OK Anonymous, here you go:
The surgery went VERY well. They were able to completely remove the tumor without damaging any of the surrounding nerves while successfully decompressing the brain stem.
The actual procedure lasted about seven hours, as expected. I spent one night in Neuro ICU, two days in regular ICU and two days in a regular recovery room. I was discharged on good behavior on Friday.
The facial nerve was left intact and unharmed. I am experiencing some minor facial weakness, but that is getting stronger each day and I can expect a full recovery.
After the tumor was removed, they placed the Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI). Word on the street was that they got ‘very good’ placement of the device, which was surprisingly good news.
I’m treating any results that I get from the ABI as a bonus. The main goal of this procedure was to get the tumor out safely, which was accomplished.
As predicted, my swallowing was not affected this time, so that’s been a huge relief. I lost a few pounds from nausea, but it’s nothing to compare to the 17 pounds lost during Surgery v.1. Having the ability to swallow also enabled me to fully enjoy the deliciousness that they call hospital food – three times daily. Mmm.
Overall, I’m feeling pretty good. I’ve had a decent share of headaches (go figure) but those are thinning out as the days go by. My balance took a hit, but my brain and body seem to working well together to get that back on track. I took a short walk around the block for the first time by myself yesterday, which felt good. I’m restricted to pretty limited activity for a few more weeks, so walking will be my main course of physical therapy. More specifically, walking to the diner for breakfast!
I met with Dr. Awesome this morning to have my stitches removed. He removed the stitches, examined the wound and let me know that everything looked good. Then I ran through my best Jim Carrey impressions and got the thumbs up for my facial nerve related movements. Some basic Q&A was done, we shook hands, I said ‘Thank you’ for the 100th time and we walked out the door.
Overall, I’m feeling pretty good. I’ve had a decent share of headaches (go figure) but those are thinning out as the days go by. My balance took a hit, but my brain and body seem to working well together to get that back on track. I took a short walk around the block for the first time by myself yesterday, which felt good. I’m restricted to pretty limited activity for a few more weeks, so walking will be my main course of physical therapy. More specifically, walking to the diner for breakfast!
I met with Dr. Awesome this morning to have my stitches removed. He removed the stitches, examined the wound and let me know that everything looked good. Then I ran through my best Jim Carrey impressions and got the thumbs up for my facial nerve related movements. Some basic Q&A was done, we shook hands, I said ‘Thank you’ for the 100th time and we walked out the door.
Not a bad way to start the weekend.
