Ok, I have a date for surgery.

[Tod]

I have now met with the neurotolgist and neurosurgeon at VCU's Medical College of Virginia. I feel I am in good hands with both. The surgery is scheduled for Friday, Feb 12th and at this point the plan is both trans-lab and retro-sigmoid because of the size and location of the tumor.

I am much relieved to have surgery scheduled. I have had a rough week waiting for this. Now I can focus on getting things in order before hand.

It is a good day.

[Jim Scott]

Tod ~  Congratulations on securing a surgery date and, most importantly, feeling confident with your decision.

I've added your surgery date to our AN Treatment Calendar.  http://my.calendars.net/an_treatments/d12/02/2010?authenticate=&display=M&style=B  Feel free to add to it, if necessary.

Jim

[leapyrtwins]

Congratulations, Tod.

Treatment decisions are tough to make, but I'm confident you made the right one for you.

I've never heard of someone having translab & retrosigmoid in the same surgery.  Are you able to elaborate a little on that?  I always thought you had to have one or the other; obviously I'm wrong 

Thanks for putting Tod's big day on the calendar, Jim.

Jan

[Tod]

Thanks, Jim.

Jan, the neurosurgeon feels he will need more space to work to get a the tumor around the brainstem and the neurotologist  needs to also clear the tumor from the acoustic nerve canal. The pictures of Bob really are not pretty.

Tod

[jaylogs]

Hey congrats Tod...I know that was the hardest part of this...the deciding and waiting.  I am glad Jan asked that question because I was surprised to see you were getting two approaches...I hope that goes well for you.  The main thing is that you are feeling really good about who and where you are doing this and that makes all the difference in the world!  Good luck and keep us posted!
Jay

[Tod]

I do feel good about it. The neurosurgeon says he  is open to convincing from the neurotologist to do trans-lab only, but he has 20 years experience, including significant experience with tumors this size. All reports is that these two guys work well together, and feel I have connected well with both. I don't know about others, but I look at what is going on with my brainstem and I am happy to trust the experts.

I still ask lots of questions though....

[lori67]

Tod,

You're getting a two-for-one deal, huh?  You may win in the Most Impressive Scar contest.   

I'm glad you were able to find a good doctor.  I've heard good things about VCU and I'm sure you'll be in good hands.  Sounds like your doctor is well prepared to kick Bob to the curb!

Make sure to keep us posted!

Lori

[leapyrtwins]

The main thing is that you are feeling really good about who and where you are doing this and that makes all the difference in the world! 

I wish I would have said this in my post!  I totally agree with Jay.

Thanks for the explanation about the need for two surgical approaches.  I'm having a hard time visualizing this, but then again I'm not doing your surgery - so that isn't an issue at all 

Comfort with, and confidence in, your doctors and you treatment choice IMO go a very long way.  A positive attitude is also helpful - so you've got that going for you also, Tod.

Jan

[moe]

wow,
Two approach surgery. Sounds like you will be in many great hands, and glad you have come to the decision. Will be here before you know it.
Getting things ready and try and stay active, exercise when you can. It will help with recovery.
Best wishes,
Maureen

[Mei Mei]

You've got a Big tumor and you've got to go in fighting.  I guess they know what they are doing with two approaches.  You'll have a road map on your skull.  Good thing you're a man and don't have the long hair to grow back like me.  You'll be fine in no time.  Remember:  the first three days post op are the worst.  Hang in there...
Mei Mei

[Doc]

Good Luck Tod...I'll be thinking of you!

Take Care!
  
Doc

Always Blogging: www.wonkyhead.com

[Tod]

Thanks all. Although Mei Mei, you assume that I have short hair because I am guy...well, iit's true. And I have struggled with just shaving my head before my last day of work, if only for the attention.

The three days post surgery are the worst? Good to know. I am planning to spoil myself and take advantage of certain amenities at the hospital, just to try and make it more bearable.

So tell me, what do folks do in the weeks leading up to surgery to prepare, apart from the standard pre-op appointments and the like? Yesterday I went to the mountains with a buddy for good hike on an ice-covered section of the Appalachian Trail.

[lori67]

Hiking up an ice covered mountain?  Sounds like brain surgery will be a real blast for you!     I hate the cold, so I think I'd rather be in the warm hospital.   

I cleaned my house.  A lot.  Which was pointless because by the time I got back home from the hospital, it was a mess again anyway.  Other than that, I just tried to spend some quality time with my family - we went to the park and the playground, took the kids to a movie, stuff like that.  I only had about 5 weeks between my diagnosis and surgery so I didn't have too much time to kill.

Be careful on those icy mountains or you'll wind up in the hospital in traction sooner than planned!

Lori

[moe]

Yesterday I went to the mountains with a buddy for good hike on an ice-covered section of the Appalachian Trail.

Perfect! Good exercise and balance exercise there.
Keep exercising! I personally stayed with my step aerobic routine, can't compete with yours. May as well indulge in some good food too, what the heck.....
Maureen

[TP]

Tod, I will keep you in my prayers for your upcoming surgery.

We had a vacation planned and we left the day after I found out I had a brain tumor. We went to the Keys and relaxed. Also, I went fishing the Saturday before my Monday surgery with my brother. I wasn't feeling well but getting out on a boat on the river on a beautiful sunny day was perfect to relax. Of course I didn't catch any fish that day (typical for me) but I had a great day to spend with my brother. But most important for me and my piece of mind was we got our Will done and that was a big relief knowing that if something happened to me or my husband that my daughter would be taken care of. Oh yes, I cleaned my house....Whatever you do, please make sure you are plenty rested prior to your surgery. We will be thinking of you.