Author Topic: surgery wed...the clock is ticking.  (Read 8488 times)

mellowrama

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surgery wed...the clock is ticking.
« on: August 24, 2009, 01:25:58 am »
Hello all,
After weeks trying to get ready adjusting my home/biz for surgery, I'm finally in Calf. resting a bit before having surgery at HEI/st. vincents on Wed.   
Staying in beautiful Santa Barbara for a night, and saw Diana Krall in concert!  I didn't even plan on this...wow, what a special blessing before translab! ;) 

Now the reality clock is ticking....so much to think about before having surgery!

Thanks so much to everyone for their feeback and many answers...and I'm sorry if I've missed some mail, kinda confused where I left off last.
Nancy/fellows offered to visit me at house, I would like that but I'm unsure of when to meet as Tue is pre-op and they have me scheduled for 4 appointments, it is a bit overwhelming as I'm sure all the posties know.

adios!  melinda
22mm x 19mm x 12mm CyberKnife  9/25/2006 BNI Dr. Daspit/Dr. Smith/Dr. Brachman
Failed radiation - regrowth to 2.6cm 
Translab Surgery w/ House Docs 8/26/2009 Dr. Friedman, Dr. Schwartz, SSD, tinnitus. 
Baha surgery with Dr. Baker in OKC nov 2009
Baha revision surgery by Dr. Horn in ABQ 8/2011

leapyrtwins

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Re: surgery wed...the clock is ticking.
« Reply #1 on: August 24, 2009, 05:58:34 am »
Good luck, Melinda.

See ya as a postie!

Prayers,

Jan
Retrosig 5/31/07 Drs. Battista & Kazan (Hinsdale, Illinois)
Left AN 3.0 cm (1.5 cm @ diagnosis 6 wks prior) SSD. BAHA implant 3/4/08 (Dr. Battista) Divino 6/4/08  BP100 4/2010 BAHA 5 8/2015

I don't actually "make" trouble..just kind of attract it, fine tune it, and apply it in new and exciting ways

another NY postie

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Re: surgery wed...the clock is ticking.
« Reply #2 on: August 24, 2009, 06:23:07 am »
Good luck!  Can't wait to hear how you come out.  I am headed to HEI next month:)  Will send you lots of positive surgery energy!!! ;D
5 mm lateral IAC (impacted?) diagnosed 6-09-09
middle fosa 9/23 HEI - Brackmann/Schwartz
all tumor gone, facial perfect, no ringing
SSD on right side - Rockin' and Rollin'

cindyj

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Re: surgery wed...the clock is ticking.
« Reply #3 on: August 24, 2009, 10:57:50 am »
Hey, Melinda!  Glad you were able to enjoy some time out there prior to your surgery - I did the same thing and it was great.  You should have time meet w/ Nancy and gang on your pre-op day - it does take up all day, but  think they usually try to meet up w/ folks over in the cafeteria at lunch time.  I had a good hour or so for lunch in between appointments.  If you can work it out, I do HIGHLY recommend it - it helps SO much to see and talk with them!

Best to you on Wednesday! 

Cindy
rt side 1.5 cm - Translab on 11/07/08 Dr. Friedman & Dr. Schwartz of House Ear Institute,
feeling great!

"Life consists not in holding good cards, but in playing well those you do hold."  Josh Billings

Jim Scott

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Re: surgery wed...the clock is ticking.
« Reply #4 on: August 24, 2009, 12:59:47 pm »
Melinda ~

Thanks for the update.  The pre-op process is always a bit hectic and your stress levels are normally pretty high at this point.  If you can squeak in a brief meeting with some of the forum's LA folks, it should be well-worth it for you.  I was also fortunate to be able to attend a Diana Krall concert a few weeks ago when she appeared in Connecticut at the Foxwoods Casino.  Diana Krall is a unique talent and the concert was all I expected.  My wife enjoyed it, too. 

As you well know, you're in very good hands at HEI.  My prayers and good wishes (and those of many others) go with you as you prepare for your AN surgery.  See you on the 'other side'!  :)

Jim
4.5 cm AN diagnosed 5/06.  Retrosigmoid surgery 6/06.  Follow-up FSR completed 10/06.  Tumor shrinkage & necrosis noted on last MRI.  Life is good. 

Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is.  The way we cope with it is what makes the difference.

tenai98

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Re: surgery wed...the clock is ticking.
« Reply #5 on: August 24, 2009, 01:08:40 pm »
Bestt of luck Melinda....many hugs and prayers going your way....see you in postie land
jo
14mmX11mmX11mm left ear
TRANSLAB 04/07/09 2cms at time of surgery
Dr. Benoit and Schramm, Ottawa Civic Campus
SSD ,some facial numbness
Baha surgery sept 22/09
residual tumor 13mmX7mmX8mm
2016 new growth.  25mmX21mmX22mm
cyberknife on June 7

NL

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Re: surgery wed...the clock is ticking.
« Reply #6 on: August 24, 2009, 03:15:19 pm »
Hi Melinda,

I'll send you a PM and we'll see if we can work it out. You usually get a lunch break around 12 noon.

Nancy
1.6 cm left AN diagnosed Oct. '07
1.9 cm on 2nd MRI, May '08
Retrosigmoid surgery at House Clinic/St. Vincent's on 8/6/08
(no post-op dizziness, nausea, facial or balance issues)
Thankful for a fantastic team of doctors - Dr. Rick Friedman, Dr. Marc Schwartz, & Dr. Michael Stefan

Debbi

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Re: surgery wed...the clock is ticking.
« Reply #7 on: August 24, 2009, 05:09:22 pm »
Sending you lots of good karma and prayers from the East Coast.  You are in great hands!

Debbi
Debbi - diagnosed March 4, 2008 
2.4 cm Right Side AN
Translab April 30, 2008 at NYU with Drs. Golfinos and Roland
SSD Right ear, Mild synkinesis and facial nerve damage
BAHA "installed" Feb 2011 by Dr. Cosetti @ NYU

http://debsanadventure.blogspot.com

DR

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Re: surgery wed...the clock is ticking.
« Reply #8 on: August 24, 2009, 06:36:51 pm »
Best wishes from the Midwest!
AN right side 12mm x 9mm x 9mm
Middle fossa surgery 11/4/09 at House (Dr. Brackmann/Dr. Schwartz)
Tumor removed, no facial issues, hearing intact!
http://denvstumor.blogspot.com/

"The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he did not exist."

JerseyGirl2

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Re: surgery wed...the clock is ticking.
« Reply #9 on: August 24, 2009, 06:54:37 pm »
Hi, Melinda,

You'll be in great hands at House! I had my translab procedure there in January 2008 and it was an amazing experience. The day of pre-surgery appointments will indeed be a busy one, but I hope that you'll feel comforted by all the expertise and compassion shown by the doctors and staff. It is a very well-oiled machine, yet somehow they manage to make each patient feel very special. I hope you'll get to meet the "L.A. Gang" -- they've provided more comfort and good advice than I think they can possibly imagine! The group formed sometime after my surgery so I didn't have the pleasure of meeting them ... but I wish I had!

Best wishes to you as your surgery date approaches.

Catherine (JerseyGirl 2)
Translab surgery and BAHA implant: House Ear Institute, Los Angeles, 1/2008
Drs. J. House, Schwartz, Wilkinson, and Stefan
BAHA Intenso, 6/2008
no facial, balance, or vision problems either before or after surgery ... just hearing loss
Monmouth County, NJ

mellowrama

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Re: surgery wed...the clock is ticking.
« Reply #10 on: August 24, 2009, 11:33:03 pm »
hey, thanks all!

Checked into Seton Hall today, its comfortable and very very quite!  I think I'm the only one here.
I feel better already after your feedback,  and it sounds as though I'll get to meet the gang too.
melinda
22mm x 19mm x 12mm CyberKnife  9/25/2006 BNI Dr. Daspit/Dr. Smith/Dr. Brachman
Failed radiation - regrowth to 2.6cm 
Translab Surgery w/ House Docs 8/26/2009 Dr. Friedman, Dr. Schwartz, SSD, tinnitus. 
Baha surgery with Dr. Baker in OKC nov 2009
Baha revision surgery by Dr. Horn in ABQ 8/2011

Patrick-OC

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Re: surgery wed...the clock is ticking.
« Reply #11 on: August 25, 2009, 05:03:35 pm »
Good luck Melinda.

Prayers are on the way.

Looking forward to hearing positive results. :D

Patrick
5mm Middle Fossa removal on 6/30/09
House Ear Clinic & St. Vincent's Hospital
Drs. Brackmann, Schwartz & Stefan

Noodle

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Re: surgery wed...the clock is ticking.
« Reply #12 on: August 25, 2009, 05:05:40 pm »
Hi Melinda,

My name is Amy (Noodle) and I am having surgery, translab on Friday 8/28 at St Vincent, perhaps we will "run" into eachother in the hall.  I live local so I won't be staying at Setton but feel free to look me up when your up and around!
2 cm right side an diagnosed 6/11/09
Translab 8/28/09 - House Dr. Robinson/Dr. Schwartz
Doing great!

mimoore

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Re: surgery wed...the clock is ticking.
« Reply #13 on: August 26, 2009, 08:44:01 am »
Hi Melinda,
today is Wednesday and I will be thinking of you. All will be great!
Rest and take care of yourself!
Hugs Michelle  ;D
Retrosigmond surgery on June 4th, 2008 for an AN. 100% hearing loss and facial paralysis (was not prepared for facial paralysis). Size: 2.3 cm, 2.1 cm, 1.8 cm. some tumour remains along facial nerve. Pray for no regrowth. Misdiagnosed for 10 yrs.

Darlene

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Re: surgery wed...the clock is ticking.
« Reply #14 on: August 26, 2009, 08:47:22 am »
Well wishes sent your way!!!
Take care,
Darlene
DX: 12/6/08
1.4cm intracanicular -Middle Fossa Surgery on 7/1/09 @ NYU. Hearing preserved and speech discrimination has actually gotten better!!   Temporary Facial Paralysis- showing improvement.  1yr post-op hearing test- same 96% speech recognition- yeah!