I’m now 4 weeks post right side retrosigmoid at Mayo Clinic with Dr. Link and Dr. Carlson. The tumor was entirely removed, my right side hearing was not able to be spared (per an in-procedure decision made in accordance with my wishes), my facial nerve has no deficit, a CSF leak was successfully repaired, and my recovery is going great!
I’m walking at least a mile every day, driving short distances, and of course keeping up with my vestibular exercises. My dizziness (which was profound for the first 2 days) is resolving quickly but becomes pronounced when I become tired. My head discomfort, both generalized headaches and site pain, has improved to the point of being only fleeting instances and I haven’t needed any type of painkiller for a week. Two weeks after surgery I began having R sided facial weakness (eye, lips). I was put on a 1 week dexamethasone taper, and today my facial function is 100%. The adjustment to single sided deafness has not been as difficult as I had imagined. I have been in many settings- loud restaurants/bars, crowded events... so far it hasn’t changed my experience on this planet! I am a gigging musician and although I’m making arrangements to accommodate my new situation I have yet to resume playing and I anticipate it will be quite an adjustment.
Foremost to me is that the tumor is now gone, and it is no longer the last thing I think about before I sleep nor the first thing I think about when I wake. That real estate is once again occupied by my family, friends and all of the great things I have to look forward to!
If anyone has any questions about my experience (my choice of treatment, the procedure, etc.) I’d be more than happy to share. You can ask me here or message me if you prefer.
