Thank you everyone. I had my pre-op appointments today. The docotors were very glad to see me getting around as well as I do. One doctor thought that I would be in a wheelchair.
My MRI was the subject of many discussions. In the end, the analysis was that my cerebellum shows atrophy because of the swelling that I had last time. In addition, they had to remove part of it so that they could close me up. So it makes sense that it would show atrophy.
My brainstem looked fine, however. This is where they place the ABI electrodes. They see no reason for it not to work.
They can test it after they place it. They do this electronically somehow. I have to return in 6 weeks to have it stimulated for the 1st time. This is the standard waiting period to allow the swelling to go down.
This all went well on my first side, but after the surgery, the electrodes moved.
There is also no way to tell whether the cochlear nucleus, the area of the brainstem responsible for sound sensations, has been damaged by the tumor.
So, we are cautiously optimistic.
One of the reasons that I decided to do this is that I would always wonder if it would have worked. At least this way I will know that I tried.
Now, the next step of the journey begins. God bless you all.
Jeff
