Alot to worry about

[Keri]

Hi Patty,
Everyone's advice here is so good. I was diagnosed in Nov 08 and felt absolutely fine (scheduled surgery in Jan 09). I kept putting off thinking about the surgery (always seemed far in the future). Then in December, i started feeling more 'wonky headed'  and tipsy with ringing noises and all of that. I was convinced my tumor was doubling in size. That went on for a few weeks, then I started feeling a bit more normal again (or getting used to what I was feeling). I was relieved to have the surgery. I asked afterwards if it had grown and it had just a little (like 1 mm). I think there's times when the 'feelings' the AN causes seem more prounounced and we're more aware of them. I think the stress of it all makes it feel worse as well.

I went to an AN support group and it was good, but, since there were so many people and so little time to really delve into issues, I have found that I receive more support on the forum (OOOH NOOO... i'm not trying to knock the support groups and please anyone who's in the one i was in don't take it personally!!) There's just more time here to get so specific, get answers and opinions, and get ongoing support that can be daily. I do hope you get some support in person (whether it's through your church group, etc). I have felt very supported from my church and knowing they were always praying for me.

I think getting your will updated was smart, but not because I think surgery's going to be the end. When I flew somewhere with my husband a couple of years ago, we got our's updated, but not because we thought the plane was going to crash. It's just smart.

Thank you for sharing your feelings about it all. I do hope and pray you have peace. 4
Keri

[sgerrard]

Everytime I get on, I see new people!  How do you guys keep everyone straight?

There are a lot, aren't there? There are a couple of things that help us all keep up. One is the AN Calendar (see link below), where you and others can post treatment dates and other milestones. The second is the weekly update, put together by David (LADavid) every Sunday. Here is the latest one: http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=9255.0

It's fun and worthwhile at the same time. Most of us started out in the same place you are now, and found others here to help us through the maze. Some of us have now become part of the furniture.

Steve

[LADavid]

LOL, Steve.  I love the part of the furniture reference.  We definitely have a room full of comfortable furniture.

[leapyrtwins]

Hey, wait a minute!

Who are you guys calling furniture?? 

[joebloggs]

I'll let all the sideboards, chairs and tables above me keep chatting, but in the meantime Patty, I just wanted to say I hope you're doing ok with the wait and I totally understand - the last week before my surgery I was really anxious just to get it done.  I meant to do something about a will but I forgot - I certainly didn't need it and I don't have anything worthwhile to leave anyone so all good!!

As for your numbness and pains... I too had these before surgery.  The shooting pains I put down to the tumour irritating the trigeminal nerve.  After surgery the numbness was gone when I woke up and has remained gone and I had a few shooting pains in my ear the first couple of weeks afterwards which I guess was everything just settling down in there, but since then nothing.  All fixed!

You're going to be just fine...it's just the waiting which is a pain in the bum.  Maybe find a new hobby to take up some time and take your mind off things?  I started knitting and that worked a treat, and I've made some nice scarves and hats for friends!

[leapyrtwins]

I did call Mayo to see about getting in sooner and couldn't. But, they did tell me to keep calling back to see.

Patty -

another option, while you're waiting with your appointment with Mayo, might be to consult with the docs at the University of Iowa who treat ANs.  They have a very good reputation and, even if you ultimately decide on Mayo, another opinion can't hurt.

Jan

[MAlegant]

Hi Patty,
Similar to others, I agree that the waiting and the anxiety of all of this is awful.  I needed an anti-anxiety medication so that I could at least eat.  That was the best thing I did for myself.  Also, when you do meet the doctors, if they are the ones you choose to do this procedure, you will begin to feel calmer.  You will be fine.  And we will all be here.  And there are quite a number of us in this particular orchestra.  (A better analogy than furniture, huh? )  Feel free to PM me at anytime.
Best,
Marci

[leapyrtwins]

And there are quite a number of us in this particular orchestra.  (A better analogy than furniture, huh? ) 

Absolutely.  Being called a member of an orchestra, IMO, is much nicer than being called a piece of furniture 

[alwaysthere]

You all are a riiot. It's so much fun reading all this.

[leapyrtwins]

You all are a riiot. It's so much fun reading all this.

Well, if nothing else, it gives you something to chuckle about while you wait for your appointment @ Mayo 

Signed, The Couch  - or is that the Violin ?

[MAlegant]

Definitely violin.  First violin, and concertmaster, or rather,  concertmistress.  This means everyone in the orchestra has their eyes on you and watches your every move.  Theoretically.  Too much pressure???

[leapyrtwins]

Geez.  That's a pretty big job 

Perhaps I should just stick with the first idea and be a couch 

[MAlegant]

You could be a viola player.  That's "couch" in musician-ese!

[Kaybo]

HEY!
I played the viola!! 

K

[MAlegant]

No offense.  But you must be used to the viola jokes.  There are just as many soprano jokes.
M