ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => Inquiries => Topic started by: 1cANAdian on October 05, 2008, 09:10:02 pm
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Hello AN Community!
This is my first post to the ANA board. My wife has been on this site a lot more than I have been. and had registered a while back. She discovered there is a lot of great information on this discussion board, so I wanted to join up for two reasons. First is to thank participants for sharing their experiences, and insights, on the various acoustic neuroma topics (especially to Jan for posting BAHA photos - not sure now whether to be hopeful or freaked out! :D). For me, the circle of light is expanding. Second, is to pick away at that circumfrence of darkness for others. Hopefully, I'll be able to contribute a couple of valuable insights myself as I go through the AN experience.
In hindsight, I've had number of symptoms for about three years. Ringing in the ears was the first one. Some strange "physical" sensations in my head, and a reduced sense of balance in certain situations were next. Then came facial numbness and some degraded hearing in my right ear. The reduced ability to stay on an even keel and the hearing has become a bit worse since testing started earlier this year. Being a typical guy, I had ignored symptoms until the facial numbness, which didn't go away and became annoying. Gums, tongue, and eyelids affected too - like being on long term novicane.
Finally had an MRI in June. It revealed the large tumor (about 4 - 4.5 cm depending on where measured) on the right side of my head and some significant deviation of the brain stem. Once that diagnosis was made, it was off to the surgeons to get things rolling. Due to the nature of the health care business here in Canada, and the fact that I have no symptoms that are critical, no surgury is scheduled until November 3rd.
One anecdote from talking to my ENT. He asked me to do some simple balance tests with my eyes closed. Man, I really noticed my balances issues then. It was like I was drunk! it felt so wierd I wanted to fall over from laughing. I cannot believe I didn't notice that before.
I've read through a number of threads over the past months. I've been dismayed at some of the negative experiences some have had, and bouyed by the positive experiences of others. Simple things like a list of items to consider taking to the hospital are invaluable (a postive attitude is number one on my list). One thing that will be a certain outcome of the translab process is single sided deafness (SSD). So more complicated topics, like dealing with hearing loss, have been interesting. Discussion threads about BAHA and Transear show the answers to coping with SSD are not always easy. Looking forward to more discussion on SSD.
Surgury seems both very close and far off at the same time. When the time comes, I know I have the support of friends and family to help me pull through and get back to normal activity as soon as possible. I can also count of this community for support and direction. Of course, my number one support is the one I've relied on for decades - my wife Michelle (I know Love you'll be looking at this post first thing, so I just want to publicly thank you for letting me know about this site, for for being there for me).
Cheers!
Ken
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Hi, Ken & welcome :)
You can definitely count on us for support and direction. I'm so glad your wife found this site for you.
As you probably know, we have several other forumites from Canada, so you're in excellent company ;D
I'm glad you liked my BAHA pictures - and please, be hopeful, not freaked out. I've found that the BAHA is an amazing thing - worth every penny it cost my insurance company.
Like you, I had no idea I had balance issues prior to my surgery, and again like you, the simple tests my neurotologist had me do were a huge revelation ::)
I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers - especially on November 3rd. It will be an easy day for me to remember since I'm in court that day.
Hopefully we'll both have very positive outcomes ;D Come to think of it, maybe you should say a prayer for me ;)
Jan
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Hello Ken~
WELCOME! In my opinion you have it right in saying that the 1st thing on your list to take to the hospital is a positive attitude. I believe that and a strong faith are the way to go!! I know that you will do well. Keep us posted!
K
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Hi Ken (and wife Michelle),
Welcome to the forum. sounds like you have a diagnosis and a treatment all lined up, so you go from newbie to pre-postie in a single day! I will let you have the first try at putting your surgery date on the ANA calendar - the link is in my signature. If you have trouble, someone will help or do it for you. I hope you find the forum useful - feel free to ask anything at all, no question is too small or minor.
Steve
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Hi Ken (and Michelle) and welcome! Good to see you participating here! Sounds like you have been doing all of your research, gathering valuable info and ready to rawk n' roll! Looking forward to your further participation here on the forums and sending wishes of wellness. Got Nov 3 noted and will be cheering you on!
Again, welcome!
Phyl
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Hi Ken,
I too am a fellow Canadian. I live in Southern Ont. Wishing you the best in your surgery. It is less than a month away. A week today is our Thanksgiving, enjoy and be thank full. We Canadians have many things to be thank full for. I agree sometimes it seems like things move slowly here, but we are a much smaller population than our neighbours. There is the "Brain Drain" of our young Doctors and nurses which our federal leaders debated about the other night, while Sarah and Joe were doing their scripted dance for their nation. I hope you watched our debate. I also hope you do not forget to vote next Tuesday.
Where are you having your surgery and who are the surgeons? It seems too me your wife is a really gem. She's a keeper for sure. Thank her for finding "us" and thank you for posting. I wish you calmness and peace of mind going into your surgery. I was so calm it was scary because I'm a hyper person. I just knew there was something wrong with me. My facial neuroma was diagnosed weeks after my surgery. I guess you could say it's because of our Canadian system. I got the run around because of the rareness of what I have and in the area where I live there wasn't anyone really qualified for me to see. Joining this forum a fellow Canadian welcomed me and directed me to an amazing Doctor in Toronto. He is very qualified and always has time for me.
If you are like the rest of us here, you will have many questions and concerns. Ask away. We are all here for you!
Welcome again,
Anne Marie
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Hi Ken (and Michelle),
Along with our many American (and internatinal) friends, you will find a few other Canadians here. Welcome to the best part of having an AN!
I was diagnosed in January this year and it has been a long and bumpy road (ups and downs). I am glad that you found this site and that you are getting some extra info and insight that will help to make this whole experience better (keep up that positive attitude). I am also glad that you have a loving and supportive wife - i don't know how i would have gotten to 4 onths post op without having a great guy to take care of my baby while i was in the hospital; tape my eye at night; tell me i am beautiful just the way i am, etc etc.
A November surgery is not so far off, and it will give you some time to get yourself ready.
Take care and keep us posted.
Trish
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Hi Ken and Michelle and welcome! Seems like all of the Canadian folks should get together for a big AN party! At Donnalynn's igloo!!
Ken, it sounds like you've got that positive attitude thing under control and it will be the most important thing you can bring to the hospital with you. Well, you should bring your wife too.. ;D I know that you will be able to contribute a lot of valuable things that you pick up along this journey, and I also know you'll gain a lot from others who have been in your shoes.
Good things happen on November 3rd (my daughter's birthday), so we will have a combination birthday/get well cake in your honor!
Lori
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Hi 1 cANADIAN! Wecome aboard! It`s great to see a such a positive attitude. From all I can gather here it`s one of the main ingredients to a successful solution. I also always like to include prayer which to me is very important. You have mine, best wsihes, Mickey
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Hello Everyone!
Thank you so much to each of you for your kind words and encouragement.
I cannot believe I spelled Canadian wrong in the subject! If there is a way to correct that, I'm sure you experts will know. A Canadian AN Igloo party sounds great. Especially if Donnalynn is hosting (aka cleaning up). ;D Thanks for the PM you sent. I'll be in touch soon.
The AN calendar has been updated (thanks for the link Steve) with scheduled date (hope it doesn't change).
For those who are curious about the people/place details: the surgery will take place in Edmonton, at the University of Alberta. Dr. Broad is the main surgeon. This guy has done hundreds previously so from that perspective I'm feeling comfortable.
I'll be sure to keep everyone up to date, and to ask a few questions on some of the existing threads.
Cheers!
Ken
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Hi Ken and Welcome!
I'm not Canadian - oh so far from it down here in Georgia, but, looks like you and I will be recovering from translab together - I will be a few days behind you, so will be watching for good news from up there! Glad your wife found us and you have now joined us!
Take care and I'll be watching!
Cindy
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Hello Ken and welcome to the site and the forum. :)
I'm late to the greeting party so can't add anything profound or witty except that I'm pleased you decided to join us. My wife was my advocate all through my AN experience; from initial testing to doctor consultations to surgery and recovery. She stayed in the hospital for three days, sleeping in the nurse's lounge (with my doctor's permission and encouragement) during and after my AN surgery. I can never thank her enough, so I can understand your gratefulness for your wife's help in finding this site/forums.
Your symptoms sound pretty typical. I had a similar-sized tumor (4.5 cm) that was pressing on my brainstem. Although my symptoms were apparent but not severe, the neurosurgeon I selected (we have that luxury in the U.S.) was alarmed enough to schedule surgery for about 5 days later. A complication pushed that back to about 10 days later. Fortunately, it all went well, as I trust your surgery will, too. I look forward to seeing your posts and possibly responding to any questions you may have that I can answer.
Jim
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Another fellow Canucky here -- my surgery is scheduled for Oct. 16th - YIKS! I reside in beautiful Southern Ontario .......
DON'T FORGET TO VOTE on the 14th .... and Happy Turkey Day on the 13th! :)
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Hi Ken-
I'm late in welcoming you - but welcome anyway! I'm 5 months post-translab and here to tell you that it's not that bad. Sounds like you've got an experienced surgeon and that is really key. I'm NOT from Canada, but having grown up in Alaska, I've spent lots of time in Canada if that counts.
Hopefully you will have some time to rest and relax before the 3rd - and, of course, you'll be doing lots of resting after that! ;D Meanwhile, come visit us here often, okay?
Debbi, sending you good thoughts from New Jersey
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Thanks again to posters for their well wishes and encouragement. Lots of Canucks hanging out here!
And Debbie, who comes from the Soccer Mom state of Alaska (just one slick historic purchase away from being part of Canada). If you have your own thread in the forum, please let me know. I'd like to read it to get a sense of how things went for you.
I know things will vary a great deal from person to person, but I'm curious to hear what each of you thought was the one thing, aside from loved ones and being positive, you did (or didn't do) that helped you get through the first week after surgery.
Another topic I'm curious about is coping with hearing loss. Some have opted for BAHA (Jan), some for Transear (Jeanlea), while others are managing well without. What were the motivators driving your decisions? I love music. In stero. The soundscape some artists put together is amazing. I'll miss it. For those of you with BAHA or Transear, do they help or hinder listening to music (live vs home audio systems)?
Cheers!
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Hi and welcome Ken and Michelle,
Ken, to answer your question I think the best thing I did was go outside everyday, (with help of course). I walked to the mailbox the first day, then halfway around the block the next, and so on. At three months post-up I'm back to work and running nearly every day. Minor side-effects are still with me but I'm doing great. I also still have my hearing, amazingly enough.
Good luck to you.
(I'm not officially Canadian but I lived in Montreal for 6 years. :D)
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I am not Canadian but I played Hockey and watched hockey most of my life so I feel close to the maple leaf. I am sending good wishes for a Stanley cup win of a surgery!
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Hello everyone!
Feeling kinda wonky the past couple of days. Best way I could describe it is short lived "brain shudders". May be vertigo, but not sure.
I'm sure this article is out there in the forum somewhere, but I'll put it here for those of you who haven't seen it yet, and are interested in a short article about Mark Ruffalo's experience with AN.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=801878 (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=801878)
Cheers!
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HI Ken
Another Canuk here. I'm late in welcoming you due to getting ready for ur winter season...Cutting wood, tending the garden, winterizing...all that good stuff. We are an elite group as I'm sure you have discovered. lol..The best of the best.
Again Welcome, and maybe we can connect when I'm in your area visiting my son.
JO
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Hi Ken,
I'm not Canadian either (Australian) but I lived in Canada for a year and loved it! I miss it and wish I was back there almost every day - except when my friends in Saskatchewan tell me the temp has been -40! Also I don't miss waiting tables at the powerplant in the Uni of Alberta - hardly anyone used to tip, bloody students!!!! I've just been diagnosed and am looking at a Translab around February sometime. You said something about you were wondering how SSD has affected people post surgery - I'm wondering about that too, but have just found this site:
http://scansound.com/xcart/home.php?cat=269
it has headphones that move everything that is stereo into one headphone, which will be perfect for me...I'll be stuffed if I'm missing out on listening to my ipod properly post surgery!! I'm going to get a pair (umm...so used to that, I meant to say I'm going to get one!) before I have the surgery so I'm ready to rock as I start to get better. I'm also going to treat myself to a new Macbook and ipod soon - this is a big deal and I deserve a treat!!
Hope that helps!
JoeBloggs.
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Hi Ken,
I'm not Canadian, never lived there, but I would love to visit sometime.
I made it through the first week after surgery by taking it one day at a time. As you probably know by now, we are all different and you just can't tell what postie life will bring for you. It's scary thinking of all the things that can happen during surgery and after surgery. I completely agree with Jan when she advises ANers not to sweat the unknown outcomes.
I'm glad that you are keeping a positive attitude. I found it has helped me greatly. Remember..one day at a time.
Syl
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Ken~
Hey! I did not have the luxury of obtaining 2nd or 3rd opinions because my surgery was such a rush-rush deal, but I would STRONGLY encourage you to see different Dr.'s to see their creditals and see if their personalities give you that "warm, fuzzy feeling." Donnalynn is right that you send your MRI off for free phone consultations. If I knew then what I know now, I would have definitely done that!!
K
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Ken -
Donnalynn and Kay both have an excellent point. Your AN is large and you definitely want to make sure you have the very best surgeon you can find. You might want to talk to another doctor who treats ANs, or at the very least send your MRA results to House in Los Angeles. I know your surgery is scheduled for November 3rd, but you should have enough time. From what I hear the docs @ House are pretty speedy about responding to AN patients. And you certainly can't beat a free medical opinion - doesn't happen too often here in the U.S. ;)
I don't know how things work in Canada, but lots of AN docs in the U.S. are now debulking large ANs through surgery and then following up with radiation to kill what's left. The theory is that it helps save the facial nerve, which is always a big concern with AN surgery - especially when a large AN is involved. I know Jim Scott, and a few others, had debulking and radiation, and it seems to work quite well. Jim had a great outcome with this method.
I had a lot of faith, confidence, and trust in my two surgeons (neurotologist and neurosurgeon) going into surgery, and I may be going out on a limb here, but I don't get the sense from your first post that you have a similar feeling about your doc. IMO it's imperative that you are 100% certain he's the "right guy" for you. Afterall, we are talking brain surgery here. Have you thought about asking your doc for a list of patients he's treated so you can talk to them about their experiences? While no doctor can guarantee a positive outcome, it might be a good idea to get some feedback from the patients he's performed surgery on.
Jan
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Oops! Almost forgot to answer your question about the BAHA.
I decided to get one because I couldn't stand being SSD. Yes, I know, lots of AN patients adjust and they do just fine, but I wasn't one of them. I had a hard time adjusting from day one and couldn't wait to do something about my SSD. In fact, I was asking my neurotologist as soon as I was conscious post op, and could comprehend the fact that half my hearing was gone, what he could do to "fix" this problem. When I finally tried the BAHA demo I couldn't schedule the surgery soon enough - my insurance company had other ideas of course, so I spent 5 months fighting with them before they approved it.
I found that SSD made me very grouchy and it wasn't one of those post-op issues that got better over time - like my balance or the intense fatigue. I also realized the day my insurance company approved my BAHA surgery that being SSD was actually making me very depressed. The day I heard the words "yes, we'll pay for the surgery and the processor" you would have thought I'd won millions in the lottery. I was on cloud nine! ;D
Pre-BAHA I was tired of saying "What???" all the time. It frustrated me and it frustrated my children. Being SSD isn't a physical thing that others can see, so even though colleageues, family, friends, etc., knew my hearing was gone on my AN side, it didn't stop them from talking to me on that side. I got tired of always saying "I can't hear you" or "that's my bad ear". Having them ask "is this your good ear?" didn't thrill me either :P
Since I was only 45 1/2, and I hope to live a long, long life - at least another 45 1/2 years - I decided there was no reason to just live my life this way. I decided that if God wanted people to remain unilaterally deaf, he wouldn't have invented BAHAs.
Some people, my parents specifically, thought I was crazy to want to undergo another surgery. And truth be told, I originally agreed with them - until I found out that the BAHA surgery was so minor compared to the AN surgery. These same people also weren't too wild about the idea of a titanium post being inserted into my skull. They also weren't too wild about the drill that would make the hole in my skull for the post either ::) But I knew it was right for me and felt that if others had a problem with it then that was their problem, not mine.
The BAHA has been a huge help in situations where someone on my "bad" side is trying to hold a conservation with me. It's been a blessing in work situations where I now don't have to pretend I can hear what is being said. I found with out the BAHA that I bluffed a lot - you know, smiled, nodded - and I often got strange looks since my responses weren't always appropriate to the question being asked ;) One of my biggest pleasures with the BAHA is being able to hear the bank teller at the drive-thru when she speaks to me. I also no longer have to turn my entire body to hear sounds on my left side. which thrills me to death.
The BAHA isn't perfect - and it's not like having your normal hearing back again. Like most hearing aids, it doesn't work well in noisy, crowded rooms. It also doesn't give sounds directionality - but at least now I can hear the sounds.
Jan
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What I was then able to do was send my MRA courier over night service to L.A House Clinic.
Hi Ken,
Here is a link for the House Clinic acoustic neuroma "hot line":
http://www.houseearclinic.com/acousticneuromaconsultation.htm
I agree with Donnalynn, K, and Jan, that for a large AN, it makes sense to make use of this resource. Besides being experts on AN surgery, they are also knowledgeable about other surgeons and hospitals, and know all the insurance systems well. You owe it to yourself to hear what they have to say.
Wishing you the best,
Steve
PS: Also two links from a post by 4 CM Northwest a while ago, to surgeons in Toronto:
Here is one of the world renown Julian M. Nedzelski
http://www.sunnybrook.ca/team/member.asp?t=14&page=2152&m=207
Many on the forum have been pleased with this neurosurgeon: Dr. Rutka
http://www.surg.med.utoronto.ca/neuro/
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Ken,
honestly, I have to agree with all about 2nd and multiple opinions.... and will also note here speaking to many patients that have used a particular surgeon to get their take on it.
ie: here, we have many that have flown to HEI (and I'm just noting this as an example). Many here (not all but many) will note their genuine pleasure with HEI. I also personally know of some that were not pleased with HEI, thus... it is up to us to seek out patient referrals before we let anyone cut. I insisted on speaking to patient referrals before any of my medical treatments that I am interested in pursuing.... I would also highly suggest you obtain patient referrals for any surgeon you are looking to use.
Just my 2 cents.
Phyl
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Ken:
I don't wish to be an echo or pile on, but I'm quite concerned about your situation, as you've described it. As you probably know, I had a similar sized tumor and it was debulked and, 8 weeks later, radiated - with great success. Frankly, I hope and pray that every AN patient has a similarly successful experience, whatever their choice of treatment. Not every AN case is amenable to the surgery-then-radiation process, but we all want the best possible outcome with the least amount of problems. I'm sure you're no exception.
On that basis, I strongly suggest you consider consulting the doctors at HEI in Los Angeles for that free MRI evaluation. The stark reality is that AN surgery is painstakingly delicate and requires both experience and good judgment on the part of the surgeon to insure a successful outcome. Many of us enjoyed that kind of surgeon and had good results. Some did not and had unfortunate results. I urge you not to just accept the only doctor available to perform your surgery, as if they were all the same or as if this was some simple, any-doctor-can-do-it procedure. It is definitely not. Remember, Ken, if things don't go well, you could be in for months, possibly years of very difficult recovery that could change your whole life and probably not for the better. Although time is an issue, I would seriously consider doing whatever you have to do to obtain the money to have your surgery performed in the U.S., where places like the House Ear Institute have surgeons with years of experience and the fully recovered patients to prove their expertise.
The ultimate decision is yours, of course, but your acceptance of the 'local' doctor with no other consultations or real study of his patients recovery history seems a bit hasty. Please consider other options. We just want you to have the best chance at a good outcome to a very serious surgery and not take the first doctor that is available. Take control of your health and look beyond the Canadian heath care system, if possible. Saving money on brain surgery is not a good idea. I'm sure 'donnalynn', who is almost a neighbor of yours, would be happy to steer you to U.S. facilities and offer you her story, if it might help. She is a nurse and does have some 'inside' information, as most nurses do.
I trust I've not frightened or offended you in any way. If I have, let me apologize in advance. Like the other posters who came before me, I simply want the best outcome for you, Ken. Nothing more, nothing less, so please consider the U.S. for treatment.
Jim
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I'll just throw in that I hear California has an excellent AN Welcoming Committee. It may not be an "official" committee, but what a nice bonus to get to meet up with some of our members while you're there! And if you want to come to Nashville instead, I'll be sure to be the welcoming committee here! ;D
Good luck Ken. We're all pulling for the best for you!
Lori
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Hi Ken,
Just wanted to see how you are doing and to send my wellness wishes to you. Will be cheering you on and we're here to support you. Hang tough!
Phyl
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Hello Everyone!
Things are going well (as long as I ignore my long hours at work :(). Surgery has been postponed to Dec 8th.
From a symptoms and emotional perspective, it is steady as she goes. No changes. Will be off to a Habitat for Humanity build this Saturday, and next. So, symptoms are not preventing me from doing what I'd normally do.
Thank you for all your well wishes. If life (and daughter) slows down a bit, I'll do some posting and participating on the site. Will update calendar soon.
Cheers!!
Ken
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Hi Ken,
Thanks for the update. So you have another month or so; it will be almost winter by that time. It sounds like you are coping pretty well; the Habitat build sounds like a great weekend activity. I hope it stays steady for you all the way through.
Best wishes,
Steve
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Hi Ken,
Sorry your surgery has been delayed, but how great that you are participating with Habitat for Humanity! And, now there's a really good chance YOU might get the Magic Scarf as, so far, there are no other December surgeries on the Calendar!
Stay in touch!
Cindy
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But the question is... would Ken put the Magic Scarf under or over his baseball hat? ;D
Glad things are going well. Happy building! What a great thing to be involved in.
And I know you'll have a great time over coffee with Donnalynn. I'm sure she'll be a huge help with any questions you have. She's one smart lady!
Keep us posted!
Lori
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Hi, Ken:
Good to see you post again. You certainly are a busy guy - and that is always a positive sign. I'm sorry your surgery had to be postponed but you seem to be taking it in stride, as it were. Say hi to Donnalynn for us and tell her Jim said to have a cup of coffee on me. ;) Take care of yourself.
I took the liberty of adding your new surgery date to the AN Treatment calendar. http://my.calendars.net/an_treatments/d08/12/2008?authenticate=&display=M&style=B (http://my.calendars.net/an_treatments/d08/12/2008?authenticate=&display=M&style=B)
Jim
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Happy Friday!
I continue to be amazed with the number of people on this board who are so giving of their time and energy in support of individuals like me! I am very appreciative of your kind words, encouragement, and support.
Thanks Jim for updating the calendar for me. Very kind.
Cindy & Lori - What is a majic scarf? And how soon can I get it!?!? After all, it is already cold here in Edmonton. Highs not much above freezing forcast for the next couple of days, with 50mph winds. Perfect weather for HFH home building with my daughter. That scarf would indeed be beneficial!
Steve! It is winter here for all but a few weeks of the year. Or at least that is how if feels to me way too often. Some earlier comments about igloos are not far off the mark. The positive benefits of such cold weather are fewer insect pests, no poisonous snakes, no scorpions, no tropical diseases, and hardly any chance at a sunburn. And hockey!
With my surgery bumped to December, everyone can focus their positive engery on November 3rd on Jan instead. That will be her day in court. And for Lori's daughter too. Her birthday is on the 3rd!
Donnalynn - Waiting for that call! If things don't work out for the days I mentioned in the email, there will be other opportunities.
Cheers!!
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Hey Ken!
Are there no snakes at all up there, or just no "poisonous" snakes? If there are NONE, I may have to consider moving there. Snakes, of any kind, are my biggest fear - I regularly have nightmares about them...
Anyway, the "Magic Scarf" was initiated by Debbi (right, ya'll). She bought the scarf at the time of her surgery and then passed it on to the next person that was having surgery for good luck. It has been traveling ever since. A journal was added to it somewhere along the way. It is currently in California apparently awaiting my arrival for my surgery on Nov 7 - Cheri (cwood) used the magic and then passed it on to Mathilda who had surgery in LA right after her. I will be sending it on to someone else (not sure who yet), and then perhaps it will find its way to you prior to your date! Sure you would look marvelous in the leopard print!
If you see Donnalynn, you must give her a big hug from me.
Take care and stay warm,
Cindy
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Well, Ken, you had me all set to pack up and move up there when you mentioned the lack of bugs and snakes - but now that I hear talk of blizzards in October - I think I'll stay put for a little while. I've done my share of shoveling snow for a lifetime! :D
Maybe we should have Steve knit magic scarves for our friends to the North. They'd be much warmer than the leopard print one. Although I do look forward to seeing Ken in the leopard print scarf wrapped around his head to keep his ears warm! And at least when you meet Donnalynn for coffee, she'd definitely be able to pick you out of a crowd! ;D
Lori
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Well Donnalynn, when I was out your way in April, my daughter in law and I couldnt do a dang thing cuz of a blizzard while back home in Eastern Ontario they were enjoy BBQ weather. And I couldnt beleive how it doesnt get dark til late, very late at night in the summertime out there. Ex hubby and I went out to visit the kids and grandkids in June..much nicer weather then...I'll be back your way in May/June someitme and hoping to meet you and Ken...
JO ;D
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Hello Everyone!!
Heading into surgery in the morning (Dec 8) at 7:20am. The magic scarf is enroute, but its powers will protect me anyway because they are so powerful. I have faith in the pile leopard!
My wife will be updating the board every once in a while, and encourage her to be super patient, dote on me hand and foot, and indulge my every whim. Hey, that is what she does all the time anyway!! Kidding.
Hope to be back on the board before too long.
Take care of each other.
Cheers!
Ken
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Hey Ken,
Wishing you the best for today and hoping your recovery is as quick and easy as possible - I know the Magic Scarf will be doing the its thing for you!
Take care and we'll be watching for the updates,
Cindy
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Today's the day and prayers and good ju-ju are coming at you fast and frequent from New Jersey. Can't wait to hear from your wife and hope you are out of surgery soon!
Debbi
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Godspeed Ken.
See you soon as a postie!
Can't wait to hear from your lovely wife.
Jan
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Ken:
Best of luck and I'm praying for a good outcome with a complication-free surgery.
Ken's wife: Here's a hug for you because you got the hardest job. You have to be awake through the whole thing while he snoozes away....((((((((((((((((((Ken's wife))))))))))))))))))))))).
Will be watching for updates.
Syl