ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: RachelSta on May 19, 2013, 07:11:21 am
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The headline kind of says it all. 10 days until my AN is gone. I'm pretty nervous/anxious, as is to be expected. I'm a healthy, fit, 42 year old who takes no medication, so the diagnosis has certainly thrown me for a loop. I'm not used to needing any medical attention outside annual exams and the occasional sinus infection. I've lost most of the hearing in my left ear (0% word recognition, over 70db hearing loss), so I will be having translab surgery at the U of Michigan. I'm really hoping that my health will help me recover quickly. My parents are coming for the surgery. My dad will stay for two weeks and my mom is staying for a month. Hopefully, by then I'll be ready to take care of my kids and all that involves.
I have so much to get done in the next 10 days and two of my three kids in are in a soccer tournament over Memorial Day weekend. So, I better get it all done this week while they are in school!
I started a blog to keep family and friends updated regarding my surgery.
http://myansurgery.wordpress.com/
Rachel
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Rachel, You have a great attitude and you are going to do fine! Losing hearing and balance on one side takes some getting used to, be patient with yourself. U of M is a great hospital with fabulous docs and surgeons. You are blessed to be able to go there. If you ever need someone to talk to please feel free to pm me, I would even be happy to talk to you on the phone if you like. I've been where you are and if I can do it, so can you!!!
Blessings,
Char
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Rachel
Wishing you nothing but the best. You will be a postie in no time. We are all here for you if you have questions.
Take care
Mindy
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rachel, what is the size of your AN?
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You are going to do great! I am 12 weeks post op following 100% tumor removal, and have felt back to my normal self since about 7 weeks post op! That says a lot considering running & being a mom to 2 kids including a 6 month old at the time of surgery keep me busy! Don't be too stressed about getting everything done before surgery, because believe me you will appreciate a daily 'outing' once you are home and recovering. Sunshine and daily outings will help you feel like a human instead of a patient.
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Thinking of you and wishing you speed, comfort, peace, and all-good-things.
P.
P.S. Get some pre-treatment rest, too! Storing your energy will help.
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Thanks for the positive thoughts! I had my last day of work today before my surgery (I only work 2 days a week). Tomorrow is my pre-op physical.
LH1862 - my tumor, per my MRI in March, is approximately 7 mm x 10 mm x 5 mm. Not terribly big, but I guess it has completely filled my IAC. I'm wondering if I'm in the small percentage of people who's ANs grow a bit faster based on the quick progression of my hearing loss (in March my hearing was still in A range with 80% word recognition and less than 20db hearing loss). Who knows? I guess I'll find out soon.
Rachel
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Hi Rachel
You and I are having our AN surgery on the same day, May 29th. You are 42 and I am 43. if you need anyone to reach out to during your recovery, email me. We can compare notes and photos of incisions...
I am going to House, but in my extensive investigation of places to get surgery, the University of Michigan is among the very best, so I am sure you will be in wonderful hands. Indeed, I talked to one of their neurosurgeons at U of M, Phil (because he is a friend of a friend) about AN. I live in Houston, so Michigan was not convenient.
Reading your blog is very helpful to me also, so thanks! I will continue to read it.
I am so sorry to hear about your hearing loss, but at least this means that the surgery route you are taking now will be extremely unlikely to damage your facial nerve. I have no idea how fast hearing loss usually occurs with an AN, as that is the least of my symptoms. i dont know if it is usual for symptoms to come on fast or slow. My loss of balance came on so fast (4 weeks ago now) that I went to the emergency room within days (after 9 hours at the ER they told me to leave because they didnt know what was wrong with me... thanks!). I crashed my car the next morning for the very reason that you listed on your blog for why you shouldnt drive after surgery - I did a shoulder check and got all dizzy... crash (everyone was fine - but the insurance company wont pay for the damage because it was not negligence, but was due to a medical reason!).
Wishing you the best of recoveries.
j
(My surgery is going to be retrosigmoid, for a 2cm by 1.5cm by 1cm AN.)
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Rachael,
I took a quick peek at your blog and see you have "the scarf." I hope it brings you luck! It was being worn by another when I had my surgery and it brought her luck! I am sure you will do great!
J,
Good luck to you as well! I know you are in good hands. I had my surgery at HEI as well.
Keep us posted! We will be praying for you both!