This time next week, I’ll be in a deep-deep sleep with two trusty surgeons, a team of nurses, techs and an audiologist - removing the tumor from inside of my head. The idea of this is both surreal and completely factual, at the same time.
The procedure should last between 6-8 hours with an approximate 5-day hospital stay. Two days in ICU and three days in recovery. The scar should be about half the size of the other one and located directly behind my ear. This is good - I like my designs to be asymmetrical.
Since I have very little hearing left and the tumor is considered to be large (3.5 cm), they are going with the translabyrinthine approach, which is different from the previous surgery. The hearing nerve will be sacrificed, but the angle that they will enter the skull is the best for viewing and preserving the facial nerve – which is VERY important to me.
Since I have very little hearing left and the tumor is considered to be large (3.5 cm), they are going with the translabyrinthine approach, which is different from the previous surgery. The hearing nerve will be sacrificed, but the angle that they will enter the skull is the best for viewing and preserving the facial nerve – which is VERY important to me.
I met with the two surgeons separately last week. Both meetings were good and I walked away feeling less concerned about possible complications. It was a relief to get ‘their’ statistics and percentages regarding the risks and complications, versus getting the information from the Internet. Sorry to disappoint, but Wikipedia isn't always accurate!
We discussed the swallowing issues that I experienced with the first surgery. The doc explained why it happened and because the approach is different, it shouldn’t happen again.
These guys are good. I know it – they know it. When I mentioned it took four drill bits to get through my thick skull during the first surgery, doc responded:
“Our drills are better.”
I laughed. I’m not a big fan of arrogance, but I’ll make the exception when it comes to the two guys drilling my head open.
So, that’s it. All my tests are complete. Meetings are done. I have a week of ‘relaxing’ before I head in and have brain surgery for the second time in five years.
Good vibes, prayers, karma, and happy thoughts are all welcome.
I don't discriminate.
I don't discriminate.
Channeling goodness your way.
ReplyDeleteWondering, while the surgeons were in there, if they couldn't figure out the secret to your cool, humor and courage. The world could use more of you!
Hugs,
Megan
Thanks Megan. I'm afraid those secrets are kept in the doctor patient confidentiality vault :)
ReplyDeleteHey Dan - I'll be sending all of those your way. Good luck and a speedy recovery!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bill
Good vibes from Engerland! All my best.
ReplyDeletexoxox
Alix
Dan, We'll be thinking of you next week... Hope surgery is super success! XO Jen, Ziad & Nora
ReplyDeleteDan- You are in my thoughts and i'm wishing you the best!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone. I'll have Jennifer send out some emails and post to my FB acct with my status reports. Stay tuned.
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog after Todd Barry tweeted about you. Sending positive thoughts your way and hoping you have awesome results!
ReplyDeleteYour write-up was calm and humorous - I salute you for your bravery. Best of luck and I'll be sending good karma your way!
ReplyDeleteDan, it sounds like you are in good hands. My wish for you is that everything goes like clockwork and that you recover quickly. Any friend of Todd Barry is infinitely valuable!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck and I srsly hope you have a speedy Gonzalez Recocery
ReplyDeleteGood Vibes and Wishes from Venezuela!!!
Looking forward to your NEW BLOG:
"So I HAD This Brain Tumor..." ;)
Glad to see you posted on Twitter! I couldn't find your Facebook page, so I had been wondering how things were going. I second Maximiliano's looking forward to your new blog post! Hoping you feel better and better!
ReplyDeleteAnxiously awaiting an update with positive news.
ReplyDelete