Yeah!!! It is a miracle!!!

[ShanaBee]

Hi All

I wanted to thank everyone for the support I have received since being diagnosed 8/30/07 with a 3.1-3.2 cm AN.  I turned 28 November 27th and scheduled surgery with Dr. Jackler and Dr. Harsh for the 28th at Stanford.  I just wanted to let everyone know that I am doing great!!!!  I had no facial problems other than a grade 1 out of 6 on my forehead which left me with fewer wrinkles!!!  And the best part....they removed over 97% of the tumor!!!  I lost hearing in my right ear but I had no eye or facial problems and no CSF leak!  In fact, I walked out of the hospital 4 days after surgery!  I can't say enough about their team and the excellent treatment I received at Stanford.  My surgery was 12 hours long because they truly took the time to be cautious and to remove as much as possible without causing damage.  The hearing loss doesn't bother me, I prepared for the worst and literally walked away without a scratch and with a better appreciation for life!

Thanks again to everyone!!! =)   

[OMG16]

Awesome!!!!  Happy belated birthday.  Thank you for taking the time to post your experience.  I am very happy for you.

I must say this is the first time I've heard about the wrinkles.  There is always a silver lining to each experience some are harder to find than others.  It sounds like you are solid silver through out.  Great great great news take care.  16

[4cm in Pacific Northwest]

Shanabee,

3 cheers for the Jackler and Harsh team!

Hip Hip Hooray! Hip Hip Hooray! Hip Hip Hooray!

So glad it went so well for you. I was worried about the headache issue too - with the Retrosigmoid approach. I have not had headaches either (except for the wicked caffeine withdrawal post op because coffee tasted so gaud awful)… but my heart sure goes out to those who do. Perhaps it was partly miracle  - but I will also say highly skilled and very competent surgeons. 

Who was your assistant? Mine was Dr. Agrawal – a real gem of a sweetheart he is!

Dr. Agrawal was so confident that my facial issue would resolve with time. 3 months ago I really did not believe him– now I do. My top lip now smiles … still waiting for the bottom lip to pucker up into action. 99% of my tumor was removed … I’ll bet them leaving that extra 2% gave your facial nerve higher preservation … 12 hours is a very long surgery (mine was 11 hours) … and it sounds like taking that extra time paid off.

I personally am very pleased to read your success story. Way to go!

Cheers,

4

[debora]

Awesome  I love a great ending....  Deb

[sgerrard]

Wow, Shanabee, what a great outcome. 12 hours is a long haul, but you have come out in really good shape, you can't ask for better than that. A nice birthday present from an excellent surgical team. It's great that this is behind you now, and you can go on with your life. A very Happy New Year to you.

Steve

[leapyrtwins]

Shanabee -

glad you're doing well and had a positive experience after such a lengthy surgery.

Jan

[Leisa]

It is so nice to hear you had exceptional medical care and a great outcome.I will be having surgery in Feb at Standford with Dr. N. Blevins and S. Chang. I was told to count on a week in the hospital and 3 months recovery, driving about 6 weeks post op. So your stories are an inspiration! Thank you and hope things are brighter each day : )