Today Jeff and I visited Mayo for my three month check-up, which officially marked the end of my recovery! My MRI looked great - not a trace of the tumor anymore. The before and after pics were pretty crazy. There was a big white blob behind my right ear in the "before" picture and no sign of it in the "after" picture. They also tested my hearing, and I have 95% word recognition in my right ear, which is great! I still have difficulty hearing certain tones and sounds, but I have a lot of very "usable" hearing, which was not the expected outcome of the surgery. They did other tests such as balance, facial sensitivity, etc. and I seemed to pass with flying colors. They also told me that if I haven't had trouble with headaches yet, I most likely won't. This was excellent news because I was very concerned about chronic headaches going into the surgery.
I still have some minor stuff going on like ringing and noise in my ear, but it seems to be better than it was before the surgery. And my incision and my neck muscles are still pretty sore. Lastly my hearing isn't perfect, but it's so much better than what was expected. I told Jeff that these things are so minor that I don't even think they are worth mentioning when they trouble me.
They also talked to me about hearing aids at the appointment. The good news is that because I can hear out of my right ear, if my hearing were to worsen for some reason or cause me trouble in the future, I have lots of options for hearing aids. Again, this wouldn't be the case if I had lost all hearing in my right ear. For now I'm just going to see how things go as is. So far I think I'm doing fine, even in loud social settings. But if I do seem to struggle, it's great to know I have options to improve my hearing.
To say I feel blessed or lucky is an understatement. I know people who have gone through this surgery and have been troubled with challenging side effects all of their lives. Somehow I was one of the extremely fortunate ones and for that I am ever so grateful. At my final consult before the surgery one of the surgeons said, "This is going to change your life. Life will go on, but it's definitely going to change things for you." I think he was referring to the loss of hearing and other possible side effects that I'd have to live with. Now that this is behind me, I can say he was right. This whole experience has changed my life, but only in positive ways. It gave me a huge dose of perspective and has really made me appreciate the important things in life. I hope I won't lose sight of that as I rejoin the rat race that we're all too familiar with.
Thanks to all of you for being my support system through this. Jeff and I were simply overwhelmed by everyone's compassion and generosity - again a reminder of what's really important in life. And what can I say about Jeff ... he has been my rock and strength through this entire thing. He never once had a negative thing to say. He just kept telling me that everything would be fine and soon this would all be a bad dream. I'm sure he had his fears and doubts along the way, but he never voiced them. Having someone so positive as my biggest supporter was a very powerful and wonderful thing. I will always be grateful to him for that. Today on the way to Rochester he said, "I told you this would all be a bad dream at some point." As usual he was right.
If anyone out there has been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma and would like to contact me with questions about my experience, I would be happy to answer them. Feel free to e-mail me at kierzek@charter.net. I connected with a few people who had been through the surgery and found it to be very helpful. I also went out of my way to find success stories and that too was helpful. My best advice is to stay positive and be well-informed. And also, don't underestimate the power of prayer and positive thinking!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Back to Work Next Week
One more week and I'm back to work. I admit I have mixed emotions about going back. It's been great not working and still having an income - who wouldn't like that, right? And I don't miss the stress. I have really enjoyed the last few weeks at home with Brooke now that I'm feeling good. But I know that I need to be grateful that I'm well enough to go back to work, and I'm ready to move forward with life.
I've been packing a lot into my days the last few weeks, and I admit I'm pretty tired at night but I was always tired before the surgery too so I think that's just everyday normal life. It's also nice to sleep well at night because I actually did something throughout the day to make me tired. When I was recovering from surgery I often had difficulty sleeping at night because I wasn't getting any exercise, and I wasn't doing much throughout the day. Now that I'm back to exercising and running here and there, it feels good to actually be tired.
Monday Jeff and I will spend the day at Mayo for my follow-up appointments - I expect to receive nothing but good news. Tuesday I get my hair highlighted, which is something I'm really looking forward to. I know it sounds petty in the grand scheme of things, but I can't wait to be blonde again! They told me no highlights or color until after my three-month check-up. Of course they told me this when I was checking out of the hospital and was already overdue for a highlight! On Wednesday Brooke and I are going to a children's play and out to lunch. We've been having a special girls day at least once a week for the last few weeks. She's doing really well in school so her teacher said it was OK for her to play hookie a little bit. It's been fun, and I feel like it's given me a chance to make up for all the weeks I spent in bed not being able to be an active part of her life. She has asked a couple of times if I need to have surgery again on Monday, and I keep reassuring her I just need to talk with the doctors and that I'll be home by the time she's out of school.
Please send prayers our way on Monday. I'll be sure to post again after we visit Mayo to let you know about the outcome of our appointments.
I've been packing a lot into my days the last few weeks, and I admit I'm pretty tired at night but I was always tired before the surgery too so I think that's just everyday normal life. It's also nice to sleep well at night because I actually did something throughout the day to make me tired. When I was recovering from surgery I often had difficulty sleeping at night because I wasn't getting any exercise, and I wasn't doing much throughout the day. Now that I'm back to exercising and running here and there, it feels good to actually be tired.
Monday Jeff and I will spend the day at Mayo for my follow-up appointments - I expect to receive nothing but good news. Tuesday I get my hair highlighted, which is something I'm really looking forward to. I know it sounds petty in the grand scheme of things, but I can't wait to be blonde again! They told me no highlights or color until after my three-month check-up. Of course they told me this when I was checking out of the hospital and was already overdue for a highlight! On Wednesday Brooke and I are going to a children's play and out to lunch. We've been having a special girls day at least once a week for the last few weeks. She's doing really well in school so her teacher said it was OK for her to play hookie a little bit. It's been fun, and I feel like it's given me a chance to make up for all the weeks I spent in bed not being able to be an active part of her life. She has asked a couple of times if I need to have surgery again on Monday, and I keep reassuring her I just need to talk with the doctors and that I'll be home by the time she's out of school.
Please send prayers our way on Monday. I'll be sure to post again after we visit Mayo to let you know about the outcome of our appointments.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
We got at least 6 to 8 inches of snow yesterday, and I am convinced that today has to be the last day of winter. I was asleep for the worst of it and it still feels like the longest winter ever!
I haven't updated the blog much lately because I don't have much to share in terms of updates. I continue to feel better every week, and I have exactly three weeks left at home. I'm sure that time will fly by. Jeff and I went to the MN Wild hockey game on Sunday night (they won in overtime). Jeff had gotten tickets last fall for the Feb. 7 game. Once we scheduled the surgery I knew I'd never feel up to going to the game by Feb. 7 so he exchanged the tickets for March 30. So it was a milestone in my recovery that we had looked forward to for months. It gave us an opportunity to realize how far I've come and how much life has returned to normal. Thank God for the miracles of medicine.
I also went back to the health club for the first time this week. I am allowed to do light cardio, but still no lifting until the end of the month. I couldn't help but think of all the times I thought I wasn't in very good shape even though I was working out consistently. Well, now I really know what it feels like to be out-of-shape. Again, I was humbled by how little energy I have. I know in time it will get better, and it felt so good to be back at the health club.
The only other excitement in our lives is Rupert - the puppy. What can I say ... he's a puppy. He chews and pees on stuff he's not supposed to, but we love him and he adores all of us, but mostly Brooke. He's everything everyone told me he'd be - tons of work, a pain in the butt at times, but he's already added a lot to our household in a positive way. We're still working on the potty training. He's confined to the kitchen for now, which is good because he has plenty of accidents. I honestly think our floor is cleaner now than before Rupert arrived because I am always cleaning up after him. All and all things are going well and I think he enjoys being part of our family.
I will probably continue to update the blog until my follow-up MRI and consult at Mayo on April 21. After that I will leave it up for a while in case it is helpful to anyone diagnosed with AN, but I don't think I'll post updates anymore. This whole experience that has changed my life in ways I will never forget, but I am still eager to close this chapter and move on to the next.
I haven't updated the blog much lately because I don't have much to share in terms of updates. I continue to feel better every week, and I have exactly three weeks left at home. I'm sure that time will fly by. Jeff and I went to the MN Wild hockey game on Sunday night (they won in overtime). Jeff had gotten tickets last fall for the Feb. 7 game. Once we scheduled the surgery I knew I'd never feel up to going to the game by Feb. 7 so he exchanged the tickets for March 30. So it was a milestone in my recovery that we had looked forward to for months. It gave us an opportunity to realize how far I've come and how much life has returned to normal. Thank God for the miracles of medicine.
I also went back to the health club for the first time this week. I am allowed to do light cardio, but still no lifting until the end of the month. I couldn't help but think of all the times I thought I wasn't in very good shape even though I was working out consistently. Well, now I really know what it feels like to be out-of-shape. Again, I was humbled by how little energy I have. I know in time it will get better, and it felt so good to be back at the health club.
The only other excitement in our lives is Rupert - the puppy. What can I say ... he's a puppy. He chews and pees on stuff he's not supposed to, but we love him and he adores all of us, but mostly Brooke. He's everything everyone told me he'd be - tons of work, a pain in the butt at times, but he's already added a lot to our household in a positive way. We're still working on the potty training. He's confined to the kitchen for now, which is good because he has plenty of accidents. I honestly think our floor is cleaner now than before Rupert arrived because I am always cleaning up after him. All and all things are going well and I think he enjoys being part of our family.
I will probably continue to update the blog until my follow-up MRI and consult at Mayo on April 21. After that I will leave it up for a while in case it is helpful to anyone diagnosed with AN, but I don't think I'll post updates anymore. This whole experience that has changed my life in ways I will never forget, but I am still eager to close this chapter and move on to the next.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Happy Easter
We are adjusting to life with our new puppy, Rupert. Most of you know that Jeff and I are big Survivor fans and the puppy reminded us of Rupert with his dark hair and scruffy look. The first day with him was a little rough, but now that we have a routine down things are going well. It's so much like having a baby in the house again it's scary. He is very sweet and good with Brooke and she's been a big help with him. Today she said, "Mom, do you know how much I love Rupert? I love him as much as I love you!"
Brooke has been home from school most of the week so between her and Rupert keeping me busy, I've been really tired this week. It's a humbling reminder that my energy level is still not what it was prior to the surgery. However, I am really enjoying the quality time at home with Brooke. Throughout my recovery she seems to have grown and matured so much. I think it's mostly because life has slowed down so much for me that I am more aware of everything around me including how quickly she's growing up.
Jeff and I were just talking about how crazy it is that it's almost April. It's hard to believe especially with six inches of fresh snow on the ground. It seems like just last week they were taking me into the operating room. We're so happy to be on this "side" of the surgery and that we're well on our way to putting this behind us.
Easter Blessings to all of you. I hope you are able to find your Easter eggs in all this snow.
Brooke has been home from school most of the week so between her and Rupert keeping me busy, I've been really tired this week. It's a humbling reminder that my energy level is still not what it was prior to the surgery. However, I am really enjoying the quality time at home with Brooke. Throughout my recovery she seems to have grown and matured so much. I think it's mostly because life has slowed down so much for me that I am more aware of everything around me including how quickly she's growing up.
Jeff and I were just talking about how crazy it is that it's almost April. It's hard to believe especially with six inches of fresh snow on the ground. It seems like just last week they were taking me into the operating room. We're so happy to be on this "side" of the surgery and that we're well on our way to putting this behind us.
Easter Blessings to all of you. I hope you are able to find your Easter eggs in all this snow.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Life is Slowly Getting Back to Normal
Things continue to go well with my recovery. This weekend Jeff and I were even able to go to a wedding, which was really our first big social outing since my surgery. It was fun to get dressed up and go out. I started the evening off with a headache, but after a Tylenol cocktail I was able to shake it and we stayed out until almost 10 p.m.! I've been getting headaches a few times a week, but so far they are controllable with over-the-counter meds so that's a good sign. I'm getting more range of motion in my neck muscles, and I've been out walking almost everyday - I'm up to about two miles now so that's big progress for me. I can tell I'm really out of shape because it's hard to walk the hills in the neighborhood:(
The biggest news of all is that we have decided to get a dog! As many of you know we've been talking about it for a very long time and with me being home for a few more weeks, we figured this would be a good time to take the plunge. We pick him up this evening so Brooke and I picked up some supplies after school today and we've been trying to figure out what to name the little guy. He's a ten-week old poodle, terrier and shih-tzu mix. So wish us luck because this will be a new adventure for our little family. Thankfully we have a friend who we dog sit for from time to time so we have had a little experience and a lot of helpful advice (thanks, Heidi)!. I'll post a picture of the little guy later in the week if I'm still sane.
The biggest news of all is that we have decided to get a dog! As many of you know we've been talking about it for a very long time and with me being home for a few more weeks, we figured this would be a good time to take the plunge. We pick him up this evening so Brooke and I picked up some supplies after school today and we've been trying to figure out what to name the little guy. He's a ten-week old poodle, terrier and shih-tzu mix. So wish us luck because this will be a new adventure for our little family. Thankfully we have a friend who we dog sit for from time to time so we have had a little experience and a lot of helpful advice (thanks, Heidi)!. I'll post a picture of the little guy later in the week if I'm still sane.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Still Making Progress
I haven’t created a new post in a while because I don’t have much news to share. As they say, no news is good news! I’m still progressing with my recovery and feeling better each week. I’m taking less Tylenol (typically only one dose a day), I’m trying to get outside and walk more to help my balance (but it’s still freezing out) and the pressure, swelling and funny noises in my head continue to get better.
I was planning to return to work on March 24, but I’ve decided to extend it to April 24 to ensure I’m feeling 100 percent when I return. I admit that I underestimated the length of my recovery prior to the surgery – always an optimist. My work has been great about the extra time I’m taking. Everyone at BBY has been SO supportive – they are even still sending us meals! I can’t tell you how much we appreciate the support! I have my follow-up MRI at Mayo on April 21, and I’m praying they’ll give me the green light to resume all activities at that time.
I was planning to return to work on March 24, but I’ve decided to extend it to April 24 to ensure I’m feeling 100 percent when I return. I admit that I underestimated the length of my recovery prior to the surgery – always an optimist. My work has been great about the extra time I’m taking. Everyone at BBY has been SO supportive – they are even still sending us meals! I can’t tell you how much we appreciate the support! I have my follow-up MRI at Mayo on April 21, and I’m praying they’ll give me the green light to resume all activities at that time.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
I'm Driving!
Yes, the big news this week is that after a month of being a shut-in I'm driving again! I doubt I'll be taking any long road trips for a while, but at least I'm able to pick Brooke up from school in the afternoon rather than depending on family and friends for that. Driving has also been good for my neck. My incision starts behind my right ear and runs down my neck a bit, and my neck muscles are still pretty tender and tight from being cut. So driving has forced me to turn my head in all directions to loosen up those muscles.
I'm also happy to report that I'm completely over the flu and, miracle of miracles, Jeff and Brooke have not gotten it yet.
This week I'm finally starting to feel like my "old self" a little bit. I can help out with some household chores, which I think Jeff appreciates. And just getting out of the house has been a big breakthrough. We even went out for dinner on Saturday night, which was a pretty big deal for me. I'm slowly trying to cut back on the Tylenol I'm taking because I'm still on the maximum daily amount, but that should improve in time as well. And so far my hearing is still good on my right side so I'm hopeful it's going to stick around for the long term. I'm also hoping the weather stays warm so I can get outside and start walking. Jeff and Brooke took me for a short walk last night (about four blocks or so), which doesn't compare to the three-mile route I usually take but it's a start.
It's funny, when we went to dinner on Saturday I told Jeff, "I can't believe everyone is raving about how nice out it is because I think it's terribly cold." He reminded me that we were experiencing about a 40 degree increase from previous temps, but I wouldn't be able to compare it to the frigid temps because I've been asleep for the last four weeks!
I hope you are all well and enjoying the "heat wave." Thanks again for your prayers and support - we greatly appreciate it! I miss everyone and hope to see many of you soon.
I'm also happy to report that I'm completely over the flu and, miracle of miracles, Jeff and Brooke have not gotten it yet.
This week I'm finally starting to feel like my "old self" a little bit. I can help out with some household chores, which I think Jeff appreciates. And just getting out of the house has been a big breakthrough. We even went out for dinner on Saturday night, which was a pretty big deal for me. I'm slowly trying to cut back on the Tylenol I'm taking because I'm still on the maximum daily amount, but that should improve in time as well. And so far my hearing is still good on my right side so I'm hopeful it's going to stick around for the long term. I'm also hoping the weather stays warm so I can get outside and start walking. Jeff and Brooke took me for a short walk last night (about four blocks or so), which doesn't compare to the three-mile route I usually take but it's a start.
It's funny, when we went to dinner on Saturday I told Jeff, "I can't believe everyone is raving about how nice out it is because I think it's terribly cold." He reminded me that we were experiencing about a 40 degree increase from previous temps, but I wouldn't be able to compare it to the frigid temps because I've been asleep for the last four weeks!
I hope you are all well and enjoying the "heat wave." Thanks again for your prayers and support - we greatly appreciate it! I miss everyone and hope to see many of you soon.
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