Tooomerr April 5, 2005
Mark has already posted about this, but here’s my bit.
We saw the ENT guy this afternoon.
The tumour is small, it’s about 1 cm long, and we’ve found it early.
He has refered me to another ENT guy based in Melbourne because they don’t do the operation in Geelong. I have to wait 2 weeks to see ENT #2 (who, by the way, fixed ENT #1 when he had the same type of tumour) and the timing of the operation will depend upon his schedule.
The operation needs to be done by a neurosurgeon as well as an ENT surgeon.
I’ll be in hospital for a week and then may be a bit wonky on my feet for up to 6 weeks.
It’s quite likely that I’ll lose some or all of the hearing in the ear and the balance nerve on that side will be destroyed. The 6 weeks is the time it may take for the balance nerve on the other side to compensate.
I won’t need to shave my head, possibly just a patch behind my ear. And I may need to have a shorter haircut for a while.
I will have to have an annual hearing test and MRI for at least a few years to make sure there’s no recurrence. The prospect of an annual MRI is a good incentive to start practicing meditation again.
I feel much less anxious about everything now that I know these things. Of course, I will be absolutely petrified when the day of the op arrives, but in the meantime I’m OK with it all.
Thank you everyone for the thoughts and wishes and all. It’s lovely to know that support is there at times like these.
I’m glad that you’ve caught it early and I’m glad that you’re feeling a bit better about the whole thing. I can understand that the op is scarey, but you won’t be going in on your own. We’ll all be with you in one way or the other.
I don’t know how much use I’ll be to the seven of you over that whole period, but if you need a change of scenery, I’ve got a comfy bed in my spare bedroom and I’m always happy to have someone to cook for and talk to.
sounds like you’re in very good hands and doing well at getting your head around what’s ahead. i’m thinking of you and there’s a hug implied here if you want it
thinking of you and sending good vibes your way.
Many hugs and loves.
Well that is terrific news.
You are much better of at a large Melbourne Hospital than a regional. (Trust me, we issue the writs and keep an eye on the stats.)
Yes scarey, but hell, you’ve got us.
Hugs
xxx
And we’re much scarier than some stupid tooomer.
I hope they can look after you sooner rather than later. Maybe you can get a funky walking stick thing to help your balance for a few weeks, and whack Mark with it from time to time