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Author Topic: Blowing out birthday candles  (Read 4299 times)

Gloria Nailor

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Blowing out birthday candles
« on: December 30, 2013, 08:20:58 am »
I had my birthday last week and was able to blow out my birthday candles ! I had to pinch together the outside of my lips on the effected side, but I did it.  I am 2.5 years post op and was unable to blow them out for the past two years.  It seems silly, but this was a huge accomplishment for me !  I remember crying for the past two birthdays because I could not perform such a simple task. I still remember how hard it was to see my speech therapsit for the first time after surgery, it just made me realize how much of my facial muscles I had lost.  But I have regained some use slowly over time, so hang in there if you just had surgery and are dealing with adjusting to a paralyzed face. Happy 2014 to all of you : )
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4/2011 diagnosed with 3 cm AN on right side
6/15/2011 retrosigmoid craniotomy which resulted in SSD, severe facial paralysis
7/2011 gold weight placed right eye lid
5/2012 tarsorrpapny right eye
6/2012 woke up with a smile
1/2013 cranioplasty because a screw came out of my head!
6-7/13 regrowth, GK

TexasSprinter

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Re: Blowing out birthday candles
« Reply #1 on: December 30, 2013, 10:41:32 am »
Great news, and happy belated birthday!  I hope things continue to improve for you in the new year.
Scott
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deborahgordon

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Re: Blowing out birthday candles
« Reply #2 on: December 30, 2013, 02:08:03 pm »
so happy to hear !!!! it gives us all hope that even after 2 yrs out we can still see improvements.  thank you for posting this really is a big deal so celebrate!!! maybe next year you can do   hands free  I am rooting for you
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Character is how you treat those who can do nothing for you.

Gloria Nailor

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Re: Blowing out birthday candles
« Reply #3 on: December 30, 2013, 03:13:11 pm »
Thanks, guys ----- people who haven't been through this don't understand how huge a deal it is ! I will keep practicing and hopefully next year I will blow them out hands- free : )
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4/2011 diagnosed with 3 cm AN on right side
6/15/2011 retrosigmoid craniotomy which resulted in SSD, severe facial paralysis
7/2011 gold weight placed right eye lid
5/2012 tarsorrpapny right eye
6/2012 woke up with a smile
1/2013 cranioplasty because a screw came out of my head!
6-7/13 regrowth, GK

Kristena

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Re: Blowing out birthday candles
« Reply #4 on: December 30, 2013, 05:04:20 pm »
Congratulations! What an accomplishment!

Happy birthday, and have a joyous year ahead.
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2.7 cm meningioma in CPA and IAC
Retrosig June 2013 resulted in Facial paralysis and SSD
6-mo post-op MRI showed 1.0 cm remains in IAC
3-yr MRI still shows no new growth!
6/2014 Baha magnet implanted; 8/2014 magnet removed due to poor healing; 9/2014 abutment installed. Hearing fine!

alabamajane

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Re: Blowing out birthday candles
« Reply #5 on: December 30, 2013, 07:31:19 pm »
Congrats! It IS a big deal,, something only a few of us understand ,,,

I too am in the same situation , surgery about 4mos. After you and still seeing improvement ,, very exciting since Drs said not to expect much after about 18 mo. He was well pleased at 2 yr annual visit,,
Keep up the good work!! We are all pulling for you as it gives us all hope too!! Happy New Year,, looks
like  it's going to be a good one!! :D. Jane
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translab Oct 27, 2011
facial nerve graft Oct 31,2011, eyelid weight removed Oct 2013, eye closes well

BAHA surgery Oct. 2014, activated Dec. 26

william5822

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Re: Blowing out birthday candles
« Reply #6 on: January 03, 2014, 11:20:10 am »
Happy birthday!!! We are celebrating with you!
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3 cm AN removed 12.3.13 - 12 hours in surgery
Emory Healthcare Midtown Atlanta
Left Side facial paralysis - intact facial nerve
1.31.14 - Gold weight implant and tarsal flap
2.17.14 RETURNED to work :)
10.6.14 - 10 month MRI shows stable
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