New Member - Surgery Coming Up

[guidrynj]

Hello all! I am a new member combing the forums reading your stories, advice, tips and tricks. I was diagnosed September 2011 and had a follow up MRI in July 2012 which revealed a 3mm growth. I need to find out the exact measurements but I know that I am around 2cm x 7mm. After discussing with my Dr. I have elected to go ahead and have the Translab. surgery as all roads seem to lead to this result. My, and my Dr.'s, thoughts were that a smaller tumor is easier to remove than a large one and being fairly young (30 in 3 months) this seems to be a better time to do it than wait until later. I feel fortunate to be working with an amazing specialist at Vanderbilt University Hospital.

Your support to each other, stories of your surgery, hospital and recovery time/process has been truly priceless for me. My Pre-Op is August 27 and procedure will be on September 18th 2012. With this being such recent news to me it has been a bit tough to swallow. I got the call from my Patient Coordinator this morning to set up the surgery date and it really hit me as this was the first time things got "real."

I want to go in to this with a positive attitude and positive mindset, but it is such a black cloud over my head right now I have so many emotions and feelings swarming. Trying to be positive and keep my mind clear and focused is proving to be a bit of a challenge, but your posts are definitely helping. I have been feeling random and sudden rushes of sadness since I began discussing the surgery about a week ago. Laughing and joking with my wife and friends takes my mind off of it, but once I start to think about it again the minor depressed/sad state sets in again. I am positive I will get through this like you all have and that I will recover like a champ, but it is, rightfully, a lot to take in.

Nick

[It is what it is]

Nick, welcome to our AN family.  You are gifted in your ability to put words and feelings to the grief process that happens for all of us when faced with things like this.  Grief is a process over time that deserves to be acknowledged and honored.  You seem to be feeling the normal feelings that unfold and yet still be able to make the treatment decisions that are necessary.  What a healthy man!

I had surgery with House Ear Institute surgeons two weeks ago.  It's good to be on the other side of surgery.

My thoughts are with you.  You sure seem to be on track.

Karen
 

[Chances3]

Hi Nick,

Welcome to ANA, you're among people who truly understand.  I guess when we sign up for this thing called life we have some twists and turns in the road.  I try to stay away from the pity party and the why me, when I know there are plenty of people out in the world that have much bigger issues with their health.  But don't misunderstand me, I've had plenty of my own pity parties, I think that's all very natural for us.  We all have to make the best of it, and move forward with our lives.  Capture your strength with your love ones and through your faith.  Good luck in your surgery, keep posting.  Stay strong and God Bless.

[leapyrtwins]

Nick -

you are right; you will get through this.

Keep a positive attitude - it helps with recovery.

Good luck with your surgery!

Jan

[jenichol]

Hi Nick,

I am sorry that you are having to deal with an AN, but you will find so much support here.  You are young and will get through the surgery well.  It helped me to focus on recovery vs the actual surgery.  Picture yourself recovering back at home when you get to feeling freaked out.  It helped me a lot.  Trust your surgeon and medical team, too. 

Your in my prayers. 

Jan

[millie]

Nick-Thank you for expressing what is in my heart too.  I am leaning towards translab surgery in October. I try to be grateful and upbeat but then I get very worried.  My mom is 90 and she sort of depends on me since she gave up driving this year.  My husband had some sudden major heart surgery May 3.  (He seems well now)  Most of all I want to have the active life I've always had-I want to watch the grandkids, etc. I'm lucky in that I just retired.
 I have the same thoughts as you-surgery while it is relatively small and easier to get to.  Did your doctor say the disequiibrium and fullheadedness would be eased by surgery?  I think I am forgetting a lot of what I have learned.
Keep a journal.  I did for my mom and I should have done one for me.
Wishing you the best-
Millie

[antonietta]

Hi,
I know that seams easy to say... but the most important thing (I had surgery the 2nd of august) is to go to the hospital with optimism, try to minimize the fear, try to stay relaxed and you'll se that everything will be all right.
I know that the day of the surgery seams to be like a huge milestone, but the most important milestones starts after that: you have to recovery yourself, you have to stay relaxed and try to stay happy. Let your parents, friend take care of you. You'll everybody will be fantastic and try to help you how much as possible.
My best wishes and I hope to know about you soon.

anto

[Boricua]

Totally agree with Antonietta, stay positive( I had my surgery Jul 31st). We will be praying that everything will work out for you.

[str8testshot]

Nick;  I had My surgery (Middle fossa) at the end of june and I agree with all of these posts. My insurance company sent me an audio cd    the name eludes me at the moment but basically it was hypnosis on disk about preparing yourself for surgery and healing; I believe it helped me immensly. This is a big deal your stepping into and it is also good to be thinking about your nutrition, exercise and rest.   all of these will help you heal quickly and deal with anything that comes your way. stay positive... it's a fight somedays but it works.   

Nick How is your hearing on the affected side?   if you have some, I urge you to read the fineprint on translab.

[geexploitation]

Nick, who are your surgeons at Vanderbilt? I'm just curious; as a center they have a good reputation.

It's actually understandable to have a black cloud over you -- don't beat yourself up over that. But also keep in mind somewhere that this is not a life-threatening surgery. It may be life altering, but I'm sure you can deal with it. Many people have gone through surgery for this, and in general our lives are good afterward. You're not necessarily signing up for a life of misery.

I would suggest you use some prayer or mediation or some such to help. If you have an iPod or similar device, load some prayers or meditations on it and listen to it when you get stressed out. Then take it to the hospital with you and listen to it when you get stressed out during recovery. I did something similar and it really helped me. You can find such prayer/meditations on the iTunes store or likely on CDs at your local library.

There are also books out there that could help you with meditation and such prior to surgery. If you're interested, PM me and I'll try to recommend something.

[sarahinPA]

Nick,
I know this is tough, I remember the day my doctor told me my AN was growing back after my Gamma Knife procedure. Walking out of the office and just crying in the hallway. Sobbing in my fiances arms. Its scary, its hard, and theres nothing we can do to change what has been dealt for us. In a follow up appointment, my surgeon took my hand, and looked me in the eye, and said "Sarah, you have to have peace with this, its in our hands now, and we are going to take care of you"  It was calming to me, and made me really feel more peace with the surgery.

My emotions really hit me on the morning of surgery when i was saying goodbye to my family. THankfully the nurses saw my stress and heard me crying, and gave me something to "relax" me. The last thing i remember was saying goodbye to my mom and laughing...yes, laughing before surgery.

As your surgery approaches next week, remember, have peace with this, because its in the doctos hands now.

good luck, and keep us posted!

[Chances3]

Good luck tomorrow Nick !!!

[It is what it is]

My thoughts are with you!  Tomorrow you will join many of us as a postie.  Please send updates.  We care.

Karen

[It is what it is]

How are you? 

karen

[millie]

How are you doing, Nick.  Prayers.  Millie