Kim,
As you and LisaP have indicated, the beginning is all about getting as much info as you can, so you can understand what you have and what your options are, and make informed decisions. I spent pretty much 2 months straight, reading research and whatever i could find about ANs and treatment. Like you, i had only some hearing loss and tinnitus, both of whichwere, in hindsight, completely tolerable. I had no other symptoms and an otherwise "unremarkable" history ... healthy, fit, and happy. After being told i had a "tumor" (i will never forget that day) I had many nights waking up wondering what i would do, what would happen to me. I feel like I lost a few months of my life to researching the AN, and as you have probably worked out, this forum was a life saver. I emailed many people out of the blue because they had some experience that i was interested in. I always got replies... warm, helpful, supportive. This forum was the single best thing to come out of all of this (and a few good friends i made on the CK forum).
Another thing that really impressed on me during the part of the "journey" before surgery was that in some ways i was really fortunate, lucky... that i did not have cancer (some of the stories in the guest book i read while waiting for radiation consultations brought me to tears); that it was me who had the tumor and not my baby or someone else i deeply loved; that the internet and this forum were here to inform and guide me; that i had access to the health care i would need; that i had a supportive job, husband, and family to help me through whatever i would face; that i had a baby which provided me the strength and inspiration to face whatever i had to; that i caught the AN before it was worse/bigger (and mine was not really small either), that ....... ok, as you can see i am a bit philosophical at the moment. Like i have said though, even with the issues i have post surgery, i am just so happy to have this thing behind me and moving on with my life, one day at a time. I don't think i could have done the W&W, but then again i was advised to deal with it sooner rather than later. Everyone is different.
I guess all i am saying is that as scary as this might be right now, good things will come from it if you look for them. Some of the stories shared with me on this site were terrifying, some inspiring. After surgery i had cards and prayers (and i am not religious, but appreciate the thoughts) coming from everywhere... strangers, friends old and new, family i have never met or barely know. It's quite amazing.
Enjoy all that great skiing. I will look up Young and see where it is... it does not sound familiar but i am sure i have been close to there at some point. I am sure it is beautiful country. Sigh....
And yes, i have a young family in that my babe is 17months. I am 39 and still hoping for another baby...now that i have surgery behind me, i can go on with life!
Keep in touch and stay positive.
Trish
