New, will be getting surgery soon

[phx]

Hi everyone,
I'm going to have my surgery at the end of this month. I'm sooooooo nervous and scared. Someone tell me this is normal. These tumors aren't that common. I haven't met anyone in person who has this either. I feel so alone and it's very depressing because no one seems to understand what I'm going through. Any thoughts?

[ombrerose4]

It's normal to be  scared, nervous and depressed after receiving your diagnosis. We have all been there and WE understand. There are many people on this forum who can help guide you through this. We are all here for each other. Ask your questions and we will share our knowledge or tell you where to find more information. The ANA has many great booklets you can get regarding acoustic neuromas and what to expect afterwards. You can request them online. If you need a shoulder to lean on, you will find many here and also alot of laughter! Take a deep breath and relax. Please let us know when and where your surgery will be done. There may be someone on the forum who has had the same doctors and can answer some of your questions. Try to stay positive and remember we are here for you.

[lori67]

It is absolutely normal to be nervous and scared!  Who wouldn't be?

But, you're definitely not alone and you've come to the right place - we all understand how you feel and what you're going through - and we'll help you get through it.

Depending on where you live, there may be a support group nearby that you can get involved with, of if you've gotten a copy of the Willing to Talk list from the ANA, there may be someone on there that lives near you or has used your same doctors.  If there isn't - there are plenty of others on there (including me) who would love to be a mini-support group! 

Take a deep breath....you'll get through this......

Lori

[Sue]

Dear Phx,

I'd be worried if you WEREN'T nervous or scared.  Good grief!  Any sane person would be nervous to have surgery on their head.  I had Gamma Knife and that was enough for me!  Lots of feelings and thoughts and emotions come flying out of you when the doctor explains you have a tumor that has to come out of your head!  You can search this site for lots of answers to your many questions.  You can express your concerns and fears here all you want.  Lori is right.  See if there is a support group in your area.  Your are not alone.  Does Phx, stand for Phoenix?  I'm sure there are ANer's there somewhere.  It's rare but not THAT rare.  Seems to me there are plenty of people who have this stupid thing.  Anyway....we're here for you.  Don't despair.  Things will work out.  What size is your AN?  Where is your surgery going to be at?  Curious minds and all. 

But know that you will be okay. 

Sue in Vancouver, USA

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Pat ~

Yes, being scared when facing the diagnosis of an acoustic neuroma and subsequent surgery is perfectly normal.  I can't imagine anyone could take this with anything but at least a bit of apprehension.  I wasn't exactly 'scared' but I was nervous (about the surgery) and the fact that ANs are relatively rare is always an issue.  Fortunately a nice lady named Virginia Fickel Ehr founded the Acoustic Neuroma Association almost 20 years ago (1981) and over time, the ANA website grew to include these Discussion Forums where newly diagnosed AN patients like you could 'visit', share your concerns and ask questions of folks who had the exact same condition (an acoustic neuroma) and had undergone surgery or radiation and faced the same fears as you have, now.  

Because the ANA website and these forums exist, you don't have to feel all alone and isolated.  Many people around the country and in other parts of the world post messages on this forum.  Most have or had an acoustic neuroma and know exactly what you're dealing with.  They are eager to read your story and offer advice and support as you struggle with this situation no one wants.  Please allow us to help you in whatever way we possibly can, and never feel all alone with this...because, in reality, you aren't.

Jim

[phx]

Thanks everyone!

[mellowrama]

the hardest part is over already - making the surgery decisions of what/where to go....and you will feel so much better after the surgery is over and behind you!

[DR]

I'd be worried if you WEREN'T nervous or scared.  Good grief!  Any sane person would be nervous to have surgery on their head. 

But know that you will be okay. 

Bravo Sue!  Sue and the others are correct, so have no fear, you are 100% NORMAL.

I may be the only person in AN history who wasn't scared, not once, not even for a moment... and if you believe that I have some really sweet ocean front property in North Dakota you just have to buy!  Don't feel guilty for feeling scared or alone, it is OK.  But you should also feel good for two reasons - 1) you made a decision and 2) you found the ANA.  #1 is a MAJOR step.  Now you know what route you are taking and you can begin to prepare for your journey.  #2 is important, the great people at the ANA and fine folks here at the forum can help you along the way.  Don't be afraid to ask questions or vent some frustrations!

- Dennis