Dr. Loren J. Bartels Tampa Florida

[chrisinfl]

My mother who is 76.4 has just been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma.  Our local specialist has referred her to Dr. Bartels in Tampa.  I have read the Adrian and Sam story and was wondering if I could acquire more information on the surgeon and what to ask/expect.  Her appointment is this Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008 and I realize this is short notice.  We are very nervous and I worry about her recovery due to her age.  She is however a very active and young 76.  The specialist believes she will need the tumor removed.  Her symptoms were very minor and occurred over a long period of time.  The loss of hearing in her left ear led her to get a hearing test, which led to a specialist referral, thus an MRI.  Thank God!  I have been researching like crazy and have checked out many specialists in the state of Florida.  I just need more info and reassurance.  Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.
Chris

Added information:
The tumor is in two lobes, one approx 2 cm and one is 1cm.  Location, well, we have her MRI scan and were looking at it and realized we really couldn't tell.  We see the tumor, and see it pushing on the cerebellum.  Her symptoms have been total hearing loss in her left ear, dysequilibrium, and vomitting which was noticed when she ate too late at night.  The vomitting was just recent.  There has been no facial discomfort or paralysis as of yet, which leads us to believe the tumor is pushing more south, effecting more of the cochlear nerve area, but again, we are just speculating.   She would like to talk to someone in person and have learned of the WTT List.  If there is anyone reading this who has a similar case, can you please send me an email so maybe we can set up a chat.  Thank you again for your time.
Chris 

[leapyrtwins]

Chris -

from reading posts by Samantha & Adrian, I know that they had the utmost respect for Dr. Bartels and his team.  Adrian said many times, that in his opinion, Dr. Bartels was the best.  Your mother is definitely in good hands.

I looked at Samantha & Adrian's profile hoping to find an email address for them, but there isn't one.  You might try to PM them.  I'm sure they would be delighted to talk to you.

Good luck to your mom,

Jan

[sgerrard]

Hi Chris,

As Jan said, Bartels is considered one of the best around. His resume is as long as your arm: http://www.tampabayhearing.com/PeopleBartels.aspx. I'm sure he will be able to tell you what is going on, and what needs to be done. He is also capable of doing whatever is needed.

Tuesday is not far off, but if you want to discuss it more, do you know the size, or anything about the location? Radiation is often an option, and attractive for older patients, although she may be able to do quite well having surgery.

One way or another, I'm sure she will get through just fine (except maybe the hearing), so try not to worry too much.

Best wishes,

Steve

[Kate B]

My post is relative to your mom's age...Oftentimes tumors grow very slowly in older people.  Philip from this list was 68 at the time of diagnosis and his hasn't grown in the past four (could be five) years.  He is still waiting and watching...

If her symptoms are minor,  then at 74 she might consider waiting and watching...

You didn't mention the size of the tumor...Do you know if it is under or over 2 cm?

Make sure you go in with a list of questions...Here is a thread with some that you might consider asking the docs!
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=53.0

My two cents.

Kate

[LOIS]

Chris,

I just came home today straight from the ICU from having retro surgery at Tampa Gereral Hospital on August 28 with Dr. Bartels.  I've got to tell you, he is a excellent Dr.  When I first met him I was very impressed with his thoroughness, bedside manner and his confidence I could hear in his voice as we talked.  I had a 1.2 x 1.1 AN  he completly removed.  My facial nerve is fine and the hearing is still there.  I had minimal hearing loss but have not lost anymore.  I actually could have been sent to the floor yesterday  but he wanted a private room and there wasnt 1 available.  There still wasnt one available today.  He felt I was doing really well, as did I, and left it up to me if I wanted to go home straight from the ICU which of course I did.  I had a great night nurse, Robert, last night, who said I won the award for the night for calling for assisstance to the bathroom the most times in the ICU unit.  My day nurse, Jolay for the second day in a row was just as sweet.  She hurried my paperwork through saying they didn't usually discharge from the ICU.  And when she came to me to tell me she was here this morning I could tell she was crying.  She actually apologized for being unproffesional saying she had just found out a staff member was dying of brain cancer that had come from breast cancer and the woman was still working as she was the sole bread winner with 5 children.  The womans name is Sherry by the way.  She could use plenty of prayers.  Jolay said they are all praying it happens very quickly so she doesn't suffer or a miracle happens.  I guess when you look at it, if we had to get a brain tumor, a AN was the best one to get.  As far as Dr. Bartels, I cant say enough good about him and am very happy I chose him.  He also did 2 other friends I know and they came out good too.  I'm assuming you live in Tampa.  Feel free to send a personal message or let me know if you want to talk.  

Take care for now,
Lois

[sgerrard]

Lois,

Just a quick note - it sounds like you did really well, I am happy to hear that. Glad to hear that Dr. Bartel still has the knack. Thanks for the update, now try to rest for a while and take it easy.

Steve