ACOUSTIC NEUROMA (2.5 cm.) 4TH DAY AFTER SURGERY

When I was diagnosed with this form of benign brain tumor, I sought out as much information as I could, and appreciated all those who had undergone this surgery and posted about it online. Here is my log:
Day 1: 8 1/2 hr. retrosigmoid (behind the ear) surgery. Operation went over an hour longer than expected because according to the surgeon I have the "thickest skull" he's ever seen (You were right, dad). Woke in recovery room and felt no damage to my face. Met with four visitors 2 hours later in ICU.
Day 2: Spewed liquid twice in morning; nausea, but never any headaches or pain. Walked with therapist: dizzy, hard to keep head up and turn it side to side. Concerned when I learned that the tumor mass had reached the seventh (facial) nerve, but felt better when doctor told me chances of removing it with future radiation offer far less risk of permanent facial damage than "chasing it" yesterday through surgery. One step at a time.
Day 3: Major improvement. Walked the ICU floor with therapist w/o much dizziness.
Day 4: Got up and walked hospital floor on my own a number of times, keeping head up. Discharged from hospital; sat with four visitors at home for a few hours.
I hope some of this is helpful. Keep your spirits up. Richard, Phila.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• ACOUSTIC NEUROMA
• BRAIN TUMOR

[mortizleo]

Dear Greg, It's taking longer than I thought, but I am starting to pull myself back together. My fresh cut has grown back in. I've got to cover up a few procedures done on my head. It's good to hear from you and I hope to see you soon. P.S. Give some serious thought this year to joining your school's theater department. Love, Mr. Leonard

[mortizleo]

On December 24, Richard added the following details to his log:

Day 5: Sat up with visitors at home for four hours

Day 6: Head is numb

Day 7: Head's numb and baloon feeling of fullness in right ear is back

Day 8: Debilitating migraines, followed by nausea, vomiting. I shouldn't have waited until migraines started to take the prescribed headache medicine. Right before you are weaned off steroids (which keeps swelling down), take the pain killers as directed

Day 9-11: Slow recovery

[farahsara2]

hi, Is there any way i can contach you. i just diagnosed with AN.

Than you,

[g0vqw]

I think you have done really well after such a short time!I had my first acoustic neuroma removed 16 years ago and remember a lot of pain and sickness/dizziness.Now I have another one which is small and have regular mri scans.

All the best

Sandy

[gspeedstacker]

Hey Mr. Leonard this is Greg Gallashaw. I hope you are feeling better from your surgery. You also look younger with your hair cut. I'm going to start calling you Fresh cut Leonard. lol