Having surgery on Dec 12th and freaking out a bit.

[Zan]

Hi everyone
Let me reintroduce myself. I was briefly diagnosed with an AN in June of 2017. Within a week and a CT San the diagnoses was changed to a Hemangioma of the facial nerve. I’ve hung out here ever since. There is no support group for my tumor and my symptoms, surgery and conditions mirror yours.
I had my tumor removed in September of 2017 and I had minor facial paralysis some hearing loss and minor dizziness  as a result. Over the last 2 years my facial paralysis as gotten worse. It is now HB 5.
My doctor and I have decided that now is the best time to do a nerve graft to try and save some function of my facial nerve. They also will remove the last of the tumor. I’m having a middle fossa done a week from Thursday.
For some reason I am completely freaking out. I wasn’t nearly this upset last time. In fact, my friends kept commenting on how calm I was. I am trying to put on a brave face, but it’s hard.
Has anyone faced a second surgery? Was it easier/harder?

[Greece Lover]

I have not had a second surgery, so I can't offer any personal advice.  But I will offer prayers and support and well wishes that everything will be OK. 

[alabamajane]

Hi Zan,
I’m so sorry you have to endure another surgery for the rest of your tumor. One positive way to look at it is that hopefully your facial muscle tone and paralysis will improve greatly.

I did not have a second brain surgery but I did have the 12/7 facial nerve graft 4 days after my AN surgery. However, this second surgery was not a brain surgery. It was to connect my severed facial nerve to my tongue nerve in order to get movement and tone back  in my paralyzed face. It worked.

As I can’t speak to your main concern about the middle Fossa surgery,, I will let others answer that for you. It is hard not to be anxious about brain surgery,, so I hope others that have had a second surgery will respond to you.

Best of luck next week,, have faith, and try to rely on the doctors to do what they know best.
Peace ,,,,

Jane

[Zan]

Everything has changed. I went back to Dr Slattery, who did the first surgery, to get a second opinion. He gave me a new option base on my MRI and some tumor growth around the facial nerve that does not involve a nerve graft.  It’s still brain surgery but I feel much better about it. The new date is Dec 19th.

[alabamajane]

Zan,
I’m glad you got the second opinion from Dr Slattery and feel better about your options.

I’m sure you are in great hands with him. I got my second opinion ( by phone) from him 8 years ago and felt he was very knowledgeable and great personality,,,

Sending best wishes and peace,,,
Jane

[Zan]

Thank you Jane. Feeling much better about the whole thing. Dr Slattery is great. He really took the time to explain what he saw on my MRI and what my options are.

[v357139]

Happy for you Zan.  I also had Dr Slattery.  One of the reasons I picked him was he is a great guy and was willing to answer all my questions - and boy did I have alot of questions.   Not everyone needs that, but I did.  Many thanks always to Dr Slattery.  He even adjusted my pillows when I could not get comfortable and was dizzy after surgery.  Imagine that.  Top, top surgeon, and there he was adjusting my pillows.  It it humorous, but I think it says something as well.

[jami]

Many well wishes for your surgery!

[Zan]

Thanks everyone. My surgery is this Thursday and except for feeling like I might be getting a cold, I feel ready.

[alabamajane]

Sending cyber wishes for peace and serenity in the next couple of days as you prepare yourself for surgery,, you are in excellent hands so maintain only positive thoughts,,

I sure hope your cold does not worsen too,,
Our thoughts will be with you,,,
Jane

[Greece Lover]

Good luck!

[Zan]

Thanks everyone for their support. The surgery went well and I am back home and feeling great. Very little hearing loss and only minor balance issues.  They had to cut one jaw muscle so chewing or opening my mouth isn’t an option right now, but it should improve quickly

[golfguy49]

That is outstanding.  Great to hear.  Always so glad to hear about good outcomes...not everyone comes back to talk about them, and it really helps to hear the news.  Feel so great for you.  I hadn't heard of the jaw issue before, but I hope that heals very quickly for you as well.

[jami]

Thanks for the update, that is great news!

[v357139]

Great news Zan.  All the best.  Keep us posted on your recovery.