ANA Discussion Forum

Archive => Archives => Topic started by: DeniseSmith on May 10, 2006, 10:08:17 am

Title: ONE YEAR DOWN....
Post by: DeniseSmith on May 10, 2006, 10:08:17 am

Hi all,

Well yesterday was the one year mark for my surgery.  I had an MRI and saw my Drs..  Good and Bad News...

Everything is fine, the tumor is gone with no regrowth. ::)  My facial paralysis is permanent >:(, so I am scheduled to have reconstructive surgery on 8/3/06.  They will try to re-route a nerve from my tongue to my face.  Weird, but it has an 80% success rate, so we are going to try it.  I won't be the same as prior to my initial surgery, but I will hopefully gain some movement of my mouth, and a smile.

I am trying to be upbeat and positive.  I guess its good at least I have an option, right?!! ???

Denise

Title: Re: ONE YEAR DOWN....
Post by: Gennysmom on May 10, 2006, 10:12:09 am

Congratulations Denise!  One year down.  I know another surgery doesn't sound too good, but 80% isn't bad....I would definitely go for it!  And for an extra large tumor I think you are doing great anyway.  Hope you can join us on Friday so we can do an extra round of snaps for ya!!!! 

Title: Re: ONE YEAR DOWN....
Post by: Battyp on May 10, 2006, 10:41:41 am

Denise..YEAH for the one year down..BOO for more surgery!  You are given good odds so hoping all works out ok for you. 

Title: Re: ONE YEAR DOWN....
Post by: matti on May 10, 2006, 11:12:38 am

Denise - I am thrilled for you, I think it is all great news, you have an option with a very high success rate. I know what a tough year this has been for you, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Hugs to you!
Cheryl

Title: Re: ONE YEAR DOWN....
Post by: shoegirl on May 10, 2006, 11:20:23 am

Denise,

So happy to hear that your tumor has no regrowth!!!!!!   :) :) :) :)

I think it is great that you have an option for surgery, I would go for it!  Pretty good odds at 80%.  Hope to be able to meet you on the Friday night call one of these days.   

Best Wishes!

Title: Re: ONE YEAR DOWN....
Post by: Crazycat on May 10, 2006, 11:35:26 am

Hi Denise,

         That's good and exciting news!! There IS hope. Any idea of when this will happen?

    Paul

Title: Re: ONE YEAR DOWN....
Post by: ppearl214 on May 10, 2006, 12:05:11 pm

*does happy dance around desk on Denise's no regrowth!*

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, so, reconstructive works.. heck, I'd go for a nip here and a tuck there as long as they are in the area and shoot, you are going to be fine! We're cheering you on and Denise, I take this as fabulous news! And remember, your heart smiles brighter than any other part of you! :)
oxoxoxox

Title: Re: ONE YEAR DOWN....
Post by: nannettesea on May 10, 2006, 06:01:49 pm

Great news about no more tumor!  Sorry about the paralysis, but 80% odds are great for help to fix it.  At least you can feel you are taking some action and have hope for your smile :)

We'll all be in there with you.
Nan

Title: Re: ONE YEAR DOWN....
Post by: Obita on May 10, 2006, 06:41:37 pm

Denise:

I am amazed at all the friends you have here on this message board and I admire your courage.  I hope you can think of your one year appt. as good news and good news.  Your smile will be back in no time.

Two years down for me on 5/13,  Kathy O'Brien

ps:  Will you have the reconstructive surgery at the U of M?

Title: Re: ONE YEAR DOWN....
Post by: Battyp on May 10, 2006, 08:01:57 pm

Obita we are one big happy cyber family! 
You're part of it too! 

Title: Re: ONE YEAR DOWN....
Post by: Obita on May 11, 2006, 06:08:25 am

Thank you BP - Sure wish I had found you/this site 27 months ago.......you feel so alone when you are diagnosed with an AN as no one has ever heard of them.

Title: Re: ONE YEAR DOWN....
Post by: DeniseSmith on May 11, 2006, 06:26:40 am

Good Morning everyone!

Thanks so much for the positive words I really appreciate it.   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

I am having the surgery August 3rd.  I am having it done at the U of MN.    I am hoping this will be a good thing and that i will feel better about myself.

Kathy, Dr. Levine will be doing the surgery.   Takes about three hours.  One night in the hospital, one week at home. 

Denise

Title: Re: ONE YEAR DOWN....
Post by: Kathleen_Mc on May 11, 2006, 07:00:03 am

Denise: I have had the surgery you're having done in August, recovery period is a breeze compared to what you've been through.
Kathleen

Title: Re: ONE YEAR DOWN....
Post by: Obita on May 11, 2006, 07:11:36 am

Denise:

I have marked my calendar.  I will come see you either in the hosp. (if you feel up to it) or at home.  Heads up,  its only three short months away........we Minnesotans know how fast the summer flys by.......

Kathy

Title: Re: ONE YEAR DOWN....
Post by: DeniseSmith on May 11, 2006, 09:25:34 am

Hi, Kathleen Mc,

I remember e-mailing with you on that subject.  I am both excited and anxious.


Obita, I know what you mean about a quick summer, we were just talking about that during work this morning.  Can hardly, believe memorial day is almost here already!!!!

Denise

Title: Re: ONE YEAR DOWN....
Post by: Road Trip Dale on May 11, 2006, 09:48:18 am

Obita...I know what you mean about finding this forum.  I was fortunate, thanks to me wonderful wife who is a major internet surfer and researcher.  She found a Kansas City ANA support group for me when we knew that was where the surgery would be and they of course tuned me into this site.  I'm about 4 weeks post surgery now and doing great.  And thanks to Captn' Deb and her rowdy crew and the others on this forum I have known what to anticipate, and what is working good and what I need to check on.  Wonderful bunch of folks......of which we are now two newbies too!