thisisajourney ~
Hi. I'm so sorry you're forced to deal with these post-op complications, but, as Jan pointed out in her post(s), things usually improve over time so, although improvement never comes as quickly as we would prefer, you very likely won't always be this way. We've recently seen AN patients posting accounts of major improvement many months (and even years) after their surgery. These improvements often happen incrementally but every little bit of progress is welcomed. Balance can usually be regained to a serviceable level, without the need of a walker, but it can take both time and effort (PT). There are manifold approaches to intractable facial paralysis, from physical therapy to surgery, depending on your situation. Again, many post-op AN patients have told us (via the forums) of significant improvement in their facial mobility following various forms of treatment. However, sometimes, facial mobility is arrived at spontaneously but that is determined by a number of factors better left to a doctor to explain. Of course, an intact ('live') facial nerve is necessary but even without it, facial improvements can be achieved. Just ask our members.
As Jan mentioned, I underwent successful debulking surgery on a near-5 cm AN in 2006. It was reduced to approximately 2.5 cm, then, 90 days later, as planned, I underwent FSR treatments to 'finish it off', as my doctor put it. It worked. I was extremely fortunate to have had superb medical care and suffered almost no complications from the surgery or the radiation, although I'm SSD (as I was prior to the surgery). I'm always distressed to read of other AN patients with large tumors that are struggling with post-op complications, as you are, so I remain an active member of the ANA website forums in the hope of offering what little expertise I have and my account of a successful AN journey. Your journey may be a lot bumpier but I'm confident you'll complete it successfully, too. You are certainly not alone. Your 'AN family' is here to inform and support you so please don't allow discouragement to cloud your outlook. and remember, you won't always be the way you are, today. Things do get better, I promise you.
Jim
