I had my Middle Fossa surgery Jan.,13th am, and came home the afternoon of Jan. 16th. Dr. Paul Gidley and Dr. Franco DeMonte of MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston performed the surgery. I was walking without help, and doing the stairs at the hospital with a therapist up and down the 15th. I start therapy soon to learn how to deal with the balance issues. I could hear from my AC ear when I was in ICU, but I cannot hear now. They said that sometimes happens from swelling and some fluid pressure from the surgery. They are confident that my hearing will return. The pain factor was a small hassle as I reacted badly to hydrocodone (some cool hallucinations while my eyes were closed
) and I didn't want morphine after the 2nd day, milder stuff worked quite well and I don't think I'll need much after today. They removed all of the tumor except for a "razor" thin slice of cells on the facial muscle nerve. That was the plan if it was found to be impossible to avoid facial muscle damage in an effort to remove all of the tumor. It may or may not grow back, if it does, it will probably be slow, and I'll be watching for it. I can smile, raise my brows, close my eyes and I am so grateful to both of these surgeons. Now, the haircut they gave me is another story....
My husband, who stayed with me 24/4, thinks it's cool. I think he just wants bragging rights for taking such good care of my stitches : ).
I am also so thankful for witnessing the wonderful attitudes of the members here. I have much admiration for so many who have gone through this (much worse than mine) and still have such a positive outlook and put so much effort into helping others here. Thanks again. I will try to do the same.
