I know everyone's tumor is unique and outcome of any treatment is different- but I want to share my update to be a little bit resource, encouragement and comfort to someone....
I was diagnosed with 1.2mm x 0.6mm x0.7 mm Acoustic Neuroma (or could be a meningioma) back in June, 2014. Came across this site and great local support group and started educating myself and seeking best treatment option. My husband and I met 3 neurosurgeons, 2 radiation oncologists, and 3 ENT who specialized skull-based surgery in a next two month. Prayerfully considered all the option and circumstance of my life, I've opted for Retro-Sigmoid approach at UCSD at the hands of very skillful neurosurgeon and ENT surgeon and their team. This was the best treatment option for me this season of my life.
- BIG DAY! (SEP.24, 2014): Actually this day was the easiest day for me as I was taking a long nap
When they wheeled into operation room, my husband got emotional and I was started packing a bit... They must noticed that they put me in deep sleep right away... It was projected to take 7.5 hours, but took just half that with removal of the complete tumor! Surgeons came to see my husband after 3.5 hours of tumor removable and celebrated each other how well ad quick they've performed!
- POST OP: When they wheeled me into PACU(Post-Anesthesia Care Unit), I was wide wake and telling nurses "I'M ALIVE!! I'M ALIVE!! I WANT TO SEE MY HUSBAND!" I knew I was able to speak so my facial nerve was intact. I even remembered checking all my usernames and passwords for all the accounts I have to see if I lost any memory. I remembered them all and it was very impressive on myself
While I was waiting someone to bring my husband, they did all the neurological test and checking and I was able to function them all. Unfortunately, they couldn't move me to NICU because they had no room so I ended up stating PACU for the night and next day which was long days for me.
- DAY1~2: Almost every hour to do neurological checks and constant monitoring and medication, I was restless. PACU with bunch of other post -op patience did not help me either. All the surgeons and team came to see me and explained how the surgery went. My tumor was extensively tangled up and hid in the cochlea nerve so they couldn't save my hearing nerve. I did not have serviceable hearing left prior to the surgery so I don't notice any different. My balance nerve was cut, but I quickly adjusted the slight dizziness after the surgery. I assume that my other vestibular nerve was already compensated when I had vertigo attack back in April. From the pics, my facial nerve and blood vessel were beautifully preserved.
- DAY3: On the day 2, I was ready to go home, but doctors took extra caution to have me stay for another night until I have bowel movement. Due to the anesthesia and some medications, they want to make sure that I don't try to give too much pressure on incision to avoid CFS leak. They finally moved me to private room and I spent the night. On the day three morning, my physical therapist came and I did two round of victory lap in the hospital! I climbed the stairs without any assistance so doctor finally released me to go home in the afternoon.
I took shower and washed hair on the night. Incision looked good and no sign of leak or infection.
- DAY4~5: I was glad to be home, but I had little bit of nausea and pain as I have been adjusting to meds and my recovery and at home. Family and Friends welcome back encouragements, delivered meals for us was very much appreciated.
- DAY6~7: I was slowly recovering, but was struggling with lots of steroids meds. I had sleepless nights and made me more fatigue. By day 7, I was able to do many thing on my own.
- DAY8: I had my post-op follow-up today. Everything looks good, and my ENT officially signed me off until I have my next MRI in 6 months to a year! All the team congratulated end encouraged for the continue recovery. They even sent some of the surgery photo to my g-mail accounts:) I still have to follow-up with Neurosurgery team in a few weeks and do MRI if they think it's required.
I know today is my 8 days post-op and still have a long road to recovery. I have been noticing progress of the healing, just need a patience, one step at a time. Hope you fellow ANers will maximize the resources available such as this site and all the medical professionals advice and choose the best decision for the season of your life!
