. It is up to all of you to decide what that is.
I hope that all of you are preparing to have a pleasant summer and getting out there and making the most of your health.
I trust that all of you have had a good pain free weekend! I have been getting my yard ready for a summertime barbecue and have been weeding and mowing and spraying! I continue to have no issues of any import save a few facial twitches yesterday. I will report any changes but forgive me if I get distracted by the pleasant weather and the balminess of it all. Don't stay out in the sun too long, one thing Gamma Knife definitely does not provide is UV protection (LOL)!
Mike
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Here I am again!
With nothing but a scant few facial twiches to report on DEAD IRV! So far so good! Tonight is the night I will be reintroducing myself to the Metropolitan Division of the Kiwanis Club (a member of which I have been since 2010), like those of you here on the ANA forum they supported me through prayer as well. Tonight, I return triumphant from my battle with an inner demon (IRV). Healthy, fit a as a fiddle----smile intact!!
MNike
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Friends,
I did go to that Kiwanis Club meeting last night. Let me tell you they were thrilled to see me in such good spirits and apparently with no ill effects or scars from the one shot Gamma Knife radiation. They were praying for me as I know many of you were. Some thought I had been through extensive chemo therapy, some thought radiation in multiple doses. It was certainly good to be back in action as a community leader again!
One thing is obvious, that there is a lack of information as to how much information is out there about how simple this treatment is (I'm talking about GK and CK and the option of the Watch and Wait), it can't be that people find out about it on a need to know basis. We as an organization (ANA) need to step up and get the information out there and readily available. Maybe just maybe we can begin to stem the fear that comes to all newbies if they know that there are organizations like ours leading the way.
IMHO!!!
Mike
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Mike ~
Kudos on your re-entry into normal activities. It's encouraging to learn how well you're doing, post-radiation.
As for spreading the word about acoustic neuroma and it's treatment options, that has been one of the major goals of the ANA for it's three decades of existence. Frankly, that takes money just as much as it does personal effort. Unfortunately, there is a lot of competition for charitable dollars, especially in our current, contracted economy. Our dues help, of course and there are many folks who donate far above and beyond their annual dues and of course, those folks are deeply appreciated. As we try to help educate friends and family about acoustic neuromas I suggest that we also try to do whatever we can, financially, to help the Acoustic Neuroma Association. Its a relatively small organization (as you might have guessed) and uses donation income prudently. The operation of these forums on the ANA website has to be paid for and our contributions help defray that expense and make the forums possible.
Thanks again for your input, Mike. I hope others will consider giving whatever they can in the form of financial donations to ANA. Its appreciated. :)
Jim
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Jim,
Thanks for giving me a great idea! I know of a way to effect a positive change! Since the Kiwanis Cub often considers giving money for charitable orgaizations that do good for others I'm sure that they would consider giving to our parent (ANA) organization. I'm going to mull this over and probably start an independant thread about it.
Nothing new to report as far as facial twitches or tinnitus or symptoms...
What a great idea, Jim! Thanks a lot!
This is an idea that flashes like a light bulb over my head!!
Mike
Chime in people what do you all think?
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You are right, Mike-most people know nothing about benign tumors in the head until they get one. And then, I think most folks are terrified.
Thank God I found this forum. Because I was so upset about my diagnosis, I e-mailed the NYC ENT who had seen me and analyzed my MRI, and I asked him if there were support groups for people like me and he wrote back Sure! ANAUSA. So I googled around and found sorely needed respite.
The other ENT I saw made no mention of the ANA although he said I might speak with a neurosurgeon since I was so troubled by my diagnosis. (He told me, this second ENT, that I had the luxury of time, it was only 1.2cm by .8 x.5) The neurosurgeon said if I were his wife, he would tell her to watch and wait. (He didn't mention ANA either.) Their matter of factness calmed me down, but symptoms may get worse, and when they do, we are alone or going about daily life and it's definitely different! It can be very hard.
One way to publicize this condition might be to ask hospitals who advertise their stereotactic radiosurgery in TV commercials to attach a brief paragraph/voiceover with "Donate to the Acoutic Neuroma Association today! End the fear of tumor diagnosis!" or something like that. The hospital could probably get a tax break too. Just a thought.
Hmmm. Have I paid my dues to the ANA?
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Congratulations on your positive journey and thanks for sharing it with all of us. Prayers are still coming your way.
Karen F
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Millie ~
Thanks for the good ideas in your post (#34).
The neurosurgeon I selected to perform my AN debulking has been a member of the ANA for decades. This was a major factor in my decision and helped to validate my intuition that he was the right doctor for me - and I was correct.
Jim
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Remarkable!
A person(works with me) who knows me from just before my procedure today commented on how remarkably well I am doing how much better I'm walking and how clear I am speaking and I thought this guy is just pulling one on me. Apparently, I was quite run down just before June 11th and am quite improved to everyone else!
Have a Happy Fourth of July for those with SSD, try not to get to close to those fireworks we have only one good ear remaining let's try to preserve our hearing for as long as possible everyone! Stay Safe and Healthy!
Mike
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It sure can help getting feedback from others who witness the progress. Hurray!
Karen
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Happily nothing to report!
Have a Safe and Healthy 4th of July as you watch the Fireworks today, please remember the original purpose of the day was to celebrate Freedom from England and from Taxes imposed on us without proper representation.
Let that motivate you this November!
Mike
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Happy 4th to all. Celebrating diversity in our ANs and in our treatment choices and in our great country.
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To all of my AN Friends<
Ah! The smell of gunpowder, the concussive sound of explosions, the brilliance of fireworks reflected on the Hudson, a baseball game played hard, an anthem sung clearly and loudly and a barbecue had together as a family with family friends over. Nothing beats it for a family get together! Tis but a memory now! A pleasant one!
Yet, there were other people having surgeries or preparing to undergo procedures for whom we still should pray! Hope you had fun you revelers, wherever you are on your individual journeys. Remember to encourage those on their individual quests to rid themselves of these things (that for some of us) continue to grow.
Happy healing all!
No symptoms yet!!!
Mike
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A Flurry of Activity this weekend,
Friday---After work A free Staten Island concert in Silver Lake Park Beatles Blast tribute bands played songs in competition ...
Saturday---a Mets game in Queens won against the Chicago Cubs 3-1
and Sunday---a NY Liberty WNBA franchise game (loss) and a motivating 1st annual wheelchair basketball game with specially constructed wheelchairs in which the players took tumbles in the chairs but got right back up and continued playing!
Even though, he rides dead in my head, I for once this weekend did not think of the trauma that I have been through this past 8 months!
I wish I could teach that to all of you, it is good to be pleasantly distracted!!!! Therapeutic even!!!
Mike
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Good Morning All,
It's a busy time of the year this time of the year for us at Clove Lakes Health Care - it's NY State survey time! Survey just started yesterday I have no doubt that we will do well again this year as this our 45th year of operation.
I can't help feeling tired and exhausted from walking 13 floors on rounds as Executive Director.
I trust a great deal in my coaching ability and I wonder if it's really the remnants of my AN that are kicking in or the fact that I have been at this job for so long that makes me tired so quickly. Oh well, I won't go too hard on myself.....
That coupled with the neckpain that chose to kick in just yesterday or is it the stress?
I hope that you are well each of you and that you each are well on your way to healing! or at least are choosing your own path be it GK or CK.
I hope those of you who are following this blog won't take offense if I am somewhat distracted(by the NYS survey) and don't post as frequently unless of course, I have any pain.
Thank you.
Mike
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To all,
A string of early risings and late bedtimes (lately) has left me headachy, and reaching for the Advil! No symptoms to report so far.
Mike
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Thanks, Mike, for the updates on your journey. Praying for you. Millie.
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Dear AN friends,
Thank you all for your prayers! I must say that these past few days have been tumultuous ones for my business with a new NY State Survey to get used to,( and pass with flying colors) and a virtual upheaval of my model train club and the Holiday Toy Train Show that I must now plan without the clubs help.
All has gone by with little headaches and much exhaustion from burning the candle on both ends! But now that the survey is over and the new train club is just beginning, I finally can breath a sigh of relief!
I bet that's as far off topic as anyone has come (AN wise)!
Mike
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Dear Millie and all of you that will be at the NYC Chapter Meeting NYU Langone on Saturday,
Here's your chance to see what recovery looks like! A Sisti success story! In the flesh, I will be there! All better and relatively symptom free! Except for the occasional tension headache!
Wishing continued good health to you wherever you are in this shared journey of ours,
Mike
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It was as always, a great information packed meeting!
Cognitive issues , I have quite a few apparently being not as thorough with the dishwasher is not my fault! Typically, when stacking pots and pans in the dishwasher my wife often finds she has to redo something I've already stacked. This has to do with spacial coordination. Cognitive remediation, and cognitive reserve were most fascinating! Introduction are to be done first next time as we all need to be there for each other to show what it's like to be in various stages.
Mike
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To all:
Have a nice weekend! Enjoy your families, enjoy barbequing , enjoy the Olympics. I will continue to enjoy my relatively symptom free recovery. Take sometime this weekend to pray.
If you are going through hell right now, I know where you've been, I've been there too! This journey has not been an easy one. One that has been fraught with worry. I'm going to relax!
However, with our collective help this will get easier for you! No matter what stage your at, there are bright days ahead! Sometimes you have to stop for a minute and change your perspective. We are all here for a reason, slow down, and adapt to your new you.
I am grateful to all of you who have helped me this far, I will continue to pay back the favor the group has done me by encouraging you to go on in your respective journeys.
It will be helpful to you to explore each issue fully, ask a lot of questions. A while ago doctors where intimidated by questions as time goes by these doctors
have gone by the wayside (the doctors who thought they knew everything about the procedure) now a good patient is an informed patient. So, inform yourselves, get active in your treatment plan, be your own advocate.
If not you, then who?
Find some quite time on your own to relax and meditate on your own wellness.
Be well. Godspeed.
Mike
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Hi Mike,
Interesting to see you had avm in '74, I had avm surgically removed in '89. What are the chances? An avm and then years later an AN. The devil may test us but God always wins!
Just got back from my neuro consult. Tumor has grown and he is recommending treatment. His recommendations are #1 gamma, #2 cyber, and #3 fractionated (26 treatments) I did ask him about proton therapy and he admitted the jury is out on that course of treatment. Your journal is a great encouragement for gamma. I am actually praying and considering the cyber knife unless I find out the proton therapy is better for me.
Thanks again for sharing.
Skip
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Dear Skip,
I meant for this to be easy! As I know it is a difficult choice for all of us, alas.
The similarity between us is astounding, however, whereas, I had the surgery in 1974, I have 70 + metal clips in my brain you have the kind that permit MRI with contrast. I'm glad for you in that respect you have a little more protection (I liken it to a Mustang without seatbelts (me) to a Mustang with seatbelts(you) )
Further, I'm glad that my choice inspires you. The choice is up to you. You must act. It will not be easy......I will pray for you to come to your decision in your time.
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Wow, 70+ clips. You must be a walking antenna. They went in through the back of my skull and snipped, cauterized, and sucked out the pieces. It was quite the experience. The miracle was that the surgery was on a Tues morning and I was in church the following Sunday. I went straight from ICU to the discharge floor, bypassing the recovery and rehab areas. Three days and I was outa there. I had told the Surgeon beforehand that God and I were going to make her look good. We did. 6 weeks later I was running the stadium steps for exercise. I have 90% made up my mind about the course of treatment for my AN, one more consult to solidify my decision. I have a peace about my decision, just a couple more questions. Thanks for your prayers.
Skip
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Skip,
I consider myself very lucky to be alive, particularly because just before the surgery my parents ( I was 17 at the time) allowed a priest to give me Last Rites, very scary indeed!
All these years later the thought still gives me the shivers.
I am glad for you though that your recovery went so well. I had to be home schooled for the remainder of 11th grade. 3 weeks in the hospital getting speech therapy and relearning to print with my left hand (I had been right handed) and training my right eye to track properly. A veritable nightmare of recovery.
To discover that I had an AN in 2004 very nearly sent me into another depression. Lucky for me I have a faithful wife and supportive family to help me through. Now with the help of the ANA and all of the people on the forum. I don't feel as alone as I was in 1974 and 2004.
For the other people reading this, cherish this group it can be a lifeline if you let it! We all are blessed by our membership and the kind words!
Please be assured that the brain is pliable, capable of reworking connections. I am not a great man by any means (I am rather blessed and humble), I am simply here to show you that with will power and a great deal of time nothing is insurmountable.
Certainly not a puny little AN! Pesky things!
Never give up hope! Never!
Mike
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To all of my AN friends,
I am still well 3 months out of Gamma Knife Treatment!!! I know that between now and 9 months from now (February) I should start getting symptoms or so my Doctor says. But what if I don't get any symptoms, am I going to march up to his office and demand my money back? LOL! I don't think so!!! I am certainly hopeful that no symptoms show up!
Today, I give thanks that to God that I am symptom free and in a good mood! May the same mood be yours, one of thankfulness for this wonderful world that HE created and that we are together (in spirit) on the web!
Mike
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Congrats Mike, Know that I am with you in spirit and praying for a continued symptom free recovery. God is our healer.
Skip
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Hi Mike,
Just posted my own update and noticed yours. I am glad your treatment went O.K. and you are correct that without this forum our journeys would be much more difficult and without faith, there is nothing to hand on to. Dwayne Dyers is great. I have read some of his books myself and encouraged my kids to do the same. All the best on your recovery.
Vivian
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Praying your recovery continues to go well. I have read that not everyone gets the troublesome symptoms after gamma surgery; may it be so with you. And if there are symptoms after any surgery, God give us the strength to deal with them.
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To everyone,
The night before last at 2:00 am in the morning I woke up to go to the bathroom, I did and on my way past the bed while turning the corner I fell! Don't worry I did not hurt myself, the only thing that was bruised is my ego, I walk with a cane and that was in my hand.
To prevent this from happening again, I shall now turn on the light. In the past I was relying on the nightlight!
After that, I went right to sleep, my wife was woken from a sound sleep! It took her an hour to get back to sleep!
Mike
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Ouch, Mike! Glad you are okay!
Liz
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Liz,
How ya doin? Didn't hurt, I was only startled! I am ok. Thanks though!
Mike
No symptoms yet.
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Hi mike Mike, I did a similar thing last month but it was the dog. He is the same color as the rug (tan) and when it is dark he blends right into the carpet. I was walking rather quickly down a dark hallway where there is usually no obstacle, but the dog decided to sleep across the hallway. I went flying and he went running and my wife awoke in a panic and started yelling about me starting to be unsteady at night. I tried to tell her "it was the dog", but he had run to his bed and was like "who me?". Anyway, no damage done and I think my wife finally believed me. Glad we are both ok.
Skip
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Hi, Mike,
I'm doing well. Thanks for asking!
I fell a couple of weeks ago and landed hard on my hip. It shook me up, but fortunately, I was okay after icing it to prevent swelling. It was a little hard on my confidence, but I've recovered from that, too.
I had been so careful, but as I get better, I also get more relaxed and less deliberate when I'm moving.
Can your wife sleep through your turning the light on?
Liz
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Dear LizAn,
My wife doesn't mind as much as when I fall and startle her out of a sound sleep! Much different because while it is a minor annoyance she has decided to live with it.
Skip, that must have hurt! Is the dog ok? I know you are! These are the accomodations that we all have to make to enjoy our collective safety to light the areas in which we walk.
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Mike the dog was fine as he sheepishly laid on his bed (where he should have been in the 1st place) and innocently pretended to sleep. Another AN story.
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Mike,
How about an LED head lamp to light your way, or even a regular flash light? Would that be enough?
I use a head lamp outside to walk the dog at night. It does not feel like enough for me, but the ground is very uneven and we live out in the country where there are no city lights.
Liz
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LizAN,
What a bright idea! That's an excellent suggestion. A headlight that straps on. Neat!
A couple of years ago, I actually had a cane with a light in it! Did you know that? If you look for them online, you can get them! I'll be looking for one soon as my regular cane has seen it's last days of usefulness!
Mike
PS no symptoms besides facial twitching yet (and that only comes inerMITTently!)
Mike
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I've been using head lamps since the days when I lived way out in the country and had to feed horses late at night, and I had no barn. It was quite an adventure.
Let me know how it goes. A lighted cane is a great idea.
Liz
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LizAN,
it is called the Pathlighter and has a lighted clear plastic tube at the bottom half of it the problem I had with it when I had it a while back was that I was careless and one day while I dropped it, I crushed the botton end of it the part that turns it on and off. So I quickly replaced it with an adjustable aluminium cane easily purchased at CVS. Now that cane needs replacing as well!
Bother!
Mike
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Hunting: Cabela's 4-Led Camo Cap$29
(1 store)
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Description
The LEDs in this hat provides bright illumination while keeping your hands free for other tasks. Two 5mm narrow-angle LEDs for distance spotting and two 3mm wide-angle LED floodlights for close-range tasks.LEDs produce 100,000 hours of run time. One size fits most. A single lithium coin CR2032 battery provides 50 hours of run time. One size...more
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Dear JWW,
Good advice thanks.
Mike
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To All,
I just past my four month mark on the 11th. I'm very happy to report that I have no new symptoms. Have a nice weekend everybody, pain-free!
Mike
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just past my four month mark on the 11th. I'm very happy to report that I have no new symptoms. Have a nice weekend everybody, pain-free!
Mike ~
Congratulations! - and thanks.
Jim
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Congrats Mike, I trust you had a good celebratory weekend.
Skip
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No Skip! I just spent a quiet weekend at home. Went to Citi Field with my daughter last night to see the Mets lose 3-1 . Even in losing there is joy! Though as I tried not to fall going up and down concrete steps. It's amazing I did it. I have the final game ,this Thursday,in the series of 5 that I bought in celebration of her graduation from college.
No symptoms besides some facial twitching to report.
Mike
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My last daughter (of 4) is in her final year of college. Congratulations on yours graduating and the thoughtful gift of the Mets games. I hope they do better Thurs. I start treatment on my AN Oct 8th. As long as the lights dont go out I am ok on the steps. I just go a little slow and blame a stagger on the crowd.
Skip
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Dear AN friends,
I haven't posted here in a long while, while I try to ubbeat and cheerful in my demeanor, there are times when I just lose my patience. One of those times seems to be going on right now! I have noticed the left side of my face twitching uncontrollably . This has been going on for a couple of weeks now. I do not want to worry you newbies who may be reading this. They are limited (for the moment) to small facial ticks on my left side which take place mostly every morning.
All I pray for is that these symptoms don't get worse and I realize that they may, as I am in my window now where Dead Irv begins final necrosis.( Swells a little then shrinks) I hope these months pass quickly, and that there are more times when I feel hopeful!
I promise to keep you guys updated good or bad. I am hopeful that this is just a passing thing and doesn't become worse.
Continue to pray for me, please. Just a kind thought would do it!
Mike
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Mike, it is most likely swelling related to your AN being close to the facial nerve that is causing the issues. The swelling can effect the 5th nerve which can cause the face twitch.
Sometimes, the med, dexamethason 4 mg. 3 x day for a couple of weeks resolves the issue.
(so I have been told) It should pass when the swelling goes down.
JW
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Thanks JW! Is that over the counter?
Mike
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No, your radiation oncologist should prescribe it.....prescription ONLY. It is a steroid, which reduces swelling on the nerve.
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Dear JWW,
I am not looking to have more doctors visits. If I can I'd like to avoid them if I can. The only relief I seem to get is when I'm asleep. The rest of the time it is an annoying consequence of GK it seems.
Is there any facial massage I can employ or natural herbal substance out there?
Mike
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Mike, you need to call the doctor and maybe he will prescribe the steroids over the phone.
No herbal substance out there and I doubt facial massage will help reduce the swelling. Sorry.
JW
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JW,
Hope this announcement doesn't jinx it! But guys , I have had no facial twitches all day!
Mike
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Mike,
I hope you have no more facial twitching. I will keep you in my prayers. However, I agree that if it continues, you need to call your doctor and get on some steroids.
Bonnie
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Yay for you, Mike, and nay to the twitching. From what I read, it must be a side effect-which will pass over time.
I have had bouts of depression too lately. Don't give up and don't give in, I have to remind myself.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Blessings on you today, dear God. Millie
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Shhhh everyone,
Hardly any facial twitches today...(Booyah)! My prayers are with you Millie!
Mike
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Mike (as I whisper), Twiches, stay gone and to Millie, keep looking up and stay positive. You are winning this battle in the mind. Our God is faithful to give you His peace.
It is a good Sunday morning to all!
Skip
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It's a great Sunday morning-and this afternoon the sun came out too out here on Long Island.Went to church this a.m. and the pastor suggested a great idea to help people in the community. Instead of the formal rituals, whenever someone has an issue, be it job loss, health worry, family reconciliation, new beginning, or another need etc., we should call the pastor or deacon and they will gather in as small groups of three or whomever wants to for prayer for that intention...over at the side of the church. I thought that was God talking straight to me since I have been anxious lately.
Thanks, guys! Millie
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Thanks for sharing your process. It is helpful to hear the details in order to more fully understand this treatment option. Hooray!!! You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen
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Dear ANgels and newbies,
I think the facial twitching may be getting better.....
Mike
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Mike
Sorry to hear about the facial twitching but I must agree with JW. You should call your doctor to report what you're experiencing so they can note it in your file and ask them if they can call out a prescription for you.
I called my neurotologist immediately after my first go round with what I believe were hemifacial spasms (doctor internet), he called out a Medrol 4mg pack which I started today. Medrol is also a type of steroid. I've spoken with the doctor's office every day, they are concerned about this.
I picked the prescription up last Friday, it took me till today, Wednesday, to get up the nerve to take it but I think it's helping, I don't feel like something is "crawling" along the nerves under my skin on my face. What convinced me was my daughter gets Botox injections, she explained to the NP what I was experiencing, the NP explained fully to my daughter what was going on & strongly encouraged her to convince me to take the steroids. So after talking to many friends, family, doctors, and the pharmacists I'm almost through day one of a six day regime. Medrol pack is like a Z pack if your familiar with that antibiotic. As a side note, it was a cheap prescription as prescriptions go.
Good luck with this, will keep you in my thoughts & prayers.
Karen
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Dear ANA friends, :o
Today I want to say that although we seem to be at different points in our journeys, there is always a tragedy that gives us pause in this case it is the superstorm Sandy a lot of tragedy associated with this one and it just makes sense that people should listen to the warnings that come from elected officials. There could have been a lot less loss of life it seems. Take a moment to pray for all those lost in this terrible storm. It makes no sense!
:o
Mike
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Mike-
How are you feeling these days? Did you call the doctor?
Mil
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Dear Millie,
As these facial twitches seem to be diminishing I felt no need to call the doctor. How are your symptoms?
Mike
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I am hanging in. Took the jitney to an alternate NYU office to meet with my doctor this past Wednesday. My left side (AN side) is still droopy but not as droopy as it was. He said my face is starting to come back, and it is better. Just takes time. He said I could feel numb and fullheaded for twelve weeks. While the tumor was bigger than they thought, they got it all and it was pressing on my facial nerve but they did not damage the nerve. (Perhaps they stretched them, though. ) I am not as numb as I was. Left eye tearing a lot today, and nose running. My incision is good. Doctor wants to see me DEc. 6 when I will also see the neurosurgeon for that post op. Will try to make both visits in one day.
Today my husvabd and I went to the grocery store, but with my eye and the fullheaded feeling I sort of hung on to the cart. I can't tell if my eyeglasses help or hurt but I dare say my eyes are denfinitely better than they were three weeks ago. Today I also walked around a track and looked around a lot. Tomorrow is a nice day so I plan to walk around the block. I need to be a bit more pro-active.
Using lots of eyedrops.
Glad you are feeling better, Mike...Thank Goodness. Millie
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Dear Millie,
I am sorry that at this writing so much has gone on with Hurricane Sandy
NYU Langone remains closed. Is there an alternate site where you can get treatment?
Good news for me I have intermittent facial twitches that are not as bad as they once were.
Merry Christmas and good health to all!
Mike
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I had gone to an alternate site for my November visit, but on Dec. 6 the doctor saw me back at his Langone office. He said he sees improvement in my face. I do too. Next visit is January 7th, and if I need any therapy he will tell me then. He said I am still healing from the surgery.
I am sort of missing my hearing in my left ear lately! Maybe that is because I am getting around a bit more. I am not yet comfortable driving.
I am glad your spasms have quieted down. I have had a little twitching/spasming myself lately-fleeting, but something new.
Thanks for your support and a blessed Christmas to all.
Mil
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Dear Millie,
Don't worry be happy! Your surgery was in October, you were fortunate in that, some people had surgery scheduled in November with Dr. Kondziulka in NYU now they must reschedule to Hackensack Hospital because the Gamma Knife machine along with the boiler were totally submerged by Super storm Sandy at NYU Langone.
As for driving that can wait!
Have patience Milly, slow and easy does it. It gets better from here, it really does! Being an an old AN surgery patient myself, I can tell you!
Concentrate on your balance....ask about a referral to Kessler Rehab ( which is in New Jersey). It's number 1 on the East Coast!
Be well and enjoy Christmas with your family!
Mike
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Thank you Mike...I was feeling kind of down but your words make me smile.
Have a blessed Christmas.
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And thanks for the info on Kessler Rehab. Also, I had no idea regarding the extent of the storm damage. I sometimes wonder about being in the NICU just nine days before. I was lucky.
I will ask the doctor about Kessler when I see him December 7...for the feeling in my head. (the weightless spirit that sits on the left side.)
Thanks again, Mike
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To All,
I couldn't have made this treatment decision without your support and respectful guidance! I feel very humble and gratified to be in your company (the company of friends) as I have always felt there is strength in numbers! Even in my darkest hour( the one where I was filled with self doubt) at least I could come here and "talk" it out!
A Happier Healthier New Year to all!
Post Script: Few if any facial twitches!
Best wishes and vigorous hearty hugs to you!
Mike
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Dear AN friends, ANgels, Newbies and Prayer Warriors,
Good news my facial spasms have diminished so much that I cannot remember having them for quite awhile. Could the necrosis be shrinking?
I certainly hope so! I want everyone to note it has been 7 months to the day today! The reason I didn't make a big deal about 6 months was because I still felt some facial spasms.
As we begin the New Year, I wish you all a better year and continued good respective journeys toward wellness!
Today is a good banner day for me and the future looks very bright!!!
Thank you everyone for encouraging me along the way, I certainly couldn't have come so far and been so up about it!
I will continue to "pay it forward" with my support of the AN experience if you'll have me!
Your friend,
Mike
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Hey, Mike ~
Congratulations on your excellent post-radiation recovery! Please be assured that your continued presence on the ANA forums is both welcomed and appreciated. :)
Jim
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Mike,
That is wonderful news. I have been following you these last few months. I am three months out from my gamma and feel great. Keep us updated.
Cindy
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Great news, Mike! It is so good to hear of your progress. God bless us every one with health and peace of heart in this new year. Mil
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Hello Fellow ANgels,
Today I am getting super weird left sided neck twitches has anyone had this? I am starting to get frieked!
Hope this day is going better for all of you!
Mike
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Dear ANgels and newbies,
Distressing news! I just saw a picture of my wife and I taken( June 13, 2012) at the retirement party of a collegue of mine on 2 nights after my Gamma Knife treatment, in it I look somewhat tired but smiling broadly IRV was freshly dead ! I recall I had a slight headache.....
.Fast forward to present day now (January 30,2013) 2:30 in the afternoon. At this moment when I try to smile only my right uneffected side responds there is some drooping present on my left side. I compare the picture to my face and the results are quite noticeable now. I am starting to feel myself get depressed. Is there anything I can do? All this facial twitchiness distracted me, sorry friends to bring you down.
Praying now to restore my smile and my mood!
Mike
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Mike, I wonder if you sustained some damage to the facial nerve on that side at some point.
Might be worth addressing with your doctors.
And you might be a candidate for therapy:
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=facial+nerve+damage+therapy
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Dear Jack,
I know it's has been quite a while and I'm not looking forward to taking more medicine but this getting to me. Now when my left side of my face twitches it twitches in several spotsabove the eye brow ' above and to the left of the nose, my upper left lip quivers and my chin quivers a bit. I'm going to call Dr.Sisti and see what he's got to say. It was really bad this morning with all of them quivering at once!
Mike ::)
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Hi Guys,
I know it's been qiute a while since I posted just thought I'd bring you up to date on things going on in my recovery as it is!
Well for 1 thing, I have been having on again off again twitches and Dr. Sisti says it's time for another CT scan with and without contrast. S0 he scheduled me for another (which I have yet to schedule)..
Then I can see him again and see what he has to say about my crooked smile!
Got to go for now wish me good luck!
Mike
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Mike: As I inform my thinking on treatment, I read your journal and appreciate your candor, your enthusiasm, your hope, and your vulnerability.
Keep us posted and here's hoping that the face twitches stop, the smile returns, and the heart rejoices.
Peace--
P.
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Dear mesafinn and others following along,
Thank you for your appreciative kind words! Honestly,to say I've been through a lot (with my brain) in my lifetime would be an understatement......However, it is nothing compared with those going through metastatic brain cancer.....I mistakenly wandered on to one of their websites in 2004 briefly. The result of an over eager audiologist in announcing to me that I had a brain tumor. All those months later, I found out that it was the benign kind!
But, all in all, I cannot complain as my life has been full (and I intend to continue to enjoy as much of it as possible after all I'm only 56) but, please forgive me if I tend to gush! I am just so grateful to be among people (the ANA Forum members and my NYC ANA Support Group) and those of you (like you mesafinn) who truly appreciate me with all of my foibles.
Who knew that simply providing a blog of my journey so far would prove to be so mutually helpful?
Mike
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Mike-I have not been on line a lot and just read of your recent experiences. My face twitched a bit here and there, but it doesn't now . I am a little lopsided, but I am going to start facial therapy mid April. Maybe Dr. Sisti will prescribe it for you.
I appreciated your comment about doctors who eagerly bestow the brain tumor bomb...it sure is a lot to handle, and you have had more than your share.
I'm praying for your positive progress, Mike...Millie
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I forgot to say thank you for your support after my own surgery. I remember being in a really really tough place on day 5 or 6 and I came onto this site, and you were there. You told me to hang on and it would get better.
That was such a help to me! Prayers and Hugs...Mil
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Hi All,
Tuesday, June 11th,2013 is fast approaching, as you know it will be my 1st anniversary of my much fearfully anticipated Gamma Knife treatment. I have been reluctant to schedule another CT scan with and without contrast......as I am fearful about what they might find. Just gird your loins Demisay (I tell myself), I know I have been comforting most of you with my posts......But right now, I feel just a little scared given my track record with medical tests as you can tell below.
I have a lot of other things on my plate right now,(my dad"s health is failing) I really don't need another negative result. I am trying to be compliant with my Neurosugical follow-up, but it can be hard at times.
Would it be all right to ask for prayers? I know I haven't been following as I should I promise to get better at that to show you just how much you all mean to me.....
Yours truly,
Michael
PS. Facially, I am a little out of sink on the left side of my face, so I try not to smile as broadly as before. My face doesn't droop, however. The facial twitching is unnerving but I don't notice it when I sleep.
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Mike ~
No need to apologize. Your apprehension regarding your upcoming 1-year CT scan is perfectly normal but probably unwarranted.
We recognize and appreciate your concern for other AN patients and realize that, like all of us, you have a life beyond your AN treatment and this website.
That noted, be assured that you'll be in my prayers (for a no-growth' CT scan result) and those of many others. "Courage is fear that has said its prayers". ~ Dorothy Bernard (silent film actress)
Jim
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Michael,
Consider it done. I will be praying for you. You have always been such an inspiration to so many of us.
Cindy
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Good Luck!!
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Dear All,
Well, I've scheduled it for my anniversary date....Here goes nothing mostly now I'm afraid of my shadow! I don't know why this is such a big ******* deal! But it helps to have asked for prayers. Thanks very much everybody! At this time tomorrow (4:30) I will begin.....
Michael
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Dear All,
Well it went well and I was even able to conduct a lively business meeting afterwards without being too tired! Thanks for the prayers everybody! Now on to Dr. Sisti's appointment. Good anniversary after all!
Mike
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Dear All,
Today I have an appointment scheduled with my neurologist Dr. Kirk Roberts. Hopefully, he will review my medication regimen and prescribe facial exercise regimens I could undertake as I pray for the cellular death of the ever present Dead Irv (my favorite but silent ride along partner).
I have yet to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sisti, I hope I have not waited to long, but probably, I have. Wish me luck with the secretarial powers that be!
Mike
Ps. praying hard for positive news!
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Mike ~
Congratulations on surmounting your fears and getting the necessary MRI scan. Please make the appointment with Dr. Sisti, ASAP. Not knowing the MRI result is not only stressful for you but really works against your best interests. You need to know where you stand, as it were. I'm confident the scan results will be a great stress-reliever for you so please don't procrastinate. Oh, and be sure to let us know the 'verdict' for Irv. Thanks.
Jim
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Dear All,
Well I brought the results of my reports and CT scans with/without contrast in and we found out something (the incredible shrinking tumor DEAD IRV) that had eluded us and had in fact appeared to the radiologists at Verrazano Radiology not to have changed demonstrably much when comparing the CT scans of October 2011 with June 11, 2013.
On comparing the 3 testing periods together however, one detects a totally different story.( I had gone to NY Presbyterian Hospital to have the Gamma Knife procedure on June 11, 2012 and had the tumor targeted there prior to undergoing the procedure (which was relatively painless).
I should point out however, that prior to the October 2011 IRV was smaller and Dr. Sisti decided that we both should attempt to curtail its growth.
Comparisons show the following:
1. October 2011 1.8 X 1.3 cm Verrazano Radiology (Staten Island)
2. June 11, 2012 1.9 X 2.7cm NY Presbyterian (pretargeting levels)
3. June 11,2013 1.8 X 1.3cm Verrazano Radiology (Staten Island)
This without my neurosurgeons saying it appears to me to be quite a signifigant change even though it only appears to have shrunk back to October 2011 levels, can I expect more? It is difficult to say. Only time will tell! I will find out Dr. Sisti's opinion on July 22nd when I meet with him.
At this point,I am very greatly relieved, is all I can say! During the past two months the facial twitchyness has diminished quite a bit. In that at the height of it it used to go on above my left eyelid, underneath my left eye, above my left side of my mouth, beneath my left side of my mouth all at once. Now it has calmed down to include beneath my left eye, but even that is only at times. Now all I can complain about is the relaxed way the left side of my face appears when I smile so in light of that I don't smile as often. Which at first was difficult because of my cheerful personality! Oh well, I'm smiling inside!
Thank you everybody for your well wishes and prayers!
Mike
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Mike-
I guess that is good news, congrats. Glad the twitching has improved.
Curious as to why you are having CT scans instead of MRI?
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Mike ~
Thanks for the update and congratulations on your 'incredible shrinking IRV'. As you know, the goal of radiation is to halt the growth of the tumor. As my radiation oncologist (the esteemed Dr. Jonathan Haas, now of Mineola, N.Y.) put it: "we want to destroy it's DNA so it can't grow".
Necrosis is the real goal, shrinkage is a bonus of sorts. However, that your radiated AN has reduced in size within a year is a very positive sign but my doctor told me that my debulked and radiated AN will likely never completely disappear but, like a dead leaf clinging to a tree, it will be of no consequence. I would expect 'IRV' to end up about the same. Especially the 'no consequence' part. :)
Jim
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Thanks Jim for your unwavering support, it means so much......Robin I cannot have an MRI with 70 (in 1974) clips of metal installed on top my cranium. You know what happens to metal when it is magnetized?
It would make any operation on an AN meaningless.
At the time I had 3 brain bleeds at once Dr. Michelson did a life saving 12 hour operation with metallic clips because nonmetallic clips weren't yet available.
Mike
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Everybody!
Great news to report! I just returned from a meeting with Dr. Sisti with my wife. Dr. Sisti has declared 'Irv' to be 'wimpy' if not totally dead. Even better news the twitchiness should subside as the tumor shrinks more and I should get the smile back to where it was before! He gave me a prescription for a follow up CT scan in a year. He said the twitchiness has gone down considerably as I reported to him. In a year he should be really DEAD.
He also added that Dr. Konziulka the doctor (who I consulted with) who went to NYU in November 3 days before Sandy struck (totally wiping out their machine) has been practicing at NY Presbyterian 1 day a week! Can you beat that! He practices with Dr. Golfinos (who I consulted with as well).
I am really pleased today!
Mike
Thank you all for praying!
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Congratulations, Mike! ;D
Jim
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Mike-
So glad about your great news!
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Great news Mike. I am 16 months post gamma knife and have developed the left sided twitching on left side of mouth, nose and eye. I can't wait for more shrinkage so it will leave. However, so many worse things could have happened so, I can't really complain. :)
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Dear Everybody,
Just checking in facial twichiness has for the most part subsided.....Thank God! Since June my attitude has improved with "wimpy Irv" not yet dead but as good as!
I should be grateful! I have shaved off my beard(for the summer) and I wanted Dr. Sisti to see my partial facial droop. The good news it's not as bad as it was but I still have the upper left lip quiver every once in a while! The good news is that I look 20 years younger!
Some changes in my family have made me feel blue though, my Dad's health is waning and I am trying to suggest help for him but am getting resistance from my Mom (of all people).
Hoping that you are all in good health wherever you are in this fantastic shared journey of ours, and if you are on the fence here's hoping that you can make a decision soon.
Your friend,
Mike
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Dear Everybody,
I just wanted to wish you all a steady recovery (wherever you individually are in this shared journey of ours) and a Happy Thanksgiving! One thing I am sure grateful for is to have this forum where I can express myself and be understood by all of my AN friends. I also am thankful for the decreased symptoms I am experiencing lately.
Remember the less fortunate this Thanksgiving and find someway to pay it forward.
Peace,
Mike
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All the good food leftovers! When you are feeling so warm and toasty that you don't want to leave but you realize that you have to go home! Haven't been a guest at somebody elses house in a long while. Hope all my ANA friends enjoyed their families.
Peace,
Mike
We didn't talk about acoustic neuroma at all. Very refreshing for a change. Missing my grandmother and her laugh :'(