Hi Jordy!
First of all, let me say that I am glad to include you in my prayers. While I have not been instantaneously healed from my hearing loss, I have received a lot of benefit from others praying for me. You may be amazed at the courage and strength you receive as we pray for you.
Secondly, as you discovered, acoustic neuromas can strike anyone at any age. While it is often older people who "join the club" (as they say), there are a number of young people who come to the forums seeking hope and encouragement. That is why your post is so important. Other young men and young women will read what you say here as they are given the same bad news as you were. So, I hope that you will continue to post and share your continued journey. For everyone who posts a response, there are a few hundred people who will read what you say, but never post anything back. So, never think that your story is not impacting someone else's life.
It is very tragic that you are having to go through this at your age. However, there are women (and men) who have posted here that having an acoustic neuroma ended up being a blessing in their lives rather than a curse. It might be difficult for you to see that now so soon after receiving the news from your MRI. But, if you look hard enough, you might be able to discern the silver linings in the clouds.
The best news is that you are still alive, and it is very rare that someone would die from an acoustic neuroma (unless left untreated). We can rejoice that we do not have a different kind of brain tumor which could be fatal. Secondly, this diagnosis can make us pause and reflect upon what is really important in life. It can also help us to appreciate the blessings we DO have. I did not REALLY appreciate the ability to hear until I lost my hearing in my AN ear. Now, I really value the sounds I can hear from my good ear. I did not appreciate the ability to walk until my balance was thrown off, and I kept falling and needed a cane to walk. Fortunately, with vestibular therapy, I was able to walk again. But it is not something I take for granted today. And I learned how important vision is in balance as well as our sense of touch. Life takes on a new meaning after an acoustic neuroma diagnosis.
I realize how important your facial nerves are and how you don't want facial paralysis, especially as a young woman. And yet, there are many women of varying ages on these forums who have lost their ability to fully control their facial movements. I truly admire them and their courage to press on from day to day despite what they have experienced. And a few have shared with me how they learned what was really important was who they were as a person and not simply their outward appearance. Too often people place way too much importance on our outward appearance instead of who people are in the inside.
I say all of this to say, Jordy, that we care for you and want the very best for you. Some of us will be praying that your surgery goes very well. But even beyond the surgery, my hope is that you will become the best person you can be through it all.
We are behind you and are rooting for you!
Don
