Kate;
I had translab on Jan 16th, 2009. My tumor was just a little smaller, it was on my right side. I was scared of what I would be like after surgery. My surgery was done by Dr. kartush at Michigan Ear Institue, my other recommendation (from a friend who is an ear, nose and throat Doctor.) was House, so feel confident in your boyfriend's selection.
My recommendation would be to try and get him back to normal in the hospital asap, meaning comfortable clothes that he likes to wear, versus that stuff they give you at the hospital, that made me feel like myself. Take capstick, my lips got very dry. Also, I set goals for myself which most wrote off as unoptainable, except for me (ie; return to work by "x' date, walk outside by 'x' date, etc). I told myself I'd be out of the hospital in three days, and I was!
I was very lucky, my surgery was about six hours with excellent results; No facial or eye issues, no headaches. Of course my earing is lost, but honestly, it's not that big of a deal, so long as my good ear remains that way! I went back to work (desk job) after two and a half weeks, drove in two weeks and was bored at home after two weeks. There is fatique, but nothing horrible. This past Friday, I went downhill skiing, three weeks to the day from my surgery-granted that's my sport and I've been doing it since I was eight (now 39 years old), but just to be out there with out any real problems, my Doctor friend and I ski together, he couldn't believe it either!
My point being is everyone is different, he has a great doctor, just go into this with a positive outlook, and with a little luck in surgery things won't be so bad. He'll do great! Any questions contact me.
Bryan
