I had my tumor removed on 12/16/2015, at House Clinic, by Doctors Lekovic and Wilkinson. Overall, the surgery was a resounding success. They performed a retro-sigmoid surgery, and got all the tumor. I did lose the little hearing that I had left in that ear. I was told that the tumor was "upstream" of where the hearing nerve breaks away from the vestibular nerve, and therefore couldn't be saved. I can't say enough about the professionalism and wonderful care at House Clinic and Saint Vincent's hospital. They really do wonders in assisting the patient through this traumatic experience. The Seton Hall was amazing. My wife and son stayed there, and once discharged, we spent a few more days there. It's very reasonable (approx $80 per day) for downtown Los Angeles. It was also great for connecting with others, who had undergone the same, or similar surgeries. I should also mention that the cafeteria at Saint Vincent's hospital is amazing!
The surgery was tough on this old guy. OK, I'm 61 years old, so maybe not quite a dinosaur. The facial nerve was totally responsive, immediately following surgery, but about 3-4 days later, there was some fairly significant regression. At this point, I have my smile back! The eye is still a little stiff, but it does close, and seems to slowly be improving. Balance is good, after a lot of physical therapy. I'm even playing tennis again, although maybe at a little lower level. But not much - it could be just a lack of practice.
I feel very fortunate with this outcome, and I'm thankful to my Lord and Savior for leading me through this, with His answers to many prayers from family and friends.
