Finally made a decision

[Donna R]

Thanks Trish! Glad things are going well with you!
--Donna

[suboo73]

Hi Donna, 

So glad you have made your treatment decision!
I also believe you are in good hands at Jefferson in Phila.
Keep us posted on the date.
We are with you all the way!

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sue

[LisaP]

Hi Donna,

Best of luck on your upcoming surgery, which kind are you having?   Keep us posted on any development.  I'm still watching and waiting for another year.

best wishes

LisaP

[moe]

Glad you made the decision to get the bugger out.
On to the next pre op phase.
We are here all the way for you!!
Keep posting,
Maureen

[ppearl214]

Hi Donna,

one of the key things we tout around here is never to 2nd guess a decision... to go with your gut... to have faith in your decision as you are doing what is best for you and your personal situation.  I have to agree about the decision-making process. Once you make your decision, a total monkey off your back (or is it an elephant? I never remember which!   )

You are in fab hands at Jefferson! Top notch facility!  Please keep us updated on how things are progressing... and as always, wellness wishes to you!

Phyl

[leapyrtwins]

one of the key things we tout around here is never to 2nd guess a decision... to go with your gut... to have faith in your decision as you are doing what is best for you and your personal situation. 

I am one of the "touters" that Phyl mentioned.  I'm not sure if "touter" is a word though 

Anyway, I found that "going with my gut" and not looking back - both in my choice of treatment options and my choice of doctors was a great thing.  I've never regretted my decision and would make the same one today if I had to do it all over again.

You're going to be fine, Donna. 

Jan

[Donna R]

Thank you so much everyone! I will keep you posted!  LisaP, the type of surgery is retrosigmoid, they go in behind the ear. 

[Donna R]

They just gave me a date for surgery today...Monday, June 22nd...I am very nervous, but also kind of glad because I am starting to get a little off balance when I walk, and a headache usually when I get up in the morning, although Tylenol or Advil usually takes care of that...I figure it's time to get this taken care of...so, here goes.

[Lilan]

I agree with not looking back but I am having my moments of abject terror now that I'm within a month of surgery! I think, too, I react to whatever posts I'm reading that day -- if they are positive, I'm good, but when people report worse outcomes, I start asking myself why on earth I'm "voluntarily" having this crazy surgery!

Then I realize that just because it's not emergency surgery, it's not exactly voluntary. The problem is very real, I have a ton of symptoms and I agree with the thinking on here that when they are interfering with life, it's time to act.

[Donna R]

Lilan

Yes, I feel exactly the same way,,not thrilled at all about surgery, but I don't like the way I am feeling now either, I figure while it's still not too bad, it's better than waiting until it gets worse... I think I am ready to have this treated...

--Donna

[Kate B]

I agree with not looking back but I am having my moments of abject terror now that I'm within a month of surgery! I think, too, I react to whatever posts I'm reading that day -- if they are positive, I'm good, but when people report worse outcomes, I start asking myself why on earth I'm "voluntarily" having this crazy surgery!

Then I realize that just because it's not emergency surgery, it's not exactly voluntary. The problem is very real, I have a ton of symptoms and I agree with the thinking on here that when they are interfering with life, it's time to act.

Lilan,

I understand exactly! I remember thinking that I wouldn't read posts around my surgery. 

You are going to a world renown (House Ear)to have your surgery. Your tumor is small and the statistics are fantastic for a tumor your size.

Donna,

I went through a time where I thought I might wait and watch.  Then one day I decided that the tumor was right at the small/medium range and that the statistics were in my favor.  Not everyone has the ability to be a candidate for every form of treatment because of circumstances surrounding their tumor.  Because of the size and location, I could have chosen any of the radiation protocals or surgery.  I prefered to get it out of my head.

I looked for the patterns in the data and the outcomes related to the various doctors. We all get to our decisions in our own unique way based on the tumor's size, location, and our lifestyle.

I wish you the best.

Kate