Just got home from Memorial Sloan-Kettering in NYC, a mere 72 hours after being wheeled out of neurosurgery there with Philip Gutin (Chief of Neurosurgery there) and Samuel Selesnick (Weill-Cornell neurotologist). The outcome was far beyond my expectations - in the realm of greatest hopes: the tumor was able to be completely removed with no damage to facial nerve; and no further damage to auditory nerve - and, astonishingly, it seems the tinnitis is gone (which *may* be a temporary result of operation ... but may be lasting). What this means is that I can recognize words much better than before the operation because there's not all the background whirring, ringing, bings and pongs. Gutin described the tumor excision process as one of Selesnick's finest hours (and they do these operations A LOT together), especially considering that they had to keep me in an unusual position while operating so the previously-ruptured disks in my neck (same side as tumor) wouldn't be re-injured by the surgery. Care at Memorial was nothing short of spectacular: great facility, friendly helpful staff, excellent food - just all around a great experience. Folks in the NY-metro area who'd like to chat about what went into my decision to go forward, and with the team I chose should feel free to get in touch on my e-mail (envelope icon at left) - pls be patient if I don't respond asap because I've been ordered to rest up, but I promise I'll get back to you in a few days! Kim McCann
