My tumor was very similar to yours, with a similar outcome. In my case, the facial nerve was nicked, resulting in paralysis on the right side. My doctors gave me a list of about twelve facial exercises to do twice daily, that consisted of simple facial movements like smiling and frowning. The idea is that, even though the AN side is not moving the non-AN side is sending signals that help in remapping nerve function. I did these exercises religiously.
I also began seeing an excellent speech therapist after about six weeks, and she stressed the importance of frequently massaging the paralyzed facial muscles so that they do not atrophy. She also started taping my face to lift my brow and mouth into correct position, a technique used in sports medicine to help the muscles "remember" where they are supposed to be as the nerve slowly regenerates. She also used Vital-Stim (not a TINS!) on both sides if my face, and that is when we really started seeing results. I felt the first muscle contraction after a few weeks, and things progressed slowly from there. My eye started producing tears -- intermittently at first -- after about six months, and at eleven months I was able to close my eyelid completely.
I had regained most of my facial function by the end of the first year, with very little syskenesis. My eye function is critical to my ability to do my job, and in my opinion, my speech therapist's efforts are the reason I was able to keep my job. Otherwise, I would have been forced out on disability after one year. I still do my facial exercises, and massage my face -- it's become a habit by now. And after two plus years, I continue to see improvement.
I never had to get an eyelid weight, and I do not have to take Botox injections. I consider myself very fortunate to have found an excellent therapist.
You will see that there are different schools of thought on this subject. This is my story. I encourage you to seek out as many opinions as you can, and I wish you all the best in your recovery.
Mary
