Magic Scarf next journey

[cindyj]

Thanks for keeping the magic going, Kathy! 

Connie, I know the Scarf will bring magic to you!  And, we will be wishing the best for you on the 15th!

Don't forget, all, the Magic works for everyone here, whether you physically receive the Scarf or not - it has lots of virtual magic!

Cindy

[terisandler]

I enjoy reading about the magic scarf. I am going to start cyberknife next week and am working on manifesting the reduction/disappearance of my AN so surgery will not be in my future!

[Debbi]

Good Luck!!

[jgereda]

I am scheduled for surgery at House on September 11 and Dr. Goddard and Swartz will do my surgery.  They are not sure if it is an acoustic neuroma or a menengioma but doing the middle fossa approach.  I am hoping to find suggestions and some help about what my head will be like after my surgery.  Will they shave half of my head and should I be stocking up on scarfs or hairbands to hide the mess?  How big is the incision and how can I hide it?  Do others go ahead and cut hair short so it will grow at same rate or what do people do?  Just freaking about one thing I hope I can prepare for.

Julie

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Julie ~

I have good news for you!  First, you're in good hands at HEI.  Second, the surgeons do not shave half your head but only a very small section that is easily covered with the rest of your hair.  Frankly, having your hair shaved/cut is really a non-issue in AN surgery, although I can understand why the idea would unnerve any woman.  I'm a guy with a relatively short haircut and although the incision site was a bit obvious after the surgery, it healed quickly and within about 6 weeks my barber was easily able to cut my hair in a way to hide the scar. 

I'm sure some of our female AN patients who have undergone AN surgery will add to this thread and assure you - from a female perspective- that hair issues are not going to complicate your AN surgery. 

Jim

[It is what it is]

Hi Julie,

Jim is correct.  I had middle fossa surgery with the same neurosurgeon exactly one year ago.  (By the way, he is a very very gifted surgeon.)  It is quite amazing how narrow of a line they cut of your hair on the side of the tumor.  Even with the staples still in, I parted my hair down the middle like I usually do and the incision and staples were totally covered.  No one could tell I just had brain surgery.     

Please feel free to ask away.  Many of us are happy to share our experiences. 

I wish you good healing,

karen

[nftwoed]

Julie;
   I just can't understand why the Drs cannot tell an AN from a meningioma. From reading the MRI, a meningioma always arises from an area of the brain which is termed the menginges. The meninges is actually quite close to the brain surface and visible in several areas. The meningioma would have a point of attachment.
   Much as the AN would have a point of attachment ( 80% vestibular nerve ). Unless the scan really isn't so good? I've read a couple other reports like yours before. It bothers me because if the tumor is attached to the meninges, there's no point in opening the IAC which is typical of MCF surgery.

[mindyandy]

Hi Julie
Great place for brain surgery. I had Friedman & Schwartz. You will be amazed how little they shave off. I had retro so mine was in the back & easy to hide. I'm not sure about mid fossa. You are in excellent hands. I never heard of Goddard. I wonder if he's taking dr friedmans spot.

Mindy

[CHD63]

Hi Mindy .....

Dr. Goddard was just completing a fellowship at HEI when I had my surgery in May, 2011.  (In fact he did the fat graft during my surgery.)  He was hired right after his fellowship (I think .....) so has been a neurotologist there since 2011.  He was involved as a presenter at the ANA Symposium last week.

Clarice

[jgereda]

Thank you all for your replies.  Its really helpful to get answers to some of the fears (however silly) that are creeping up on me as time gets near for surgery.  Thank You!!!

[deborahgordon]

I go for surgery Dec 3rd and would love to be on the list for the scarf and its journey, thank you,  deborah

[It is what it is]

My thoughts will be with you in early December and I hope you are able to connect with the scarf.  It brought me peace knowing it had been with so many wonderful people.  karen

[cindyj]

Hey, Deborah!  Consider it done!  I will see that the Scarf gets to you if you will PM me your mailing address...I don't have it, but know where it is  

I still intend to update the list of those who have had the Scarf...here's the link for that thread for anyone who wants to see where it's been, however, there are almost 3 years worth of recipients who need to be added to the list..I don't know who they all are, so if you had it and are not on the list, please post it here or there - thanks!

http://www.anausa.org/smf/index.php?topic=15064.msg979724592#msg979724592

Cindy

[deborahgordon]

off to have my AN removed tomorrow.  I have the magic scarf and am ready for it to work its magic and get me back on my feet quickly.  See everyone soon, Deborah

[It is what it is]

Deborah, the scarf holds the support and caring of all of us.  I'm glad you will have it with you. Please keep us updated.  Karen