Hi, Laura - and welcome ~
I'm sorry you've been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma and it seems as if the circumstances that accompanied that diagnosis were unnecessarily frightening for you because of somewhat insensitive medical personnel. However, now you know. The good news in all this is that the tumor is benign, although in a troublesome spot.
As a single, working mother you certainly know what an obstacle is - but you also admit to having grown stronger because of the ones you've had to surmount. I believe that how we respond to problems often defines our character and Laura, judging by what you've shared with us, you're going to get through this O.K. , as many others have - including me. I'm the 'Jim' Brian ('
Pooter') referred to in his post. Almost 3 years past surgery and radiation treatment, I'm doing just fine with only the most minimal reminders of my own AN ordeal, which, on hindsight, wasn't really so terrible, after all.
I survived just fine, just as you will, I'm sure.
As a new member, I'll caution you that this
is a support site for AN patients and, due to the complicated nature of ANs, some patients don't always have perfect surgical outcomes. They are encouraged to post here and vent, ask questions and, most of all, accept the support given by folks who know exactly what they're dealing with. However, you shouldn't assume that every AN patient who undergoes surgery has a similar outcome. Some do great, some do O.K. with a few issues and some struggle with a host of challenges. Naturally, we hope every AN patient has a good surgical outcome and I certainly hope you'll be one of those. You're having surgery in an excellent facility and things look promising.
So, pull up a chair, slip your shoes off and try to relax. Ask anything you want and know that you're among friends. Friends who know what you're dealing with because they had to do it, too.
Thanks for visiting. I look forward to seeing your posts as the weeks unfold.
Jim
