Ryan:
Thanks for a riveting account of your dad's AN experience from your point of view, which is somewhat refreshing. Your story was well written and certainly one we can all relate to at some level. The 'happy ending' makes it even more significant.
I was 63 when my AN was discovered. My wife was stalwart, if shaken, and my son followed my lead, which was basically that of a cautious optimist. I fully expected to come through this O.K., so my son (26 at the time) shared my expectation and, although concerned, he wasn't overcome with anxiety. This also helped my wife cope. I was relieved that the tumor wasn't malignant but
was operable, even though large (4.5 cm and, as so many AN's seem to, was pressing on my brainstem). I also trusted, in this order, God - and my neurosurgeon. My (retrosigmoid) surgery went well with no real complications and my follow-up FSR was also uneventful. My recovery was rapid (driving again two week post-op, with my surgeon's approval) and both treatments were ultimately successful. Today, almost two years after my initial diagnosis, I'm pretty much back to where I was before my AN manifested itself, with only a few very minor 'reminders' of my AN experience and possibly a bit less stamina than I had before, although my age (65) may be playing a part in that.
I remain an active member of these message boards for the reason you referred to in your post. Most AN patients who have successful outcomes to treatment put the experience behind them and stop posting once their crisis is passed and/or they feel they have no further need of an acoustic neuroma support site and it's forums where folks ask questions, relate their symptoms, problems and experiences to other AN patients. I can understand that. I used to own a Mustang but once I sold it, I stopped posting on message boards specific to Mustang owners. However, I'm grateful to this site for the information and support I received when I first joined it, almost two years ago. I see the posts filled with complaints, frustrations and anxiety as well as the posts from sometimes confused and frightened, newly diagnosed AN patients, their spouse or family and I want to do what little I can to help them, if possible. Sometimes, I can't. I can't cure headaches, make anyone's facial nerves regenerate or otherwise solve physical problems, and I know it. However, being an active participant on these boards does keep me grounded, humble and grateful. I'm one of the luckier AN patients, as is your dad. I believe that sharing my positive 'AN story', as you have about your dad, is beneficial to others, especially 'newbies' (the newly diagnosed) and so I remain here awhile longer, doing what I can to encourage others who may be immersed in fear, anxiety and frustration when confronted with a
Brain Tumor. It certainly is scary. Maybe I can help. At least I can try. That you re-visited the site to offer your dad's positive experience is commendable.
Thanks again for your heartening post, Ryan and the very best to you and your father.
Jim
