ANA Discussion Forum
AN Community => AN Community => Topic started by: AROBTEK on January 03, 2008, 09:34:08 am
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Well, I had my appointment with Dr. Mattox at Emory yesterday. Thanks to this forum, I was ready for the visit. Dr. Mattox was great and recommended surgery (Translab). We live 2 hrs. South of Atlanta, so he told his assistant to 'work her 1st miracle for 2008' and get me in to see Dr. Olson also. Within 15 minutes we were walking into Dr. Olson's office and they were waiting for us. I didn't even have time to fill out all the lovely paperwork! Dr. Olson is really laid back and I liked him. He scared my husband to death with all the details (10 hr. surgery), but thanks to yall, I was OK.
I am anxious to get this over asap because our daughter is due to deliver our first grand baby Feb. 20th. I can't wait! :D :D
MY QUESTIONS:
1- By having surgery on the 24th of Jan, how mobile/functional do yall think I will be by Feb. 20th?
2- Lacey (daughter) wants me to be in the delivery room with her (and her husband), do you think I will be able to physically handle it (I really want to)?
3- I had planned to stay with her for a week to help her out, but I guess that will be out of the question. Will I still need someone to take care of me at that point?
Thanks for all the info and links on this site, I've learned a lot. I have been reading and studying since I was diagnosed on 12/10. My husband is just the opposite, he doesn't want to see or hear anything medical. He was in 'Shell Shock' by the time we left Emory yesterday. I think he is more afraid than I am. [He knows he is gonna have to clean up the kitchen by himself ]
;)
Annette in GA
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My honest opinion? If you really want to be able to be there for your daughter when she firs has the baby, I'd put off the surgery for a few months. Your AN is not an emergency situation (I'm assuming) so that shouldn't pose much risk.
I had translab for a 2.3cm AN at 36 and in really good health. I was blessed and essentially no post-op complications or residual side effects. At 6 weeks post-op I was just starting to be functional again day-to-day, and still needed to nap most afternoons. My surgeons told me no driving or lifting anything over 5 lbs for a month (which is less than a full-term baby weighs!, and that was about right for me. It was at least 4 weeks before I felt comfortable being alone in the house for a hour or two.
Personally, I'd put off the surgery and really enjoy this special time with your daughter and grandchild first. But in the end, you'll make the decision that is right for you and your situation - and that's all that matters.
Congratulations on the baby! ;D
Katie
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Annette,
Welcome to the club! With your attitude everything should go fine. You have a lot on your plate though. Everyone heals differently and at different speeds. Knowing what it is like to witness the birth of a grandchild, I wouldn't miss that one for the world. I'm sure you will make yourself be ready for it. As far as helping your daughter once the baby gets here, that's another story. You will need to take care of you and get plenty of rest and keep yourself healthy. I would make sure you have help and that your daughter does too. I'll be keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Brenda
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Katie and Brenda, thanks for your input. This has been a tough decision. My husband doesn't want to influence me, says it is my decision.
I have given a lot of thought about when to schedule surgery. I asked my daughter what she wanted. She said she wants that 'thing' out of my head ASAP! She realizes that I won't be able to be much help after Carlie is born, but still wants me to go ahead with the surgery. Although we have told her it is benign, she says she won't be satisfied until it is out and the lab reports are in.
On a brighter note, at 52 I am probably in much better physical shape than I was at 36! I go to the gym regularly and eat much healthier than in years past. Thankfully, I have always been disgustingly healthy! My plan is to increase my gym time and try to get into better shape and hope that helps reduce my 'down' time. Also, I have LOTS of people praying for me. I have faith in God and and I know that He will get us through this.
Thanks,
Annette
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Annette -
Two weeks after my surgery, my husband went back to work - long hours - and I was home from about 8am until 9pm with a 4 year old and a 10 month old. I had to adjust a few things, but I did okay. We did work with my husbands schedule alot, because i quickly learned that those hours were just too much for me.
My lifting restrictions were nothing over 10 lbs for 2 weeks and then nothing over 40lbs. I certainly hope your grandchild won't weigh 40 lbs at birth. (I'm sure your daughter feels the same!). Assuming you are in good health and everything goes well, I don't see any reason you couldn't be there for the big event. After all, it's your daughter doing all the hard work at that point! I guess you'll be able to judge a little closer to the date if you feel up to it or not, but I'm sure, like any soon-to-be grandma - you'll do whatever it takes to be there. And if for some reason you can't I'm sure your daughter will understand. She's obviously concerned about your well-being. As long as you're there for support and lots of grandma snuggles - you'll be a big help. I know your positive attitude and faith will help you through. And what a wonderful thing you have to look forward to - a grandchild to spoil!!
We'll all be praying for you too!
Lori
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There is a big difference in having this surgery in your fifties than in your thirties, I don't care how healthy you are. This thing kicked my 51 year-old-healthy-as-a-horse butt. I was incapacitated for a good 2 months. I'm with Katie on this one, 100%. Put the surgery off till the end of March. Your AN's growth will be imperceptible, if any. I waited that long between diagnosis and surgery just to get a spot at House Institute. Congrats on Grandmahood! It is a blast and not to be missed.
Capt Deb 8)
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Annette,
After rereading your post and Katie's and then Capt Deb's, being in my fifties when I had the surgery and being a grandma, if I had the choice I would wait until after the baby is born to have the surgery. Being a granny is no small task to be taken lightly and you want to be at your very best to see that birth and hear that baby's first cry. Congratulations, babies are exciting.
Brenda
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Annette,
You are in fab hands with Dr. Maddox at Emory... Top of the line in the Atlanta area. Congrats on the upcoming new arrival... and you will know in your soul what is best for you and your situation. Next trip to visit my family in Atlanta, hope to meet you! :)
Congrats on the new arrival... and wishes for wellness to you.
Phyl
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Annette,
We can all offer our opinions and advice, but I know in the end you'll do what's right for you and your situation. That's all that matters.
Good luck! And keep us posted on your surgery and that new baby! ;D
Katie
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Sorry for the delay on my reply to all your posts. I have been out of town for several days in South GA with no internet access & no cell phone signal! :(
Thanks everyone for your input. My gut feeling is to go ahead with the surgery, so that is the plan. Husband agrees. I had prayed about what to do before going to Drs. Mattox and Olson because of the baby's due date. If the surgery date had been any later I would have waited, but I feel that this was the right thing for me to do. I know it will be the toughest thing I've ever gone through, but I am determined to keep a positive attitude and follow my instincts. I don't plan on staying in the delivery room the whole time, I know that will probably be too much for me. Lacey's father-in-law is a doctor and will be in the delivery room also, so I will have some backup if I need it.
Lori, I love the picture of your baby and the retriever. It is so precious. Our grand-dog 'Sadie' looks a lot like yours. I can't wait to have pictures of Carlie and Sadie like that. I will have to post some when we do. Capt. Deb, your Sadie looks so huggable, she will be a great addition to your family!
Thanks again for the input and prayers.
Annette
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Hello Annette,
I’m glad to hear you’ve settled on your surgeons and feel comfortable with them. I immediately knew that my surgeons were “hired� the minute I met them……gut feelings never lie!
Every situation is different, but here is mine after a 15 hour surgery:
Walking - 2 days post-op (with the help of my I-V rolling cart, but walking)
Walking 2 miles around the neighborhood - 1 week post –op
Driving - 2 weeks post-op
Return to work – 3 weeks post-op
Return to the gym – 8 weeks post-op
It sounds like you’ll be fine, you have a winning attitude! Give it hell ;)!!! Congratulations on your new grandchild!
Adrian
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I think you are doing the right thing for you and your family. I know how stressful it can be on family members. I believe you are giving your daughter the best gift and taking care of yourself. This will be a load off of her mind so that she can focus on new motherhood and giving birth to a healthy, happy and oh so cute baby. I must say I can not wait to be a Grandmother. I am now a Grandmother to a 5lb chihuahua but it is not the same. I do love my little Grandpup and wouldn't trade him for all of the chocolate in the world.
I'm wishing you good luck and a speedy recovery. I believe you have some great providers and if getting in to see a Dr the same day is any indication of your how you will receive post op care than you will be a step ahead. Take care 16
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Hi Annette,
I had my surgery at Emory July 25, 2005.
I remember Dr. Olsen saying 8 hrs of surgery, one week in the hospital, and 4 months of not taking care of the kids. He was pretty accurate.
I found out about the AN end of May but was not able to get a surgery date until end of July.
The week in the hospital was tough, the first week home was also tough, but I was out cutting the grass the third week. Cutting the grass is
something I enjoy. I could not drive for about 6 weeks due to balance issues and since my eye didn't close the sunlight made it difficult to drive.
My husband had to go back to work and I had a six year old to take care of so my balance came back pretty quickly. I was 49 at the time of
the surgery (had my kids late in life}. Lots of wonderful neighbors brought meals to us for a month. I remember toward the end of the month
feeling like I didn't need help with the meals. I think having a grandchild on the way will speed up recovery. Sue
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Annette -
everyone's surgery and recovery is different. IMO, two of the main things to consider are your comfort level with your treatment decision and your comfort level with your doctors. If you feel positive about both of those, then I say schedule your surgery for whenever you think it's best for you. As Adrian pointed out, you have a winning attitude and that's definitely a good thing.
The first few weeks post op aren't easy, but the first week is definitely worse than the second week; the second is definitely worse than the third; etc. I was amazed that in my case I saw improvement daily. By week four you should be doing well enough to thoroughly enjoy your grandchild.
Best of luck, grandma,
Jan
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And another plus is that if you put your good ear to the pillow, you can't even hear the baby crying in the middle of the night!
As far as I know, my daughter has been sleeping through the night since about February 20th. :D My husband sure seems tired for some reason though.. Hmmm..
Lori
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My husband had his translab surgery with Drs. Mattox and Olson at Emory in April 2007 and I can honestly say that I have the utmost respect for both of them - as real people as well as surgeons.
My husband had a rough time - none of which was due to the surgery but more his body's way of dealing with surgeries. (2 CSF leaks. He was their "problem child") I saw them both daily throughout his hospital ordeal and they were honest with me and took as much time with us as we needed. Before, during and after the surgery. I don't think you can say that about many surgeons today.
Looking back, and only because every "body" heals differently, I probably wouldn't risk the slightest chance of missing this time with your daughter. I struggled with even writing this note because it sounds as if you are set. And if the timing is right for you, then you know best. But - when it comes to healing, things do not always go as planned, nor are they in your (or your doctor's) control.
Fortunately, my hubby is 8 months post op and doing fantastic! We are scheduled to see Dr. Olson again in April for his 1-year check up and MRI and frankly we both look forward to seeing and talking with him again. How weird is that??!! (FYI - look for the electric "brain" in Dr. Olson's office - my hubby it gave it to him as a thank you!) ;D
Best of luck in both the grandbaby and AN areas!!!
mykey's wifey, Lisa
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Lisa- I am so glad to hear that your husband is doing so well and that you liked 'our' doctors so well. I am set on the date of the surgery because it 'just feels right' to me. Dr. Olson affirmed to my husband that the tumor is pressing on my brain stem (that's what it looked like on the MRI). I want it out before there are more symptoms to deal with. I will update you all asap after surgery - I will have my computer in Atlanta with us, but don't know if I will be able to see it or not! :)
Adrian it sounds like you did great with your surgery. Youth does have its advantages - but as you said - attitude does help.
It is so good to have someone to talk about all this with that has been through it already. It is hard to understand why, but I am not affraid (yet)! I absolutely feel that this is the right decision for me, I have peace about it. We are so very blessed to be part of a wonderful church with lots of praying friends, family, and co-workers who are continually lifting us up in prayer.
Thanks everybody for all your comments and encouragement! God Bless you all.
Annette
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Annette, it's good to hear you have so much support. I'm glad you made your decision and feel good about it.
I wasn't nervous before my surgery either for some reason. I just felt this kind of peace come over me when I met with my surgeon and just knew it was going to work out. I was more worried about my daughter getting sent to preschool with clothes that didn't match or the dog not getting fed while I was in the hospital. Luckily, they all managed okay - although I'm pretty sure my daughter looked like Chuckles the Clown a few of those days...
Good luck to you. If you're like me, you'll be able to see the computer through the haze of eye goop - but the typing will be very s-l-o-w!!!
Lori
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I am set on the date of the surgery because it 'just feels right' to me...It is hard to understand why, but I am not afraid (yet)! I absolutely feel that this is the right decision for me, I have peace about it.
Annette, it's not so hard to understand why, you said it yourself. You know what to do, who to have do it, and when to do it. Once you reach that point, the anxiety goes away. Now you just let it unfold, and it will all work out.
Best wishes for a great surgery and a quick recovery.
Steve
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Yeah, I'm not looking forward to eye-goop or to not being able to blow my nose! :P I guess it is a good thing that Paul and I don't have little ones at home now. There is no telling what their hair would have look like. Probably no worse than mine will when they get finished with it! :)
Some of my friends at work have suggested that all the ladies get a mohawk hair cut to support me in my temporary bald-patch-ness. I'll believe that when I see it, but it was a nice thought! For a few, it might be an improvement, but don't tell them I said that!! ;D ;D
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Annette~
I have read all of the postings and I know how it is to not be worried or upset -- I had a super church family and friends. I believe a strong faith and the power of prayer is key to a quick and successful recovery. Almost as important as that is ATTITUDE and you seem to really have a good one!! :) The DESIRE to get better is a very powerful thing in the actual healing process. I was only 25, but had a much longer recovery b/c I had a stroke on the table. My tumor had completely moved my stem over to the left side of my head, so they had removed it w/in a week of the 1st MRI (very near daeth & never knew it)!!! I think you will definitely be able to be in the delivery room - who knows how active a part you can play. I think I would plan on laying on the couch & enjoying being w/ a new baby, but not helping too much. Then on the bright side, you could be doing awesome and that would be a special bonus/gift!! Plan for the worst and hope for the best!!!
Good Luck!!
Kay