ANA Discussion Forum

Pre-Treatment Options => Pre-Treatment Options => Topic started by: NicoleB on March 05, 2018, 09:58:46 am

Title: My Journey
Post by: NicoleB on March 05, 2018, 09:58:46 am

Hello,

I had my acoustic neuroma surgery September 21, 2017. I live in Georgia, but had my surgery in California, by House Clinic. My surgeon team was Dr.Slattery, Dr.Schwartz, Dr.Stefan, and surgery counselor-Olivine Stigall. They are wonderful people! They were so humble, kind, knowledgeable, and truly care about you!  My vestibular schwannoma measured approximately 1.5cm transverse by 1.0cm AP by 0.9cm craniocaudal. I had the middle fossa approach.

My whole journey with something that I thought was very scary, ended up being a learning experience and a major Blessing. Jesus was with me every step of the way. I'll never forget my time with Jesus through this whole experience. He is always with us.  I wouldn't of made it through without His love, care, and major guidance/wisdom! I wouldn't of even of gone to House Clinic if it wasn't for the Lord caring for me. I only found Jesus 3 and a half to four years ago, and have had this awesome relationship with Him ever sense!   Here is my Caringbridge of everything I went through/my acoustic neuroma journey:
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/nicolebrooks2

I did lose my hearing on the surgery side. It's amazing how the opposite side of the brain will compensate.
If I got through this, you definitely will get through this.:)) I hope what I went through can help you.

Sincerely,

Nicole Brooks

Title: Re: My Journey
Post by: notaclone13 on March 06, 2018, 04:19:29 pm

Thanks for your encouraging post Nicole. So many that come this forum have just been diagnosed and are very apprehensive about the future. Seeing a post such as yours is very reassuring. Your comforting words are greatly appreciated.

Title: Re: My Journey
Post by: v357139 on March 09, 2018, 08:26:05 pm

Contratulations Nicole.  I also had Slattery and Schwartz, and also had an excellent result.  Always good to see a good story on the forum.  Best Regards,
Rich

Title: Re: My Journey
Post by: rmkelly on April 29, 2018, 08:21:07 am

Thank you for sharing.  Can you tell me how you selected your surgeon and why you went to CA.  Did you not feel confident with Duke or a DR in NYC?  Just curious as I am in the process of selecting a surgeon.

Title: Re: My Journey
Post by: ColleenS on April 30, 2018, 09:15:00 am

So glad for you Nicole. I feel the same as you in many ways - the experience taught me a lot. How to lean on friends and family, a closer walk spiritually and what is actually important in life.