Ok - now I am more than a little nervous ......

[TP]

I had to be at the hospital at 6:00 am and my surgery was at 8:00 am and I was done by about 5:30 pm., I think I woke up about 8:00ish pm.  What I learned was it takes a long time to get your head set up before the surgery. I found a few stiches in my head several days later and was told I had a halo screwed into my head. I guess I didn't realize that when I went into surgery. In addition, if your tumor is near a lot of nerves (which I would assume it is - mine was on my brain stem) it takes a long time to cut the tumor out and the Dr will probabaly work with a "nerve" specialist (not sure what the correct title is) and that takes some time as well as they monitor the nerves. In my case, my right leg was very sore and that was due to me laying on the right side for that length of time. My leg actually hurt more than my head did that first week.

I suggest whoever is waiting for you in the hospital that someone comes and sits with them during the day. It is actually harder on them with the wait!

My prayers are with you!

[elderbirds]

Hi Denise,
I was so worried about the "time thing" too, my surgeon told me there are 1-2 hrs of "prep" work once you are asleep before they even make an incision.  the actual surgery time varies depending on the size, location, and "stickiness of the tumor".  I was told anywhere from 4-8 hours of surgery.  Mine was 71/2 hours, and it was much harder on my hubby and mom than me!  Here the OR team is good and would update them every few hours and when it was done.  You will do fine. I'll be thinking of you on Thurs. and look forward to hearing from you as a postie!
Hope

[satman]

hi denise,sounds about right ,mine was 17 1/2 hrs.
i do like the be home in 4-6 days,stay poz you will be fine.