MDs in Richmond va

[bethtretrault]

Time for surgery! Drs Coelho and Broaddus at MCV are recommending retro sigmoid. Anyone out there who were treated by this team with this approach? Please tell me it's all good....

[Tod]

They are a great team.They used a combo approach on me because of the size and location of the tumor - it was pretty hard to get at and apparently very sticky (it is located on an artery).

I can't say enough good things about them. One version of my story is here: http://randomdatablog.com/brain-tumor/

Please don't hesitate to ask me any questions.

-Tod

[bethtretrault]

Thanks Tod. I confess to being kind of anxious about what happens after. Which one do you see for follow up?

[Tod]

Initially,  I think it was Coelho for wound care,  but that may have been just Baha.  Broaddus handles all other follow up.  Normal procedure is to schedule your MRI and then your appointment with Broaddus will be an hour later and you will get the results. No waiting in terror.

Bill generally takes as much time as I want, he has never rushed me.  But them I am an interesting and challenging case and I go in with a written statement of progress and issues.

You are in good hands with these guys and you can tell them I said so.

[bethtretrault]

Thank-you Tod. That is just what I needed to hear.

[RAD]

Good team.  In July 2013 they attacked my AN and did a great job. Had to go back in Sept 2013 for a CSF leak, but that happens to some of us.  I had a small tumor 1cm with little to no symptoms.  But I did not want to wait any longer and let things get worst so I elected for them to take it away. The team was very personal and takes the time explaining everything to you.  I have had two annual follow up MRIs and all is clear.  I make my follow up appts through Dr Coelho on the same day....MRI in the morning and Dr appt a few hours later.  When I first came to this forum I asked the same questions and Tod at the time was the only person that could give information on this team.  So I'm glad I can provide my experience to you like Tod did for me.  Bottom line.....its all good. 

[bethtretrault]

 :)Thanks RAD-Now with 2 people reassuring me I feel so much better about this. It sounds like you see Coelho for your follow up. I will be calling him today to talk about scheduling the surgery. Oh boy!

[RAD]

Glad I can provide any help or assistance.  We are a small group and we are in this together. When time permits after your procedure, let me know how it all went. Wish you the best of luck.

[Nskeith]

Scary! I am just learning all of this! Good to know of Richmond doctors. Kind of freaking out.

[bethtretrault]

Are you in the Richmond area and looking at surgery?

[bethtretrault]

Tod and RAD-surgery in 3 weeks. Tell me again it's all good?

[RAD]

They are a great team that will take care of you.  Before you know it you will be on your road to recovery.  It's all good!!

[Tod]

I have no reason to think they will not do their absolute best for you. Just remember every case is different and *your* body will heal on its own calendar, not yours and not theirs. Go into surgery with confidence.

Surgery is the easy part. You get to sleep. I would spend a lot less time worrying about surgery than thinking through needs for recovery. Do you have your house/bedroom set up to be comfortable? Do you have care and support in place? Have you looked at some of our experiences with balance and thought about acquiring Wii system with a Wii Fitness board? Video games that challenge your balance can be fun way to spend recovery time.

In other words, nest a bit to ensure you are comfortable. I am sure you will be fine. Tell the docs I said hi. (I'll see them again in the spring at MRI #16.)

be well...PM me if you need to talk. These guys are great and you are in good hands.

-Tod

[bethtretrault]

Thank-you Tod and RAD. Just getting jittery. Good advice about the wii. I'll look into that before surgery day so I'll be ready for the recovery when I get home. I'll tell them you all said "hi".