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.
