Surgery November 25 - Middle Fossa at UT Southwestern

[minerva1221]

My surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday, November 25, at 7am CT.  I had my pre-op tests yesterday.  It's starting to get real now.  I'm trying not to second-guess myself at this point, but can't help but have a "what the heck am I doing?!" moment every now and then. 
Mostly just trying to think positive but would appreciate any good thoughts, prayers, and/or words of wisdom you can offer!   

Julie

[sandyinwisconsin]

Here is what someone wrote back in 2011.  It looks like you are in good hands.
Best of Luck : )

Sandy

Just had the translab procedure done for a 2.1cm left-side AN on April 28th.  Dr. J. Walter Kutz was my otolaryngologist (sp?) and Dr. Bruce Mickey was my neurosurgeon.  I had the procedure done at Zale Lipshy Hospital (part of the UTSouthwestern system) here in Dallas, TX.  I really appreciated their candor and reassurance while discussing ALL of my options with me, including radiosurgery, even though it wasn't the best option for me.  They were very attentive and  would return my calls and inquiries promptly (Dr. Kutz always called me back HIMSELF!).  I wasn't able to meet with Dr. Mickey at my pre-op the day before, so he personally called me on his cell phone that evening to check on me and reassure me that all was going to go well the next day.  Such caring doctors!  I would have done NOTHING differently.  The staff at Zale Lipshy was also remarkable.  Every nurse that I had in my 5 day stay was truly the best at what they did!  So caring and funny and understanding.  This was my first surgery EVER...I do it big;)  So I was filled with alot of apprehension and fear.  I didn't need to be...I had the best team I could have hoped for taking care of me!  If you have any questions about either of these doctors or this facility, I'd be glad to answer them!

[ANGuy]

Words of wisdom?  I'm not qualified

I will say a prayer and wish you luck though!

[minerva1221]

Thanks, Sandy!  Yes, I found that post as well as a couple others here and was able to speak with some patients of these doctors about their experiences as a result.   That made a world of difference and I definitely feel I am in good hands.  Doesn't make me any less nervous though!

Thanks, ANGuy!   

[jaylogs]

Hi Minerva!! So you are  having your surgery the same day as my birthday!!    See, you do have more than one reason to celebrate that date now!   Seriously though, I wish you all the best and have a speedy recovery.  But just know that there are times that you might feel that things aren't going fast enough for you, so just try to remain patient.  I tried but didn't always succeed!
Jay

[v357139]

If you were not a bit nervous, you would not be human.  It is natural.  Try to focus on the fact that you made a great choice, and that you have a great chance.  And we are here pulling for you.  I will pray for you tonight also.  Feel free to PM if you need to talk.

[minerva1221]

Thank you for the advice, Jay.  I will try to keep that in mind throughout my recovery.  And surely with it being on such an auspicious day, my surgery will go splendidly.   

Thank you, v357139, for the kind words and the prayers.  I will take all of those I can get at this point.  By this time tomorrow I'll be at the hospital getting prepped.  Just trying to keep myself distracted in the interim! 

[minerva1221]

Quick update to say that surgery went well.  They were able to remove the whole tumor, no damage to other nerves, hearing preserved at this point!  I spent one night in recovery (ICU was full), 3 nights in a regular room, and planned discharge on Saturday (11/29).  However, right before discharge (I was in my go home clothes already!) I developed a CSF leak.  So ended up needing a lumbar drain, drained every 2 hours for 5 days, then observed for 24 hours to make sure the leak had stopped.  It had (Yay!!) so I was finally discharged on Friday, Dec 5...10 days after surgery.

I've been home for a week now and feel pretty decent most of the time.  Haven't needed any pain meds in a few days, no nausea, dizziness, etc.  Have to force myself to get out and walk and do my vestibular exercises (which are a challenge!) mainly because I get tired so easily, but overall I have to say I am doing pretty dang good!!  :-)

[ANGuy]

I'm glad you are doing so well.  It is encouraging to me.  I go for my 6 month (second total) MRI this coming Weds.  As for any symptoms, just chalk them up to turning 40 soon lol.  I have young kids and I can't keep up with them.  I honestly don't know if it's because of my AN, or if it's just that I am 20 years older then the last time I raised small kids.  It sure was easier then.

[Mimispree]

Great news!  I live Escalante, Utah; do you live in Utah?  I don't know UT Southwestern.

Anyway, it seems a few of us are within six months of each others surgery date.  Let's keep on keeping on!

Best wishes!

Mimi

[minerva1221]

Thanks ANGuy and Mimi!  I have to keep reminding myself to be patient....just because I'm not recovering as fast as I'd like doesn't mean I'm not doing great. 


Mimi, UT Southwestern is in Dallas, TX.  In this case, UT means University of Texas, not Utah.   

[Mimispree]

How are you doing?

Mimi

[v357139]

Congratulations Minerva!!!!  It sounds like you have much to be happy about.  Count those positives, they are much bigger than the few negatives.  Time will pass and before you know it will just be a memory.  Keep us posted on your recovery.  All the best.

[minerva1221]

Apologies for not providing any updates or checking in awhile.  I'm  7+ months post-op now and doing pretty well but still struggling with vision issues which limit the amount of time I am willing to spend online.  I have been following the AN Group on Facebook occasionally (as my eyes permit) but don't comment there much because of it being so public. 

I did finally break down and post an (entirely too long) update on my blog.  If interested, you can find it here:  https://minerva1221.wordpress.com/2015/07/10/this-is-going-to-be-a-long-one/


Hope all of you fellow warriors are doing well! 

[v357139]

7 months passed quickly didn't it?  Glad its going mostly well.