Author Topic: SML (Scarlett's) updates  (Read 52889 times)

Rich56

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SML (Scarlett's) updates
« on: March 16, 2009, 07:32:05 pm »
Hi Everyone,

I’m Scarlett’s (SML) other half, Rich.

I thought I’d take this update deal for a test spin, with a pre-op update, we know Nancy is waiting for it.

First, I must say this:

I have been doing a lot of reading on your forum.  The information, and photos have been very helpful, but it is the way that you all support each other that floors me.  You are all truly amazing people.

It tears me apart to see Scarlett going through this, but you should know that she has gained so……….. much strength from all of you, and so have I.

All I can say is thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, enough of that.

Pre-op 3/16/09 took almost 6 hours.

Left the house at 5:45 a.m.

7:00 a.m. Pre-Admission Testing, made it by 3 minutes:  After a little paperwork, came an EKG, blood work, urinalysis, ect., then waited to see a Nurse that basically went over the paper work filled out upon arrival, then waited to see a Nurse Practitioner (some see an Anesthesiologist) who goes over the do’s and don’ts prior to surgery, such as don’t take aspirin 1 week prior to surgery, don’t take anti-inflammatories 3 days prior, ect.  She also went over what to expect before, during, and after surgery.  This all took 2 ¾ hours, which made us late for the hearing test.

9:30 a.m. Hearing Test:  Late 15 minutes, but they were able to work her in just the same.  They did a basic hearing test, and an Auditory Brain Stem Response, which tracks signals from your ears through your brain.  They use this same procedure during surgery to monitor your hearing, and facial nerves.  This visit took 2 hours.

Took a coffee, and muffin break.

12:15 p.m. Chest X-Ray: This took 30 minutes or so.

1:00 p.m. Signing Consent Form with Dr. Barker, he's a nice guy, and very confident.  He said he would be there, with Scarlett, until she wakes up from the Anesthesia, very reassuring.  This took about 30 minutes also.

Remember to add parking and walking time to your travel time, or you will be late for your first appointment, like we almost were.

Thank you all again,

Rich
SML (Scarlett's) other half, she had - 1.5 cm x 2.5 cm Cystic AN - Right side
Retrosigmoid on 3/18/09 at MGH in Boston, MA. Dr. Barker & Dr. Lee of MGH/MEEI
no facial issues, SSD right side, balance issues to work on.
The AN Calendar is here: http://www.my.calendars.net/AN_Treatments

sgerrard

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Re: SML (Scarlett's) updates
« Reply #1 on: March 16, 2009, 10:30:00 pm »
That will work, Rich. Thanks for "volunteering" to keep us updated.  :D

Scarlett will do fine, though you won't believe it when you first see her after the surgery. Recovery mostly just takes some time and patience. Your job will be to attend to her every need and whim, and accept her grumpy ungrateful responses without complaint. Same as usual, in other words.  ;)

Hopefully I am not in trouble for joking around too much. We are wishing her the best, and look forward to the post-op news.

Steve
8 mm left AN June 2007,  CK at Stanford Sept 2007.
Hearing lasted a while, but left side is deaf now.
Right side is weak too. Life is quiet.

NancyMc

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Re: SML (Scarlett's) updates
« Reply #2 on: March 17, 2009, 06:27:27 am »
Thank you, Rich.  That is very helpful.  I guess it would be a little late to be telling Scarlett to stop aspirin a week before surgery when it's only two days away!
I was going to call Millie yesterday and get down on my knees to beg her please not to bump my surgery again.  I'm so afraid she will do it without asking again.  I think I'll beg today.
You have the scarf, I trust.
I'll be thinking of you and pacing the forum like an expectant mom tomorrow.
Luck o' the Irish to ye,
Nancy  :-*

Watch and Wait since 9/19/01
Increased from 1.1 x 1.9 to 1.9 x 1.9 cm as of 10/27/08
Right SSD, tinnitus, compensating balance
Dr. McKenna at Mass Eye and Ear and Dr. Barker at MGH
Translab April 8, 9 hours, 18 mm Tumor all gone SSD some facial weakness

EJTampa

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Re: SML (Scarlett's) updates
« Reply #3 on: March 17, 2009, 07:39:17 am »
Hi Rich,
 
Just a note to send my prayers along to you and Scarlett for the next few days.  We will be thinking of you and praying for a great outcome and speedy recovery.  Keep us posted!
 
Ernie
-1.3 X 0.8 cm AN in the right cerebellopontine angle extending into the internal auditory canal.
-Retrosigmoid Surgery with Dr. Bartels and Dr. Danner at Tampa General 3/5/2009.
-Had to cut hearing nerve to get "sticky" tumor, so SSD right side.

SML

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Re: SML (Scarlett's) updates
« Reply #4 on: March 17, 2009, 07:42:03 am »
Your job will be to attend to her every need and whim, and accept her grumpy ungrateful responses without complaint. Same as usual, in other words.  ;)

Steve

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Scarlett
SML(Scarlett)-Massachusetts
1.5 cm x 2.5 cm Cystic AN - Right side
Retrosigmoid 3/18/09 at MGH in Boston,MA.
Dr. Barker - Neurosurgeon, MGH - Dr. Lee - Neuro-Otology, MEEI
no facial issues, SSD right side, balance issues to work on.
Outstanding Surgeons, I'm very happy with the results.

NancyMc

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Re: SML (Scarlett's) updates
« Reply #5 on: March 17, 2009, 08:09:20 am »
Love it!  Remember to say that to my Dave when my time comes, Steve.
Nancy
Watch and Wait since 9/19/01
Increased from 1.1 x 1.9 to 1.9 x 1.9 cm as of 10/27/08
Right SSD, tinnitus, compensating balance
Dr. McKenna at Mass Eye and Ear and Dr. Barker at MGH
Translab April 8, 9 hours, 18 mm Tumor all gone SSD some facial weakness

moe

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Re: SML (Scarlett's) updates
« Reply #6 on: March 17, 2009, 09:03:27 am »
Will keep you and Scarlett in prayer for a successful surgery.
others who may be reading this:  how do you insert a portion of someone else's quote to comment?
I get the whole quote.......
Luck o'the irish to ye,
Maureen
06/06-Translab 3x2.5 vascular L AN- MAMC,Tacoma WA
Facial nerve cut,reanastomosed.Tarsorrhaphy
11/06. Gold weight,tarsorrhaphy reversed
01/08- nerve transposition-(12/7) UW Hospital, Seattle
5/13/10 Gracilis flap surgery UW for smile restoration :)
11/10/10 BAHA 2/23/11 brow lift/canthoplasty

lori67

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Re: SML (Scarlett's) updates
« Reply #7 on: March 17, 2009, 09:06:24 am »
I get the feeling that Scarlett likes that idea... just a little... :D

Scarlett - good luck - you'll do great.  Rich, good job on the test run...we'll expect you to keep us all posted!  

Sending good vibes your way!

Lori
Right 3cm AN diagnosed 1/2007.  Translab resection 2/20/07 by Dr. David Kaylie and Dr. Karl Hampf at Baptist Hospital in Nashville.  R side deafness, facial nerve paralysis.  Tarsorraphy and tear duct cauterization 5/2007.  BAHA implant 11/8/07. 7-12 nerve jump 9/26/08.

sgerrard

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Re: SML (Scarlett's) updates
« Reply #8 on: March 17, 2009, 09:12:10 am »
others who may be reading this:  how do you insert a portion of someone else's quote to comment?

You mean like that?

I hit the quote button, which shows the whole post being quoted. Then I delete out the parts I don't want. As long as you leave the [quot ....] part at the beginning intact, and also the [/quot..] at the end, you can put in or take out whatever you want in between.

Steve
8 mm left AN June 2007,  CK at Stanford Sept 2007.
Hearing lasted a while, but left side is deaf now.
Right side is weak too. Life is quiet.

moe

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Re: SML (Scarlett's) updates
« Reply #9 on: March 17, 2009, 09:19:40 am »
others who may be reading this:  how do you insert a portion of someone else's quote to comment?

You mean like that?

I hit the quote button, which shows the whole post being quoted.
Steve
06/06-Translab 3x2.5 vascular L AN- MAMC,Tacoma WA
Facial nerve cut,reanastomosed.Tarsorrhaphy
11/06. Gold weight,tarsorrhaphy reversed
01/08- nerve transposition-(12/7) UW Hospital, Seattle
5/13/10 Gracilis flap surgery UW for smile restoration :)
11/10/10 BAHA 2/23/11 brow lift/canthoplasty

moe

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Re: SML (Scarlett's) updates
« Reply #10 on: March 17, 2009, 09:22:55 am »

You mean like that?

Oops, sorry about that. Just trying to figure this out. Thanks Steve~
Maureen
06/06-Translab 3x2.5 vascular L AN- MAMC,Tacoma WA
Facial nerve cut,reanastomosed.Tarsorrhaphy
11/06. Gold weight,tarsorrhaphy reversed
01/08- nerve transposition-(12/7) UW Hospital, Seattle
5/13/10 Gracilis flap surgery UW for smile restoration :)
11/10/10 BAHA 2/23/11 brow lift/canthoplasty

Rich56

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Re: SML (Scarlett's) updates
« Reply #11 on: March 17, 2009, 10:39:22 am »

Hopefully I am not in trouble for joking around too much. We are wishing her the best, and look forward to the post-op news.

Steve

Not at all Steve, Nancy be sure to start with a new pair of slippers as it will likely be very late Wed. by the time I'm back here to post.

I get the feeling that Scarlett likes that idea... just a little... :D

Sending good vibes your way!

Lori

Lori, I think your right!

Maureen, after you leave the beginning and ending quote markings as Steve said, below that you can add what ever you want.

Anyways, (in order of recieving) Steve, Nancy, Ernie, Maureen, Lori, and to all that follow this post, THANK YOU!

I'll keep you posted, pun intended ;D  :-* ;D
SML (Scarlett's) other half, she had - 1.5 cm x 2.5 cm Cystic AN - Right side
Retrosigmoid on 3/18/09 at MGH in Boston, MA. Dr. Barker & Dr. Lee of MGH/MEEI
no facial issues, SSD right side, balance issues to work on.
The AN Calendar is here: http://www.my.calendars.net/AN_Treatments

NancyMc

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Re: SML (Scarlett's) updates
« Reply #12 on: March 17, 2009, 10:50:01 am »
Quote
Nancy be sure to start with a new pair of slippers

 ;D :D ;)
Will do!
Nancy
Watch and Wait since 9/19/01
Increased from 1.1 x 1.9 to 1.9 x 1.9 cm as of 10/27/08
Right SSD, tinnitus, compensating balance
Dr. McKenna at Mass Eye and Ear and Dr. Barker at MGH
Translab April 8, 9 hours, 18 mm Tumor all gone SSD some facial weakness

anissa

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Re: SML (Scarlett's) updates
« Reply #13 on: March 17, 2009, 10:53:03 am »
Scarlett, I'm new around here, just wanted to send my regards for and excellent surgery and recovery.
Anissa
2/11/09 Diagnosed AN 2.1cm
2/26/09 Consult with Dr. Clough Shelton, U of Utah
4/1/09 Translab with Shelton & Couldwell
--little teensy bit of tumor or cells on facial nerve, stuck! No facial weakness, Rt side SSD
4/8/10 1-yr MRI, "Looks great!"

SML

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Re: SML (Scarlett's) updates
« Reply #14 on: March 17, 2009, 11:28:23 am »
Thanks everyone for your good wishes. See you all as a “postie�!!!

Scarlett

P.S. how do I add a photo to the post? I tried to copy/paste a jpeg…didn’t work. Also tried the “insert image� icon, didn’t work either.
SML(Scarlett)-Massachusetts
1.5 cm x 2.5 cm Cystic AN - Right side
Retrosigmoid 3/18/09 at MGH in Boston,MA.
Dr. Barker - Neurosurgeon, MGH - Dr. Lee - Neuro-Otology, MEEI
no facial issues, SSD right side, balance issues to work on.
Outstanding Surgeons, I'm very happy with the results.