Hey All!
Thanks so much for all the words of encouragement. I wanted to take the time to give a more detailed post-surgery update, and perhaps paint a picture of what the experience is like for those awaiting surgery.
So... here goes!
The day of surgery (November 7) went smoothly. In fact, the surgery itself took LESS time than anticipated. (This is like, I guess, going to the DMV and not running into a line. Or something as similarly joyous!) 5.5 hours and I was done! The docs ran into one issue - after opening my head, the found that the blood vessles on that side of my brain were directly in front of the tumor, so they moved the sarabellum (sp?) out of the way and got the tumor out. Weird. The tumor itself was pressed against the facial nerve, but not intertwined with it, so the nerve worked perfectly after surgery.
I was in the hospital for 72 hours, and my treatment was fantastic. The first night was a blur, but I do remember being parched. I was given drugs to dehydrate me during surgery (makes the brain shrink slightly, which reduces the risk of brain damage. Not that you can tell with me!
) However, I was a bit nauseous, so the ice chips made me sick. That being said, I was on a morphine drip and anti-nausea medicine, both of which send you to dreamland in a hurry! I had 5 IV's when I woke up, and all but one were out by the next day. I also had a catheter, which was both uncomfortable and gratifying. I couldn't have stood up to pee for the first few hours, but I didn't have to worry about that. Getting the cathater removed, though, is an exercise in controlled fear. Not as painful as I thought, though. (Still, I'd rather have a root canal without pain meds before having tubes in that particular anatomical area again.)
After I went home, I felt like my recovery really began. I had some troubles sleeping at first, and I was constantly chilly - both effects of the sarabellum move. That has smoothed out. My biggest trouble was/is the lack of tears in my eye - but I admit I didn't have it treated in as timely a fashion as I could have. It's under control now. That was the absolute BIGGEST annoyance!
Had the staples out of my incision on day 9 after surgery. 28, all told, and they come out much easier than stitches. In fact, I only felt two of them being removed - the others just ended up in the 'catch' pan without my knowing they were gone. The scar is impressive, but healing nicely. It makes an interesting conversation starter.
My facial nerve function slowed due to swelling, but it has begun to recover. Scary, but not overwhelming. It's amazing how a little movement in positive direction means so much!
Okay, I don't want to be too long winded. ("Too late!", I can hear my friends, students, and relatives yelling!) In summary: I am pleased with my result, although I wouldn't want to go through it again. I envy those who had the option of radiosurgery, and have had success with that procedure. Brain surgery is not a light experience!
If anyone had any further specific questions, or if I can offer more detailed advice, please let me know.
Josh
