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Author Topic: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti  (Read 10241 times)

Phillies

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Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
« on: July 14, 2011, 03:10:45 pm »
Well, I have been dreading the day I would have to come on here and write this, but here it is...  Tomorrow morning I will be at the hospital at 6am for my retrosigmoid surgery with Dr. Sisti from Columbia University Hospital.  I have a 2.5cm AN that was discovered in April after I had massive hearing loss and ear fullness. The hearing has all come back and I now suffer from no ill effects from the tumor, which makes it that much more difficult to get the surgery. I know the tumor has to be removed but it's hard to accept that right now, as I type this my hearing in my AN ear is normal as far as I can tell and tomorrow at this time, well... who knows...

Most of the doctors I saw felt radiation was not the best option for me due to the brain stem compression, cystic nature of the tumor and my age, 31. I know I probably made the right choice but it's still difficult....

Say some prayers for me if you could  :'(
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Jim Scott

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Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
« Reply #1 on: July 14, 2011, 03:25:33 pm »
Phillies ~

I don't believe anyone faces imminent AN surgery without at least some trepidation.  I was upbeat but still a bit tense up until the anesthesia took effect.  You have a fine doctor and will be in a good facility.  Just as important, many prayers will be said for you, including mine.  Try to stay positive. 

Jim
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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.

ombrerose4

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Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
« Reply #2 on: July 14, 2011, 06:45:42 pm »
Phillies,

That last night before is the hardest. But you have checked out all the information, made a good decision choosing your doctor and we are all here for you and sending out hugs and prayers. How I wish I had found this forum before my surgery, but better late than not at all. Please try to have someone post for you so we can know how you are doing. See you on the other side!
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Retrosigmoid 9/24/09
AN 2.4+ cm left side
Mount Sinai Hospital, NYC (Dr. Bederson and Dr. Choe)
BAHA surgery 1/4/2010

rm516

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Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
« Reply #3 on: July 14, 2011, 07:42:58 pm »
Phillies, Good luck for your surgery, You are in good hands.
I pray for your speedy recovery. Please update regularly about your recovery from anesthesia to taking independent step.
Your tumor size and ear functioning is identical to mine and my would be surgeon will be the same . Lots are in common except you are much younger.
Wish you all the best !
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Diagnosed AN in 2008,  3.2 cm CPA round, retrosigmoid surgery performed by Dr. M. Sisti, Columbia Pres.Hospital  NY, in Jan 2013, After surgery no major issues, Hearing retained (>50% ). However, 2 YRs post surgery MRI shows a further decrease in the size of residual AN! No GK or any therapy needed.

tenai98

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Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
« Reply #4 on: July 14, 2011, 07:48:00 pm »
Phillies
Healing and recovery prayers coming your way...Take it day by day and remember, your body knows when it needs rest.
JO
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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

Phillies

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Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
« Reply #5 on: July 14, 2011, 09:19:57 pm »
Thanks. Well, I leave for the 1 hour drive to the hospital in less than 6 hours so I think it's time for some sleep. Thanks for the prayers and I will post on here when I am able to.

Jeff  :)
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leapyrtwins

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Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
« Reply #6 on: July 14, 2011, 10:21:28 pm »
Good luck - and prayers.

The first couple of days post op are tough, but you'll get through this.

Hang in there and keep the faith!

Jan
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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

jaylogs

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Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
« Reply #7 on: July 15, 2011, 02:50:24 am »
Phillies, good luck! Many prayers your way...just remember the first three days don't count. Let us know when you can how you are doing! Take care!
Jay
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8.1mm x 7.8mm x 8.2mm AN, Left Ear, Middle Fossa surgery performed on 12/9/09 at House by Drs. Brackmann/Schwartz. Some hearing left, but got BAHA 2/25/11 (Ponto Pro) To see how I did through my Middle Fossa surgery, click here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jaylogston

sarahinPA

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Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
« Reply #8 on: July 16, 2011, 11:38:42 am »
Phillies, although I'm here in Pittsburgh, I'll put the team rivalry aside and keep u in my prayers. Good luck with everything and I am so glad you found this site and are able to turn to everyone in here for support.     I too have very little effects from my an  and fear loosing my hearing at my July 29th surgery. I am anxiously awaiting to hear about your adjustment and how your feeling after surgery   Please keep us posted!
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2.3cm Diagnosed 12/19/08
Gamma Knife @ UPMC Pittsburgh 1/12/09
.2mm Regrowth 6/2011
Translab 7/29/11 @ UPMC
     temporary paralysis of throat-feeding tube 8 days; SSD; facial numbness; blood clot & pnemonia developed; 11 days hospital stay.

Phillies

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Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
« Reply #9 on: July 17, 2011, 06:31:00 pm »
Hello from the hospital. My. AN is ringing like crazy and I feel wobbling when I walk. Dr. Sisti was able to save the hearing nerve and it is intact but I still can't hear out of it. The Dr. Says it might take a few weeks to see if the hearing might come back. Anyone ever hear of that before?
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rm516

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Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
« Reply #10 on: July 17, 2011, 07:55:56 pm »
Wow !You are able to respond in two days when every one kept saying first 3 days don't count. Congratulations on path to recovery...

if you get chance, please give all details of your surgery & recovery stages.
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Diagnosed AN in 2008,  3.2 cm CPA round, retrosigmoid surgery performed by Dr. M. Sisti, Columbia Pres.Hospital  NY, in Jan 2013, After surgery no major issues, Hearing retained (>50% ). However, 2 YRs post surgery MRI shows a further decrease in the size of residual AN! No GK or any therapy needed.

Phillies

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Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
« Reply #11 on: July 17, 2011, 08:36:02 pm »
I will post more when I get the chance. Just praying the hearing might still come back!
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Jim Scott

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Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
« Reply #12 on: July 18, 2011, 01:10:47 pm »
Phillies ~

Colossal congratulations on an impressive recovery!  I'm delighted to learn that your surgery went well and the hearing nerve was retained, intact.  We're all praying that your hearing returns.  I'm confident that, with the nerve intact, it will. However, this may require some patience on your part but it should be well worth it.  Post as you're able and don't overdo anything.  We'll be here.

Jim
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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.

Phillies

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Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
« Reply #13 on: July 18, 2011, 02:04:24 pm »
Thanks. I leave the hospital early Tuesday morning. I'm walking pretty decent but still no hearing yet, just lots of ringing in that ear. But it's still early.
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moe

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Re: Surgery Tomorrow 7/15/11 with Dr. Sisti
« Reply #14 on: July 18, 2011, 06:45:39 pm »
Wow what a great post op report! Take it easy now, and let us know how things progress. Rest, walk, and drink lots of fluids. That's about it!
Maureen
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06/06-Translab 3x2.5 vascular L AN- MAMC,Tacoma WA
Facial nerve cut,reanastomosed.Tarsorrhaphy
11/06. Gold weight,tarsorrhaphy reversed
01/08- nerve transposition-(12/7) UW Hospital, Seattle
5/13/10 Gracilis flap surgery UW for smile restoration :)
11/10/10 BAHA 2/23/11 brow lift/canthoplasty
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