Coping while Caring - What it’s Like to Support a Loved One Diagnosed with Acoustic Neuroma
By Miranda Sacharin, Board Director; New York City Support Group Leader  

Honestly, I could never have imagined what the diagnosis of acoustic neuroma would mean over the years. Life has been challenging since my husband was diagnosed and treated in 2009. Thinking about what we’ve been through together is exhausting. He experienced a number of complications that affected his life on many levels and neither of us were prepared for the long term effects of his surgery. In the midst of treatment and recovery, our coping skills were in overdrive, but as we move further from that intense period, we have seen our abilities to cope long-term come into play.

Here are some things that have helped me along the way:

• Give yourself permission to be angry, sad and confused, as well as happy and joyful.
• Staying calm and patient while recognizing the fluid nature of life helped me maintain my equilibrium during the most trying times, as did therapy, medication, yoga, friends and family.
• Tap into the things that soothe and give you energy.
• Know that all things change, sometimes for the better and sometimes not. 

This period challenged me, and still does, as I acknowledge that these long term issues are here for good. There is no certainty in life and accepting the unknown and uncertainty of the future, helps me deal with the present. If I can help you during your caregiving experience, please reach out to me.