I had the suboccipital craniectomy done on my right ear in January 2005 by Drs. Lloyd Minor and Rafael Tamargo. They removed all of the tumor (I am into my third year of post-op followup) with only minor side-effects, (in my case): doublevision (now gone) and certain taste loss (getting better little by little, but not 100% yet - I love to eat!). I am deaf in my right ear due to the removal (I knew this fact going into the surgery) and my balance was regained with vestibular physical therapy in Harrisburg, PA. for about 8 weeks. I was in the hospital for 4 days and was back to work after 8 weeks. I still get occasional headaches, eye soreness and numbness on the right-side of my head (where the incision was made). Dr. Tamargo requires me to visit for 5 followups with an annual MRI each time to affirm recovery. I have 2 daily exercises to perform (given by my therapist) to maintain my balance gains and 1 extra practice to strengthen my neck muscles as needed (when I feel stiffness or cramping there). I was told my tumor was about medium sized (the size of a thumbnail). My temporary vision problem was rectified with the assistance of Dr.Miller and his staff in the Wilmer Eye Institue (at John Hopkins). I wear glasses, and I was fitted (after some eye testing) with some temporary prisms that were taped onto my eyeglasses, which allowed me to see straight and even drive a car after only 2-3 weeks after I came home. A few weeks later, I took the prisms off. Good luck! Frank
